Big upgrades are coming to Colorado’s Powderhorn Mountain Resort. The 2026-27 season will debut the new Wild West Express chairlift just in time for the resort’s 60th anniversary. Powderhorn is making major changes to its west side with the replacement of the aging West End double chairlift. Announced in 2025, the project is now well underway as construction crews prepare to install a refurbished high-speed detachable quad that will transform how skiers and riders access the mountain.
After the addition of the detachable quad, Flat Top Flyer, in 2016, it was only a matter of time before Powderhorn turned its attention to the old West End Double on the other side of the mountain. The West End has been part of countless Powderhorn skiers’ and riders’ memories over the past 54 years, but the new Wild West Express will modernize access to the resort’s western terrain. This upgrade is huge for Powderhorn, as it will cut ride time in half, taking it from a 13-minute ride to the top to just a six-minute ride.
Powderhorn has partnered with fellow Grand Junction-based company, Leitner-Poma of America, to install the refurbished high-speed quad. The lift previously operated as Aspen Snowmass’ Elk Camp chairlift and will receive a comprehensive overhaul before being installed. The refurbishment includes a complete overhaul of both terminals, replacing the electrical drive systems, adding brand-new grips, and rebuilding any other components necessary to restore it to as-new condition. By the time installation comes around, it will function like a brand-new lift.
Deconstruction of the West End chairlift began several weeks ago. Crews have carefully dismantled the towers, haul rope, and both terminals, while many of the retired double chairs found new homes after being auctioned off in early June.
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Since then, construction has continued to progress. Foundations for the new base terminal have now been poured, while crews continue preparing the new lift alignment. Powderhorn is also working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to widen the lift corridor and complete surveying before excavation begins for the remaining terminal and tower foundations. Environmental stewardship remains a key part of the project, with wildlife closures for the local elk calving season, erosion control, revegetation, and wetland protection all incorporated into construction planning.
Construction has now entered its fifth week, and visible progress is beginning to take shape. Logging and line widening are largely complete, the new terminal foundations are in place, and helicopters will soon remove the remaining towers from the old West End chairlift.
After months of planning, surveying, excavation, and now construction, the Wild West Express is beginning to come to life. Once complete, the new high-speed quad will dramatically improve access to Powderhorn’s western terrain. Combined with the Flat Top Flyer, nearly every skiable acre at Powderhorn will be served by high-speed lifts. To celebrate both the new lift and the resort’s 60th anniversary, Powderhorn has also hinted at a special commemoration for Chair No. 60 on the Wild West Express.
Construction Images
