Sunlight Mountain Resort Upgrades Historic Chairlifts for 2025/26 Season

Michael Fulton11 Apr 2025

TL;DR

Sunlight Mountain Resort announces major infrastructure upgrades, replacing the Primo and Segundo chairlifts. This marks the largest investment in the resort's history, set to enhance the skiing experience from the 2025/26 season.

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Sunlight Mountain Resort Modernises with Major Lift Upgrades

Sunlight Mountain Resort is set to make a significant leap forward with the replacement of its Primo and Segundo chairlifts. This upgrade represents the largest investment in the resort's history and is scheduled for completion by fall 2025, ready for the 2025/26 ski season. The project aims to improve the resort's infrastructure while maintaining its unique character and community atmosphere.

CEO Cindy Dady provided an update on the project's progress, noting that the U.S. Forest Service has approved the permit for replacing the Segundo chair. The new Primo chair, an Alpha Poma quad, is currently being manufactured in Grand Junction. Both lift replacements involve collaboration with POMA for certain aspects of the installation.

A more recent photo of the lift line. Credit: Sunlight Mountain Resort

The Segundo lift, currently the oldest operational lift in Colorado, has a rich history dating back to 1954 when it first served skiers in Aspen. Since 1973, it has been a key part of Sunlight's infrastructure. Its replacement with a triple chair lift marks a significant milestone for both the resort and Colorado's skiing community. The 2024/25 season will offer the last opportunity to ride this historic lift, with the resort planning special activities to commemorate its farewell.

The Primo lift, currently a fixed-grip double chair, will be upgraded to a modern quad lift. This enhancement aims to increase lift capacity and reduce wait times, allowing skiers and snowboarders more time on the slopes. The project is pending final approval from the forest service, but the resort is moving forward with confidence.

The original chair has been lifting riders at Sunlight Mountain Resort for decades. Credit: Sunlight Mountain Resort

Construction for the lift upgrades is set to begin in summer 2024, with the main work occurring during summer 2025. During this period, some activities like disc golf will be temporarily suspended, but the resort will remain open for scheduled events such as weddings. The resort asks for public cooperation in staying away from the area immediately after the 2024/25 season closes due to construction activities.

While the resort acknowledges potential challenges such as weather and supply chain issues, it remains committed to enhancing the guest experience. This upgrade project demonstrates Sunlight Mountain Resort's dedication to improving its facilities while preserving its welcoming atmosphere and unique character that guests have come to appreciate over the years.

Sunlight Mountain Resort, located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain across its 730 acres. Known for its affordable skiing and stunning views of the Elk Mountains, the resort has been a favourite among local skiers and families since its opening in 1966. With these upcoming lift upgrades, Sunlight aims to enhance its appeal while maintaining its reputation as a friendly, accessible ski destination in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

About the author

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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