Monarch Pass Ski Area, Colorado

Located just 45 miles east of Gunnison is Monarch Pass Ski Resort, a no frills mountain filled with Colorado champagne powder. Monarch Pass is located on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Mountains, part of the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. For amazing skiing or boarding, be sure to check out this favorite of locals and visitors alike.

Monarch Pass Ski Resort is a little known spot, which makes the slopes uncrowded and the powder plentiful. The mountain prides itself on the fact that you will never have to wait in a lift line. The prices of lift tickets are also less expensive than neighboring resorts. With great, varying terrain, Monarch ski resort has something for everyone. For beginners, there are easy groomers perfect for learning how to ski or board. There is also plenty of challenging intermediate and expert terrain offering steeps, long vertical drops, open bowls, and tight chutes and glades. If you are looking for fresh, deep powder chances are you will be able to locate some untracked snow fairly easily.

Monarch also offers snowcat tours and easy backcountry access, making its more than 900 acres even more reachable. For park riders, there are 2 terrain parks sure to keep you happy, especially with no lines to wait in. There are 5 lifts on the mountain and clinics are available, but Monarch Mountain is a no frills resort which is part of its charm.

The friendly staff and unpretentious atmosphere continues to draw people who see Monarch as the last of the great resorts, mostly untouched by developers.