Monarch Mountain

Terrain:

Monarch is the perfect beginner family resort to ski or ride. There are plenty of easy greens and blues everywhere on the mountain. This makes Monarch a great place to learn. The runs are very open and if the run starts steep it levels out for people to slow down. There are also two small terrain parks with a few features and some S jumps for beginner park riders or park riders who like to get creative with their riding on different features. Never Summer sponsored the park so it is mainly aimed towards boarders, but still fun for all. 

There are still runs and areas for more advanced skiers to ride as well. The Mirkwood gate gives people access to more difficult double black terrain, but you do have to hike to get to this area of the mountain. Thus, the runs are very empty and great if you want to get fresh turns all day. You will have to do a bit of hiking to get there. For those who may not want to hike, there are still some great mogul runs throughout Monarch. These runs are not too long so your legs can take a break as you ski down a blue or green to the lifts.

Monarch also offers a variety of cat skiing terrain north of in-bounds terrain. This terrain is only for advanced skiers and boarders. This terrain is great for fresh turns with a good group of riders (must have five or more in your party). If you want to get away from groomed resort terrain and lift lines, also if you have the extra cash, cat skiing is a great way to have the mountain to yourself and your friends.

Overall, Monarch is a great place for beginner skiers and boarders because there is access to easy terrain off of every lift. You will never find yourself in a sticky situation if you can’t do blacks since there is always an easier way down. This makes the entire mountain accessible to all riders, so everyone can explore the mountain at their own pace.

Base Elevation – 10,790 ft

Peak Elevation – 11,952 ft

Number of Lifts – 8

Number of Trails – 64

Total Terrain – 800

Easiest Terrain (Greens) – 23%

More Difficult Terrain (Blues) – 27%

Most Difficult Terrain (Blacks)  – 38%

Expert Terrain (Double Blacks) -13%

Resort Hours – 9am-4pm Daily

Atmosphere and Locals:

The locals were friendly, but you can tell they were there to learn how to ski and quite focused on it. The majority of the people skiing and riding there were families and people learning or improving on their riding. In fact this is where I even first learn to ski, so I guess it works. Due to everyone’s focus on learning and having people come from different places, people were not as friendly as they can be at other resorts. This does not mean it isn’t easy to strike up a conversation with anyone, but that everyone is trying to learn.

Accessibility and Parking:

There is free parking right at the base of the Mountain. The parking service employees were extra friendly and even gave out stickers to people. Monarch is right off of HWY 50, nestled in the mountains between Gunnison and Salida. HWY 50 is a very classic Colorado mountain road that given the right storm can be very dangerous. This area of Colorado tends to not get the most snow, but always be cautious driving on mountain roads. 

Pricing: $$

There is a cafeteria area much like most resorts, which has averaged priced food and drinks for a mountain resort. There is also a restaurant and bar that serves great drinks, but expensive food for how small the resort is.

Lift Tickets – 

Adult: $94 (Full day), $72 (Half Day), $38 (2pm)

Senior: (62-68): $64 (Full day), $50 (Half Day), $38 (2pm)

Junior(7-12): $48 (Full day), $38 (Half Day), $35 (2pm)

Teen(13-17): $64 (Full day), $50 (Half Day), $38 (2pm)

Super Senior (69+)/Child (6 and younger): Free

Associated Season Pass – Power Pass

Lessons – 

Ages 3-6 Group Lessons $149 (Full Day) $99 (Half Day)

Ages 3-6 Private Lessons $220 (Full Day) $189 (Half Day) $160 (1.5 Hours)

First Timers 7-12 $89

First Timers 13+ $99

Junior (7-12) Lessons $89 (Full Day) $59 (Half Day)

Junior Private Lessons $455 (5 Hours, +$100 per person after 2 people) $220 (3 hours, +$50 per person after 2 people)

Teen/Adult (13+) Lessons $99 (Full Day) $79 (Half Day)

Mini & Me (3-6 + Parent) $225 (2 hours, +$100 per extra child)

Rentals – 

Adult(13+) Complete set $39

Adult Ski/Board Only $35

Adult Boots Only $25

Junior(7-12) Complete set $30

Junior Ski/Board Only $25

Junior Boots Only $20

Kids(6 and Under) Complete set $18

For more information visit https://www.skimonarch.com/