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December 10, 2008 — Monarch will roll out a new ski school and rental center, a new kids terrain park, and improved signage around the mountain among other improvements in 2008-2009.

The resort has done well to keep up with other Colorado resorts, but it’s still one of the state’s best kept secrets. College students from Gunnison like it for the ample steeps and nearby backcountry tree skiing which dumps out onto Highway 50 for an easy shuttle. The in-bounds skiing is easy to manage because of the area’s simple design – families or groups with a wide range of skill level can split up at the top, choose their own terrain, and meet at the bottom with little trouble finding their way. Without snowmaking, Monarch doesn’t have the ability to make a halfpipe or sizeable terrain park, but some say its all-natural snow is an advantage. Lodging is in Buena Vista, Salida, or Poncha Springs, all a half-hour drive (or more) away from the slopes.

Fun Fact: Snowcat skiers will enjoy 200 additional acres of terrain this season

Average annual snowfall: 350 inches

Price: Adult full-day $54

Skiable Acres: 800 acres

Lifts: 5 (1 quad, 4 doubles)

Terrain park: Yes

Season: Nov. 26 to April 12

Terrain breakdown: 14 percent beginner, 28 percent intermediate, 27 percent advanced, 31 percent expert

Location: 18 miles west of Salida on highway 50

Information: www.skimonarch.com, (888) 996-7669

Also see our Real Vail Travel Section for more information about Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area: Ski lessons of love at Monarch Mountain

 

 

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