Glenwood Springs, Colorado — Sunlight Mountain Resort is preparing for a busy 2025 offseason. Two chairlift replacements are planned, one of which is currently undergoing a US Forest Service review.
Last week, the White River National Forest announced they’re seeking public comments for a proposed chairlift replacement. A new fixed-grip quad chairlift would replace the 58-year-old Primo chairlift. If you’re interested in submitting a comment, you can do so here.
Earlier this summer, Sunlight Mountain Resort announced two major changes to its lift infrastructure, which hasn’t changed much over the years. This summer, Sunlight announced that they are planning to replace the Segundo and Primo chairlifts during the 2025 offseason. These replacements will open during the 2025-26 season.
The Segundo fixed-grip double chairlift, which started its life at Aspen Mountain in 1954, will be replaced by a fixed-grip triple chairlift. It will replaced by the old Lenawee Triple chairlift from Arapahoe Basin. According to Colorado Public Radio, the capacity will increase from 970 guests per hour to 1,400.
The Primo chairlift, which has been at Sunlight since 1966, would be replaced by a new Leitner-Poma fixed-grip quad chairlift. The old Primo chairlift currently has a ride time of 12 minutes, and the new lift will be faster. The Primo chairlift services the summit of Sunlight.
“The replacement of Primo and Segundo signifies a new era for our resort. We are excited about the increased capacity and efficiency these new lifts will bring, while also honoring the legacy of Segundo, a beloved fixture of our mountain for over 50 years. Our goal is to offer an incredible and personalized experience, ensuring that while our infrastructure evolves, the essence of Sunlight remains unchanged. This transformation enables us to honor our roots and preserve our unique character, ensuring the welcoming atmosphere our guests love remains intact, while also enhancing the Sunlight experience with the new lifts,” said a spokesperson for Sunlight Mountain Resort this past summer.
There’s going to be a lot of change at Sunlight in 2025, which I imagine will be weird and concerning for locals. However, Colorado’s ski industry is rapidly changing, and Sunlight’s modernizing its lift infrastructure is a good move to put it on people’s radar.
Image Credits: Sunlight Mountain Resort, U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest
