Conditions report from April 4th, 2023, at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, CO
It’s no secret that the western U.S. has been breaking records left and right regarding snow totals. If you’re unaware of this, you either don’t ski or live under a rock. Historic totals are stacking up in many western states in a winter that seemingly may never end. Many Sierra locations have broken impressive year-to-date totals. Utah continues to get buried, with multiple locations over 800” on the season and counting! Even resorts that have not broken records still have a season that will not soon be forgotten.
My near and dear local mountain is no exception to this epic winter. Powderhorn Mountain Resort in far Western Colorado has set a record of its own this season. They are still plugging away on the longest operating season in their 57-year history. The snow has been so consistent this season that our longest dry spell without snow has been only six days. Spring riding conditions have been nearly non-existent this season up here. This hidden gem averages 250” annually, which is plenty of snow for us to enjoy this wonderful place. As of writing this article, Powderhorn has received 360” of incredibly light Colorado powder. I personally have deemed a “best day” of the season literally a dozen times; the powder days just keep coming!
- Related: The 9 Best Independently Owned U.S. ‘Mom-and-Pop’ Ski Resorts, According to SnowBrains Readers
The forecast called for 4-6” overnight for Monday, the 3rd of April. I was amped to find a beautiful 6” of fluff stacked on the cam when I woke up to get my shred gear together. The snow was still coming down hard and turned into 10” reported in a 24-hour period, all said and done. The consistency was unreal as well, feeling like a mid-winter dump on top of unbelievably good coverage. Blower Pow! It skied much more on the West End, which happens to be the furthest West chairlift in the state of Colorado.
Powderhorn, in years past, typically opened early December and ran through early April. Thanks to abundant early-season snowfall, as well as finishing up a long-awaited modern snowmaking system, Powderhorn will now be able to keep up with the Joneses of Colorado and open for business by Thanksgiving from here on out. In fact, the snow has been so good and plentiful this season that we were awarded a bonus week to keep enjoying that 100” settled snow base. A bonus week, coupled with the earliest opening on record, is how we arrived at this record-setting long season. For some incredible Colorado ski history about Powderhorn, check out this amazing video.
Approaching the latter parts of this epic winter, I think it’s only right that I give a big shoutout to some of my favorite gear. I would be nowhere without my trusty shred stick. This season I have had the honor of riding a locally made Western Colorado workhorse. My “Paragon” 156cm snowboard, crafted by Venture Snowboards out of Silverton, CO. This masterpiece has handled anything I have thrown at it with ease. Ranging from deep dry Powder at Powderhorn to finding hidden shark fins in the steeps of Telluride or charging spicy lines at the proving grounds of Silverton Mountain. Last but not least, clear communication in the backcountry is vital. I rely heavily on my Rocky Talkie mountain radios, not only during ski season but any time of year in a wide variety of outdoor activities. Tough as nails!
Conditions:
Forecast:
Map:
