Sunlight Mountain Details and Photos
Glenwood Springs, CO (Directions)
Last Updated: 2/3/2012 1:53 AM
Overview
- 14 Beginner
- 36 Intermediate
- 13 Advanced
- 3 Expert
Surrounded by the White River National Forest near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Sunlight Mountain Resort encompasses hundreds of acres for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and show shoeing. With slopes ranging from beginner to expert, three terrain parks, one of Colorado's steepest runs, and 29 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, Sunlight offers something for everyone at down-to-earth prices. Amenities include... a restaurant, lounge, equipment rental, retail shop, education center, children's center, and snowmobile tours. Visit www.sunlightmtn.com for more information. The Pump Haus Terrain Park at Sunlight Mountain Resort features jumps, fun boxes, rainbows, rails, wall-ride and a quarter pipe, all laid out in session-friendly formats. The two jib parks are open to the public and designated beginner, intermediate, and expert to allow skiers and riders to progress to more challenging terrain as their skill levels increase. The Children’s Center, conveniently located at the base area of Sunlight Mountain Resort, offers lessons and childcare for a family-friendly day on the mountain. Professional ski instructors teach group and private lessons for children from two to six years of age, with options that include lift tickets, ski and helmet rental, lunch, and childcare. Experienced caregivers provide day care in a cozy, friendly atmosphere for children ages 18 months to six years. Reservations required. Call 970-945-7491, ext. 248. The Ski School at Sunlight Mountain Resort offers group and private skiing and snowboard lessons daily, performance clinics to improve style and skills, plus an incredible Back Country Experience clinic. Options include half-, full-, and multi-day lessons, with packages that include equipment rental and lift tickets. Sunlight instructors are nationally renowned for their abilities as well as their friendly personalities. Call 970-945-7491. Snowmobile tours at Sunlight Mountain Resort provide riders with stunning views of Mt. Sopris, the West Elk Mountains, and the Flattops as they wind through aspen groves, powder-filled meadows, and evergreen forests. Featuring state-of-the-art snowmobiles with electric hand warmers, independent front suspension, and hydraulic disc braking systems, the guided tours include all gear and basic snowmobile instruction. Reservations are recommended. Call 970-945-7491 or 800-445-7931. Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop in downtown Glenwood Springs, offers full retail, rental and repair services for ski and bike. In the winter, we sell and rent quality alpine, cross country, snowshoe and snowboard equipment from top names like Burton, K2, Salomon, Oakley, Dragon, Look, Lange and many more. Read more
Operations
Status
Open
Lifts Open/Total
3 of 4
Weekday Hours
Mon-Fri: 9a-4p
Trails Open/Total
67 of 67
Weekend Hours
Sat/Sun: 9a-4p
Stats & Conditions
Base Elevation
7,885 ft
24-hr Snowfall
0"
Vertical Drop
2,010 ft
Avg Base Depth
32-36"
Peak Elevation
9,895 ft
Photos
Sunlight Mountain Logo
Sunlight Mountain Trail Map
Reviews & Tips (13)
Great ski area for familys. I would recomend renting your skis at Blue Sky Ski Rental in Glenwood Springs, They were very helpful with directions and advice when we arrived in GWS. We skied for three days and had a wonderful time. We will defintly return again.
written Jan 18 2012 - 04:19 PM
Not like the most prestigious resort but definitely worth visiting. Check it out on your way to Aspen/Snowmass. Hardly ever crowded even on holiday weekends. Great runs for every level. Good ticket prices. Only 1 small complaint: No high speed quads. They still have the old style fixed grip lifts and it takes two rides to reach the top. I make it a point to go to Sunlight every time I take a trip. The staff is friendly and helpful especially the head ski patroler Norm Wheeler. He has been there a long time and will help anyone.
written Oct 21 2011 - 11:02 AM
I brought my 5 year old son to Sunlight to ski and it was great. Very friendly staff, great terrain for him as a beginner, great terrain for me as an intermediate while he was in his lesson, wonderful snow conditions, etc etc etc. Loved the small scale of everything, what a pleasant surprise compared to big, overpriced resorts. The only drawback were the old double chairs with the bar in between the seats - they were definitely a little difficult to ride with my small child. I will definitely ski here again if I am back out in Colorado and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Also, purchasing the lifts tickets through Liftopia was easy as could be, and saved me 20% off already reasonably priced tickets.
written May 03 2011 - 12:30 PM
nothing
written Apr 14 2011 - 08:48 AM
It had been over 10 years since I last visited Sunlight. My wife had never been. We were staying in Avon, CO, looking for a way to ski without spending an arm and a leg. I recommended Sunlight to my wife and she hessitantly accepted--though the ticket price through Liftopia was the deciding factor. Once we arrived, the snow was great, and my wife fell in love with the area--saying it's her favorite ski area now. We have a 10 year old son and he enjoyed the challenging terrain Sunlight offers...We'll be back!
written Apr 03 2011 - 05:20 PM
Convinced my family (two daughters, two husbands, three grandchildren) who live in Louisiana to skip Vail, Breckenridge, etc. They not only saved a load of money with the hotel/pool/ski deal, they had a fabulous time. My son-in-law who has visited some Colorado resorts in the past has decided "Sunlight is my favorite place." Keep up the good work and fight the urge to go "main stream".
written Mar 31 2011 - 03:40 PM
Sunlight has always been a great, largely under-rated mountain. The lifts are efficient (no need for high-speed lifts with fast moving double chairs with lots of cueing and assistance resulting in few misloads), good variety of runs and great tree skiing. The extreme terrain is also nice especially with the widened run-out to return to the base. Still hoping for a lift installed over there one day but just fine the way it is for now. Never crowded, friendly staff, something for everyone. My Daughter skied it for her first time and loved the mountain, wants to go back. I would recommend to any serious or family-style skier or rider. I also enjoyed the trail signs made from old snowboards. Very classy! Keep up the good work!
written Mar 18 2011 - 09:01 PM
Took my 6 year old daughter here since we were spending the night at a B&B in Glenwood. Have been a few times over the years and have fond memories. the terrain was just right for her and we enjoyed our runs. The lodge and parking was convenient and the lift attendants were great in helping her onto the lifts.
written Mar 09 2011 - 09:31 AM
My family & I have skied at Sunlight Mtn. while on vacation from Vermont now for 3 years. It has a great mix of challenging, intermediate and beginner terrain. And the layout is ideal for allowing those with a variety of skills to end up together at the bottom of the mtn, as all trails bring you there. No frills. Very helpful and friendly lift attendants. And with lift tickets easily half the price (and more with Liftopia)of the "Big Four" down the road, you can't beat it.
written Mar 01 2011 - 11:49 AM
Sunlight: 'a pretty good ski hill'. No fancy frills just great skiing and friendly folks. Skiing the way it was and should still be. Just a short drive to a great town with hot springs, good food, and reasonable prices.
written Feb 24 2011 - 05:13 PM
My family has been going to Sunlight now for about 10 years. The snow is always powdery, evn when packed, the staff is always friendly. You never feel like it's a fashion show! This year we met a very nice man working on the lifts who told us great places to eat at night. And speaking of food, everything is reasonably priced. We live 12 hours away in Oklahoma and there are closer places to go, but Sunlight is well worth the drive! As a bonus,I highly recommend driving to Carbondale for breakfast at the Village Smithey and some unique shopping. And on the way, look towrds the golf course for the large herd of Elk!!!
written Feb 19 2011 - 08:42 AM
Had A great day a Sunlight on the 14th. The runs were in great shape and there were no lines. The views from the top were outstanding!
written Feb 16 2011 - 08:19 PM
This is what skiing is all about. Don't expect heated sidewalks or $100 lunches. Just great skiing. My wife and I each took a group lesson. Basically, we each got a private lesson. I skied with the ski school director and had my own private mountain guide. My wife had her own instructor and, with his focused attention, vastly improved and gained confidence.
written Feb 13 2011 - 08:31 AM
