Monarch Ski Area ~ The Monarch Ski Guide

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Monarch Ski Area

New for 2010

Monarch improvements and updates for the 2009-2010 Season.

Late Breaking News - Winch Cat Grooming at Monarch?

The guys and gals at Monarch were very busy this summer, lots of new improvements to the ski area and the base area for the upcoming season.

Like many ski areas in Colorado, Monarch is working to be greener. Reducing their carbon footprint by saving energy where they can, reducing the environmental impact, and providing recycling stations throughout the mountain.

This year Monarch made several good steps. First, they put in new super energy efficient light bulbs, up to 75% more efficient. A excellent and easy step, something you should do at your own house if you haven't already. The local community is also working hard to conserve energy and develop sustainable energy sources. These combined efforts are making Chaffee County a good example for other communities in Colorado.

In addition, they have greatly expanded their recycling program, with several places to recycle plastic bottles and a special hydration station (water fountain) to fill your water bottles and camelbacks. That's right, bring a reusable water container and fill it on the spot, don't buy water in disposable plastic bottles.

More of the parking lot is now paved, that means less mud, easier parking, and less dirty runoff that improves water quality downstream.

Lots of new gear in the rental shop, including new ski and snowboard equipment. $55,000 worth of new ski and snowboard gear assures you of the best rental gear, right on the mountain. In addition, you can now rent jackets and pants right in the sport shop in the main Lodge

Tilt, the beginner terrain park has been expanded, and will include more "less intimidating" jumps berms and rails. This type of improvement is why Monarch is known throughout the west as a family friendly resort.

Perhaps most exciting, Monarch spend over $100,000 on research and habitat studies in order to expand into the No Name bowl area. This is a longer term project, but is a very exciting development for skiers that want a more alpine ski experience.

Other interesting improvements:

New wastewater lab equipment to monitor runoff from the mountain.
A new deck for the Children's Center, a staging place for kids lessons.
Some of the more popular runs have been clean up a bit, with some trees being removed. The trees that were cut down, will be used to make more natural features for the K2 Organic (that is the tree part) terrain park.
The lesson and rental center has a new more energy efficient entryway.
New and improved boot dryers in the rental shop, making sure your rental boots are warm and dry every morning.
A new weather station at the top of Mirkwood bowl. This will help the Ski Patrol with forecasting and avalanche control.

Inside Monarch Lodge

Monarch lodge is packed with amenities and comfortable spaces. Here is how the layout works.

Outside on the right (north) side is the Lift Ticket window. Next to this is a very short set of metal steps and double doors, these lead into the top level of the lodge, or onto the large deck with picnic tables.

Monarch Lodge Top Floor

UPPER LEVEL : Once inside, on this level is a nice open seating area with fireplace and great views of the action. Also on this level are the Monarch Offices, Sport Shop, Guest Services, Monarch Image Makers desk, Guest Services and Lost and Found.

Monarch Resort Guest Services

LOWER LEVEL : The first set of stairs down to the left takes you to the restrooms and the bottom level of the lodge. Also on this lower level is more seating, the Starbucks Snackbar, and more stairs (half flight) down to the Gunbarrel Cafe. The lower level has a couple more entrances / exits, one toward the parking lot and the other at the far end of the lodge from the main deck entrance doors.

MIDDLE LEVEL : If you walk partway through the upper level seating area, you'll find a short flight of steps straight ahead that drop down to the Sidewinder Saloon. The name may be a play on "snow snakes" - the things you can blame when you unexpectedly catch a ski and face plant.

Monarch Sidewinder Saloon

The lodge layout may sound a bit complex, but once you have walked up and down the various steps a couple times, it will become second nature and you will be able to navigate the entrances and steps like a local.

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