Sunlight Gets Native American Snow Blessings

The slopes of Sunlight will be blessed with a Native American cultural dance performance on Martin Luther King Day. The Ute Indian Tribe will be honoring and blessing the mountain on the outside deck of Sunlight’s Day Lodge, as well as performing their annual cultural dance.

It’s a snow dance that the Native Americans do every year. It was originally organized by Olympians Billy Kidd and Suzy Chaffee, who worked with the Native Voices Foundation based in Aspen.

“The Ute Indians have been coming to Sunlight for many years and we welcome them every time as they bring the mountain great greetings and hopeful snow,” said Jennie Spillane with the resort.

Sunlight Mountain Resort Ute Indians

Photo courtesy Sunlight Mountain Resort.

Snow is definitely one thing many Colorado resorts are hoping to receive. It has not been as abundant as in years past. “With a positive attitude and praise to Ullr, we will be blessed with an abundance of snow and great weather for the future of the 2012 ski season,” added Erin Walla with Sunlight.

The Ute Indian performance starts at high noon on Monday. Then they’ll unwind in the healing waters of the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which the Native Americans first shared with the settlers.

Another big event coming up is the Glenwood Springs Insurance Endurance Challenge on Feb. 25. Skin or hike up and then ski down for a 12-hour period. Skiers, riders and snowshoers are welcome to participate.

Sunlight Mountain Resort is about ten miles outside of Glenwood Springs.

Sunlight Mountain Resort Ute Indians.