Powderhorn Ski Opens Dec. 11

Here's what the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel is writing about the upcoming ski season. Under the headline,"Scheduled to Open Dec. 11, Powderhorn Plays to Region," reporter Gary Harmon writes:

"Powderhorn Ski Resort is playing to its base this winter.

"Instead of trying to lure skiers from as far as Texas and California, the resort on Grand Mesa, which is slated to open Dec. 11, is aiming at the western Colorado and eastern Utah marketplace exclusively.

“'We’ve put virtually every dollar' for marketing and promotion into the Grand Valley and environs, Powderhorn spokeswoman Sarah Allen said. 'Our real focus is to tell people, you can ski this year.'

"Most of Powderhorn’s business, 84 percent, is from Colorado, and 74 percent is from the Grand Valley, a clientele that Powderhorn hopes will only grow.

"The national economic slowdown could be beneficial for the resort, she said, because it’s easy to reach by car, and lift prices are nearly half what they are in some of the state’s destinations resorts, such as Aspen and Vail.

"To keep up numbers, Powderhorn, like the major resorts, is offering deals and packages to lure skiers and snowboarders to the slopes.

"And officials are watching the skies.

“'More than 20 years of research says snowfall is the most important,' Allen said."