Monarch Mountain Ski Resort

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# 8Family Friendly in United States
# 2Family Friendly in Colorado
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Overview

Monarch Mountain is an authentic Colorado ski resort with high elevations, abundant snowfall, gorgeous scenery and excellent terrain. The ski area is situated high along the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range within the San Isabel National Forest near the towns of Salida, Buena Vista and Gunnison. The resort features amazing tree skiing, wide open alpine bowls and long intermediate trails.

Monarch Mountain is a perfect getaway for skiers and riders looking to avoid the crowds of the I-70 mega-resorts. Located about 150 miles southwest of Denver, Monarch Mountain is worth the trip to experience great natural terrain combined with short lift lines.

 

 

None at the Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area. Monarch Mountain Lodge is located three miles east of the ski area. There are a variety of lodging options, from budget hotels to B&B's, located in Salida, just 18 miles east of the ski area.

Terrain

Monarch Mountain is a great option for skiers and snowboarders in search of fresh powder and short lift lines. The ski area is relatively far away from Denver compared to some of the resorts along I-70 but offers less skier traffic on the slopes and in the car.

Monarch is situated along the continental divide and has ample tree skiing with wide open bowls and great intermediated cruisers. The snow-cat at Monarch shuttles skiers and snowboarders to expert terrain that is generally more advanced than some other ski area snow-cat operations.

Inside Scoop

Monarch is a great option for families due to its affordable prices and in-expensive lodging options in Salida, Buena Vista and Gunnison. There is a mountain day lodge located at the base with ski and snowboard schools, ski rentals and child care. There is parking located directly at the base of the mountain.

Plan Your Trip

Monarch Lodging

Best Time for Snow

Average Snowfall

67"
42"
28"
14"
0"
15"
Nov
56"
Dec
54"
Jan
55"
Feb
41"
Mar
14"
Apr
0"
May

Terrain Overview

23%
Beginners Runs
27%
Intermediate Runs
38%
Advanced Runs
13%
Expert Runs
67
Runs in Total
1 mi
Longest Run
800 ac
Skiable Terrain

Total Lifts: 7

1
Quad Chairs
4
Double Chairs
2
Surface Lifts

Elevation

11952'
Summit
1162'
Vertical Drop
10790'
Base

Important Dates

December 01, 20222022/12/01
Projected Opening
April 09, 20232023/04/09
Projected Closing
136
Projected Days Open
136
Days Open Last Year
84
Years Open
350"
Average Snowfall
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