Monarch Mountain (ski area): Difference between revisions

Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain
	Monarch Mountain Location in Colorado Monarch Mountain Monarch Mountain (the United States)
Location	Chaffee County, Colorado, United States
Nearest major city	Salida, Colorado
Coordinates	38°30′45″N 106°19′57″W / 38.51250°N 106.33250°W
Top elevation	11,960 feet (3,650 m)
Base elevation	10,790 feet (3,290 m)
Skiable area	800 acres (3.2 km2)
Trails	63 total ; 14% beginner ; 28% Intermediate ; 27% Advanced ; 31% Expert
Longest run	1 mile (1.6 km)
Lift system	5 total (1 quad chair, 4 double chairs
Terrain parks	2
Snowfall	400 in/year (1016 cm/year)
Snowmaking	no
Night skiing	no
Website	http://www.skimonarch.com

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Monarch Mountain is a ski resort located in the state of Colorado. It is twenty miles (32 km) west of Salida, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50^{[citation needed]}.

The resort is situated on Monarch Pass at the continental divide. It has 54 trails, two terrain parks, and an extreme terrain area called Mirkwood. The Monarch Mountain Lodge is located three miles (5 km) east of the ski area in the town of Garfield, Colorado.

The resort is named after Monarch Pass and the associated Monarch Mountain. Monarch Pass and Monarch Mountain themselves are named after the 19th-century town of Monarch, which was razed by the CDOT to make way for US Route 50.

History

In 1936, a gearbox from an old oil derrick and a Chevy truck engine were brought up Monarch Pass. With this machinery, James Kane along with the Salida Winter Sports Club powered a 500 foot rope-tow up what is now the Gunbarrel ski trail at Monarch Mountain. The cabin that first housed the lift machinery still stands at the base of the run today and the original pulley which the rope ran through still marks the top of the tow. Monarch first opened in 1939, with one rope tow running up the Gunbarrel trail: a steep narrow run with a northern aspect on the south side of the ski area.

The Gunbarrel trail was originally cut only halfway up the current trail. Skiing pioneers described the challenges of the early days: “We skied Gunbarrel for two years before we ever saw anyone who could turn on skis. The challenge was to make it to the bottom of the hill without falling, or falling into a creek during the early part of the season.” -(Gerald Berry, Salida resident and son of Ray Berry, former owner of Monarch Ski Resort). The run was (and is) an expert trail and because of its steepness, which at the time was skied with very long wooden skis most likely without metal edges and leather boots, was known as “Bloody Ridge” and became one of the most legendary runs in Colorado.

During the first inaugural ski season at Monarch during the winter of 1939-40, the Salida Winter Sports Club (SWSC) applied to the U.S. Forest Service for a permit to cut trails, construct a lodge, and build another rope tow called “Snowflake”. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) issued the initial construction grant during the Great Depression for $26,000. The town of Salida officially owned Monarch during the early days, and it was leased to the SWSC for a 10% cut of the profits. Season passes cost just $1, and 64 of them were sold. Additional lift revenue was brought in through the sale of 25-cent day tickets. Total day ticket sales for the 1939-40 ski season netted only $50.00

Monarch has been owned and sold many times and is currently owned by many separate parties, none owning more than 25%.^{[citation needed]}

Expansion Into No Name Basin

As of July 8, 2024 Monarch Mountain has received approval by the US Forest Service to expand into No Name Basin.^[1] Previously accessed by Monarch’s cat-skiing operation, it will feature 10 cut trails and an additional 75 acres of gladed terrain for skiers and snowboarders to explore. A fixed-grip triple chairlift, rising nearly 1,000 vertical feet, will serve the mostly intermediate and advanced terrain.^[2]

Terrain parks

The run formerly known as Slo-Motion was developed into the K2 terrain park in 2008. It is composed of all-natural features, including logs, stumps, and jumps. The run can be used by anyone, even if they have no intent of using any of the features. It is next known as the Never Summer terrain park. As of 2021, it is now known as Steel City.

There is a small park at the base of the panorama double chairlift called Tilt.

Snow Cat

Monarch Cat Skiing offers 1,635 acres of diverse expert terrain featuring wide open bowls, steep chutes, beautiful glades, and tree skiing.

References

^ "Monarch Ski Area Expansion". US Forest Service. July 8, 2024.
^ Silgalis, Alex (2024-07-15). "Hidden In Plain Sight - Colorado Ski Area Gets Approval To Expand". Local Freshies. Retrieved 2024-10-02.

External links

[1] "Monarch Ski Area Expansion". US Forest Service. July 8, 2024.

[2] Silgalis, Alex (2024-07-15). "Hidden In Plain Sight - Colorado Ski Area Gets Approval To Expand". Local Freshies. Retrieved 2024-10-02.

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Ski area in Colorado, United States}}
 {{Multiple issues|
+{{Advert|date=August 2010}}{{refimprove|date=March 2019}}
-{{no footnotes|date=February 2015}}
-{{primary sources|date=February 2015}}
-{{Advert|date=August 2010}}
 }}
 {{Infobox ski area
-|name= Monarch Ski Area
+| name           = Monarch Mountain
-|logo= Monarch logo.png
+| logo           = Monarch logo.png
-|logo_width=250px
+| logo_width     = 250px
-|picture=
+| picture        =
-|caption=
+| caption        =
-|location= [[Chaffee County, Colorado|Chaffee County]], [[Colorado]], United States
+| location       = [[Chaffee County, Colorado|Chaffee County]], [[Colorado]], United States
-|nearest_city= [[Salida, Colorado|Salida]], [[Colorado]]
+| nearest_city   = [[Salida, Colorado|Salida]], [[Colorado]]
+| pushpin_map    = Colorado#United States
-|lat_degrees= 38
+| pushpin_relief = 1
-|lat_minutes= 30
+| coordinates    = {{coord|38|30|45|N|106|19|57|W|type:landmark_scale:50000|display=inline,title}}
-|lat_seconds= 45
+| pushpin_label_position =
-|lat_direction= N
+| map_caption    = Location in [[Colorado]]
-|long_degrees= 106
+| top_elevation  = {{convert|11960|ft|m}}
-|long_minutes= 19
+| base_elevation = {{convert|10790|ft|m}}
-|long_seconds= 57
+| skiable_area   = {{convert|800|acre|km2}}
-|long_direction= W
+| number_trails  = 63 total <br> 14% beginner <br> 28% Intermediate <br> 27% Advanced <br> 31% Expert
-|top_elevation= {{convert|11960|ft|m}}
-|base_elevation= {{convert|10790|ft|m}}
+| longest_run    = {{convert|1|mi|km}}
+| liftsystem     = 5 total (1 quad [[chairlift|chair]], 4 double [[chairlift|chairs]]
-|skiable_area= {{convert|800|acre|km2}}
+| terrainparks   = 2
-|number_trails= 63 total <br> 14% beginner <br> 28% Intermediate <br> 27% Advanced <br> 31% Expert
+| snowfall       = 400 in/year (1016 cm/year)
-|longest_run= {{convert|1|mi|km}}
+| snowmaking     = no
-|liftsystem= 5 total (1 quad [[chairlift|chair]], 4 double [[chairlift|chairs]]
+| nightskiing    = no
-|terrainparks= 2
+| external_link  = http://www.skimonarch.com
-|snowfall= 400 in/year (1016 cm/year)
-|snowmaking= no
-|nightskiing= no
-|external_link= http://www.skimonarch.com
 |}}
-'''Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area''' is a [[ski resort]] located in the state of [[Colorado]]. It is twenty miles (32&nbsp;km) west of [[Salida, Colorado]] on [[U.S. Route 50 in Colorado|U.S. Highway 50]]. The resort is situated on [[Monarch Pass]], at the [[continental divide]] and has 54 trails, two terrain parks, and an extreme terrain area called Mirkwood.  The Monarch Mountain Lodge is located three miles (5&nbsp;km) east of the ski area in the town of [[Garfield, Colorado]]. Monarch is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from mid-November to early April. One of the most famous runs is at the top of the mountain called Skywalker, which follows the ridgeline. Ten minutes away from the mountain is the Monarch Mountain Hotel.
+'''Monarch Mountain''' is a [[ski resort]] located in the state of [[Colorado]]. It is twenty miles (32&nbsp;km) west of [[Salida, Colorado]], on [[U.S. Route 50 in Colorado|U.S. Highway 50]]{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}.
+The resort is situated on [[Monarch Pass]] at the [[continental divide]]. It has 54 trails, two terrain parks, and an extreme terrain area called Mirkwood.  The Monarch Mountain Lodge is located three miles (5 km) east of the ski area in the town of [[Garfield, Colorado]].
+The resort is named after Monarch Pass and the associated Monarch Mountain.  Monarch Pass and Monarch Mountain themselves are named after the 19th-century town of Monarch, which was razed by the [[Colorado Department of Transportation|CDOT]] to make way for [[US Route 50]].
+<!-- does this hidden text make sense to anyone? I can't figure out what's being attempted here --><!-- No word on what the abandoned ghost town of Monarch was named after, as these Elk were not called "Monarch" until far after the town was gone. Remains of Monarch, the ghost town, can be seen above the current town known as Garfield. -Ken Jessen's Ghost Towns : Colorado Style vol 3) -->
+[[Image:Snow rafting Monarch Mountain surroundings.jpg|thumb|left|Snow [[rafting]] on Monarch Mountain]]
 ==History==
+In 1936, a gearbox from an old oil derrick and a Chevy truck engine were brought up Monarch Pass. With this machinery, James Kane along with the Salida Winter Sports Club powered a 500 foot rope-tow up what is now the Gunbarrel ski trail at Monarch Mountain. The cabin that first housed the lift machinery still stands at the base of the run today and the original pulley which the rope ran through still marks the top of the tow. Monarch first opened in 1939, with one rope tow running up the Gunbarrel trail: a steep narrow run with a northern aspect on the south side of the ski area.
-Monarch first opened in 1939 with one rope tow running up the infamous Gunbarrel run, a long, steep, heavily moguled run.  The tow rope was powered by a Chevy engine when it was first opened.  Monarch has been owned and sold many times and is currently owned by many separate parties, none owning more than 25%.
+The Gunbarrel trail was originally cut only halfway up the current trail. Skiing pioneers described the challenges of the early days: “We skied Gunbarrel for two years before we ever saw anyone who could turn on skis. The challenge was to make it to the bottom of the hill without falling, or falling into a creek during the early part of the season.” -(Gerald Berry, Salida resident and son of Ray Berry, former owner of Monarch Ski Resort).
-==Ski School==
+The run was (and is) an expert trail and because of its steepness, which at the time was skied with very long wooden skis most likely without metal edges and leather boots, was known as “Bloody Ridge” and became one of the most legendary runs in Colorado.
-A Sprung building was built in 2007 to be the new home for the ski school and rental shop.  The ski school offers lessons for all ages and abilities in all three disciplines(ski, snowboard, and telemark).  You can sign up for group lessons or private(one on one or two on one)lessons.  All equipment needed for the three disciplines are available for rent from the rental shop.  The rental shop also offers tune ups and waxing.
+During the first inaugural ski season at Monarch during the winter of 1939-40, the Salida Winter Sports Club (SWSC) applied to the U.S. Forest Service for a permit to cut trails, construct a lodge, and build another rope tow called “Snowflake”. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) issued the initial construction grant during the Great Depression for $26,000. The town of Salida officially owned Monarch during the early days, and it was leased to the SWSC for a 10% cut of the profits. Season passes cost just $1, and 64 of them were sold. Additional lift revenue was brought in through the sale of 25-cent day tickets. Total day ticket sales for the 1939-40 ski season netted only $50.00
+Monarch has been owned and sold many times and is currently owned by many separate parties, none owning more than 25%.{{cn|date=March 2019}}
+=== Expansion Into No Name Basin ===
+As of July 8, 2024 Monarch Mountain has received approval by the US Forest Service to expand into No Name Basin.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2024 |title=Monarch Ski Area Expansion |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61373 |website=US Forest Service}}</ref> Previously accessed by Monarch’s cat-skiing operation, it will feature 10 cut trails and an additional 75 acres of gladed terrain for skiers and snowboarders to explore. A fixed-grip triple chairlift, rising nearly 1,000 vertical feet, will serve the mostly intermediate and advanced terrain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silgalis |first=Alex |date=2024-07-15 |title=Hidden In Plain Sight - Colorado Ski Area Gets Approval To Expand |url=https://localfreshies.com/monarch-mountain-expansion/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Local Freshies |language=en-US}}</ref>
 ==Terrain parks==
-The run formerly known as Slo-Motion, was developed into the K2 terrain park in 2008. It is composed of all natural features, including logs, stumps, and jumps.  However the run can be used by anyone, even if they have no intent of going off any of the features. However, it was filled with gear from the Aftershock! terrain park. It is now known as the Never Summer terrain park. There is a small park at the base of the panorama double chairlift. There is also the Aftershock terrain park, which is located next to Freeway, that comes down right to the base in front of the lodge.  This gives people in the lodge and on the deck a great view.  This is Monarch's terrain park that hosts multiple competitions throughout the season.  '''
+The run formerly known as ''Slo-Motion'' was developed into the ''K2 terrain park'' in 2008. It is composed of all-natural features, including logs, stumps, and jumps. The run can be used by anyone, even if they have no intent of using any of the features. It is next known as the ''Never Summer terrain park''.  As of 2021, it is now known as Steel City.
+There is a small park at the base of the panorama double chairlift called Tilt.
-Monarch Ski Area is named after Monarch Pass, at which it is near the top of, and the associated Monarch Mountain.  Monarch pass and Monarch mountain themselves, are named after the 19th-century town Monarch, which was razed by the DOT to make way for US 50.  No word on what the abandoned ghost town of Monarch was named after, as these Elk were not called "Monarch" until far after the town was gone.  (Remains of Monarch, the ghost town, can be seen above the current town known as Garfield. -Ken Jessen's Ghost Towns : Colorado Style vol 3)
+== Snow Cat ==
-[[Image:Snow rafting Monarch Mountain surroundings.jpg|thumb|left|Snow [[rafting]] on Monarch Mountain]]
+Monarch Cat Skiing offers 1,635 acres of diverse expert terrain featuring wide open bowls, steep chutes, beautiful glades, and tree skiing.
+==References==
+{{reflist}}
 ==External links==
-* [http://www.skimonarch.com/ Ski Monarch]
+* [http://www.skimonarch.com/ Monarch Mountain]
 * [http://www.coloradoskihistory.com/areahistory/monarch.html Monarch's History]