Powderhorn Resort: Wild West Express construction

The highlight of last week was a key step in the Wild West Express master plan: a successful hike of the full lift line with representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, project engineers, logging crews, and Powderhorn staff. Starting near the top of the Mesa and working down to the base area, the group reviewed upcoming construction, corridor management, environmental considerations, and the many details needed to keep a project of this scale moving forward.

Logging operations are now underway as crews widen the corridor for the new detachable quad. Like much of this project, the work may look straightforward from a distance, but requires careful planning and coordination behind the scenes.

At the top of the mountain, the final West End lift towers came down, bringing an end to the familiar skyline that defined Powderhorn’s west side for decades. For the first time in over 50 years, the entire line stands open from top to bottom—offering a clear view of where the West End has been, and where the Wild West Express is headed.

But the line won’t stand empty for long. Final tower forms are being built in the parking lot, and a garage-sized pit has been dug for the foundation of the new bottom terminal. With all towers now on the ground, logging underway, and terminal work beginning, the Wild West Express is starting to feel less like a plan and more like a construction project.