Winter
In Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado
At Monarch Mountain, we don’t make artificial snow. We don’t have to; Monarch is nestled right up under the continental divide where storms march in from the west and deposit their bounty in abundance throughout the winter. So we’re blessed with an average of more than 350 inches of pure, powdery goodness each season.
Further, we consider ourselves stewards of our environment. Snowmaking can have a multitude of adverse effects on water quality and wild habitats. In the summer, when we fish and float on fresh snowmelt, we take comfort in the fact that we’ve done our best to protect and preserve that resource which we hold dear.
MONARCH MOUNTAIN
Unspoiled Since 1939
Lift Tickets
Show your current season pass from any CO ski area at the ticket window, and get 40% off a Monarch Lift Ticket. (That’s a $54 ticket this season, ya local!)We like to call it the C’monarch over and ski for yourself deal.This offer is not valid with loyalty cards, multi-day cards, nordic passes, limited use passes, or any other discounts.
Ski & Snowboard Groups
Monarch’s friendly atmosphere and small town charm make us the perfect destination for group getaways. To qualify for our group rates, you must have 20 skiers or riders paying per day you ski.
Ski & Snowboard School
A group ski or snowboard lesson will get you off to a great start on the mountain — whether it’s your first day on the snow, or you’ve got a few days under your belt.
Snowcat Skiing
Monarch Cat Skiing has it all! With more than 1,000 acres of open bowls, steep chutes, and beautiful glades, expert skiers/riders have plenty of room to follow their bliss. So tune up your fat skis or long board and experience a ski day you’ll tell stories about for a the rest of your life.
Ski & Snowboard Rentals







FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY
Winter Activities & Things To Do In The Arkansas River Valley
Despite being at elevation, Chaffee County’s ‘banana belt’ valley sees unusually warm temperatures beautifully combined with abundance of snow fall in its higher elevations. Because of this combination of snow and sun, any imaginable outdoor activity is possible. This magical winter destination is a true Colorado secret, awaiting your adventures.
Snowmobiling
Two area clubs maintain hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails in the region, free of charge. Cottonwood Pass, the St. Elmo area, Tin Cup Pass, Old Monarch Pass, Monarch Park and Poncha and Marshall passes bring snowmobilers to riding terrain that reaches 12,000 feet plus elevation.
Dog Sledding
Dog sled tours based on Monarch Pass and an annual dry land dog sled competition north of Buena Vista offer opportunities for adventurists and dog lovers to enjoy this unique winter activity. An Iditarod team is based locally.
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire bikes elevate mountain biking into a year round sport. Their extra-wide tires and treads make it fun and easy to maneuver on packed snow, groomed trails and even fresh powder (that isn’t too deep). Fat tire bikes also tackle difficult terrain such as sand or loose gravel any time of year
Winter
CHAFFEE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU














































