Sunlight Mountain Resort greets skiers this December 12, 2025, with mild overnight temperatures around 29°F and a modest snowpack depth of 9 inches—significantly below the seasonal average by nearly 37%. Sunlight Mountain Resort is a family-friendly ski destination located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, offering a variety of terrain to suit all skill levels.
Wind
Humidity
While recent snowfall has been limited, a light storm system is expected to brush the region late Friday, potentially bringing a dusting of fresh snow by the weekend. Current conditions favor groomed runs and beginner-to-intermediate terrain, with early-season coverage continuing to improve gradually thanks to snowmaking operations and cooler overnight temps.
Excitement is building as this winter marks the final season for Colorado’s oldest operational chairlift, which will be retired after decades of service. Visitors are encouraged to experience a ride on this iconic lift before it’s replaced next summer as part of Sunlight’s ongoing upgrades. Despite the below-average snowpack, the resort remains optimistic, offering affordable lift tickets and a laid-back vibe that makes it a favorite among locals. With improvements on the horizon and a snowy pattern setting up later this month, Sunlight is poised for a strong mid-season rebound.
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sunlight Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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 |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 46. west southwest wind around 5 mph.
Colorado ski conditions remain stable with minimal new snowfall across the state. No resorts are reporting significant accumulation in the past 24 hours, with only light dustings of 1 inch observed at Dry Lake (near Steamboat), Hayden Pass, Sargents Mesa, Sharkstooth, and Whiskey Creek. No measurable snow is forecast over the next five days, indicating a lull in storm activity. ... Read more