FAQs

Our address is 10901 County Rd. 117 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. From Denver head west on I-70 for ~3hrs to get to Glenwood Springs. From Grand Junction the drive is ~1hr along EB I-70. Once you reach the town of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight is a short 13 miles away. For more comprehensive directions, visit our website.

Sunlight works with various hotel partners and the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to offer discounts on your hotel stay, the hot springs, and your lift tickets. For more information, check here.

This is only part of the Ski, Swim, Stay package. Sunlight only provides free lift passes for kiddos ages 5 and under. 

Sunlight has a rental, repair, and retail shop in downtown Glenwood Springs, as well as at the mountain resort. For many guests, it is more convenient to pick their gear up the night before at the downtown location. If you need multi-day rentals, seasonal rentals, and a wider selection of outdoor equipment, the downtown Glenwood Springs shop is a good choice.

You can email us at info@sunlightmtn.com or by calling (970) 945-7491 for general questions. Please be aware that from around the 2nd week of April – beginning of November, you may not receive a response from our winter departments such as ski school or snowmobiling. Please send an email to lessons@sunlightmtn.com, kids@sunlightmtn.com, or info@sunlightmtn.com for questions or reservations about ski school or snowmobiling. Someone will get back to you as it gets closer to the winter season.

Aspen Airport is the closest airport to Glenwood Springs, but due to more flight times etc., many choose to fly into Grand Junction or Denver.

Yes. Sunlight also operates a free shuttle at the end of the day on weekends which transports people to more distant lots.

During the winter only, check in with parking attendants for directions to designated parking spaces. Space is limited with a 2-night maximum stay, and is on a first come first serve basis.

Check out our ‘What to Wear’ page for more comprehensive suggestions, but at a minimum plan to bring winter gloves, snow pants, and a good winter jacket. It is also recommended that you have goggles or sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen.

It varies from year to year, but Sunlight typically opens during the first 2 weeks of December and closes the first part of April.

Sunlight has 3 lifts: Tercero which is our shortest lift which provides access to most of the beginner terrain. Our lift Primo accesses the top of the mountain and more advanced terrain. Segundo is a lift that accesses the west side of the mountain which offers a good mix of intermediate and advanced terrain.

Sunlight has a great variety of terrain for all skiers and snowboarders. In fact, Sunlight offers one of the steepest chair lift accessible runs in the state (the ‘Heathen’), as well as having a wide range of beginner terrain.

Tercero and Primo lifts start turning at 9am, but if you have purchased a powder pass, you could start your day at 8:30 when there is 4” or more of new snow before 7am. For Segundo, the start and close times do vary by the day. For more information, check here.

No. For the safety of your pet and other guests’, dogs are not allowed at Sunlight during the winter. Dogs are allowed during the summer but must always be leashed or in control. Sunlight reserves the right to refuse access to dog owners and their pets while on Sunlight property.

Sunlight does not currently have a tubing hill. There are areas at the base near the lodge to hang out, relax, and soak in all the area’s natural beauty.

There are a range of things to do in the summer including hiking and biking, as well as having one of the best disc golf courses in the state. Sunlight also hosts events and is considered to have one of the premier wedding venues in the area.

Yes. Sunlight offers corporate events, weddings, music festivals, and other events. Check out our event calendar for more information, or reach out with questions about Sunlight hosting your event at info@sunlightmtn.com.

Yes. It varies by department but please ask when you arrive. Thank you for your service.

Sunlight offers a large amount of beginner terrain, but it is recommended that you take a lesson if you are concerned about getting down the mountain.

Yes.

No.

Sunlight will accommodate refund requests on a case-by-case basis but generally we do not offer refunds.

Yes, but with restrictions. Contact our ticket office or guest services for more information.

Sunlight Mountain Resort allows skiing, snowboarding, and snow skating (if it has a secure attachment for the lifts) – currently our lifts are not equipped to accommodate snow bikes. All equipment must always be secured by a brake or a leash while riding the lifts and while on the mountain.

No. Our lifts are only available for those with a valid lift pass, and who have skis, a snowboard, or snow skate with secure bindings and a functional leash or brakes.

Lessons are recommended for anyone who has never skied before, for beginners who want to continue advancing, and for those who are looking to sharpen their skills on more complex terrain.

For children ages 3-6, email kids@sunlightmtn.com to get check availability and set up a reservation.

For kids 7+ and all other ages, you can purchase most lessons on our website by following this link.

Sunlight does offer private lessons; however, they are very limited and may not be offered at peak times such as Christmas break, Spring break, and MLK/President’s Day weekends. Private lessons are not available to purchase online. To request a private lesson, contact our lesson office at lessons@sunlightmtn.com.

For our Sunny Ski/Ride School (ages 3-6) all lessons are sold in a package that includes a lift ticket as well as the skis or snowboard equipment.

For kids 7+ and adults, we offer a discounted lift ticket as an add-on product in a lesson/lift package.

There is a general rule of thumb that says that skiing is easier to learn and harder to master, while snowboarding is harder to learn, easier to master. While the learning curve for both sports is different for everyone, this saying is usually fairly accurate. For those who may have a limited amount of time to invest - especially for those coming from out of town, skiing is typically a good place to start.

Lessons are 2hrs, but you can upgrade to a full day (4hr) lesson.

Lessons start at 9:30 & 12:30.

For anyone taking a lesson, it is recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes early to get fitted for gear, etc.

If you are late for your lesson, we will do everything possible to accommodate. However, if the class has left the base area, you may have to reschedule for another available date or time. No call, no shows are subject to full lesson charge.

Our group sizes can vary but our ratios of students to instructors are some of the lowest in the state. For children 6 and under, our ratios tend to be 3:1 or less.

Yes. For more information contact lessons@sunlightmtn.com. 

Sunlight has several options for multi-day lessons. For out-of-town guests coming in for several days, the ‘Learn to Shine’ package is one of the best deals in the country. For locals, Sunlight offers a multi-week ‘kids club’ package. For more information check out our lessons page.

At the very minimum it is essential to have/wear a single pair of long wool or synthetic socks, waterproof snow pants, a good winter jacket, gloves, and goggles or sunglasses. For a more comprehensive guide, check here.

No. Sunlight is not licensed as a day care facility.

Lessons start for ages 3+.

It is asked that parents keep their distance from the 3-6-year-old lessons for the purpose of safety and focus. There are viewing areas to keep an eye on your child’s progress.

For children 7+, you will be in a similar learning area as your child and can learn together.

We divide our ski schools and lesson groups based on age and ability. Your older children will have a different learning curve than the little ones, and younger children also typically require more attention.

There are no safety bars on the lifts, but safety is our top priority in all areas and our lifts are optimized to provide our guests with the safest possible experience.

No. Sunlight’s base area is configured to create a learning experience that progresses students faster than many other resorts that utilize magic carpets.

For the Sunny Kids Ski/Ride School, call 970-945-7491 ex. 248 or email kids@sunlightmtn.com. If you have purchased lessons online, give us a call at 907-945-7491 ex. 236 or email lessons@sunlightmtn.com.

• For 3–6-year-old lessons, you get those directly from our Sunny Kids Ski/Snowboard School. All skis are included with the price of the lesson and are only available at our ski school. 
• For kids 7+ and adults, you can get your equipment at the mountain ski school rental shop located directly at the base of the resort.

2 Tours are offered daily.  The Family (beginner) Tour departs at 10am Mountain Time and the Adventure Tour departs at 12:30pm MT.

Reservations are highly recommended, but Guests are welcome to ‘drop in’ for same day openings, if any.

Please check in at our office, located at the Sunlight Mountain Inn, at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour start time.  Check-in for the Family Ride at 9:30am Mountain Time, or, at Noon MT for the Adventure Ride.  If it is snowing, or has recently snowed, plan extra time for your drive.

Check-in at the Sunlight Snowmobile Tour office located under the back deck of the Sunlight Mountain Inn.  The Sunlight Mountain Inn is the first structure you pass on the left prior to the sharp left turn into the ski hill main parking lot.  If you get to the ski area’s main parking lot, you’ve gone just a bit too far.  There is signage.

Check the weather and our ‘What to Wear’ link.  Dress in layers for warmth with a waterproof outer layer, as if you are going skiing or snowboarding.  Winter gloves, winter boots (snowboard boots work well), something for your neck/chin area and goggles/sunglasses. Seriously - dress warm, this is backcountry snowmobiling - not a fashion show.  Both the Family and Adventure ride go up substantially in elevation and well out into the backcountry, where the air temperature is normally much cooler than the base area and the weather can, and frequently does, change quickly.  It is easy to take off layers if you overheat.  Of course, extra points awarded for the combination of function and fashion!

No, but we will provide a DOT approved, sanitized, open-faced helmet with an optional face shield.

Sure, but only if it is DOT approved…which most ski helmets are not.

No.. However, please feel free to bring a snack as well as at least 1 liter of water per person.

We can definitely accommodate a variety of medical/other conditions. Please contact us if you have specific concerns, as well as letting your guide know your specific condition prior to the ride. We can also carry medications if needed. In addition, we work closely with our mountain ski patrol to ensure proper planning and response to any medical or environmental emergency. 

You will not be charged until the day of your tour. This gives you the flexibility to pay with a different card(s) or cash the day of the ride. Speaking of cash, it is always good to have some cash on hand for emergencies…and so you can tip your guide when they earn it!

Yes.  Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hrs prior to your scheduled Tour date/time.  If no notice is received and you do not show up for your Tour by the arrival time (see above) the card on file will be charged in full.  Additionally, if you have still not arrived 15 minutes prior to the Tour’s departure time, your reserved snowmobile(s) may be given to Guests waiting on standby.

Maybe.  Check with us at least 72 hours prior to your tour to discuss.

Drivers must be 16+ years old with a drivers permit or a valid US / International driver's license.

For the Family Tour, children ages 6+ are welcome to ride.  For the Adventure Tour, we require children to be 10+ years old.

Yes.  Schedule the Family Tour then a 12:30pm ski lesson and you can get it all in!

You can rent equipment by going online here. You can also visit our downtown Glenwood Springs location or go to the rental shop on the mountain however reservations are recommended.

No. Goggles, clothing, and other equipment outside of your ski/snowboard equipment can be purchased at the downtown Glenwood Springs Ski & Bike Shop, or at the mountain retail shop.

• For 3–6-year-old lessons, you get those directly from our Sunny Kids Ski/Snowboard School. 
• For kids 7+ and adults, you can get your equipment at the mountain ski school rental shop located directly at the base.

You can rent bikes by going to our website. You can also visit our downtown Glenwood Springs location. 

We rent everything from mountain bikes, E-bikes, as well as townies.

Yes. We have a full range of multi-day bike options for whatever adventure that you have in mind.

There are multiple power settings on E-bikes so the distance that you can get is highly variable. However, we have had people get all the way to Aspen and back on the lowest power setting.

We will come out and meet you as close as we can get to get it figured out/fixed.

It really depends on how busy we are, what type of bike you have, and how extensive the tune-up is. Call our shop today to get more details.

Yes

Yes. Sunlight offers a variety of made-to-order food as well as a selection of grab and go items.

Yes.

You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks, but Sunlight strictly prohibits bringing any outside alcoholic beverages as well as non-alcoholic beers to the resort.