Sunlight opens fully following sneak preview
Chelsea Self/Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Sunlight Mountain Resort opens for real Friday, with full access on all three lifts and expanded terrain after opening temporarily last weekend.
According to Sunlight Marketing and Sales Director Troy Hawks, crews were working Thursday to try to open Grizzly, a popular blue run on the east side of the mountain, by hauling snow up to Windy Point.
Snow depth on parts of the upper mountain remains thin in spots after winds blew much of the snow into the trees the weekend after Thanksgiving.
A small storm last weekend and into Monday helped, and snow was forecast overnight and into this morning.
“Rebel and Beaujolais are pretty likely to open, and the same with Crystal and Dawson,” Hawks said of some of the steeper blue runs in the main bowl. “It’s a game-day decision, but those runs are close to being ready to open.”
After a three-day preview opening Dec. 6 to 8, Sunlight opens in earnest for the season Friday. The official snow depth is still going unreported, after a bear earlier this fall broke Sunlight’s measuring pole.
Following an 80% chance of snow at Sunlight forecasted on Thursday night with snow accumulation in the 1- to 3-inch range, according to the National Weather Service, the opening-day forecast called for a continued 60% chance of an additional 1 to 3 inches, but windy.
Friday’s forecast calls for another 1 to 3 inches of snow possible, and a continued 80% chance of snow Saturday, according to the NWS.
Today’s apres-ski activities at Sunlight include a beer tasting hosted by the volunteer ski patrol, with live music beginning at 3 p.m.
Through the opening weekend, the special “Sunnystock” deal invites anyone who shows a 2019-20 season pass from any other ski resort to buy two Sunlight lift tickets for $69.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Aspen and Snowmass Village make the Aspen Times’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator
Trusted User
Developer of West End luxury homes suing city of Aspen over $755k in housing fees
A piece of West End property is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by an Aspen law firm on behalf of a local hotel developer and operator.