Monarch Mountain

Located in South Central Colorado, Monarch Mountain Ski Area is what you expect from a real Colorado ski area. Receiving over 350 inches of natural snow annually, along with all the friendly people, makes this a great resort to visit. You can walk from your car right to the lifts, prices are reasonable, and the runs flow naturally back to the base area. At Monarch you’ll lose the crowds, but not your friends. There are no ski in/out condo’s at this resort, so if you like to get away from the busy resort scene, this is the ski area for you!

More Resort Facts

Nearest Town: Salida, Colorado
Base Elevation: 10,790 ft (3,290 m)	Top Elevation: 11,960 ft (3,650 m)
Latitude: 38.5125	Longitude: -106.3325

Total Runs: 54
14% Beginner	28% Intermediate	27% Advanced	31% Expert

Terrain Parks: 3

Tilt, Aftershock, K2

Total Lifts: 5

1 quad chair, 4 double chairs

Average Snowfall: 350 inches/year	Snowmaking: none

Skiers and snowboarders now have access to 130 additional acres opened for skiing and riding called Mirkwood Basin. Access this area via the Breezeway lift and a 15-minute hike along a cat-track. The new terrain offers around 1,100 vertical feet of extreme skiing and riding. This expansion allows skiers and snow boarders to access steep expert chutes and glades, rock cliffs, and excellent tree skiing that were previously only accessible via Monarch’s Snowcat Tours.

At Monarch Mountain the terrain parks include fun-boxes, rails, hips, and huge hits. They are constantly working on the terrain parks; improving, shaping and using the varied snowfalls to help manipulate the terrain. One of the beauties of their parks is the low key attitude. Unlike some bigger resorts terrain parks, these are super relaxed. Beginners won’t feel intimidated by big crowds and the more advanced skiers and riders will have plenty of options to choose from. There are no lines to wait in, lots of options to play with and great snow to land on! Once you get a taste of the Monarch Mountain Terrain Parks, you’ll find yourself doing laps all day.

Considered some of the best snowcat skiing in Colorado, guests enjoy skiing and riding in closely spaced trees, variable snow conditions and extremely steep slopes. A normal snowcat tour will average 10 to 12 runs per day at an average of 900 vertical feet per run. This is steep, expert terrain with varying conditions to be expected. Space is limited to 12 guests per day and the snowcat runs from the end of December through early April as conditions permit. It’s always a possibility that earlier trips may become available. Keep an eye on the web site for updates on conditions and availability.

Local Forecast

Snow Report

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Resort Photos and Videos

Lift Ticket Information

Ticket Pricing for the 2009-2010 Season
Approximate Opening / Closing Date(s) — 11/25/09 – 04/11/10

Regular Season

Adult (ages 16-61)	Rate	Teens (ages 13-15)	Rate
1 day	$54.00	1 day	$32.00
2 day	$104.00	2 day	$62.00
3 day	$156.00	3 day	$90.00
4 day	$208.00	4 day	$120.00
1/2 day (starts at 12:30)	$39.00	1/2 day (starts at 12:30)	$26.00
2:00 p.m. +	$22.00

Junior (ages 7-12)	Rate	Senior (ages 62-68)	Rate
1 day	$20.00	1 day	$29.00
2 day	$38.00	2 day	$54.00
3 day	$54.00	3 day	$81.00
4 day	$72.00	4 day	$108.00
1/2 Day (starts at 12:30)	$13.00	1/2 Day (starts at 12:30)	$19.00

Child (6 & under) & Senior (69 & over) — SKI/RIDE FOR FREE

Local Activities

Super Bowl Lanes- “One of America’s favorite pastimes, bowling is the ultimate family activity. Super Bowl Lanes located at 7615 Hwy 50 features 12 lanes of fully automated fun. Be sure and do the Turkey Dance after you make three strikes in a row. Super Bowl also has “Cosmic Bowling” every Friday and Saturday night when the black lights come on and festive music is heard loud and clear. Leagues are very popular in Salida so check with the manager about open lanes, usually after 9:30 pm. daily.” For more information call 719.539.6436
Storyville Cinema- “Located on W. 1st Street just west of the light in downtown Salida, this theater offers first-run films, occasional live performances, and special event screenings. This theater provides an interesting atmosphere to enjoy big screen entertainment.” For more info contact Storyville Cinema at 719.539.7002
Victoria Tavern Bar- “The possibility is high for dancing to a good old-fashioned rock-n-roll band at the Victoria Tavern Bar, on the corner of Sackett and “F” Streets. Known by locals as the “Vic”, this bar has been serving libations since the early days when the railroad served Salida. A variety of live music is brought in to provide a style for everyone. Bring some friends, play some pool and enjoy a slice of pizza all under the same roof.”
Salida Steam Plant- “Built in 1892, it served as one of the city’s first electrical generating stations. Today the Steam Plant generates a new kind of power with performing arts. This theatre has comfortable seating (no reserved seating available) and there’s even beer and wine available in the main lobby. A variety of performances continue throughout the year. Give them a call or check out their website for the most current concert events and performances.”
Salida Skate Park- “For those looking for an alternative to the slopes yet still want to get some riding in, look no further than the Salida Skate Park. Located right downtown at 200 W. First St., this small but well-designed park is the perfect place. Built by Team Pain, this skate park features bowls with three different depths, good coping, speedlines, hips, and corners. A street course is also available for those looking to master their tricks.” For more information call 719.539.3971
Rocky Mountain Mini Golf- “Ever have dreams of being in the Masters? Rocky Mountain Mini golf is the place to practice up before hitting the real thing. This newly opened mini golf course located at 413 ½ Rainbow Blvd (behind Country Bounty) features 18 holes with water features, challenging obstacles, and night lighting. The group area is perfect for families and birthday parties.” For more information call 719.539.3140
Bongo Billy’s Salida Café- “Only a block from downtown Salida on Sackett Street, this quaint cafe’ backs up to the Arkansas River. Exposed interior brick walls are the backdrop to an ever-changing art gallery featuring local artists. Come check out live performances on the weekend at the casual setting of Bongo’s and see why it’s a favorite local hangout.”
Monarch Snowcat Tours- “A service of the Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area near Salida, Colorado. They offer the ultimate in adventure skiing and snowboarding. Sensational backcountry guided tours on more than 900 acres of challenging expert terrain in the magnificent San Isabel National Forest. Breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. A full-day of wide-open chutes and glorious glades blanketed with Colorado’s amazing snow.” For complete information on snowcat tours call 1-888-996-7669.