The area is also expanding snowmaking capacity on the lower portion of the intermediate trail Bill’s Run to assure high quality terrain conditions on opening day in mid-December.

Summer improvements include bike carriers on the new quad lift. Plans also call for construction of the first phase of a comprehensive new mountain bike system.

“These are the first major improvements at Powderhorn in more than 20 years,” said Sam Williams, general manager for Powderhorn. This investment positions Powderhorn “to become a more enticing winter and summer destination for regional residents and destination visitors on a year-round basis,” he added.

“Powderhorn has catered to Grand Valley residents and families for many years, and that isn’t going to change with these improvements,” said Tom Gart of Gart Capital Partners (GCP), co-owner of the resort with Andy Daly. “We’re confident the new lift will be greatly appreciated by our loyal guests.”

Powderhorn’s 2014-15 season pass holders will be the first to receive an immediate benefit from the expansion plan. They will receive a discount of up to 20 percent on next year’s full-rate season pass ($499 adu8lts, $249 juniors).

Daly gave credit for this ambitious capital investment plan to local Grand Junction companies Leitner-Poma and Home Loan State Bank. “Leitner-Poma and Home Loan State Bank have recognized the value of supporting local recreation and because of that, we are moving forward to take Powderhorn to a new level for both summer and winter … and that is a great move for all of us,” he concluded.