Sunlight Mountain Ski Vacation Guide

Just off I-70 is a fantastic Colorado ski vacation destination, Sunlight Mountain. Unfortunately, some are too focused on the Aspen area and drive right past this magnificent northern gateway to the Roaring Fork area. Placed as it is, the town enjoys all the benefits of being in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Ski Levels

Perhaps some drive past Sunlight Mountain because they feel the skiing will be better elsewhere. Maybe they feel the more expert trails are found off of the Interstate, but that's simply not the case. Sunlight Mountain has trails for all levels of skiers, from novice to expert, and it can boast one of the steepest slopes in the state. The Heathen run has a 52 degree pitch and Ute Trail is 2.5 miles long. Of course the ski patrol are all professionals of the highest caliber. The ski instruction is equally top-notch, with seasoned pros who can get the beginner started or give expert skiers a tip or two. The diversity of the available trails is just one of the many reasons Sunlight makes for a great family vacation spot.

Après Ski

While it is a great family destination, that doesn't mean it lacks nightlife. The live music scene is decidedly hopping. Sunlight Mountain Resort offers some of the the best local music après ski. Acoustic solo artists and duets perform at the Last Turn Lounge on Friday afternoons. Full bands perform at Sunlight Inn every Saturday afternoon and admission to these performances is always free. In town, you'll find many dining and entertainment choices. From fast food to fine dining and from mellow scence to the clubs, pubs, and restaurants.

You can expect it to be cold throughout the season. Multiple thin layers do best, so long as you have a breathable, waterproof powder jacket. Ankle and neck gators are usually preferred for powder and you may find you're more comfortable with a face mask, especially up on the mountain. Decent gloves are essential anywhere in the Rockies. While you can feel warm in the sun, remember to guard against exposure, and don't push yourself beyond your known abilities. A little more time edging into more difficult trails is advised. Overall, sensible clothing and equipment will ensure that you stay warm, safe, and dry while having an awesome time on the slopes.

There may be some resorts and mountains better known or more celebrated, but skiing in the area will set the stage for a truly memorable and affordable Colorado ski vacation.

Sunlight Mountain Snowboard Vacation Guide

Rider’s Guide

Sunlight Mountain Resort is a beautiful Colorado resort with a total of four lifts, comprising of one surface, two double chair, and one triple chair that take you up to over 25 trails. Board on their longest run of 13,000 feet atop 260 inches of powder. Their trails are rated 20 percent for beginners, 55 percent for intermediates, 20 percent for advanced, and a challenging 5 percent for experts.

Parks and Pipes

Sunlight Mountain will stun you with its nature, fresh air, and sunshine, and with its fantastic snow. There are more than enough phenomenal natural features on the 25 trails.

Out of Bounds

The Glenwood Springs Hot Springs is an American wonder and the world’s largest hot springs pool, open year round. It is fed by the Yampah spring, which has a daily flow of three and a half million gallons of water and issues from the rocks at approximately 122 degrees F. The main pool is 405 feet long and 100 feet wide at the widest point. It contains over one million gallons of water and is kept at about 90 degrees F year round. It has a diving area and exercise lap lanes. The therapy pool is 100 feet long and contains almost 100,000 gallons of water. It is kept at a temperature of about 104 degrees F. There can’t be anything more relaxing than that. The Sunlight Mountain and Glenwood Springs area is one of the great winter outdoor wonderlands to be found anywhere. You can choose to play at fun activities such as snowmobiling, jeeping and off-road driving, rock and ice climbing, sledding, cross-country skiing, hot air ballooning, ice skating, fishing, and horseback riding.

Hangout & Hookup

Club Roxie is definitely the hot club to check out. Doc Holliday is buried here, so you have to go and honor his memory by hoisting a mug at the Doc Holliday Bar. Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company will get you a taste of some really memorable locally brewed suds. Butch’s Smokehouse and Sports Bar is the place to catch all the latest sports action, and if you happen to find a seat at the Texas Hold’em table you might even find yourself making a few bucks in the process. Friday is Karaoke night at Butch’s and that’s the night when the scene there can get pretty wild and loose.

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