2025-12-28T10:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult at times.
Sunlight Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 26, 2025
Sunlight Mountain Resort is poised for a festive post-Christmas upswing as the weather looks to shift in skiers’ favor. Sunlight Mountain Resort is a family-friendly ski destination located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, offering a variety of terrain to suit all skill levels.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After an unseasonably warm overnight low of 36°F and a lean snowpack depth of just 6 inches—more than 75% below average—conditions on Dec 26 remain firm and variable on open terrain. However, spirits are high with a fresh 8.26 inches of snow forecast over the next 72 hours and another 8 inches expected in the five-day outlook. As winter finally begins to make a comeback across Colorado, skiers can anticipate a refresh in the coming days, with powdery turns potentially on tap before New Year’s.
While the terrain remains limited, there's a buzz of activity at Sunlight. The resort's long-anticipated lift construction project is right on track, promising improved access for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, celebrations continue with live music, including Sugar Britches Trio performing slope-side, and the upcoming all-female ski fest with its signature “naked lap” drawing a lively crowd. Keep an eye out—literally—as a mountain lion was recently spotted near the resort’s webcam. For those seeking deals, $20 lift tickets are still available, making Sunlight an affordable, authentic escape for snow lovers ready to ride out this snowy rebound.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Mc Clure Pass.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Mc Clure Pass
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Sunlight Mountain Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Sunlight Mountain Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sunlight Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Sunlight Mountain Resort in Colorado include:
1. The Elk Mountains: Sunlight Mountain Resort is located in the Elk Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The Elk Mountains are known for their rugged peaks, deep valleys, and abundant wildlife.
2. Sunlight Peak: Sunlight Mountain Resort is named after Sunlight Peak, a prominent peak in the Elk Mountains. Sunlight Peak stands at an elevation of 14,059 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. The ski slopes: Sunlight Mountain Resort offers a variety of ski slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort features over 700 acres of skiable terrain, with 67 trails and 2,010 feet of vertical drop.
4. Sunlight Mountain: The main mountain at Sunlight Mountain Resort is Sunlight Mountain, which has an elevation of 9,895 feet. The mountain offers a mix of groomed runs, glades, and steep chutes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
Overall, Sunlight Mountain Resort is known for its diverse terrain, stunning mountain views, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in Colorado.
The best trails for advanced skiers are the East Ridge and Sun King trails, which offer steep and challenging runs. For beginners, the gentle and wide-open Practice Slope is a great place to start. Interestingly, the resort's name comes from the fact that it receives an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. For some post-skiing fun, the Sunlight Lodge Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy apres ski atmosphere with live music and cocktails.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 4600 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2403 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 470 Acres |
Established | 1966 |
Run Count | 67 Trails |
Top Elevation | 3016 Meters |
Sunlight Mountain Resort FAQ
How much snow did Sunlight Mountain Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Sunlight Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, partly sunny, with a high near 42. breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Sunlight Mountain Resort this week?
Sunlight Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 8.26" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Colorado’s snow outlook is bright in the northern and western mountains, with the heaviest 5-day totals forecasted near Steamboat Springs and the Flat Tops region. Sensors at Tower and Lost Dog near Steamboat report 7" and 11" of snow on the way, respectively, while Zirkel and Elk River are expecting up to 9" and 11". Steamboat Resort should benefit significantly ... Read more
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