2026-01-02T17:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains above 9500 feet. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 5 PM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Sunlight Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
Sunlight Mountain Resort wakes up this New Year’s Day with a fresh inch of snow and a brisk overnight low of 32°F, setting the stage for a gentle powder refresh. 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
With a snowpack depth of 8", conditions remain on the lighter side compared to historical averages—currently down by over 70%. However, skiers and riders should keep their eyes on the skies: the forecast calls for over 2" of new snow in the next 24 hours and up to 7" in the coming days, promising a much-needed boost to the base and potentially revitalizing currently limited terrain.
While terrain remains restricted due to low early-season snowfall, anticipation is building as Sunlight gears up for major changes. The mountain is bidding farewell to Segundo, Colorado's oldest operating chairlift, with celebrations planned before its final run this spring. Amid industry-wide challenges with snow totals, Sunlight continues to carve out its niche as an affordable, crowd-free alternative, offering lift tickets as low as $20. As a multi-day storm system targets Colorado’s high country this weekend, conditions are expected to improve steadily—just in time to kick off 2026 with a hopeful turn toward deeper powder and broader terrain access.
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 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Sunlight Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, snow showers, mainly after 11am. high near 38. south southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Sunlight Mountain Resort this week?
Sunlight Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 7.53" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Routt National Forest are primed for the heaviest snowfall over the next five days, with Dry Lake and Elk River sensors forecasting 13 inches, and nearby Tower projecting 12 inches. These areas feed directly into Steamboat Ski Resort, making it the top pick for powder chasers. Rabbit Ears Pass and Scotch Creek are also expecting ... Read more
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