We are very excited to announce that our 2025 Master Development Plan (MDP) has been formally accepted by the National Forest Service. The new plan combines previously accepted projects as well as introducing new mountain improvement projects such as expanded parking, lift upgrades, new lifts, trail grading, and some non-skiing centered offerings.  Other infrastructure improvements planned are buildings in Pano Flats, Paradise Lot, and the top of Pano as well as replacements of the Rental and Lesson Center, Patrol Headquarters, and our Lift Maintenance Shop.

Every ski area that operates on National Forest land is required to have a MDP that lays out a 10-15 year roadmap of planned construction projects.  A MDP is a conceptual document that is “accepted” not “approved” and every project laid out here must still go through NEPA review.  This is an important distinction because not every project proposed will happen and most will be altered to fit the needs of the mountain at the time they are implemented.  The NEPA review for each individual project will take into account all the minor details that are impossible to include in a 15 year plan.  We began the process for this current MDP in the fall of 2023 with discussions internally, with SE Group, and the Forest Service.  It was formally submitted to the Forest Service on July 17, 2025 and reviewed through the fall, winter, and spring.  We may not of gotten it all the way through to the finish line before they retired, but both Randy Stroud and Scott Pressly deserve a ton of recognition for all the work they put into drafting this plan.

I encourage everyone to take a deep dive into the full 108 page document as it includes all the data that drives our decision making process.  Before anyone panics when they read about snow making, let me assure you that Monarch is committed to remaining 100% all natural.  Snow making has been a part of our previous MDP’s and we have chosen not to implement it as we truly believe that natural snow provides the best skiing experience.  This continues to be the case as snow making is in the plan to cover all bases, but we will not implement anything unless Mother Nature gives us no other choice.  Enjoy reading about all the planned projects.  “We are committed to keeping the soul of Monarch alive, we are excited about the new MDP plan, and are looking forward to getting it done.” Zach Moore, Director of Strategy and Safety