Looking for a no-fuss ski area that has something for the whole family? Just 2 & ½ hours from Pueblo, Monarch Mountain is a hidden gem that is both affordable and worth the drive. Monarch offers free parking, affordable lift tickets, an easy single base area and plenty of terrains to keep the whole crew happy. There is even a snow tubing park! So, if you need to take a break from your ski boots, or are just looking for other fun activities besides skiing or snowboarding, Monarch has that too.
Known for its powder, Monarch receives more than 350” of natural snow every year. What Monarch boasts in annual snowfall, it lacks in crowds, so you can find ample stashes even days after a storm. Monarch gets that powder isn’t for everyone if a wide-open groomer with gorgeous views is something you’re after you won’t have to look far. With 670 lift-served skiable acres and the hike-to-ski access known as Mirkwood Basin coming in at 130 acres, Monarch has 800 skiable acres inbounds. If backcountry is more your speed, the guided Snow Cat operation will wear out any expert skier with an additional 1635 acres of steep, technical terrain.
For those interested in learning how to ski or snowboard, Monarch is the perfect classroom. Whether it’s your first time on skis or if you just want to polish your skills, the Monarch Ski and Ride School offers an array of robust programs that will help you reach your goals. A convenient single base area makes it easy to keep your group together while giving parents the peace of mind when the kids are ready to explore on their own.
Want to make a weekend of it? Monarch works with many local lodgers to bring you discounted ski & stay packages. Monarch is just 20 miles west of Salida, a small mountain town known for its creative arts community, a charming downtown, and countless dining & entertainment options. It will feel like a real getaway!
The 2019-2020 winter season marks a special occasion for Monarch Mountain. The ski area will be celebrating 80 years of operation which is a feat that only a few Colorado ski areas can boast. Monarch is encouraging all ski fans to keep an eye out for 80th anniversary celebrations throughout the year.
The original Forest Service permit for Monarch Mountain was issued in early 1939. Gunbarrel, also known then as “Bloody Ridge,” was the first run cut using two-man handsaws and double-bladed axes. In Monarch’s first year of operation, season passes cost just $1 and 64 of them were sold.
For more information, visit SkiMonarch.com, follow @MonarchMtn on Facebook and @MonarchMountain on Instagram.