Earlier this month, on March 5–6, founders, investors, mentors, and community leaders gathered once again at Monarch Mountain for one of the most distinctive events in Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem – Ascent Powder_Pitch 2026.

Set against a backdrop of fresh snow and big mountain energy, this year’s event continued to redefine what a pitch experience can be. Because at Powder_Pitch, it’s not just about the ideas – it’s about the environment that shapes them.

A Different Kind of Pitch

Throughout the two-day experience, participants connected on chairlifts, over shared runs, and in the in-between moments that don’t exist in traditional settings. These “lift pitches” created space for conversations that felt less transactional and more human.

Some of the most valuable moments didn’t happen during formal pitches at all – they happened midway up the mountain, at the base with boots off, or through spontaneous introductions between runs.

That’s the point.

Without the pressure of a stage or a rigid agenda, people show up differently – more open, more curious, and more willing to engage. It’s in these moments that ideas sharpen, trust builds, and real momentum begins.

By stepping outside of convention, Powder_Pitch continues to prove that meaningful connections – and real opportunities – are often built in motion, not in meetings.

Après & Connection

Thursday evening wrapped the first day of Powder_Pitch with a dinner in Salida hosted by Howdy Partners, bringing participants together after a full day on the mountain. As an early-stage venture capital firm focused on supporting founders in rural and overlooked regions, Howdy Partners shares a strong alignment with the spirit of Powder_Pitch – prioritizing relationships, place-based innovation, and long-term impact.

The evening created space to slow down, connect more deeply, and carry that energy into the next day. We are so grateful to Howdy Partners for their support.

Innovation Meets Elevation

This year’s gathering brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, Ark Angel investors, mentors, and regional leaders – including the Ascent 2026 accelerator cohort, who had the opportunity to share their ventures in a setting designed for real connection. From early-stage ideas to scaling companies, conversations spanned industries, challenges, and possibilities, grounded in a shared commitment to building and supporting innovation in rural communities.

Throughout the event, participants gathered in Monarch Mountain’s lodge – connecting before skiing, over lunch, and in the afternoon – with moments of conversation and collaboration woven between ski adventures, chairlift pitches, and on-mountain mentoring.

Thank You to Our Partners

Events like Powder_Pitch are only possible with the support of incredible partners. A huge thank you to Monarch Mountain, Collegiate Peaks Bank, SBDC, and Howdy Partners for helping make this experience possible and for their continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurship in the Arkansas Valley and beyond.

Driven By Nature

If there’s one thing this year’s Powder_Pitch reinforced, it’s that environment matters – not just the physical setting, but the culture, the people, and the intention behind it all.

Events like this continue to highlight what makes the Ascent network unique – a commitment to doing things differently, prioritizing relationships over transactions, and creating space for innovation to grow naturally. At 11,000 feet, something shifts. Ideas expand. Conversations deepen. What starts as a simple introduction can turn into something much bigger.

As the 2026 cohort continues its journey, the connections formed at Powder_Pitch will carry forward into partnerships, investments, and long-term collaboration. While the event may last two days, its impact extends far beyond – and if this year was any indication, the future of rural entrepreneurship isn’t just bright, it’s rising.

Get to know our 2026 Ascent Accelerator Cohort!

We’re so honored to have the opportunity to work with this inspiring group of entrepreneurs who are building, creating, and leading across a wide range of industries:

DogGurt
Elemental 5
My Moon Kit
Salida Sunshine Botanicals
Cherokee Bloom
Ark Valley Sign Co
Hearth Healing
Omni-Board
Peaks Precast
Sky View Tents
DivideGraph

Special thanks to Amanda Podesta Photography for capturing this year’s event.