SkiTown.com - US Skiing

Monarch Mountain - Colorado

Monarch Mountain is nestled in the pine and aspen trees at San Isabel National Forest, located in central Colorado on the Continental Divide.

Monarch's abundant, natural snowfall (29 feet on average) makes skiing and boarding an amazing experience whether for the first-timer on groomed beginner slopes, the intermediate looking for an ever-more challenging run or the expert looking for fresh and untracked deep powder.

At a base elevation of 10,790 feet, Monarch has 54 trails on 800 skiable acres, including 770 backcountry acres accessed by Monarch Snowcat Tours.

PSIA-certified instructors offer American Teaching Method education clinics in alpine, telemark and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. There also are special programs for women and children.

Build up an appetite and choose from Monarch's tasty Midlevel coffee stop, the Gunbarrel Café and Monarch's Sidewinder Saloon and Lodge.

Need a gift for someone back home? The Monarch sports shop has gloves, goggles, scarves, sunglasses, hoodies, t-shirts, baseball caps and winter souvenirs. Skiers and riders can even rent ski pants and jackets.

"Our goal is to keep you warm, happy and smiling - otherwise we'd just be another sports shop," says the mountain's sport shop website.

With over fifteen areas of affordable lodging around the ski area and the neighboring town of Salida, Monarch is a quick getaway escape for anyone. The town holds many events from live music to colorful art galleries and fine dining along the Arkansas River.

Monarch is a family-oriented area and has an on-site day care facility. The staff are professionals and well-trained in first aid and early childhood development. Ski programs are available for older children as well.

Monarch Mountain is located on scenic U.S. Highway 50 between the Royal Gorge and Gunnison, 21 miles west of the town of Salida. From Denver, take Highway 285 south to U.S. Highway 50 west for about 15 miles to Monarch Ski Resort.


Contact Monarch

MOUNTAIN STATISTICS
Base Elevation:	10,790 ft	(3,289 m)
Summit Elevation:	11,961 ft	(3,646 m)
Vertical Drop:	1,170 ft	(357 m)
Skiable Area:	800 acres	(324 hectares)
Annual Snowfall:	350 in	(889 cm)
Longest Run:	5,280 ft	(1,609 m)
Snowmaking:	0 %
Number of Lifts:	5
Uphill Lift Capacity:	6,100 per hour
Types of Lifts:	4 Double Chairs 1 Fixed Quad
Number of Trails:	54

TRAIL RATINGS
Easiest:		14%
More Difficult:		28%
Most Difficult:		27%
Experts Only:		31%
Trail ratings indicate the relative difficulty of the runs within a given ski area and are not meant to be used for comparison between ski areas.

AREA DETAILS
Alpine Skiing:	Yes
Snowboarding:	Yes
Required:	Yes
Snowcat Skiing:	Yes
Terrain Park:	Yes

 

FEATURED LODGING

» Salida Super 8 Motel

$79.89 - $94.89

525 W. Rainbow Salida, CO 81201

The Pride of Super 8 Motel welcomes you to Salida... the Heart of the Rockies, gateway to the Upper Arkansas River Valley and the fourteeners. The Super 8 is conveniently located on Highway 50, (don't be confused it is the same as Rainbow Blvd) across the street from the Historic Salida Hot…

» Gateway Inn and Suites

$71.99 - $159.99

1310 E. Highway 50 Salida, CO 81201

Gateway Inn and Suites is your Gateway to the Rockies and offers a convenient central location to unlimited Colorado recreation. As one of the newest motels in Salida, Gateway Inn and Suites offers unique and exceptional motel accommodations, including tastefully decorated, clean, comfortable…

» Circle R Motel

$44.00 - $59.00

304 East Highway 50 Salida, CO 81201

Take a break from the ordinary. Owned and operated by Colorado natives, this cozy 17-room motel offers a casual, friendly atmosphere. Clean, comfortable, modern rooms greet the weary traveler. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while sitting outside your motel room. Count the stars while soaking…

» Comfort Inn Salida

$98.00 - $98.00

315 E. Rainbow Blvd. - US 50 Salida, CO 81201-2701

Colorado hospitality at its finest! Tastefully decorated oversized guest rooms with mountain views. All rooms feature 2 vanities. Enjoy our warm and relaxing lobby area with fireplace. Large indoor pool and hot tub. Deluxe Continental Breakfast. Variety of restaurants within walking distance.…

» Buena Vista Super 8 Motel

$103.01 - $136.26

530 N US Hwy 24 Buena Vista, CO 81211

This Super 8 is without a doubt, one of the best motels in the chain. Pride property in addition to recipient of the National Hospitality Award. 27 inch flat screen TVs with HBO, refrigerators, hair dryers, irons, swimming pool and hot tub as well as Free high speed in all rooms and a business…

» Silver Ridge Lodge

$89.00 - $155.00

545 W Rainbow Blvd On U S Hwy 50 Salida, CO 81201

From the moment you turn into our easy access entrance with meticulously landscaped grounds, you know that your stay with us will be a delight. We take pride in providing the small details that make the difference for you. Our family run lodging facility is wonderfully located to be your vacation…

» Best Western Vista Inn

$116.09 - $138.99

733 U.S. Highway 24 North Buena Vista, CO 81211

COME TO WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SKY! Discover the Best Western Vista Inn, Buena Vista's newest and largest inn and the perfect base camp for all the wonderful outdoor activities the area has to offer. Enjoy the warmth of our inviting lobby and fireplace while looking out on 14,000 ft. Mt.…

» Salida-Days Inn

$74.99 - $79.99

407 E. Highway 50 Salida, CO 81201

Featuring an outdoor Jacuzzi surrounded by a European Flower Garden and breathtaking views of the mountains. Hotel is the recipient of the Chairmans Award For Quality and offers Free Highspeed Wireless Internet Access, Free Continental Breakfast and Unique Hand Painted Murals throughout the…

» Holiday Inn Express Salida, Co

$98.11 - $109.00

7400 US Hwy. 50 W. Salida, CO 81201

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Salida is located in the heart of all your mountain fun! Within minutes you can be hiking, biking, fishing, rafting or skiing just to name a few! We are located only 18 miles from Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area, and are only minutes from rafting or fishing the mighty…

» Salida Travelodge

$59.99 - $79.99

7310 W. US Hwy. 50 Salida, CO 81201

The Travelodge Salida is a Traditional Alpine Style Lodge. The Lodge offers a unique selection of Large Standard Rooms, Large Family Rooms, Suites, and Cottages. Each Room Type is nicely appointed and decorated with custom furniture and artwork. Guest enjoy Free Continental Breakfast, Free…