Monarch Mountain, located in South Central Colorado, is what you expect from a real Colorado ski area. Abundant natural snow (350 + in.) and friendly people are two of the areas strongest attributes. You walk from your car right to the lifts, prices are reasonable, and the runs flow naturally back to the base area. At Monarch you'll lose the crowds but not your friends.

Looking for great powder, spectacular views, 1000+ acres of expert terrain, steeps, trees, cliffs, and bowls? You found it with Monarch Mountain's Snowcat Tours. Considered some of the bestsnowcat skiing in the state, guests enjoy skiing/riding in closely spaced trees, variable snow conditions and extremely steep slopes.

At the base of Monarch Pass lies the sunny Arkansas River Valley, with everything you need to make your visit complete. The towns of Salida, and Buena Vista have great restaurants, galleries, shops, and a variety of accommodations. This winter come up and stay a few days and experience real mountain hospitality.

Welcome to Monarch, a real Colorado ski area!

Santa Skis Monarch December 24, 2010
Bring the little ones up to hang out with Santa as he skis and walks around Monarch spreading Christmas love.

30th New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade & Firework Show December 31, 2010
Festivities begin around sunset with drink specials and an incredible firework display. Guests can sign up with Guest Services to participate in the Torchlight Parade. If you have never participated in a torchlight parade, this is your chance! For more information and registration, call 888.996.7669, ext. 5050.

Kids Fest January 11, 2011
FREE activities, contests, games and prizes for the kids.

6th Annual Kayaks on Snow April 2, 2011
Monarch's signature event. Contestants race head to head, similar to Skier Cross, down a specially designed course featuring berms, banks, and bumps, ending in an icy pond! This is as fun to watch as it is to race. Great sponsors like New Belgium Brewery, CKS, RiverRunners, and Keen Footware are on hand to provide plenty of stoke for this unique event. For more information and registration, call 888-996-7669, ext. 5050.

5th Annual Parking Lot Cook-Off & Tailgate Party April 10, 2011
Celebrate the end of ski season and beginning of whitewater season with the annual parking lot cook-off and tailgate party. Guests are encouraged to whip up their best eats, competing for next year's season pass among other goodies. Contestants will also be judged on décor and spirit, so spiff up your rig and come on up, snow or shine! This event continues to attract closet chefs from around the region. Bring your appetite!

MONARCH MOUNTAIN IS THE PERFECT ski area for people looking to get away from the hustle-bustle of the bigger resorts. monarch is very affordable and easily accessible from the front range via Highways 285 and 50. at monarch you park right at the base of the mountain and walk to the lifts, making it very convenient for families with little ones. monarch’s two strongest attributes are friendly people and abundant natural snowfall (350”). This season give monarch mountain a try, you’ll be glad you did.

Great Deal
Fantastic Play & Stay Deals start at $49 per person – play at Monarch and stay in the Arkansas River Valley.

MOUNTAIN DINING
At the base there is a choice for all of your stomach's grumblings: Gunbarrel Café, Starbucks coffee, and preferred seating and service in the Sidewinder Saloon Bar.

LESSONS
Monarch Ski & Ride School. Lessons: (All ages) alpine, snowboarding, never-ever packages, weekly adult clinics, weekly women's afternoon clinics, multi-week children's programs (3-18 years). Daycare: Childcare and lessons for 2 to 6 years. Contact: Ski & Ride School, 888.996.7669 x5196; childcare, 888,996.7669 x5141.

FYI
Looking for great backcountry? Monarch has a couple options for you; Mirkwood Basin is 130 acres of "hike to heaven" with some double-black bowls, chutes and trees. Since 1990 Monarch Snowcat Tours has been taking people to the top of the Continental Divide to ski some fantastic terrain. The friendly Guides will take you to open bowls, steep tree runs, glades, cliffs and even show you some of the local's secret stash. You really need to experience a day with Monarch Snowcat Tours to make your season complete.

BIGGEST EVENT
Kayaks on Snow, Boatercross: April 3, 2010.

APRES SPOT
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.

ALTERNATE DAY
Monarch Snowmobile Tours offers full and half day adventures. The Arkansas River flows right through the nearby town of Salida which contains Colorado's largest historic district. Salida's downtown is full of funky art galleries, tasty restaurants, and live music venues.

Monarch Mountain
Recognized as the snow king of ski areas, national magazines and small-area lovers praise Monarch for the natural quality and depth of its snow. Families keep coming back because of the friendly, professional staff.
719.539.3573, 888.996.7669 or www.skimonarch.com

Mount Princeton Hot Springs www.mtprinceton.com

Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours
In the mountains of the San Isabel National Forest, old mining roads and abandoned railroad grades lead to high country passes perfect for snowmobiling. www.colorado-snowmobile-tours.com

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
From gentle grades to rigorous overnight backcountry climbs, skiers and shoers have a selection of trails, glades and bowls for any ability.

DIRECTIONS BY AIR
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport and Denver International Airport provide jet connections to cities worldwide.

DIRECTIONS BY CAR
159 miles from Denver via US 285 and US 50; 120 miles from Colorado Springs via Colorado 115 and US 50 or via US 24, US 285 and US 50; 110 miles from Pueblo via US 50; 190 miles from Grand Junction via US 50.