Monarch Mountain has adequate facilities and services to cater for most skiers and snowboarders. The facilities have an old school feel to them, although there are plans to extend and upgrade the day lodge.
Monarch Ski Rentals
Monarch ski resort has a good range of decent quality ski rentals and snowboard rentals, and they also hire out helmets and snow clothing. Relative to the high profile Colorado ski resorts, the rates for Monarch ski rentals are incredibly cheap; approximately 50% less for standard rental equipment!
The Monarch Mountain ski rental department offers overnight storage so you don’t have to lug your equipment up and down the mountain each day. They also provide lockers to store your après boots or street shoes.
Alternatively there are a few shops between Salida and Monarch Mountain that offer equipment rentals for an absolute steal. One example is the Mt Shavano Ski Rentals shop.
Eating On Mountain
Monarch Mountain has a handful of food options located in the day lodge to keep you fuelled up for the day. The prices are pretty good and a fraction of what you’d pay at
Aspen or
Vail ski resort!
The upper level of the day lodge has a little deli for simple meals and snacks, and they also proudly sell Starbucks Coffee. You can huddle around the fire to sip on your mocha latte, or head onto the deck to bask in the sunshine. On the mid level is another deli that serves made-to-order sandwiches and other snacks.
On the lower level of the lodge is the Gunbarrel Grill that serves the usual cafeteria fare such as burgers, fries, chilli, soups, and a few healthy options.
The Sidewinder Saloon offers table service meals including lots of Mexican fare such as nachos and enchiladas. The vibe is friendly and the views across the slopes are fantastic. The pub sells a large range of beverages including lots of hot toddies if you need warming from the inside. The pub is open until 5:30pm for happy hour après drinks!
Sack lunches are permitted downstairs.
Monarch Ski School
The Monarch ski school offers a range of lesson programs for skiers and snowboarders.
The Monarch Junior Mountain program is for 7-12 year olds in either a half day or full day format.
The little nippers (ages 3-6) have a program in the Children’s Center which includes ski lessons, child care and lunch. These childcare programs can be offered for a half day or full day, or by the hour.
For teens and adults, group lessons are only offered for novices (1st to 3rd days on snow). The beginner packages include equipment rentals and a lift ticket, and you can have either a 2.5 hour or 5 hour lesson.
Private lessons are offered in a range of time frames for alpine skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders. These are very inexpensive compared to most other Colorado ski resorts.
Monarch Shop
Monarch has a retail shop on the upper level of the day lodge. It is absolutely crammed with a good range of outerwear (jackets and pants), thermals, and ski and snowboard accessories. The shop also sells lots of Monarch ski resort souvenirs.