In November, Colby Rogers was elected Sunlight Mountain Resort’s “Mini-Mayor.” Top on her agenda? Getting spaghetti on the menu at the popular Glenwood Springs ski resort. Maybe not the political move expected from a mayor, but at just five-years-old, Rogers’ position does have its limits.
Sunlight’s tradition of electing a child (age 12 and under) to serve as mini-mayor started in 2014, after the ski resort got a comment from a four-year-old who wanted ski season to start early. Sunlight realized its family-friendly offerings could benefit from some youthful input. The resort launched its Mini-Mayor program soon after, as a way to engage its youngest constituents.
During her time in office, Rogers’ primary duty will be to oversee Sunlight’s kids menu—and this spunky Rifle, Colorado native is lobbying to get her favorite meal, spaghetti, on the table. The young politician started skiing when she was three, and she loves it so much that, someday, she might even want to be an instructor. For now, another big legislative goal involves making her favorite winter pastime more accessible to kids of all ages.
“I want everyone of every age to ski,” she says. Rogers hopes to achieve this goal by “telling other kids how fun it is to ski,” she says, noting that she’s also urging Sunlight’s executive team to paint all of its chairlifts pink because, she adds, “I love pink.”
If only all politics were so endearing.
Campaigning begins each year on September 1, and votes are placed online at mini-mayor.com. Perks of the office include a free season pass, a new pair of skis or snowboard, and a seat at Sunlight’s executive table.
