GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) – Hidden on Colorado’s Western Slope is a real gem of Rockies skiing and snowboarding: Powderhorn Resort.

Skiing started in the area near Grand Mesa with a tow rope in the 1940s.

Powderhorn inspires loyalty among its visitors. Ski patrol director Bill Bruchak has spent almost 30 years on the slopes of Powderhorn. He credits the view and the snow for his dedication.

Powderhorn Ski Area (credit: CBS)

“When you ride the lifts to the top, you aren’t surrounded by peaks, you’re on the top of a mesa,” he said. “What you see is the top edge of Grand Mesa.”

Jason Sewell, a member of the ski patrol, agrees the views are not what you get when skiing at any other resort. “You’re looking at the desert from the snow,” he said.

“It’s like skiing on top of the Grand Canyon in a way,” is how author Craig Chiles describes the experience. “It’s got a different view than all the other mountains in Colorado.”

Even without the change of scenery, the snow at Powderhorn is a pretty attractive feature on its own.

Powderhorn Ski Area (credit: CBS)

“We average about 20 plus inches of snow each season,” said Sarah Allen with Powderhorn Resort.

“What’s great about it is it usually comes in from the West so it comes in off the Utah desert and we get some of the really dry, great fluffy stuff.”

Powderhorn Resort is located about 10 miles east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70.

Related Link: Powderhorn.com