Grand Mesa winter: Colorado's uncrowded mountain has rustic digs and miles of skinny ski and snowmobile trails - Travel - Grand Mesa, Colorado

Sunset, Feb, 2003 by Claire Walter

Powderhorn Ski Area. Lodging, rentals, lessons, and food service on site. Four lifts, 27 trails, 1,650-foot vertical rise. Lift ticket is $38. www.powderhorn.com or (970) 268-5700.

Lodging and dining

Lodging reservations on the Mesa are essential on weekends. Many cabins have basic kitchens; be sure to ask if yours does, then bring groceries with you. Restaurant options are very limited.

Alexander Lake Lodge. Historic inn with seven cabins, some redone and some very rustic. Restaurant serves hearty lunches (check dinner availability) Fri-Sun. From $66. www.alexanderlakelodge.com, (866) 525-2539, or (970) 856-2539.

Grand Mesa Lodge. Simple cabins popular with snowmobilers. From $65 (two motel rooms from $45). www.coloradodirectory.com/grandmesalodge, (800) 551-6372, or (970) 856-3250.

Log Cabin Bed and Breakfast. Small and charming 1891 B&B in Cedaredge. From $80. 210 N. Grand Mesa Dr; www.logcabinbedandbreakfast.com, (888) 750-6647, or (970) 856-7585.

Mesa Lakes Resort. Motel units and cabins on the Mesa's north side; a restaurant is scheduled to open this winter. Rooms from $45 (from $150 fore two-story cabin that sleeps 12). www coloradodirectory.com/mesalakesresort or (970) 268-5467.

Powderhorn Resort. Lodging is available at Inn at Wildewood; lunch and dinner are served at its restaurant Thu-Sun. Rooms from $59. www.powderhorn.com or (970) 268-5700.

Spruce Lodge Resort. The Mesa's prettiest place to stay, with recently remodeled cabins. The dining room serves hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with Tex-Mex specialties and a Saturday prime-rib special. Rooms from $85. www.sprucelodgeonline.com, (800) 850-7221, or (970) 856-6240.