It was either going to be my best idea ever for a mother-son weekend, or a complete failure. That’s the way I thought about my decision to bypass the big Colorado ski resorts on I-70 for the lesser-known Monarch Ski Resort in central Colorado along the Continental Divide.
Monarch Mountain Ski Resort attracted me because of its affordable rates and local flavor. It is located 128 miles west of Colorado Springs and about three hours from Denver International Airport.
You’ll need to rent a car, and initially the drive concerned me. Coming from Atlanta, I’d rather take a shuttle and let someone else navigate the winter weather. But we traded the traffic on I-70 for more bucolic vistas and plenty of passing lanes so I could take it slow on the mountain roads without feeling pushed.
Here’s everything we loved and learned during our Monarch Ski Resort trip.
Monarch Ski Resort Skiing
Monarch Mountain is nestled within the San Isabel National Forest off Highway 50 at Monarch Pass, and is blessed with abundant natural snow (about 350 inches a year), stunning scenery and varied terrain that is suitable for beginner to expert skiers of all ages.
You’ll find the Monarch Ski Area is located about 20 miles west of Salida, Colorado.
It’s also locally owned and operated by a team that has invested more than $9 million in recent years to upgrade the experience and facilities, and they aren’t done yet.
Read More: Salida Colorado: 26+ Things To Do in This Breathtaking Mountain Town
For the Experts
There are 67 trails, two ski and snowboard terrain parks and an expert area called Mirkwood Basin.
You’ll find steep chutes, open bowls, and powdery meadows here.
Mirkwood’s expert terrain is quite a bit above our ski level, but if you want something challenging, take the 10-minute hike to Mirkwood Bowl, or for true powder hounds, check out Monarch’s cat skiing tours.
First-Timers and Beginners
Since we only ski about once a year, we warmed up on the beginner slopes, working our way from left to right.
Snowflake and Butterfly are two nice bunny slopes accessible by a moving sidewalk. Roundabout is a long flat green that, at times, will have you using your polls to move forward. Sleepy Hollow is a bit steeper and gives the option to stay green or try a lower level blue.
Plenty of Blue Runs
We moved fairly quickly to the intermediate slopes, they offered a good variety of terrain. While I stayed a solid blue skier on the wide-open runs, my teenage son became a bit more adventurous, trying the moguls and tree skiing through the ever-present powder.
A beetle infestation several years ago killed several trees, which were then cleared via helicopters and ground working, making this skiable terrain and an easy way to flip back and forth between black and blue runs.
Take on the Tube Park
Tubing sessions are one hour long and available every ¼ hour; additional hours may be purchased. Walk-ins are welcome and are based on availability.
The Tubing Park is open seasonally on Fri/Sat/Sun from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Best Photo Spot on the Mountain
For the best views (and Instagram shots), head up the aptly named Panorama lift to the top of the Continental Divide. From the top you can ski greens, blues or blacks back down.
All runs, from beginner to advanced flow naturally back to the Monarch Mountain Lodge ski area, making it easy to meet up even if your group has a wide variety of ski level.
Lift Lines at Monarch Ski Resort
As an independent ski resort, Monarch isn’t as well known as the Epic or Ikon resorts, which means you get a real Rocky Mountain ski experience with smaller crowds. We visited on a Thursday and Friday before a holiday weekend and rarely had more than five people in front of us for the lifts.
Note on the lifts: Other than Tumbelina and nearby Pioneer, none of the lifts at Monarch have pull-down bars. Not gonna lie, that made me a little nervous with my teen, not sure how I’d feel with little ones.
Monarch Mountain Ski Resort Lodge
The Monarch Mountain Lodge is the base for all activity. Book lessons or drop the kids off at the children’s center while you ski.
Ski Rentals
For those who don’t have skis, you can rent whatever you need to ski or snowboard, including clothing from the rental shop. There are lockers in the rental area for your stuff and one especially nice feature – a ski valet is located at the base of the mountain.
Overnight Ski Valet
If you rent from Monarch, the ski valet, which is literally steps from the bottom of the mountain, stores your skis and poles for pick up the next day. Love the option to skip lugging skis and poles to the hotel and back.
On-Site Restaurants
When hunger strikes you have a few options. Monarch Ski Resort is home to several restaurant options.
The Sidewinder Saloon is the place for a sit down meal. The Gunbarrel Grill offers grab and go fair or you can pick up something at the Fly-By Burritos food truck off the outdoor patio. Elmo’s is a full service bar with slope-side views. And if you forget any essentials, Elation Sports has what you need.
Lodging Options Near Monarch Ski Resort
The closest lodging options near Monarch Mountain are in nearby Salida, Colorado, but if you want more of a resort experience, stay at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Mt. Princeton is an easy 40 minutes door-to-door. Accommodations range from hotel rooms to roomy mountain cabins – all with access to the historic hot springs.
The closest hotel to Monarch Mountain Ski Resort is the Monarch Mountain Lodge. It is not affiliated with the ski resort and although it is a fine option for a bed close to the slopes, could use updating according to a local we spoke with.
Stay Here: Monarch Mountain Lodge
Read More: 17 Best Hot Springs in Colorado You Must Visit
Winter Fun Off The Slopes
If skiing isn’t your thing or you need a break, there is plenty of winter fun off the slopes.
Snowmobile Tours
Explore San Isabel National Forest by snowmobile with Monarch Snowmobile Tours. The guides here are clearly having fun and the tour is a mix of riding through the forest, gorgeous mountain views, and an opportunity to let it rip in a wide-open glade.
Choose Between Two Historic Western Towns for Evening Fun
Monarch Mountain closes at 4 pm and doesn’t have the nightlife like some other Colorado ski resorts. What it does have are two authentic Western towns nearby chock full of restaurant options, unique shopping and fun activities for everyone in the family.
The towns of Salida and Buena Vista are well worth a visit, or even just a stop for dinner.
Read More: 9 of the Very Best Things To Do in Buena Vista CO
Monarch Ski Resort FAQ
Is Monarch Ski Resort good for beginners?
Monarch Ski Resort is great for beginners! You’ll find some great bunny slopes and beginner slopes for practicing, before moving on to the intermediate slopes.
What is the closest town to Monarch Mountain?
Salida, Colorado, is the closest town to Monarch Mountain. In Salida, you’ll find plenty of lodging options, restaurants, shopping, and things to do.
What airport is closest to Monarch Mountain?
The Colorado Springs Airport is the closest commercial airport to Monarch Mountain. You can rent a car to drive to Monarch Ski Resort from there.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO COLORADO:
- YOUR COLORADO VACATION
- CO SKI RESORTS: 3 Affordable Ski Resorts in Colorado Great for Out-of-Towners
- VAIL: 33 Things To Do In Vail That Your Family Should Not Miss
- COLORADO RESORTS: 21 Amazing Colorado Resorts Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
- STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: 13 Awesome Things To Do In Steamboat Springs for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- FORT COLLINS: 15 Amazing Things To Do in Fort Collins, Colorado
Where To Stay Near Monarch Ski Resort
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