On Lift Chairs and Legacies with Mark Phillips

A Guide Through Monarch Mountain

By Mark Phillips, 2-06-06

Our weekend snowboard plans were nearly scuttled when a minor flu bug descended Thursday evening. By Saturday morning, though, the fever was gone. After a flurry of phone calls to the resort, we began our first trip up 285 to Monarch at 2:30. We saw reports of snow, but we hoped to beat the setting sun and try out the skatepark in Salida.

I introduced Oscar to my This American Life CDs during our drive back from Christmas in Kentucky. On our trip to Monarch, we continued where we left off. Oscar likes the show and that makes me happy.

The drive from Boulder to Monarch is spectacular. When we exited the canyon above Fairplay, we found ourselves atop a vast white plane with snow-covered mountains on all sides. From Fairplay to Salida (just 20 miles or so), the landscape changed dramatically, so much so that driving nearly became a distraction. The light was low and yellow and warm and it highlighted jagged ribbons of land marching toward the mountains.

The skatepark was filled with snow and the highlands had become much colder than Boulder had been when we left. No skating for us. We drove around downtown Salida and agreed on a small pizza restaurant for dinner.

After feeding ourselves, we headed to the resort and checked in. We were disappointed to find a very chilly indoor pool, so, before sleeping, we played a few video games and a game of pool in the arcade.

We slept soundly and headed to the resort for breakfast (the hotel restaurant was understaffed…even with only one full table!). Three cheers for biscuits and gravy on the hill!

Marketing Director, Greg Ralph, gave us some Monarch history-it has the second-oldest operational lift in Colorado and offers 100% natural snow-and coached us on the best way to tackle Monarch. On his advice, we began with the Pioneer lift. As it turns out, we spent most of the day on this section of the mountain. Sidewinder and Roundabout are two traverses that feed several green and blue runs and a short terrain park called Ricochet.

We had a hard time with this side of the hill. There are several long, flat spots which are tough for new snowboarders to blow through. Lower Tango is a nice, wide green once you get beyond the traverse. If you can manage the steep section on Romp, take that; otherwise, you’ll find yourselves with more scooting time than I prefer.

After lunch, we moved over to the Tumblina lift with hopes of sliding over to the bigger of the two terrain parks. Alas, the jumps were a little too big. The run next to them, Freeway, is a good hill for beginners, though. It has a nice consistent grade and is very wide.

Before packing up for Boulder, we took one run up the Panorama lift. I wish we had started there! At the top of Panorama, we stood atop the Continental Divide. The view west is unbelievable. From the Panorama lift, there are many blue and green runs available.

I enjoyed Monarch. I think Oscar enjoyed it less. I could have been more patient. He could have been faster. In the end, this trip matched what most families experience on vacation, I think: some bliss and some boredom. For beginners, I simply suggest that you try to avoid the traverses off of the Pioneer and Garfield lifts. For intermediate riders and skiers, make sure to keep up your speed.


Trip Details
Where we stayed: Monarch Mountain Lodge
Rates: $74-125
Note: Monarch (and several other Colorado resorts) are offering great Valentine’s Day packages.
Monarch Mountain Lodge is a functional choice. They have outdoor hot tub, an indoor pool, a sauna, and an arcade room. The phones were all out while we were there and cell phones don’t work at the lodge.
I was very taken with Salida. There are a number of Bed and Breakfasts there (and Hot Springs!) and, since Band B rates are not significantly higher than the Lodge, I think next time I’ll stay in Salida and take the ski bus to the resort.

Where we ate:
Dinner:
Moonlight Pizza in Salida
Excellent Pizza!
Cost: $16 for two

Breakfast and Lunch:
Fairplay and Salida. Both are fairly advanced.

No lift lines.
Closest Resort to Colorado Springs.
Great Snow (100% Natural).
Two terrain parks for boarders with different skill levels.
Free, close-in parking.
Good Ski-Stay Packages.
Discounted Lesson Packages for learners ($88-$93 per day for equipment, instruction, and lift passes).
Childcare.
Easy Bus Service from Salida.

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