Known for its abundant natural snow, uncrowded slopes, affordability, and classic Colorado atmosphere, Monarch Mountain offers a quintessential Colorado skiing experience and is often referred to as a ‘locals’ favorite’ spot.

Monarch Mountain offers 1,146 acres of skiable terrain, with 377 acres of lift-served terrain added for the 2025-2026 season due to the No Name Basin expansion. The mountain also includes an additional 1,635 acres of terrain with cat-access.

The most noteworthy terrain:

Tumbelina Lift (Green) – this beginner friendly area serves gentle green runs including Snowflake, Butterfly, and Rookie.

Sleepy Hollow and Skywalker (Green) – These beginner/intermediate runs are perfect for practicing linking turns.

Tele Alley (Blue) – this spot is known for its great snow due to its northern exposure and requires a short uphill hike.

Mirkwood Basin (Double Black) – this expert level terrain is accessed via a short hike from the Breezeway lift or snowcat and offers ungroomed bowls, steep chutes, and glades with deep, natural snow.

No Name Basin: This new section of terrain adds 377 acres of skiable terrain to Monarch, mostly home to intermediate and advanced runs.

Where to park:

Parking at Monarch Mountain is free with Base Area Services staff directing drivers to available spots. The Paradise Lot offers ski-in/ski-out access and is open for parking most days. The Crest Lot is located two miles up Monarch Pass from the main lot and is used for overflow parking when needed.

Where to eat on mountain:

Sidewinder Saloon – this restaurant features full-service sit-down dining with locally crafted beer and spirits, and a full menu consisting of burgers, bloody marys, nachos, and bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

Level Up Pizza – this is the perfect spot to fuel up in between runs. Located on the middle level of the main lodge, the restaurant serves up pizza, salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Gunbarrel Grill – also located on the mid-level floor of the main lodge, this restaurant serves up everything from burgers and pizza to pretzels, hot dogs, salads, and chicken tenders.

Elmo’s Bar – according to the resort, Elmo’s is the “local’s secret watering hole” located on the mid-level floor in the Pioneer Room. Skiers can get tamales, nachos, cocktails, beer, and bloody marys.

Where to stay:

Monarch Mountain Lodge – located less than five miles from Monarch Mountain, this hotel offers on-site dining, an indoor pool, and hot tubs.

Hampton Inn & Suites Salida – although it’s a little further way (20-30 minutes), this hotel offers comfort and convenience after a long day on the slopes.

Events going on at Monarch this winter:

Little Booth Concert Series – this concert series will feature intimate acoustic performances at Sidewinder Saloon and the Deck on select dates between Dec. 13 and Jan. 10.

Santa Skis Monarch – Santa will ski around Monarch Mountain on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holiday.

NYE Uphill Climb and Live DJ – ring in the New Year by taking a morning uphill climb and ski down followed by music and party favors in the lodge.

Ski with a Naturalist – visitors will have the opportunity to take a guided beginner ski or snowboard tour that highlights Monarch’s forest ecology, wildlife and recreational history on Jan. 9.

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