It’s a crisp and clear morning at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area this December 29, 2025, with overnight temps dipping to a brisk -4.9°F—perfect for preserving the mountain’s snowpack. Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area is a ski resort located in Colorado, United States.
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While the current base measures 18 inches, significantly below average for this time of year (-36.7”), the trails remain well-groomed and riding fast under bluebird skies. With a Snow Water Equivalent of 4.3", the snow is dry and powdery, offering solid carving for intermediate and advanced skiers alike. No new snowfall is in the immediate forecast, but the sun is out and the mountain is buzzing with energy as holiday visitors pack the slopes.
Despite a drier-than-usual season attributed to La Niña conditions, Monarch is making headlines for all the right reasons. The resort's latest expansion project—adding 377 acres of new terrain in the No Name Basin—is being hailed as one of Colorado's top ski area improvements this season. Excitement is also building around Monarch’s revival of ski ballet and the upcoming Snowboard Art Show. While the snowpack may be thin, the stoke is high as Monarch delivers blue skies, creative flair, and new terrain to explore. Bundle up, wax your skis, and enjoy a classic Colorado ski day with a twist of the unexpected.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Porphyry Creek.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area in Colorado is located near the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains. The resort offers a variety of terrain, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and advanced terrain. Some of the prominent peaks and mountains surrounding the resort include Monarch Mountain, Garfield Peak, and Grizzly Peak. The area is known for its breathtaking views and diverse skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
The resort offers a variety of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with the beginner-friendly Mirage being a popular choice for those new to the sport. The resort also boasts the longest run in Colorado, the Enduro, which spans two miles. An interesting fact about Monarch is that it was once a mining town in the late 1800s, and some of the historic buildings still remain on the property. For après ski, the Sidewinder Saloon is a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy live music.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 6100 per hour |
Base Elevation | 3289 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 800 Acres |
Established | 1936 |
Run Count | 63 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 21. west southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Steamboat Springs and the surrounding northern Colorado mountains are seeing the heaviest snowfall forecasts this week. The Tower SNOTEL site near Steamboat reports a snowpack depth of 48" and an 8" forecast over five days. Dry Lake and Rabbit Ears Pass are also in line for 7–8" of new snow. Close by, Steamboat Resort is expected to benefit most from ... Read more