General FAQs
General Questions
How do I get to Sunlight?
Our address is 10901 County Rd. 117 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. From Denver, head west on I-70 for ~3 hours to get to Glenwood Springs. From Grand Junction, the drive is ~1 hour along EB I-70. Once you reach the town of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight is a short 13 miles away.
I read that kids 12 and under ski for free. How does that work?
This is only part of the Ski, Swim, Stay package. Sunlight only provides free lift passes for kiddos ages 5 and under.
How and where do I rent skis, snowboards, and other equipment?
Sunlight has a rental, repair, and retail shop in downtown Glenwood Springs, as well as up at the mountain. For many guests, it is more convenient to pick up their gear 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.
How do I get a hold of someone at Sunlight?
You can email us at info@sunlightmtn.com or call (970) 945-7491 for general questions. Please be aware that from around the second week of April to the 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, snowmobiletours@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.
What is the closest airport?
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.
Is parking free?
Yes. Sunlight also operates a free shuttle at the end of the day on weekends, which transports people to more distant lots.
When you arrive at a ski area parking lot, you should anticipate winter conditions, including snow, rain, ice, sleet, and generally slick conditions, often in low-visibility conditions. Give yourself additional time and walk with extreme care, keeping your nose over your toes and your hands out of your pockets for balance. Do not carry too much equipment; wear suitable winter footwear with traction.
Can I park overnight?
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-served basis.
What do I wear?
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.
When do you open/close for the season?
It varies from year to year, but Sunlight typically opens during the first two weeks of December and closes the first part of April.
How many lifts does Sunlight have?
Sunlight has 3 lifts:
- Tercero: Our shortest lift, providing access to most of the beginner terrain.
- Primo: Accesses the top of the mountain and more advanced terrain.
- Segundo: Accesses the west side of the mountain, which offers a good mix of intermediate and advanced terrain.
Is Sunlight for beginners?
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. Be sure to check out our lessons, too!
What time do the lifts turn on?
Tercero and Primo lifts start turning at 9am, but if you have purchased a powder pass, you could start your day at 8:30am when there is 4” or more of new snow before 7am. For Segundo, the start and close times do vary by the day.
Are dogs allowed at the ski resort?
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.
Are there tubing or other things to do?
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.
What is there to do in the summer?
There is a range of summer activities, 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.
Does Sunlight offer events?
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.
Does Sunlight offer military discounts?
Yes. It varies by department, but please ask when you arrive. Thank you for your service.
Do you have a bunny hill?
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.
Do you have lockers?
Yes. Our lockers are located on the breezeway level of the Resort, next to the Mountain Rental Shop and across from Guest Services. Please use the Locker Rental Kiosk to reserve your locker or use the QR code on the outside of your locker to reserve. Lockers cost $10-$15 per day.
Do you offer insurance for season passes?
No.
What if I bought a lift ticket but can’t make it?
Sunlight will accommodate refund requests on a case-by-case basis, but generally, we do not offer refunds.
Can I use my unused ticket on a different day than I bought it for?
Yes, but with restrictions. Contact our ticket office or guest services for more information.
Are snow bikes allowed?
Sunlight Mountain 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.
Can I ride the lift if I don’t want to ski or snowboard?
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.
Ski School & Winter Rentals
How do I rent skis/snowboards?
Yes, we have winter equipment rentals and bike rentals. You can also visit our downtown Glenwood Springs location or go to the rental shop on the mountain; however reservations are recommended.
Do you rent goggles or clothing?
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.
I bought a ski lesson and need equipment, where do I get my rental?
- 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.
Who are lessons recommended for?
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.
How do I sign up for ski school?
Most of our lessons are available for reservation online. Please check our lessons page for more information pertaining to each age group.
Do you offer private lessons?
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.
Do lift tickets and the equipment come with the lesson?
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.
Is it easier to learn how to ski or snowboard?
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.
How long are the lessons?
Our lessons are 2 hours, but you can upgrade to a full-day (4-hour) lesson.
When do lessons start?
Lessons start at 9:30am & 12:30pm.
When do I need to arrive?
For anyone taking a lesson, it is recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes early to get fitted for gear, etc.
What if I’m late for my lesson?
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 the full lesson charge.
How big are the groups?
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.
Does Sunlight provide adaptive lessons?
Yes! We offer adaptive lessons. Learn more on our website or contact lessons@sunlightmtn.com for details.
Do you have multi-day lessons available?
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.
What do I need to wear?
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.
Do you offer childcare?
No. Sunlight is not licensed as a day care facility.
What ages does Sunlight provide lessons for?
Lessons start for ages 3+.
Can parents be in the lesson with their kids?
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.
Can my 3-6-year-old be in the same lesson as my older child?
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.
Are there safety bars on the chairlifts?
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.
Do you have a magic carpet?
No. Sunlight’s base area is configured to create a learning experience that progresses students faster than many other resorts that utilize magic carpets.
How do I cancel my lesson?
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.
I bought a ski lesson and need equipment, where do I get my rental?
- 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.
Bike Rental Shop
How do I rent a bike?
What type of bikes do you rent?
We rent everything from mountain bikes, E-bikes, and townies.
Do you do multi-day bike rentals if I want to go to Moab or somewhere out of town?
Yes. We have a full range of multi-day bike options for whatever adventure you have in mind.
How far can I go on an E-bike?
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.
What happens if I get a flat or something breaks?
We will come out and meet you as close as we can get to get it figured out/fixed.
Do you offer next-day tunes on my bike?
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.
Do you rent helmets?
Yes, we do!
Sunlight Snowmobile Tours
How many Snowmobile Tours are there per day?
We offer two guided snowmobile tours daily. The family (beginner) tour departs at 10am Mountain Time and the Adventure Tour departs at 12:30pm MT.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended, but Guests are welcome to ‘drop in’ for same-day openings, if any.
When do I need to arrive?
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.
Where is check-in?
Check in at the trailhead of Babbish Gulch, which is located right at the turn into the Sunlight parking lot. If you’ve made it to the Sunlight Lodge, you have gone too far!
What clothing and equipment do I need to bring?
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!
Can I rent clothing?
No, but we will provide a DOT-approved, sanitized, open-faced helmet with an optional face shield.
Can I wear my ski helmet instead of your provided helmet?
Sure, but only if it is DOT approved…which most ski helmets are not.
Do you provide refreshments?
No. However, please feel free to bring a snack as well as at least 1 liter of water per person.
What if I have a medical condition? Can I still ride?
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.
Will my credit card be charged at the time I make a reservation?
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!
Is there a cancellation policy?
Reservations can be refunded or rebooked* if requested 48 hours or more before your reservation day. Cancellation requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable but may be rebooked within the current season*. Changes to your reservation cannot be made on the day of your scheduled arrival and will result in the forfeiture of the product. This includes no-shows and late arrivals. Please contact us at snowmobiletours@sunlightmtn.com if you need to make an adjustment to your reservation.
*Rebooked reservations are subject to availability and can only be rescheduled once. Any further changes will result in the forfeiture of the product.
Can I bring my own snowmobile?
Maybe. Check with us at least 72 hours prior to your tour to discuss.
What is the minimum age to drive?
Drivers must be 16+ years old with a driver’s permit or a valid US / International driver’s license.
What is the minimum age to ride as a passenger?
For the Family Tour, children ages 6+ are welcome to ride. For the Adventure Tour, we require children to be 10+ years old.
Can I do a Snowmobile Tour and a Ski Lesson on the same day?
Yes. Schedule the Family Tour, then a 12:30pm ski lesson, and you can get it all in!
Food & Beverage
Does Sunlight have a restaurant?
Yes. Sunlight offers a variety of made-to-order food as well as a selection of grab-and-go items. Check out our all of our dining options!
Does Sunlight have a bar?
Yes!
Can I bring outside food or drinks to Sunlight?
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.
