Sun's out, buns out

For an upcoming girls ski weekend at Sunlight Mountain Resort, you can leave your boots on – but not much else.

On March 29-30, the small, privately owned resort near Glenwood Springs will host the all-female “Boot Tan Fest,” complete with an end-of-day naked ski lap.

The festival, entering its fourth year, is open to all women as well as female-identifying and nonbinary individuals for a weekend of skiing, special events, camaraderie and interesting tan lines.

According to The Denver Post, Jenny Verrochi started Boot Tan Fest in 2021 after organizing a casual, ladies-only naked lap at the now-defunct Bluebird Backcountry ski area near Kremmling. In 2022, it became an official, ticketed event drawing 200 people. In 2023, the event more than doubled, bringing in 450 people.

Could it be the allure of the wind on your, uh, cheeks, is just too good to pass up?

“It is the best feeling,” Verrochi confessed.

After Bluebird announced it was closing last summer, Verrochi approached resorts across the country to host the event. Strangely enough, many were game – but ultimately, she decided to keep it in Colorado.

“We went with Sunlight because … it’s a super low-key, very chill vibe. This wouldn’t be possible at Aspen or Vail,” she told The Post.

Because Sunlight actually has chairlifts and is near hotels, restaurants and an interstate, Verrochi said she is expecting upwards of 1,500 attendees this year.

“It’s much more accessible for people,” she said. “There’s ski lifts, which makes it beginner-friendly and anyone can join.”

Boot Tan Fest will not be taking over the resort for the day; Sunlight will operate as  normal day. However, once the resort closes at 3 p.m. on March 29, that’s when the skivvies will be shed for the real – and possibly quite nippy – fun. (Just don’t wipe out; no one needs slush rash on their lady parts.)

Boot Tan Fest, which is sponsored by Kari Traa, will also feature vendors from women-owned brands, a comedy show, après party, oh, and tattoos.

For Verrochi, watching Boot Tan Fest grow from “a scrappy backcountry festival to a major resort” has been gratifying, and she hopes any women interested in meeting other like-minded skiers will join the party. “We want it to be welcoming,” she said. “Come by yourself, and you’re sure to walk away with friends.” And maybe an interesting sunburn.

Find tickets and info. at boottanfest.com.