Monarch is a smaller resort with no lift lines,all natural snow.you can find powder in the trees even days after a storm. The apres ski atmosphere is cool with a couple of bar options.the scenery is awsome.they often get big dumps of snow.i have skiied a storm dump of 35 inches of new I recommend this resort as it is very inexpensive to ride here

I love skiing here, the only thing I wish we had was more expert terrain. The mountain is big enough to not be crowded but is is also not very close to any huge town, so that helps

Monarch is still independently owned and for the most part a hidden gem. Known to locals but not much outside of the area which keeps traffic and crowds down. You can enjoy a day with a group of friends as well as take the family (I have 4 kiddos that snowboard) and if ski/snowboarding is not your thing you can chill out in the lodge with free wifi or hit the tubes for some tubing action. That with the Town of Salida not far away and plenty of rental shops along the way you can't ask for much more. They also do not manufacture snow it's 100% natural a big plus for me! If you get a chance to ride Monarch take it you will not regret it, they have runs for all levels including back country bowls for those wanting that off he map feel.