When it comes to ski area expansions, this summer seems a bit more quiet than other years. From Lookout Pass doubling in size to the biggest new terrain expansion to hit the east coast in over a decade, new lift accessed acreage has exploded all across the country. We’re excited to announce that the streak stays alive by Sunlight Mountain expanding their offering of new terrain.
Sunlight Mountain Resort?
As many of you know, we’re BIG fans of ski areas that focus more on the skiing and less on the amenities like zip lines and spas. We try to skip Epic & Ikon resorts for our vacations and hit places like Pebble Creek, Whitewater, and Sierra-at-Tahoe because they’re unique and funky. Sunlight Mountain Resort, just south of the Glenwood Hot Springs, is just that and we’re excited to see that they’re investing over $4 million dollars to add a lift and additional acreage.
Sunlight Mountain Expansion Plans
Phase 1
Starting this summer, the trail maintenance crew will begin the hard work of cleaning up the existing Alligator Alleys, Deception, Defiance, Perry’s Plunge and other double-black diamond terrain on the East Ridge to provide gladed terrain in between the runs in the East Ridge area.
Phase 2
In the 2020 off-season, they’ll begin glading an additional 100 acres of new terrain just east of Perry’s Plunge which is currently the eastern boundary. They’ll also add more runs below the Midland Traverse, ending just short of the Four Mile Creek. During the 2020-21 season, for those hardy folks out on the mountain, you’ll be able to access it if you’re willing to hike out.
Phase 3
As part of the final phase, they’ll install a new lift – the first at Sunlight since the 1980’s! The current plans are for the new lift loading station to be below Perry’s Plunge near Four Mile Creek and the top unloading station above Beaujolais and Rebel. This will provide access to beginner, intermediate, and expert runs west of East Ridge as well as give skiers & snowboarders an opportunity to lap this terrain when before you’d have to take TWO lifts.
After all is said and done, the new East Ridge expansion will add more intermediate and advanced terrain to the east, and also lengthen existing runs farther downhill near Four Mile Creek. More terrain, longer runs, more acreage… now that’s what we call a win, win, WIN! Looks like we’ll have to plan a trip to Glenwood Springs, CO to taste this new treat.
