It is important to stay well-fed and watered while skiing. Staying hydrated is easy, just carry a fanny pack with a water bottle, or a pack like a Camelback. It is a bit more difficult to eat enough to stay powered-up without taking a lunch break. Hard-core skiers (or those who are simply unable to stop skiing) may just snack on an Energy bar on the lift (a good way to loose a glove). This is fine for a few, but most people will enjoy their day more with a real lunch and the rest break that comes with it.
The Monarch base area lodge does not allow sack lunches or coolers in the main lodge, except in the large room on the bottom floor. This room is nice and warm, but it can also be crowded and loud.
On sunny days, it is a better choice to eat on the front deck. Picnic lunches are allowed there and, as long as the sun is out, it is usually warm enough for a pleasant break. Take a photo of yourselves picnicking outside in the warm winter sun and send it off to your disbelieving (and less fortunate) friends back at home! The Monarch deck is perfect place to enjoy the sun, watch the other skiers, wait for the lift lines to go away, or just enjoy a short rest for your legs.
Rocky Mountain Ski Picnic
If the weather is good and not too windy up top, there is a super picnic table location at the top of the Panorama Lift. Get off the lift, go left and you will be at the most scenic picnic table you are ever going find. Check it out!
