Hidden gem. Ski independent. All thrills no frills.
However you describe it, Monarch Mountain holds up.
Picture this. You click into your skis atop the Continental Divide as a crew of tele skiers in thrifted Descente jackets jovially slide by. Stretching below you is 800 vertical feet of open gladed pines, perfectly spaced for slashing and surfing through untracked fluff laying in wait. You look around, almost guilty, wondering if it can really be this easy. All this snow and idyllic terrain, this simple to access, all for you?
A couple instructors slide by on carving skis and give you a nod. You wave, slip your mittens into your pole straps, and kick the snow off your ski tips.
An inconsequential number of minutes later, you’re back in line for the Panorama lift, one of Monarch’s several double chairs. The line consists of a patroller, a couple kids in Team Monarch freeride jackets, and no more than a dozen other skiers. Giddy, face and jacket covered in light powder, you pull up next to a grizzled guy in a blue coat. “Not so bad!” he says.
Not so bad at all.
Monarch Mountain Stats
Monarch epitomizes the distinction between a “ski resort” and a “ski area.” You can see most of the mountain from the road. The hardest part about keeping track of your crew is the limited cell service, not the complicated layout. And relatively short or nonexistent (weekdays!) lift lines make ripping “mini golf” style hot laps a highlight. Ruggedly independent with immaculate vibes, the mountain has become a favorite trip for Powder7 staffers.
Here’s the skinny:
Vertical: 1,162 feet
Lifts: 7
Trails: 67
Average Snowfall: 350″
Access: Located at the southern of the Sawatch Range in Central Colorado, Monarch is tucked away atop Monarch Pass on the Continental Divide. The drive from Powder7 clocks in around two hours and forty minutes.
Hike-to Skiing: By hiking about 15 minutes from the top of the Breezeway chairlift, skiers access the Mirkwood “sidecountry” area. It serves up steep trees, drops, and chutes across 135 acres. Learn more.
Cat Skiing: Monarch’s cat skiing tenure covers more than 1,600 acres and features trees, steeps, chutes, and bowls off the ridge past the Mirkwood hike-to area. Check availability.
Terrain Expansion
For the 2025-2026 season, Monarch will expand its terrain into the No Name basin area. Previously only accessed via the cat operation or out a backcountry gate, this zone features freshly cut runs, open and tight trees, and even more access to backcountry skiing. A new lift will run from the bottom of the No Name drainage to near the summit ridge, located opposite the Breezeway chairlift.
Learn more about the No Name expansion.
Après
The porch at the base lodge—don’t worry, there’s only one—features Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, a bar, and occasional live music. Inside, you have a couple options. There’s Elmo’s, for cafeteria food and and a bar. Or, you can snag a table or bar spot at Sidewinder Saloon for a full-service sit down experience. We recommend the cheese curds, mango margarita, and chicken sandwich.
Half an hour down the pass, Poncha Springs and Salida serve up a bevvy of additional choices. Two distilleries (Salida Distillery and Woods), a slew of breweries (Elevation is our top pick), and almost too many pizza restaurants give you enough options to fill your visit—and keep you coming back.
Lodging
You won’t find any condos or hotels at Monarch. That’s kind of the point. Down the pass in Garfield, the Monarch Mountain Lodge offers the closest accommodations. But grabbing an Airbnb in Salida remains our top choice.
Sold? Plan your visit or buy a season pass.
