2025-12-18T05:00:00-07:00
* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and power outages may result.
Sunlight Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 17, 2025
Sunlight Mountain Resort greets skiers this December 17, 2025, with a light dusting of fresh snow and a hopeful eye toward the skies. 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
Overnight temperatures held steady at 29.8°F, preserving a modest but skiable snowpack of 9 inches—though that remains over 50% below average for this time of year. With a Snow Water Equivalent of 2.3", snow conditions are best described as variable, leaning toward firm on the lower runs with some softer turns up high. A fresh 1.16” of snow is forecast over the next 24 hours, matching the 72-hour outlook, while long-range forecasts show another inch by day five, hinting at a slow but steady refresh.
Despite a delayed start to the season, Sunlight remains optimistic. While the lack of early snowfall has been a challenge—as local headlines note—the resort’s welcoming terrain and relaxed vibe continue to attract loyal skiers. In a season of change, visitors can also expect newsworthy developments, including a new ownership deal and the retirement of Colorado’s oldest chairlift. Though opening day was postponed, anticipation is building, and with snow finally returning to the Western Slope, Sunlight’s charm, affordability, and community spirit promise a memorable winter ahead.
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, a 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after 2pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 42. south southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Sunlight Mountain Resort this week?
Sunlight Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 1.48" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Colorado like right now?
Northern Colorado is seeing the strongest snow activity this week. The Bear Lake and Copeland Lake areas near Rocky Mountain National Park are forecasted to receive 8–9 inches of fresh snow over the next five days. Located near Estes Park and close to Eldora Mountain Resort, these conditions suggest excellent skiing potential. Further north, the Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat ... Read more
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