Monarch Mountain is the sort of ski area that reminds you why people fell in love with skiing in the first place. It sits right on the Continental Divide near Salida, runs entirely on natural snow, and has kept the relaxed, independent feel that many bigger resorts lost long ago. There is no real estate development at the base, no big village, just good snow and friendly people.
Monarch Mountain at a glance
- Location: Continental Divide, about 20 miles west of Salida
- Terrain: Now around 50 per cent bigger after the 377-acre No Name Basin expansion
- Best for: Natural snow, value, families and tree skiing
- Lift passes: Monarch’s own tickets and passes
- Lessons: Beginner lessons from $49
- Nearest airport: Colorado Springs or Denver, around three hours
© digitallcowboy
What’s New for 2026/27
Monarch is keeping skiing within reach for newcomers this winter, with beginner lessons starting from just $49. It is one of the cheapest ways to learn to ski or snowboard in Colorado. For more confident skiers, the resort continues to build on No Name Basin, the expansion that opened last winter. It added 377 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain, a 50 per cent increase in the size of the ski area, served by a new SkyTrac triple chair, with runs that now drop down both sides of the Continental Divide.
The Skiing
With a summit close to 12,000ft, Monarch gets an average of around 350 inches of snow a year, and because it is all natural, it is soft and dry when it falls. The lift-served terrain covers everything from gentle green runs to steep tree skiing, and Mirkwood Basin offers hike-to expert terrain for those who want to earn their turns. Monarch also runs guided snowcat skiing for small groups on a powder day.
It is a very good family mountain, too. Lift queues are rare, the mountain is easy to find your way around, and the Snowsports School runs lessons for children from three years old up. Book at least two days ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
© Casey Day
Getting There
Monarch is about 20 miles west of Salida on US Highway 50, and roughly three hours from Denver or Colorado Springs. Salida is a lively small town with good restaurants and a hot springs pool, and makes a good base.
For more information visit skimonarch.com.
Monarch Mountain: Your Questions Answered
What is No Name Basin at Monarch?
No Name Basin is Monarch’s 377-acre expansion of intermediate and advanced terrain, served by a new triple chair, with runs on both sides of the Continental Divide.
Does Monarch Mountain use snowmaking?
No. Monarch runs entirely on natural snow, averaging around 350 inches a year.
How much are beginner lessons at Monarch?
Beginner lessons at Monarch start from $49 this winter, one of the cheapest ways to learn to ski in Colorado.