Colorado Gems Hottest Tips Contest - Teton Gravity Research
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When people think of skiing in Colorado, the first places that come to mind are Breckenridge, Vail, and Copper. Granted places like that are great but if you are looking for someplace truly special, head south to Monarch Ski Area.
There powder is overwhelming, lift lines empty, and skiing is very affordable.
Monarch Mountain is located only two hours south of Denver and just outside of Salida. Monarch Ski Area will amaze and surprise you. It really has it all. From backcountry terrain in Mirkwood Basin to a terrific ski/board school to wide open groomers, Monarch has all a person is looking for in a ski area. The place has a vibe that is unmatched anywhere else in Colorado, go there and it is either dumping snow or gorgeous and clear. Never have I been there and seen terrible conditions and I have made the trip from Northern Colorado more than a dozen times.

Added by Luke Faulconer (28 months ago )  |  Monarch Mountain Stash Tip  |  View All Monarch Mountain Stash Tips

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14 Entries

  • My favorite memory is when I went skiing at Monarch Mountain! I have been skiing at many other places but I love my experience at Monarch Mountain the most!

    Emily Jordan (27 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • the best lift to ride is the Panorama lift. It's warm since it's in the trees and accesses my favorite expert runs. Mirage is my favorite run since it's half moguls, half groomed, that way my family can ski with me on the same run even though they don't like the bumps. There are blue and black runs side by side to the same lift that we can meet up at and ride up together.

    Lisa Timpson (27 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • My family skies at Monarch on average 2 weekends a month and have for the last 4 seasons. The reason we have stayed with Monarch is because it is a small, friendly resort that we can afford to bring the family to have fun without breaking the bank. Our tip is to buy the season pass. It really is great value for the money. You can go up and ski for a few hours and once everyone is getting tired, we can head down the hill. You don't feel like you have to stay longer even after getting tired, sore or hurt just because you paid a lot for a one day pass. Plus there are so many other discounts and benefits that come with that pass. We have used days at Purgatory in the past with our Monarch pass. And another fun thing we have tried is snowmobiling and with our Monarch pass we get a 20% discount! What a savings on so many fun winter activities and places to play in the snow!
    The other tip I have is "get lessons"! It is also money well spent. I have seen...

    Debbie Crosby (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • Colorado mountains are the prettiest in the world

    Duane Thompson (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • fun to ski

    Arthur Begly (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • The lodge always has the best apple cider that is guarantied to refresh you for a couple more runs.

    Lallo Vigil (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • get enough sleep and protein

    Eva M Mack (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • I am haunted by the voices...they track me down behind my desk pleading with me to go back. Looking at the current snow report, I second guess the early season pass I snagged at Wolf Creek while Mirkwood and all of the powders that be stir my memory. Monarch....my true introduction to what a gem of a ski area is. The best tip I can offer is to explore this mountain to the fullest with your inner child leading you and discover what it and the surrounding area has to offer. That little voice in your head will be begging you to return as well.

    Brian (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • Mirkwood Basin at Monarch is a gem all alone. The hike keeps the traffic down and the powder fresh. But the stash is between Mirkwood Bowl and Southbound. Most everyone passes this up or drops down to soon. It starts with huge powder turns and ends with perfect fluffy tree runs. If you’re up for the hike you can get freshies all day. And if you need to clear your head, shred into the trees below the Lobo. A stash hut can be found if you aim for the clouds.

    Jose Garcia (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • I try and get up to monarch mountain almost three times a week because of the powder! this is truely one of colorados hidden gems because of the all natural snow, close knit community of skiers and easy access. You are on the snow and lifts quicker than any other colorado ski area. My tip would be to take the panorama lift up to high anxiety on a powder day and instead of taking the line straight down the middle go just to the Left of the tree divider. and there are some excellent technical rock drops and/or tight lines that one could really bit his/her teeth into for some more advanced skiing. I would also say on a good powder day to Hit up the tree run that runs along the right side of the panorama lift it dosnt get much better than that. the trees are spaced perfectly apart with a nice 40-45 degree slope. and great untracked POW!Monarch is a ski area where you can be on the lift with someone and see them at the bar afterwards. Its not crowded and there is no ego here. If you want a great day on the mountain...

    Joshua Young (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • February is the month for dependable deep powder at Monarch. Mirkwood doesn't open until 10a.m. at the earliest and often later for avi control. With each ride up Breezeway to see if they've opened the gate to Mirkwood, if they haven't then traverse left over to the Outback and start your day floating some excellent open faces up high and through the trees below. When Mirkwood opens start climbing. When there is loads of snow the cliff areas to the right in East Trees, Staircase, and Lodgeview will be skiable. Then rip, shred, and tear, and catch be air.

    Ken Vanatta (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • My favorite secret about Monarch is a sneaky little run called "Pinball." The turnoff is hidden in the trees and a local needs to show you where it starts. Then you bop up and down, side by side, through this fun little run.

    Shannon Lukens (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • When people think of skiing in Colorado, the first places that come to mind are Breckenridge, Vail, and Copper. Granted places like that are great but if you are looking for someplace truly special, head south to Monarch Ski Area.
    There powder is overwhelming, lift lines empty, and skiing is very affordable.
    Monarch Mountain is located only two hours south of Denver and just outside of Salida. Monarch Ski Area will amaze and surprise you. It really has it all. From backcountry terrain in Mirkwood Basin to a terrific ski/board school to wide open groomers, Monarch has all a person is looking for in a ski area. The place has a vibe that is unmatched anywhere else in Colorado, go there and it is either dumping snow or gorgeous and clear. Never have I been there and seen terrible conditions and I have made the trip from Northern Colorado more than a dozen times.

    Luke Faulconer (28 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry
  • A place called 3 Snags in Mirkwood Basin. Steep, deep, and perfectly spaced trees.

    Eric Ramsey (29 months ago )  |  View Monarch Mountain Entry