When to Visit
Monarch Mountain typically welcomes skiers and snowboarders from late November through early April, though its exact opening and closing dates are naturally
dependent on snowfall. For the most reliable and abundant snow conditions, planning a visit for February or March is highly recommended. However, even early January can offer excellent coverage, as experienced firsthand in early 2024. To secure the best value on lift tickets, booking online in advance is a wise strategy. Skiing during weekdays generally presents a more economical option compared to Saturdays, which are typically the busiest and most expensive days. Half-day tickets can start around $79, with full-day tickets beginning at $119, depending on the season and booking timing.
Where to Stay
For lodging near Monarch Mountain, several distinct options cater to different preferences. In Salida, the closest sizable town, the Amigo Motor Lodge offers a nostalgic stay with modernized vintage motel rooms and Airstreams, complete with hot tubs and a grab-and-go breakfast. Also in Salida, the Manhattan Hotel provides a boutique experience in the historic downtown art district, about a 30-minute drive from the mountain. If a soak in natural hot springs is a priority, Mount Princeton Hot Spring Resort in Nathrop is about a 45-minute drive away and includes hot spring access with an overnight stay. For a riverfront setting and live music, consider the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, a roughly 50-minute drive, which also offers rental homes for more space.
Dining Delights
Monarch Mountain hosts its own culinary gems, embodying its down-to-earth ethos. The Sidewinder Saloon, a gastropub at the base, is celebrated for its high-end pub fare in a convivial atmosphere, famous for its nachos and bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, reminiscent of the iconic "Cheers" bar. For budget-conscious visitors, The Gunbarrel Grill in the main lodge offers affordable, cafeteria-style options like pizza, burgers, soups, and salads. Off-mountain, The Biker & The Baker in Salida is a top choice for daily brunch and evening meals, an expansion from their popular sandwich and burrito shops.
Après-Ski Experiences
While Monarch Mountain itself focuses on the skiing experience rather than elaborate après-ski, the nearby towns offer vibrant options. Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs (a 25-minute drive) features up to 16 brews on tap and to-go options, with a satellite location in Salida. For craft cocktails, Wood's High Mountain Distillery in downtown Salida serves regionally acclaimed spirits in a historic industrial building. Additionally, the Boathouse Cantina, also in Salida, is a favored spot for its riverfront location, views, and stellar margaritas, especially enjoyable on its outdoor deck during sunny days.
On-Mountain Activities
Beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding, Monarch Mountain offers additional snow-centric fun. Snow tubing is available for all ages (over 36 inches) on designated lanes at the base of the ski area, with 90-minute sessions bookable online or as walk-ins. For the truly adventurous, Monarch Cat Skiing provides access to an expansive out-of-bounds acreage, larger than the in-bounds area, for expert skiers. A seat on the snowcat costs upwards of $500 and grants access to challenging bowls, steep chutes, and dense tree skiing, often including lunch and a beverage, with optional avalanche safety gear rentals.
Getting On-Mountain
Monarch Mountain operates independently and is not part of the Ikon or Epic pass systems, necessitating the purchase of individual lift tickets for most visitors. The resort employs dynamic pricing, rewarding early bookings and weekday visits; expect half-day tickets to start around $79 and full-day tickets around $119. Special reciprocal agreements might exist with certain independent resort passes, offering free skiing, but these must be redeemed in person at the ticket window. For gear needs, Monarch offers comprehensive ski and snowboard rentals, including helmets and performance equipment, with reservations encouraged by 11 p.m. the night before for optimal pricing. Jacket and snow pant rentals are also available.
Skiing & Riding Details
Monarch Mountain boasts 1,146 acres of skiable terrain, serviced by seven chairlifts and featuring 80 trails. The difficulty breakdown is approximately 35% single-black, 8% double-black (expert), 34% blue (intermediate), and 19% green (beginner), with an additional 4% dedicated to terrain parks. The Mirkwood area on the backside offers sought-after hike-to skiing. The cat skiing operation extends access to an additional 1,635 acres of expert terrain. Monarch excels in its snow sports programs, offering lessons for ages three and up, from beginner to advanced levels, including multi-day camps and youth programs. Booking lessons online at least two days in advance is advised, while private, adaptive, and specialized programs require phone reservations at (719) 530-5196. On-site childcare is also available for children aged three to six, which can be combined with lessons.
