* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet and Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet. * WHEN...From 5 AM Saturday to 11 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Bluebird skies and crisp mountain air greeted skiers and riders this morning at Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area, where the base sits at a modest 17 inches following an overnight low of 21°F. Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area is a ski resort located in Colorado, United States.
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Though the snowpack remains 36% below average, conditions are holding steady on groomed trails, offering early-season turns with classic Colorado charm. Just over two inches of fresh snow are expected over the next three days, with another two inches in the five-day forecast—enough to freshen up popular runs and stoke anticipation across the mountain.
While natural snowfall has been lean, the Monarch team is charging forward with energy. The resort officially opened for the 2025–26 season on Christmas Day, and all signs point to a strong start, despite regional snow challenges. Excitement is building for the upcoming debut of the No Name Basin terrain expansion—skiers are already eyeing these new lines, waiting for a decent dump to unlock them. Meanwhile, Monarch’s community outreach programs and seasonal events like the Snowboard Art Show continue to bring warmth and vibrancy to the mountain scene. Stay tuned, keep waxing those skis, and get ready—Monarch’s magic is just a storm away.
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 29. west southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area is expected to receive up to 2.09" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Colorado’s snow outlook is bright in the northern and western mountains, with the heaviest 5-day totals forecasted near Steamboat Springs and the Flat Tops region. Sensors at Tower and Lost Dog near Steamboat report 7" and 11" of snow on the way, respectively, while Zirkel and Elk River are expecting up to 9" and 11". Steamboat Resort should benefit significantly ... Read more