Solitude Mountain Resort has completed installation on Powderhorn II, a $1.5 million improvement to the lift system. Snowriders load at the bottom of Sunshine Bowl, travel above the Concord ski run, and depart in the same location as the original Powderhorn Lift. The mid-mountain starting point allows expert snowriders to make continuous laps on the upper mountain - from Diamond Lane to Sunshine Bowl - without the need to return to the base area via beginner runs. A speedy 7-minute lift ride provides easy access to some of the state's steepest groomed terrain. Plus, the off-piste terrain in Honeycomb Canyon will still be conveniently accessed from the top of this lift.

Last winter's new Apex and Moonbeam Express lifts introduced high speed lift access from both base areas to mid-mountain, allowing Powderhorn II to begin higher on the mountain. Accessible from all three detachable lifts, including Eagle Express, a greater on-mountain flow is achieved throughout the resort.

Beginner and intermediate visitors can appreciate the new lift, as well, even though they may not ride it until their skills improve, as advanced and expert visitors will remain higher on the mountain, easing traffic in prime learning areas lower on the mountain. This natural segregation puts visitors of like abilities in terrain conducive to their ability, creating an improved experience for all.

Replacement of the original Powderhorn double – a holdover from the mid-70s – comes on the heels of last winter's $7 million investment in two detachable express quads. That's three new quads in just the past two years!