Independent ski resorts offer atypical experiences for skiers and boarders

By The Thirst Team

It’s November. That means ski season starts later this month. And that means big crowds will probably be hitting the slopes.

Following the herd isn’t always the best option, especially when it comes to skiing Colorado’s backcountry this winter. Yes, the big resorts offer incredible experiences for the masses but some of the smaller independent resorts are going out of their way to capture fans who appreciate a less-crowded experience with more attention to snow-sport details.

Monarch Mountain, which opened 82 years ago, is working with other independent resorts to deliver skiers and boarders more ski time and less time standing around in lift lines. The destination has come a long way since a pull-off on the side of the road served as a parking lot and a Chevy engine ran the tow rope up the mountain for skiers to hold onto until their descent.

“Monarch is a great value featuring all-natural snow, one base area that all ski runs naturally flow back to, and easy parking,” says Dan Bender, vice president of marketing. “Monarch is out of the rat race of the I-70 resorts and has a very chill, laid-back vibe.”

Monarch is part of a group of smaller Colorado resorts that offer passes that make skiing and boarding more affordable.

Monarch’s ski pass offers numerous partners across the region. Colorado partners include Copper Mountain, Loveland, Purgatory, Sunlight Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, Ski Cooper, Silverton Mountain and Powderhorn Mountain.

Seventeen other resorts throughout the West are also included as Monarch partners. The 2021-22 season pass costs $479 for adults 18-61; $329 for teens 13-17; $219 for juniors 7-12. Monarch also offers a pass that is only good at its resort, which is about 30 minutes west of Salida.

All resorts offer their own passes, which vary in price and offer a variety of partner resorts.

Running short on time? Fly into the Durango-La Plata County Airport and visit Purgatory, which is about an hour north of Durango. The resort in the rugged San Juan Mountains offers more than 100 trails on 1,600 acres of terrain.

Closer to the Front Range and about 10 miles north of Leadville, Ski Cooper also offers fewer people and less pretense. The terrain is varied, offering a challenge for all family members. Touting itself as affordable (especially when a ski pass is considered), Ski Cooper also features lessons and clinics for those hoping to brush up on their skills.