Monarch Mountain

Independent, natural-snow skiing on Monarch Pass.

Monarch is an independent ski area on Monarch Pass, 20 minutes from Salida, with short lift lines and no lodging or real estate at the base. No Name Basin opened terrain on the far side of the Continental Divide in 2026, and hike-to Mirkwood Basin and snowcat skiing cover the steeper end. Popular with value-minded families and locals.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,225 ft

Summit

11,952 ft

Skiable terrain

1,146 acres

Trails

80

Lifts

9

Average snowfall

350″ a year

Longest run

1 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 20%
• Intermediate 35%
• Advanced 45%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Cat skiing
• Kids programs
• Hot springs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDay after Thanksgiving (annual)Usually

  Christmas Mountain USA, Salida

  Salida switches on a giant tree of lights on Tenderfoot Hill above town to start the holiday season.

• Opening dayMid to late November (date not announced)Usually

  Opening Day

  Monarch opens on natural snow, so the date follows the storms.

Where to stay

• lodgeMt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

  Lodge under the Chalk Cliffs, with the hot spring pools and creekside soaking included in your stay.

  50 min drive
• hotelAmigo Motor Lodge

  Restyled vintage motor lodge in Salida with rooms and Airstream trailers.

  25 min drive
• condoSki Town Condos

  Cozy log-sided condos in the hamlet of Garfield, three miles below the ski area.

  5 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Monarch Cat Skiing · At the ski area

  Guided snowcat skiing on 1,635 acres of expert bowls, chutes and glades next to the ski area. Lunch and an après drink included; seats from $500.

• Monarch Tubing Park · At the ski area

  90-minute tubing sessions with a tow lift, Fridays to Sundays and holidays. $30, or $36 on peak dates.

• Mt. Princeton Hot Springs · 50 min drive

  Day passes for the pools and natural creekside hot springs near Buena Vista.

• Elevation Beer Co. · 20 min drive

  Award-winning craft brewery and taproom in Poncha Springs, on the way down the pass.

Après and nightlife

• Sidewinder Saloon

  Sit-down bar in the base lodge, known for Bloody Marys, nachos and bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers.

• Elmo’s Bar

  The locals’ watering hole in the lodge’s Pioneer Room, with tamales and a house Bloody Mary. Fridays to Sundays.

• Elevation Beer Co.

  Taproom in Poncha Springs on the drive home.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional (GUC) · about 50 min drive
• Denver · about 3 hr
• Colorado Springs · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps