Monarch Mountain

Monarch Mounutain is nestled in the pine and aspen trees at San Isabel National Forest, located in central Colorado on the Continental Divide.

Monarch's abundant, natural snowfall (29 feet on average) makes skiing and boarding an amazing experience whether for the first-timer on groomed beginner slopes, the intermediate looking for an ever-more challenging run or the expert looking for fresh and untracked deep powder.

At a base elevation of 10,790 feet, Monarch has 54 trails on 800 skiable acres, including 770 backcountry acres accessed by Monarch Snowcat Tours.

PSIA-certified instructors offer American Teaching Method education clinics in alpine, telemark and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. There also are special programs for women and children.

Build up an appetite and choose from Monarch's tasty Midlevel coffee stop, the Gunbarrel Caf? and Monarch's Sidewinder Saloon and Lodge.

Need a gift for someone back home? The Monarch sports shop has gloves, goggles, scarves, sunglasses, hoodies, t-shirts, baseball caps and winter souvenirs. Skiers and riders can even rent ski pants and jackets.

"Our goal is to keep you warm, happy and smiling - otherwise we'd just be another sports shop," says the mountain's sport shop website.

With over fifteen areas of affordable lodging around the ski area and the neighboring town of Salida, Monarch is a quick getaway escape for anyone. The town holds many events from live music to colorful art galleries and fine dining along the Arkansas River.

Monarch is a family-oriented area and has an on-site day care facility. The staff are professionals and well-trained in first aid and early childhood development. Ski programs are available for older children as well.

Monarch Mountain is located on scenic U.S. Highway 50 between the Royal Gorge and Gunnison, 21 miles west of the town of Salida. From Denver, take Highway 285 south to U.S. Highway 50 west for about 15 miles to Monarch Ski Resort.