The Skiers' Guide to Monarch Mountain

Monarch is a great independently owned resort. Prices are reasonable and there is a lot of decent terrain.

My son and I skied there two weekdays last week. The weather was perfect, the mountain had plenty of snow, and it was easy to get to. Not one of the larger ski areas, the runs were varied and lengthy. The longest we ever waited in a lift line was maybe 5 minutes, and we were often the only skiers on a run. An "old fashioned" ski area, not a resort, the location is about 15 miles from hotels and town. Food is available at the lodge and not outrageously priced. Entire facility is well maintained and modern. Very family friendly. Lift tickets dynamically priced, but very affordable. Employees were friendly and helpful, eager to help the guests make the most of the day. I'd highly recommend Monarch!

Monarch is a small family resort in south central Colorado. there are hardly any lift lines, except on some holiday and a few big powder days when other Colorado resorts don't get a lot of snow that day.They don't make snow, but usually have a good base and most years there are a lot of powder days and the new snow doesn't get skied off too fast. It may last a few days! The base of the ski area is at 10,790 feet and the highest point in bounds is 11,952 feet. The vertical Drop 1,162 feet.They have some fun hike-to terrain, most notably the Mirkwood area and the short hike to Gunbarrel. Mirkwood is all ungroomed and you can find some steep powder bowls, chutes, and trees.The lift tickets are very affordable by Colorado standards.