Sunlight Mountain Resort has been dedicated to serving those who enjoy the mountain the most since it was officially founded by a group of skiers and investors in 1966. 

The mountain that resided on a mixture of White River National Forest and private land originally opened featuring just one lift and run, but in the 59 years since has expanded into a hidden gem of the Western Slope. Sunlight Mountain Resort now fosters a genuine culture that lives through its dedicated community. 

The resort’s 41st annual Skier Appreciation Day is set to return on Friday as the mountain continues to give back to the community that helps them prosper — Teacher Appreciation Day and a free movie screening to support breast cancer awareness at Sunlight Ski and Bike will take place on Saturday. 

Friday will be a day full of fun during the “Slopeside Circus at Sunlight,” with events like a doughnut eating contest, giveaways, a circus-themed costume contest, live music and more all capped with $25 lift tickets for all. All ticket sales go directly to the Two Rivers Community Foundation. 

“It’s important to keep going year after year and continue to give back to the community that supports us,” Sunlight Mountain Resort Director of Business Travis Baptiste said. 

He continued to explain that in a tough snow season like this, seeing familiar faces during the annual event is going to mean that much more. 

“Every year, it’s absolutely amazing,” he said. “The community brings up amazing energy on a daily basis, but during a tough season like this, sometimes it’s hard for management to keep that energy going. We are working as hard as we can to put out the best possible product, and that can be taxing in a year like this. 

“But when you walk out in front of the lodge, and the families out there are calling your name, you’re chatting with everyone, you see big smiles everywhere and people enjoying whatever conditions we have keeps you motivated, keeps you smiling, and keeps you bringing good energy to work every day,” Baptiste continued. 

Proceeds of Friday’s event will go to the Two Rivers Community Foundation, an organization that helps distribute charitable funds to nonprofits throughout the valley. 

“What’s really cool about this partnership is the money we give them will stay in the community,” Baptiste explained. “They distribute to small nonprofits within the valley, so some of these nonprofits that might not have the resources to get the grants they need can still receive help.”

The “Slopeside Circus at Sunlight” on Friday is the lead-in to Teacher Appreciation Day and a free movie screening at Sunlight Ski and Bike to support breast cancer awareness on Saturday, as the resort looks to expand their philanthropic reach. 

Teacher Appreciation Day includes a free lift ticket for all Roaring Fork School District and Re-2 School District employees that present a valid school ID at the ticket booth. 

“We want to make sure that teachers know they’re highly appreciated,” Baptiste said. “That includes everyone from administration to janitors — anyone that works in the school system. We know that they’re all going to miss out on Skier Appreciation Day because they’re working on Friday, so we want to make sure that we’re going to do one better for them.”

Snow is finally beginning to fall after the calendar flipped into 2026 — leaving locals hopeful the mountain will be able to open up more of the beloved terrain in the near future. Sunlight’s social teams only added to the fire with a Monday afternoon Instagram post hinting at Primo opening in the near future.  

For more information about the resort’s weekend plans, visit sunlightmtn.com/events.