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Sunlight Mountain Resort: A Hidden Gem in Colorado’s Ski Country — A History of the Resort and Its Surroundings

Sunlight Mountain, Colorado Weather Cams. Tucked into the White River National Forest just 12 miles south of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight Mountain Resort is a beloved local ski area with a rich history and a fiercely loyal following. Known for its affordability, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning views of Mount Sopris, Sunlight has carved out a unique identity in Colorado’s crowded ski landscape. But its story is also deeply tied to the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley—a region shaped by mining, ranching, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Early Days: Ute Lands and Pioneer Trails

Long before skiers arrived, the Roaring Fork Valley was home to the Ute people, who hunted elk and deer in the surrounding forests and soaked in the mineral-rich hot springs of Glenwood. The valley’s rivers and meadows provided sustenance and spiritual grounding for generations.

In the late 1800s, white settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of silver and coal. Glenwood Springs was founded in 1883 as a frontier town and quickly became a hub for mining, railroads, and tourism. The nearby town of Sunlight—now a ghost town—was once a bustling coal mining community that gave the ski resort its name.

The Birth of Sunlight Ski Area

The idea for a ski resort near Glenwood Springs took shape in the early 1960s, when Chicago native John Higgs envisioned a family-friendly ski area on the slopes above Four Mile Creek. In 1965, Higgs secured a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service for 2,100 acres of public land. Financing came from local families, businesses, and skiers as far away as Kansas, who purchased shares in the newly formed Sunlight Ranch Company.

Sunlight Ski Area officially opened on December 16, 1966, with a single Riblet double chairlift and a handful of trails. Lift tickets cost $5.50, and the resort welcomed 15,000 skier visits in its first season. Operations were modest—part-time employees and volunteers ran the lifts, while local contractors handled rentals, food service, and ski instruction.

Growth and Evolution: Lifts, Trails, and Terrain

Sunlight expanded steadily over the next two decades. In 1973, it acquired the Segundo Chair from Aspen Mountain, originally built in 1954, and installed it on the west side of the resort. The Tercero lift, purchased secondhand from Snowmass, was added in 1987, doubling the resort’s uphill capacity and improving access to expert terrain.

In 1993, Sunlight Extreme was introduced, adding 12 new black and double-black diamond trails, including “The Heathen,” one of the steepest lift-served runs in Colorado with a 52° pitch. The resort rebranded as Sunlight Mountain Resort in 1996 to reflect its growing reputation and year-round offerings.

Today, Sunlight features:

• 75 trails across 730 acres

• A vertical drop of 2,010 feet

• Three chairlifts (one triple, two doubles)

• Average annual snowfall of 227 inches

• Terrain ranging from gentle greens to expert chutes

Glenwood Springs: The Resort’s Cultural Anchor

Just down the road, Glenwood Springs has long served as the cultural and economic anchor for Sunlight. Famous for its hot springs and the historic Hotel Colorado, the town has welcomed visitors since the 19th century. It was once a favorite retreat of President Theodore Roosevelt and gangster Al Capone.

The town’s economy has evolved from mining and railroads to tourism and outdoor recreation. Today, Glenwood offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, galleries, and outfitters, making it a perfect base for skiers and summer adventurers alike.

A Resort with a Soul: Community and Affordability

Unlike many of Colorado’s mega-resorts, Sunlight has remained fiercely independent and community-focused. Its mission has always been to provide affordable, high-quality skiing without the crowds. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the free parking, short lift lines, and the ability to ski from summit to base without ever taking off their skis.

Sunlight is also known for its quirky charm. It once offered the “most expensive lift ticket in America”—a $700 package that included a day of skiing, a pair of handmade skis, and a soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs. The resort has also hosted retro ski days, cardboard box races, and community fundraisers.

Looking Ahead: Modernization and Preservation

In 2025, Sunlight is embarking on the largest investment in its history: the replacement of its aging Primo and Segundo chairlifts. The new Primo lift will be a high-capacity quad, while the Segundo lift—Colorado’s oldest operating chairlift—will be replaced with a modern triple. These upgrades aim to reduce wait times and improve access while preserving the resort’s small-mountain charm.

Sunlight is also exploring summer expansion, with mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf already drawing warm-weather visitors. The resort’s location within the White River National Forest ensures that future growth will be balanced with environmental stewardship.

Conclusion: A Mountain That Reflects Its Community

Sunlight Mountain Resort is more than a ski hill—it’s a reflection of the Glenwood Springs community and the spirit of the Roaring Fork Valley. From its grassroots beginnings to its modern upgrades, Sunlight has stayed true to its founding vision: a welcoming, affordable, and authentic Colorado ski experience.

With its breathtaking views of Mount Sopris, its deep local roots, and its commitment to preserving the soul of skiing, Sunlight continues to shine—quietly, proudly, and brilliantly.

For more information, visit the Sunlight Mountain, Colorado official website.

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