Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort announces Dec. 8 opening date
Taylor Cramer/Post Independent
Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort, a favored winter destination since 1966, has announced its lifts will begin operation for the start of the 2023-24 ski season on Dec. 8.
Positioned just 20 minutes from Glenwood Springs, the resort offers 72 trails spread over an impressive 730 skiable acres, with a drop that stretches 2,000 vertical feet.
Skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts, will find Sunlight caters to their every need. Approximately half of the mountain’s terrain is designed for beginner or intermediate levels. With daily operations scheduled from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., enthusiasts can easily plan their winter getaways.
“If we have a ton of snowfall again, and Thanksgiving weekend looks promising, an earlier opening could be a possibility for us,” Director of Business Development Travis Baptiste said.
This sentiment echoes the resort’s flexibility in prior years, indicating an eagerness to adapt to optimal snow conditions for its visitors.
Beyond the anticipation of this season’s first descent, Sunlight is looking to the future. As part of its commitment to enhancing the skiing experience, the resort plans to upgrade its lifts. After the close of this season, the existing Segundo double-chair, which serves 970 people per hour, will make way for a state-of-the-art triple-chair with a capacity for 1,400 skiers and snowboarders per hour.
Segundo is Colorado’s oldest operating ski lift. Beginning its service on Aspen Mountain in 1954, Segundo was sold to Sunlight, where it’s been operating since 1973.
“This mountain and the staff couldn’t be more excited to welcome both locals and guests,” Baptiste said “We are eager for everyone to experience what makes Sunlight Mountain unique.”
Kale Hall, a ski and snowboard technician at Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop, is among those gearing up for the upcoming season. Originally from Missouri, Hall made his way west in search of a vibrant snowboard community, a quest that led him to Sunlight.
“Sunlight offers territory for people of all skill levels,” Hall said. The mountain is uniquely designed to accommodate everyone looking for fun on the slopes.”
As winter approaches and the first snowflakes begin to fall, Sunlight Mountain stands ready to offer another memorable season to all who visit.
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