Uphill Travel

Uphill pass policy:

• Current season pass holders may obtain a complimentary uphill pass.
• Non-season pass holders may purchase an uphill pass for $79.
• The uphill pass is valid ONLY for the current winter season. Users must obtain a new uphill pass each season.
• The uphill pass is available at the Guest Service desk and the Outpost during normal operating hours.
• All users must sign a liability waiver and indemnification agreement.
• Uphill passes MUST be worn at all times when accessing the ski area.
• Your uphill access pass MUST be visible at all times. Wear your uphill pass on ski pants or on a backpack.

Uphill Routes & Open Hours:

• Designated uphill & downhill route – Morning/Pre-operational hours (06:00am-09:00am)
  • Little Mo route – (climber’s left of Little Mo-to the top of Little Mo). ALL Pre-Operational skiers/riders MUST ONLY ASCEND & DESCEND LITTLE MO. No other trails are open during this timeframe.
• All other terrain is CLOSED during Morning/Pre-operational hours (6:00am-9am).
• Designated uphill routes – during operating hours (09:00am-04:00pm) – Marked by a yellow/black placard. These routes are also marked on all trail maps (pocket maps, mountain trail maps and on our website).
  • #1-Barrel loop – (climber’s left of lower Tango-climber’s right of North Forty-to the top of Gunbarrel)
  • #2-Pano route – (climber’s left of lower Tango-climber’s right of North Forty-climbers left of Roundabout-climbers left of Skywalker)
  • #3-Mirk route – (climber’s left of Little Mo-to the top of Mirkwood-when open)
  • #4-NNB to Pano – (climber’s right of Mule Train-climber’s right of Great Divide)
  • #5-NNB to Breeze – (climber’s right of Mule Train-climber’s right of Prospector)
• Post-operational hours (4pm-10pm). Other trails not marked as closed on the frontside of the mountain may be used during this time.
• There will be snowcats working the swing shift for mountain grooming from 4:30pm-10pm. This work will primarily be conducted in the three terrain parks and nearby trails but could be occurring anywhere on the mountain. Stay away from machines, wear reflective clothing, and use a headlamp.

Closures:

• Nighttime hours (10pm-6:00am). All trails are CLOSED during this time to uphill and downhill use.
• No Name Basin is CLOSED for uphill and downhill traffic from 3pm until 9am to allow for winch cat grooming.
• Uphill access will be CLOSED as we prepare the mountain for opening day. Follow our website and social media for updates as the season approaches.
• All Terrain Parks are closed outside operating hours.
• Avoid avalanche terrain and closures outside of operating hours.
• Mirkwood is CLOSED outside of operating hours and when marked as such.
• During high wind lift closures, the uphill routes in these locations are also CLOSED.
• There is signage in the base area that provides additional information on uphill access.
• Monarch Mountain reserves the right to prohibit uphill access at any time due to special events, weather, terrain closures, or for any other reason deemed necessary by Monarch Mountain administration.

Machine & Avalanche Risks:

• Users may encounter snowcats, winch cats, winch cables, snowmobiles, trucks, loaders, skiers/riders, and other types of operations at any time.
• Winch cat operations are identified by an orange sign near the anchor point and a blue or an orange flashing warning light on the winch-cat.
• Winch cats utilize a cable that is very difficult to see to lower and raise the machine up & down the trail.
• Just because you can see the machine working does not mean that the operator can see you.
• Avalanche mitigation may be in progress at any time during the early morning, daytime, or dusk.
• It is your responsibility to avoid areas where mitigation activities may be in progress.
• If in doubt, avoid traveling in or under any steep terrain. Contact Ski Patrol for more information.
• Prior to or after the ski season, mitigation work is not actively conducted, and backcountry type conditions are present at the ski area including the increased risk of avalanches. Ski with a partner, carry and know how to use rescue equipment.
• In the dark, at dusk, or in the early morning, wear reflective clothing visible from all directions, such as a vest, armband, belt, reflective clothing or pack, headlamp, flashing bike light, etc.

Backcountry/Exit Points:

• If user decides to leave the ski area boundary, user is responsible for understanding the risks.
• User may not enter, leave or re-enter the ski area through a closed area, including roped boundary closures.
• User must exit the area through USFS managed exit points. Ask Administration or Ski Patrol for information on these locations.

Rescue:

• Ski patrol services are not available outside of operating hours.
• You are responsible for your own safety outside of normal operating hours while within the Monarch Mountain permitted area.
• Call 911 in case of emergency. Cell coverage may be spotty, and rescue may be lengthy.

Lifts:

• It is unlawful to board any of the lifts without a valid lift ticket or season pass.
• Anyone utilizing uphill access privileges to access upper mountain lifts without a valid lift ticket or pass will be subject to the loss of all pass privileges at the resort for an extended period and may be prosecuted for theft under Colorado law.

Parking:

• Designated parking for uphill use is located in the lower lot on the left (north) side of the wastewater treatment plant by the purple light.
• Outside of the ski season, uphill users should be aware that parking lot gates are unlocked only during operating hours (Mon-Fri 6am-6pm). Please park outside the gates during after-hours.

Dogs:

• Dogs (except ADA service animals) are prohibited in the buildings or on the mountain.
• This is due to safety concerns and are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
• Safety concerns include aggressive dog incidents, skier/dog collisions, and public health & safety.
• If a guest with a service animal wishes to participate in uphill access, a reasonable accommodation can be made between 4pm and 10pm.
• Service animals should wear a reflective vest or collar during these timeframes.
• Please clean up after your service animal. Waste bags are available in the base area.