Uphill Travel

The Uphill access pass is available at the Guest Services desk and the Monarch Outpost during normal business operating hours.

• Current Monarch season pass holders may obtain a complimentary Uphill Pass.
• Individuals who do not have a current Monarch season pass but still want to enjoy uphill travel during the winter season may purchase an Uphill Pass for $59 for the 2022-23 season.
• The Uphill Pass is valid outside of normal operating hours (4:00pm-9:00am) AND during normal operating hours (9:00am-4:00pm) at any time during the winter season with the following exception: Uphill access will be closed the week before Opening Day for mountain preparation. Refer to the Monarch website and social media outlets for uphill access as the season approaches.
• Uphill passes are also valid for pre-season and post-season uphill travel. Users that visit before or after our operating season may visit anytime except the week before Opening Day. Refer to the Monarch website and social media outlets for uphill access as the season approaches.
• Monarch Mountain reserves the right to prohibit uphill access at any time due to special events, mountain operations, weather, or for any other reason deemed necessary by Monarch Mountain Administration.
• Users wanting to travel uphill exclusively after the ski area closes may obtain an Uphill Pass at no charge after the official Monarch Mountain closing day (TBD).
• All uphill users will be required to sign our general liability waiver which includes uphill travel. Users will be given a hard copy and/or emailed a copy of the Monarch Mountain Uphill Access Policy.
• Always keep your uphill access pass visible and be willing to stop and show it whenever asked by any resort personnel. ​ Attach it to your ski pants or backpack. This includes early season, late season, during and after hours

Designated Uphill Routes are accessible during operating hours and are required for uphill travel between 9:00am and 4:00pm. These designated uphill routes are marked by a yellow diamond shaped marker with a black arrow. Outside of operating hours, from 4:00pm – 9:00am, no designated travel route is required. You are free to explore the mountain – just be sure to watch out for maintenance crews working through the night.

BARREL LOOP
Start at the center of lower Tango. Stay on climbers right of North Forty, then head left to the top of Gunbarrel.

PANO ROUTE
Start at the center of lower Tango. Stay on climbers right of North Forty. Continue on climbers left of Roundabout and finish on climbers left of Skywalker.

MIRK ROUTE
Start on climbers left of Little Mo and stay on this run until at the top of the Breezeway lift. If open, continue to the top of Mirkwood. If closed, you must stay out of the area. (Mirkwood opens at 10:00 and closes at 2:30.)

• Monarch Mountain reserves the right to prohibit uphill access at any time due to special events, mountain operations, weather, or for any other reason deemed necessary by Monarch Mountain administration.
• Terrain parks are closed outside of normal operating hours. Other trails may be used for downhill during this time.
• Uphill users must obey all signs, warnings, and closures. Winch cat operations are identified by an orange sign near the anchor point and a blue or orange flashing warning light on the winch-cat. Other snowcats use an orange light. Do not ski/ride near any snowcats or grooming operations. Just because you can easily see a snowcat, does not mean that the operator can see you.
• Mirkwood and other avalanche terrain may be closed. Avalanche mitigation may be in progress at any time during the early morning, daytime, or dusk. It is your responsibility to avoid areas where these activities may be in progress. Please check in with ski patrol dispatch if in question. If in doubt, avoid traveling in or under any steep terrain.
• 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.
• If user decides to leave the ski area boundary, user is responsible for understanding risks. User may not enter, leave or re-enter the ski area by using a closed area, including marked USFS boundary closures. User must exit the area through USFS managed exit points.
• Ski patrol services are not available outside of operating hours. Call 911 in case of emergency. Cell service may be spotty or unavailable and rescue may be lengthy. Travel with a partner and let others know of your plan.

During the ski season, Uphill Travel users arriving prior to 7:30am are REQUIRED to park in the area next to the Water Treatment Plant in the lower lot and stay clear of snow plowing operations.

Outside of the ski season, uphill users should be aware that parking lot gates are unlocked only during specific hours; these hours are posted on the entrance gate (don’t get locked inside!)

• Dogs are prohibited on the mountain during operating hours and are strongly discouraged at all other times.
• The resort is not responsible for injury to dogs, service animals, or other pets.
• User may be held responsible for any resulting damages or injuries to persons or property due to their animal, as well as loss of access/pass privileges.
• If you do bring your dog on the mountain outside of operating hours, please clean up after your animal and maintain control of them at all times with a leash or verbal command.