GRAND MESA, Colo. – Powderhorn Mountain Resort has undergone a notable change in its ownership structure, with Pacific Group Resorts Inc. (PGRI) increasing its stake in the beloved ski destination. While this move marks a shift in financial backing, General Manager Ryan Schramm assures that the resort’s day-to-day operations and unique character will remain intact.
A New Stake Without a New Direction
PGRI, a Utah-based company that operates six ski resorts across the U.S., has been involved with Powderhorn since 2018. The recent transaction simply increases its financial investment, rather than signaling a complete takeover.
Schramm stressed that the local essence of Powderhorn will not be diluted. “Each resort has its own personality, and we want that to really be part and parcel of everything that we do,” he said.
The original owners, including the Gart family and industry veteran Andy Daly, still retain a portion of ownership. However, their stake is now smaller as PGRI takes on a larger role in shaping the resort’s future.
Millions Poured Into Upgrades and Expansion
Since the Gart family’s acquisition of Powderhorn in 2011, millions of dollars have been poured into upgrades. That level of investment is set to continue, with upcoming projects aimed at improving guest experience and infrastructure.
Schramm highlighted several key areas that will see improvements:
- Expanded parking to accommodate more visitors
- Upgraded resort facilities to enhance convenience and comfort
- Major upgrades to the West End lift, which has been in operation since 1972
Grand Junction and the surrounding Grand Valley region have seen substantial population growth in recent years, and Powderhorn aims to keep up. “We want to try and keep pace with that and be the go-to place for our locals,” Schramm said.
Addressing Affordability and Housing Needs
A major focus moving forward is affordability, both in terms of lodging and skiing costs. While pricing decisions aren’t solely in his hands, Schramm acknowledged that efforts are being made to make the mountain more accessible to a wider range of visitors.
The Gart family has already initiated steps toward developing affordable housing at the resort. Currently, six tiny homes are available on-site, but that’s just the beginning. With hundreds of acres available, Powderhorn has room for significant expansion in this area.
PGRI has implemented ‘Project Affordable’ at another of its resorts in New Hampshire, and the company hopes to bring a similar initiative to Powderhorn. The goal is to create affordable lodging and offer reasonable pricing on essentials like season passes and food services.
A Sustainable Future for Powderhorn
Schramm made it clear that sustainability is a top priority. Maintaining affordability while keeping the resort financially viable is a delicate balance, but he believes it can be done.
“That mission is really core for us as a company,” he explained. “We’ll continue to look at whether it’s our season pass pricing or food and beverage pricing—however we can make that work. And make the numbers work to, you know, keep the place viable and sustainable well into the future.”
With PGRI deepening its commitment to Powderhorn and long-term investments in infrastructure, affordability, and sustainability, the resort is poised to remain a staple for both locals and visitors in the years to come.
