Colorado's Massive New Chairlift Is Changing Powderhorn

Powderhorn Ski Resort is about to celebrate 60 years on Colorado's Grand Mesa this winter, and the party is set to include the introduction of the new Wild West Express ski lift. 1972's West End double chair lift at Powderhorn is gone, and resort officials say that once the express is ready, it will mean shorter waits and easier access to that side of the mountain. Get our free mobile app The Latest Construction Milestone Is Easy to See Read More: Powderhorn Makes Colorado Skiing Affordable Again Powderhorn's new Wild West Express began as drawings and survey stakes, and is now realized on the Grand Mesa as a very visible piece of machinery. Powder.com reports that crews are currently working on the lower half (bottom return terminal) of this top-drive lift. The power equipment will be at the upper terminal, while the structure at the base turns the chairs and returns them to the top. I kind of already want it to be open year-round. The New Lift Will Cut the Ride and Open Up the West Side Powderhorn Resort via Facebook Colorado's Massive New Chairlift At Powderhorn Is Taking Shape Frequent riders of the old West End Double Chair know it took 13 to 15 minutes to reach the top. Powderhorn says the Wild West Express will get you to the top in half the time (maybe faster). It's a four-person chair that will help move skiers up the mountain faster, where 19 of Powderhorn's 54 trails are waiting. Installing the lift meant bringing excavators, a four-legged spider excavator, and helicopters up the side of Grand Mesa. The next time you visit, you'll notice the old West End's towers and equipment have been removed from the skyline. It's a Refurbished Lift With a Massive Amount of Work Ahead Powderhorn Resort via Facebook - Powderhorn Resort via Facebook - 1 Read More: Dust Bowl in Colorado: What Happened to Baca County + the Plains The Wild West Express is a massive lift being brought over from Snowmass' Elk Camp, refurbished by Leitner-Poma of America in Grand Junction. Even its haul rope is enormous, weighing 65,000 pounds, or 32½ tons. Next steps include installing towers and placing the drive terminal. Once the installation is done, testing will follow. Powderhorn says they are eyeing a December 2026 debut for the lift. LOOK: 9 Colorado Resorts Known for Extremely Steep Inbounds Ski down some of the steepest slopes Colorado has to offer. Flashback: What it was Like Skiing in Aspen in 1965 Take a look back in time to what it was like to ski in Aspen back in 1965. Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde