Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Sunlight Mountain Resort. Twenty-five minutes south of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight Mountain Resort is affordable Colorado skiing at its best. Overshadowed by world-class neighbors, the resort sees far less traffic than typical Colorado slopes. Fresh powder, typically skied off at Aspen within an hour, can last as long as two days here on classic downhill runs like Sun King and Beaujolais, and you'll rarely, if ever, stand in lines at the three lifts. A series of double-black steeps on the East Ridge includes three runs named Alligator Alleys for two-time Olympic skier Alice McKennis, who learned to ski at Sunlight. The varied terrain, sensational views, and lack of pretension make Sunlight a local favorite. Lift tickets and lessons cost a fraction of what they do at nearby Aspen, and every slope meets at the bottom base lodge. A terrain park for freestyling skiers and boarders features rails and boxes. For winter-sports enthusiasts who don't want to ride a chairlift, there's a 20-mile network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails just off the slopes. Parking at the resort is free.
Half-day ski and snowboard lessons (including gear rental and lift ticket) for adults cost $125; full-day lessons are $145. The Children’s Center offers lessons for children ages three to six. The resort also has ski-stay-swim packages at a number of Glenwood Springs hotels. The deal includes one night's lodging, a full-day lift ticket for adults, free skiing for kids 12 and under, and a full day at the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Facilities: 72 trails; 730 acres; 2,010-foot vertical drop; 3 lifts. 10901 County Rd. 117, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601. 970/945–7491; 800/445–7931; www.sunlightmtn.com. Lift ticket $65. Early Dec.–early Apr., daily 9–4.
Rentals
Sunlight Ski and Bike Shop. The resort's retail outlet has a location in downtown Glenwood Springs; there's another on the mountain. Prices for ski rental packages start around $35 per day. 309 9th St., Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601. 970/945–9425; sunlightmtn.com/ski-bike-shop.
