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A snowboarder throws a powder slash in Monarch Cat Skiing terrain.
Explore / Monarch Mountain / Lessons & Rentals

MONARCH MOUNTAIN

📍Salida, Colorado, USA

💎 Hidden Gem👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Cruiser❄️ Powder Haven🤙 Local's FavoriteIndependent☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Grayskullduggery · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo details

⬇️
Vertical drop
1,225 ft
🗻
Skiable terrain
1,146 acres
❄️
Avg snowfall
350 in
🚡
Lifts
9

Monarch Mountain Snowsports School

Rental and Lesson Center, north of the main lodge

Ski LessonsSnowboard LessonsPrivate LessonsKids Programs

Monarch offers group ski and snowboard lessons for younger learners and private instruction for skiers and riders working on their own goals. Call reservations to discuss an adaptive lesson.

Why we like it

Check in at the Reservations windows inside the Rental and Lesson Center, the large tent-like building north of the main lodge. If you need gear, allow time for fitting before the lesson.

Best for:

Children’s group lessonsPrivate coachingAdaptive lesson enquiries
Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, location, description, recommendation details, website, phone, ski lessons, snowboard lessons, private lessons, kids programs.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-31

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-31

Visit Website(719) 530-5196

Monarch Mountain Rentals

Rental and Lesson Center, north of the main lodge

Rentals

Monarch’s standard day package includes skis and poles or a snowboard, plus boots and a helmet. Reserve before the trip for busy weekends and holidays.

Why we like it

Head to the Rental and Lesson Center north of the main lodge. Families with equipment and lessons on the same booking can start at the same Reservations windows.

Best for:

Ski and snowboard packagesFamilies combining lessons and rentals
Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, location, description, recommendation details, website, phone, rentals.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-31

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-31

Visit Website(719) 530-5196

Salida Mountain Sports

110 North F Street, Salida, Colorado

RentalsDemos

Salida Mountain Sports rents and demos alpine-touring, telemark, and splitboard setups prepared for Monarch Pass and nearby backcountry terrain.

Why we like it

The downtown Salida shop provides backcountry-specific equipment close to the Monarch corridor, with an exact storefront and direct phone contact.

Best for:

Alpine touringTelemark and splitboard setupsMonarch Pass access
Sources & planning details

Checked: identity, location, description, recommendation details, website, phone, rentals, demos.

Supporting source ↗ · checked 2026-10-27

Visit Website719-539-4400
💡

Pro Tip: Book Early

Lessons and rentals at popular resorts often book up quickly, especially during peak season and holidays. We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred times.

Sources & planning context

Other names · Monarch, Monarch Ski Area

Compare the kind of instruction or equipment you need. The provider can match your ability, age and dates to a current program.

Typically late November to mid April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗
Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗
Official website
https://skimonarch.com
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Reported average snowfall (in)
350
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs
80
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres)
1146
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Base elevation (ft)
10727
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft)
11952
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Vertical drop (ft)
1225
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Published opening time
09:00
Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Published closing time
16:00
Source ↗ · Oct 21, 2026
Summer and winter destination
Yes
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter
Ride the Monarch Crest tram for summer mountain sightseeing.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summer visit planning
At the operator’s Monarch Mountain at the Crest facility, separate from the winter ski-area base. Tram operation is weather dependent.
Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Lifts
9
Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Longest run (mi).

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

80 trails includes 72 lift-served plus 8 hike-to; acreage includes 1,017 lift access and 129 hiking access. The nine listed lifts include tubing and ski-school-only facilities, so a general ski-lift total is not verified.

Monarch No Name Basin ↗The mountain extends across both sides of the divide with intermediate and advanced lift-served and hike-to terrain. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mirkwood Basin ↗The operator identifies expert hike-to terrain and access instructions. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain directions ↗The ski area lies near the top of Monarch Pass on US 50 west of Salida. Check CDOT for current road conditions. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain | Lodging ↗Monarch states there are no overnight accommodations on ski-area property and identifies Ski Town Condos as a Garfield stay. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain Lodge | Stay ↗Hotel on US 50 with a ski-area shuttle, indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs and restaurant. Family rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave. Pets are permitted only in certain rooms. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort | Lodging ↗Nathrop hot springs resort with lodge rooms, cabins and creekside suites. Overnight guests get pool access, and treatments can be arranged. Dogs are accepted only in certain rooms or cabins. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Salida Inn & Monarch Suites ↗The Salida roadside property lists private hotel rooms, suites and cottages, including a two-bedroom family cottage. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Salida Inn & Monarch Suites | Operator FAQ ↗The motel is on US 50/West Rainbow Boulevard, with a seasonal outdoor pool and outdoor hot tub. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Simple Lodge & Hostel ↗The Salida hostel offers private rooms and shared dorms, a communal kitchen and shared facilities on East First Street. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Ski Town Condos | Garfield ↗The Garfield operator offers private-entry two-bedroom condos with furnished kitchens, laundry and access to a shared outdoor hot tub. Pets are not accepted. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain Snowsports School ↗The school lists junior group lessons, private instruction and adult learning options. Its reservations line is 719-530-5196, including adaptive lesson enquiries. Inclusions depend on the lesson. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain Rentals ↗Standard ski or snowboard rental packages include boots and a helmet, plus poles for skiers. The resort recommends advance reservations for busy days and gives 719-530-5196 for reservations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch beginner arrival guide ↗Guests with lessons or rentals check in at the Reservations windows in the large tent-like Rental and Lesson Center north of the main lodge. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Monarch Mountain | Dining ↗Gunbarrel Grill and Java Stop are on the main lodge’s middle level. Gunbarrel is cafeteria-style, Java Stop serves local coffee and hot chocolate, and Sidewinder serves sit-down meals, burgers, local beer and spirits. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Amicas Pizza & Microbrew ↗The Salida pizzeria and microbrew offers pizzas, beers, wine, dine-in and pickup. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Shavano Restaurant | Food menus ↗At 113 E. Sackett Avenue, Shavano serves Colorado ingredients and offers a family-style dinner menu. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

JNB | Shavano renovation ↗The contractor reports that Shavano’s owners bought out The Fritz and renovated the former restaurant. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

  • Monarch Mountain — Hours & Stats ↗

    The operator publishes a total-lift fact not already covered by a maintained adapter.

  • Monarch Mountain — official homepage ↗

    See the verified facts and dates listed above.

  • Official 2026–27 operating information ↗

    Publishes the season’s pass information. Use the separate mountain operating schedule to choose skiing dates.

  • Scenic Tramway – Monarch Mountain at the Crest ↗

    Ride the Monarch Crest tram for summer mountain sightseeing.

SEE YOU UP THERE.

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