It’s always a competition to see who gets “first chair” on opening day at Colorado’s ski resorts like Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs. This year, it happened locally on Dec. 15 and since then plenty of fresh, fluffy snow has graced the slopes to create the perfect storm for the Ski, Swim, Stay package, a popular favorite at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
Why? Because it is an affordable way to hit the slopes, soak in soothing mineral hot springs (or swim if you still have the energy), and stay overnight to enjoy full relaxation. No need to drive home in the dark on snowy roads! But why rush away, anyway? Stay one night or several to enjoy downhill skiing and boarding and a combination of activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, brewery and distillery hopping, shopping locally owned shops downtown, experiencing Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and catching a show at Glenwood Vaudeville Revue.
One of the big bonuses of purchasing the package is one child, age 12 and under, per paying adult receives a free lift ticket at Sunlight.
Ideal Basecamp
Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is an ideal basecamp with a location right across the street from the world’s largest natural hot springs pool (did we mention that a free hot breakfast at the poolside Grill is included in every stay?). The lodge is a short walk to rent equipment at Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop downtown and is on the route for Sunlight’s shuttle to the slopes. When making plans, make sure the shuttle is running due to COVID protocols. If you are set on having your wheels at the ski area, parking is free at this independent ski resort.
Reasonable Cost, Lots of Snowy Fun
Skiing and boarding at Sunlight is about half the cost of large resorts, and there are rarely lift lines to access 730 skiable acres and 72 trails that converge back to the lodge, where you can stow gear, meet family and friends, and get a bite to eat. Sunlight also offers snowmobile tours (adventure, family and private custom tours) and 29 kilometers of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails that wind their way through a beautiful high valley, Babbish Gulch, and are flanked by Sunlight Mountain and the 10,300-foot Williams Peak.
Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available on the mountain or at Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop, and there is no charge for trail use.
Soaking Nirvana
Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., so there is plenty of time to soak and play. When staying at the lodge, guests have unlimited access during these hours. The warmer therapy pool helps loosen up muscles for a day exploring the great outdoors and soothes tired bodies late afternoon and evening, and the main pool is a few degrees cooler and perfect for swimming, diving and mingling around. Hit the shop for a wide selection of bathing suits, goggles, sportswear and more, just in case you forgot something or want something new.
Don’t miss this winning winter combo: ski, swim and stay. If we’re adding two more “s” words in, how about a soak and snowmobile, too?