Featured Image: Courtesy of Monarch Mountain | Location: No Name Basin, San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests
Last week, Monarch Mountain broke the news that they had been cleared for a large expansion into No Name Basin. The development will add 377 acres of skiable terrain to the resort, which currently has around 800 acres to its name. The approved expansion will put them at over 1,000 skiable acres of lift-accessible terrain, nearly a 50% increase. They hope to have the effort completed by the end of 2025.
For those who have visited Monarch in the past, the expansion area might be familiar territory. Currently, it is serviced by Monarch Cat Skiing operations, which has developed a stellar reputation for service and terrain access. Seriously, the 1,635 acres of cat-accessed skiing they currently utilize includes a plethora of underrated terrain. But now, the No Name Basin area will be skiable via chairlift and offer access to, “traditionally cleared trails and gladed terrain for primarily intermediate to advanced skiers,” according to Monarch’s official press release.
The process was anything but rushed, taking place over the last 10 years as Monarch discussed and researched the expansion in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the United States Forest Service, San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests, the State Historical Preservation group and the Federal Advisory Council on Historical Preservation.
The approval was officially reviewed over the last three years by the San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests. The organizations found that there was, “no significant impact with special consideration given to sensitive cultural resources.” In fact, the consulted experts deduced that the project will provide improved forest health in the long term by removing hazardous dead trees that have been affected by the spruce beetle epidemic; a problem much of Colorado’s forests continue to deal with. The timber would otherwise pose a large wildfire threat.
“This has truly been a labor of love,” said Monarch Mountain COO and General Manager, Randy Stroud. “We learned a lot during the process and have an in-depth appreciation of the State Historical Preservation group and the Federal Advisory Council on Historical Preservation. We plan to work together along with the Forest Service on continuing education with regard to the importance of the preservation of all cultural aspects of the area and beyond. That process has been rewarding. So, now on with the crux of the matter … more room for skiing and riding. Time to get to work.”
The resort said they plan to begin construction in late July of this summer. Their goals for this summer are to build an access road, (seen outlined in brown in the map above), extend the powerline to the proposed warming hut and lift base terminal, and begin cutting ski runs. The warming hut and restrooms, along with the 3-person, 2,700 feet-long fixed grip chairlift will begin construction in the summer of 2025.
While consuming ample amounts of time, energy and money, this expansion is big news for Monarch and the surrounding area. Located in South-Central Colorado, just west of the growing town of Salida, there is a passionate community of skiers that call Monarch Mountain home.
Monarch’s remote location, flowy terrain and average snowfall of 350″ per year make it one of the best resorts in all of Colorado. Trust us, it doesn’t get better than skiing knee-deep snow on a blue sky morning with not a soul in sight. If you have yet to check Monarch off your bucket list, the next couple of winters are going to be the time to do so.
