Forest Service seeks comments on lift replacement at Sunlight

Comments will help with the environmental review of the proposal

CARBONDALE, Colo. – The White River National Forest seeks public comments on Sunlight Mountain Resort’s proposal to replace the Primo Chairlift, a 1960s-era lift. Sunlight Mountain Resort is proposing to replace the 58-year-old lift for greater uphill capacity to improve visitor experience and to incorporate the latest lift technology. The existing double chair lift has a capacity of 1,200 people per hour and would be replaced with a modern quad chair with a capacity of 1,500 people per hour. If, approved work is anticipated to being in summer 2025.

The new lift would be constructed within the existing lift corridor and alignment with some minor changes in the existing top and bottom lift terminals. The lift replacement is primarily on Forest Service land with the lower 850 feet on private property.

Sunlight Mountain Resort operates on the White River National Forest under a special use permit. The replacement of the lift is within their permitted area and is included in the Sunlight Mountain Resort Master Development Plan accepted by the White River National Forest in June 2023.

The removal of the old lift and installation of the new lift would occur during the 2025 construction season. The old lift would be removed immediately after closing for the 2024-2025 ski season using over-the-snow techniques wherever possible to minimize impacts. Construction access would use existing roads where feasible, and lower-impact equipment such as spider hoes and helicopters would be used on steeper terrain. All disturbed areas would be revegetated immediately after construction.

“Before any work on the ground can begin, the Forest Service needs to complete an environmental review of this proposal,” said Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner. “Public comments about this proposal are a key part of the environmental review.”

Comments will be most helpful if received by Oct. 17, 2024.

Replacement of the adjacent Segundo Chairlift was approved by the White River National Forest in July 2023 and will occur concurrently.

More information, including the proposal and how to comment, is available at