How to Go Skiing in Monarch Mountain, Colorado

Zip up your ski jacket, strap down your boots and challenge yourself on the slopes of Monarch Mountain in Colorado. With a vertical drop of 1,170 feet on a mountain with a top elevation of 11,961 feet, Monarch Mountain offers plenty of opportunities for expert-level skiing on its 54 trails.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Book Your Trip to Monarch Mountain

1. Hop on to Monarch Mountain's Web site for a comprehensive list of spacious lodges, charming local or chain hotels, historic cabins and classic bed and breakfast inns (see Resources below). Package rates for hotels can be quite inexpensive, while some of the nicer cabins and condos are expensive.

2. Book specially-priced accommodation and ski packages by using the links on the Monarch Mountain Web site. You can also call Monarch Mountain at [phone].

3. Book travel into Denver, which is a little over two hours away from Monarch Mountain. You'll take Highway 285 south to Highway 50 west. Highway 50 will take you right to Monarch Mountain.

4. Attend ski school to brush up on your skills or try snowboarding for the first time. Call [phone] extension 5196, to make reservations. Also remember to download the proper forms for registration and bring them with you to your lesson.

5. Ask for rentals in advance. If you know what size and type of equipment you'd like to rent, Monarch can prepare all of your equipment before you ever set foot on the mountain.

6. Purchase a season pass if you plan on making Colorado your winter home. Students, seniors and children receive a discount on season passes. For more information call [phone], extension 5105.

7. Avoid long lines and purchase your lift tickets online. Have the tickets mailed to your home or leave them at will call at Monarch Mountain.

Do Some Research

8. Log in to the Monarch Mountain Web site to check the status of the slopes and the weather conditions before you finalize your trip.

9. Sneak a peek at what's to come with Monarch Mountain's online photo gallery.

10. View maps of the ski area to find out which courses to avoid and which courses to tackle. If double black diamond is a walk in the park, try Mirkwood Basin. Over 100 acres of black diamond madness, Mirkwood Basin is the perfect treat for the extreme daredevil.

Hit the Slopes and Conquer the Mountain

11. Rent skis, a snowboard or ski blades through Monarch Mountain's rental center. If you carry your own equipment, drop it off at the repair shop for a quick tune up before braving the hills. Call [phone], extension 5196, for more information.

12. Drop off the kids at daycare while you take a lesson or take a few runs down the course.

Tips & Warnings

• The Monarch Mountain Web site does not offer direct online booking, and neither does the Colorado Tourism Board Web site. Call the numbers or visit the links on the Monarch Web site to book your accommodations directly with the providers listed.
• Snow is plentiful in Monarch, Colorado, but be warned that snow can lead to dangerous roads. Take every precaution while driving in the snow and keep your trip a safe one.