[Editor’s Note: The Gems & Brews Tour was a 2-week ski pilgrimage in Feb. 2013 devoted to sampling some of the best small mountain resorts, fine craft beers, spirits and food across Colorado. The tour was a collaboration between CO Ski Country USA and Exploring Elements, with the idea to give a small taste of what you can expect when exploring these spectacular Colorado Gems. Be sure to check out the full Gems & Brews Tour Powderhorn report with great images from Exploring Elements here.]
Sunlight is a small mountain that offers up big fun. There always seems to be fresh snow to be found and non-existent lift lines. The terrain at Sunlight is well suited for the entire family, and while the expert terrain is limited, it offers up an extremely high quality experience. The perfectly spaced Aspens are just spectacular to ski and Charlies Glades are probably the most beginner friendly glades in the state. The layout of the mountain also works really well to feed everyone back to the lodge area, creating a very family friendly and social riding experience. You get all this with the best value adult day ticket in Colorado.
If you’re craving some adventure off your downhill gear, Sunlight has you covered; with free inbounds snowshoeing/skiing, a huge network of free use Nordic trails and a stellar snowmobile operation. With a history that goes back to 1966, Sunlight has been a locals favorite for nearly 50 years. However, you dont have to be a local to enjoy everything that this Gem of a resort has to offer. Between the fun groomers, perfect glades, steep chutes, huge Nordic trail network, and spectacular snowmobile tours, it is really difficult to not have an amazing day at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The small local Colorado mountain resort vibe is alive and well at Sunlight!
Sunlight Apres Ski Hot Spots:
Carbondale Beer Works Ale House & Winery (http://www.carbondalebeerworks.com/)
Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub (http://glenwoodcanyon.com/)
The Pullman(http://www.thepullmangws.com/)
Glenwood Hot Springs(http://www.hotspringspool.com/)
The Hotel Denver(http://www.thehoteldenver.com/)
Best Of Gems & Brews Tour 2013 Awards:
Best Beginner Friendly Glades: Sunlight offers tons of quality glades, but if you are just starting to ski in the trees, youre going to want to check out Charlies Glades for easy to navigate super fun aspens.
Best Day Lift Ticket: Sunlight at only $55.
Best Snowmobiling: Sunlight offers snowmobile tours that range from mild to wild on an extensive maintained trail network adjacent to the resort.
Best Red- Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub (http://glenwoodcanyon.com/) St. James Irish Red
Best Scottish Ale- Carbondale Beer Works Ale House & Wienery (http://www.carbondalebeerworks.com/CBW/Home.html) Haggis Scottish Wee Heavy Scottish Ale
Best Cocktails- The Pullman (http://www.thepullmangws.com/)
Best Place to Relax & Recover: Glenwood Hot Springs (http://www.hotspringspool.com/)
Best Place to Stay: The Denver Hotel (http://www.thehoteldenver.com/) takes the crown as it is only 20min to the slopes of Sunlight, has the Glenwood Springs Brew Pub on the first floor, amazing cocktails next door at The Pullman, the Glenwood Hot Springs are within walking distance and it offers an antique regal feel with modern amenities.
