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Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) recently announced the acquisition of a majority ownership stake in Powderhorn Mountain Resort, near Grand Junction, Colorado. Through a subsidiary named Powderhorn Pacific LLC, the company recently purchased a controlling interest in Powderhorn Mountain Resort from Andy Daly and the Gart Companies who have owned it since 2011. PGR has skillfully operated the resort for six seasons through an operating lease with the previous majority stakeowners. In that time it has greatly improved affordability and accessibility for the local community. “The majority ownership stake opens up possibilities for future capital investment and guarantees stability for the resort’s future moving forward”, Christian Knapp PGR’s VP/CMO said in an interview with Snowbrains.
Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) is an international resort operating company based in Park City, Utah. PGR’s portfolio includes resorts in Virginia, Vermont, Maryland, New Hampshire, British Columbia, and now Colorado. In 2018 PGR implemented its existing “Mission Affordable” program at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, to make skiing and riding more affordable and accessible to the local community. This well-received program gave new skiers and riders free access in their first season to learn the sport and drastically reduced the price for an all-access season pass to seasoned winter enthusiasts. New for the 2024-25 ski season, Powderhorn joined the Indy Pass roster of resorts, further improving affordability and accessibility to the public. “PGR is committed to making skiing and riding more accessible while preserving the unique character of our mountain communities. Powderhorn’s success is proof that affordability and growth can go hand in hand,” Christian Knapp PGR’s VP/CMO stated in an interview with Snowbrains.
The three Gart Brothers of Colorado-based Gart Companies and Andy Daly have owned the resort since 2011. During this time they have made numerous improvements including a high-speed chairlift, unique lodging options, and updated snowmaking infrastructure reaching areas not previously serviced. Their tenure has also included consistent Mountain Bike trail construction and summertime events with the help of investment partners ZOMA capital, bringing Powderhorn into four-season resort status. Andy Daly and the Gart Companies will continue to hold a minority partnership in the resort moving forward and be instrumental in real estate development at the resort.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort was established in 1966 on the Northern edge of The Grand Mesa. This family-friendly resort is a wonderful place to learn at a relaxed pace in an incredible mountain setting. Powderhorn offers 1,650 vertical feet and 1,600 skiable acres including some outstanding quality glade skiing. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation our team and the Gart family have established over the past seven seasons in both skier visits and on-mountain infrastructure. Powderhorn’s best days are ahead, and we’re thrilled to be part of its next chapter,” Mark Fischer PGR’s President and CEO said in a press release.
