Sunlight Mountain Resort would like to send a huge congratulations to our very own Alice “The Alligator” McKennis Duran on being inducted into the Colorado Snow Sports Hall of Fame. Alice began her skiing journey right here at Sunlight when she was just two years old and never looked back. Her incredible career includes two World Cup podiums; including a win in St. Anton, Austria in 2013, two Olympic appearances with a 5th place finish in Downhill at the 2018 Games, and three U.S. National Championship titles.

Growing up near New Castle on a working ranch, Alice’s path was far from ordinary. She and her sister helped with daily ranch chores, learned grit and perseverance early, and skied whenever they could. Her father, Greg McKennis, recognized her talent and supported her by commuting with her to race programs across Colorado. Over the years her career was marked not just by wins but by comebacks: she endured numerous serious injuries and surgeries yet kept returning to the start gate, earning admiration for her quiet toughness. Her induction into the Hall of Fame not only honors her on-snow success but celebrates her resilience, her roots in our community, and the inspiration she offers to future generations.

We couldn’t be more proud to see one of Sunlight’s own honored for her remarkable achievements and lifelong dedication to the sport. Congratulations, Alice!