Sunlight, CO, Dec. 31, 2013

Tony Crocker

Administrator
Staff member
We awoke Tuesday morning to thick overcast and an inch of new snow in Glenwood Springs. Compared to the previous 2 days we had an easy drive of 15 minutes up to Sunlight. There was cloud on top when we arrived, but once we got up the lift they were breaking up or rising.
IMG_5147.JPG


There was no more than an inch new and the groomers were not as smooth as at Powderhorn. There are 3 chairs, though the one that goes to the top starts at the top of the beginner area rather than at the base. Crowds were similar to Powderhorn, enough to fill parking and base lodges but not enough for any lift lines. The direct skiing from the chairs is not much bigger than the the main Take Four terrain pod at Powderhorn, though the vertical is 2,000. Here are the Cassanova Glades between two of the groomers.
IMG_5154.JPG


And here's Frying Pan Alley, a bump run lower down.
IMG_5164.JPG


There's lots of challenging skiing far skier's right from the top. But first you ski a long flat on top of the ridge with panoramic views south to Mt. Sopris.
IMG_5166.JPG


Late in the day there was a sunny break illuminating red rock cliffs near Glenwood Springs.
IMG_5168.JPG


Defiance was the first run we tried out the far skier's right.
IMG_5151.JPG


Not far away is a gate leading to several double blacks. Though coverage was better than Powderhorn, we wanted a clear view of what we were going to ski. The first and longest fall line Rapid Transit was excellent.
IMG_5159.JPG

IMG_5161.JPG

Just skier's left of that was Heathen, Sunlight's steepest run not yet adequately covered.

Our last run of the day was through scattered trees between the two earlier runs, starting with The Alamo and finishing with Inspiration.
IMG_5171.JPG


There are several more double blacks skier's right of Defiance, but with blind entries we left those alone. Mid season there would be a lot of challenging skiing out there.

We had a Ski, Swim, Stay package, so we spent an hour or so at the huge hot spring pools in Glenwood Springs after skiing.
 
Back
Top