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Monarch's Handy Little Vacation Tips

Below is a collection of helpful tips and suggestions we think will enhance your trip to Monarch. We have thought a lot about what we, or more importantly you, can do to make your vacation as pleasant and safe as possible. By following these guidelines you can be assured that your trip to Monarch will be one you'll never forget.

General Guidelines

Practice Safe Driving- Although our local CDOT does a great job keeping the highway clear, it can be snow-covered and slick. Slow down and get here safe. This also includes driving in the parking lot.

Wear Proper Clothing- It can be very cold, snowy, and wet up here. Dress in many synthetic layers, and avoid cotton-especially jeans as it makes you even colder. One good pair of wool socks is better than two pair of cotton ones. Top these off with a wind/water resistant shell, helmet/hat, and sunglasses/goggles, and gloves.

Gear Up Correctly- Stretch before you ski or ride. In the parking lot and around the base area, use proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. Avoid tucking double socks or pants into your ski/board boots. On the slopes, be sure your boots are buckled; unbuckled or loose fitting boots are an easy way to get hurt. Check your equipment for proper operation before you hit the slopes.

Avoid *Acute Mountain Sickness*- This is the most common problem that patrol sees, and it can happen to you! Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, unable to catch breath. Give yourself a rest day during your trip to Monarch if coming from low altitude. Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and don't overexert yourself. If you drink alcohol, please do so responsibly. The effects of alcohol are increased with altitude. THE ONLY REAL REMEDY IS TO DECREASE IN ALTITUDE! To help aid in the prevention of altitude sickness, Monarch is now selling a locally produced mountain sports drink called Acli-Mate in our Sport Shop. More info on staying healthy here.

Be Sun Smart- Snow adds to UV danger by reflecting the sun's rays back at you, (even on cloudy days). Use at least 15 spf sunscreen and don't forget to reapply. Also wear eye protection.

Ski/Ride Within Your Limits- It is highly suggested that first time riders/skiers take a lesson with a certified instructor. If you are new to the terrain park, start on Tilt and only use features you are comfortable with.

Set Up A Meeting Place- Set up a place and time to meet with your party around lunch and at the end of the day. Many people panic when separated from their friends on a run because they have no place or time set up to meet them.

Lunchtime Made Easy- Most people seem to eat lunch right around noon. To avoid long lines and guarantee yourself a seat, schedule your lunch at earlier or later times. Please keep walkways and stairs free of clutter. Don't "camp out" in these areas.

Respect Boundary/Rope Closures- Real wilderness lies beyond the boundary ropes. Expensive rescue or injury can happen if you leave the ski area boundary. $1,000 fines are possible if you cross a rope.

Know The Code- If you don't know—ask. See our Skier Safety page.

Rental Shop Suggestions

Reserve In Advance- Make rental reservations if possible, this can save time in the Rental Shop.

Record Your Equipment- Write down the equipment number on your lift pass or other safe place. Many rental skis look the same. It is very important that you do not ski on equipment that was not set up for YOU. Each ski is set for your age, height, weight, sole length, and ability. Skiing on other people's equipment will likely result in injury.

Lock It Up- Snowboards are high theft items. Please secure snowboards in lockable racks while not riding them.

If You Don't Know, Ask- If renting equipment, ask questions, it's your job to understand the equipment you are riding on.

Riding The Lifts

If You Don't Know, Ask- If you are new to riding a chairlift, ask for assistance from the Lift Staff well before you arrive at the loading area. Please use the Tumbelina lift, which is designed to run at a beginners pace. We are more than glad to help, and slow the lift down. Remember, the lift does not stop to let you load and unload.

Know Your Limits- It's a good idea to be comfortable getting on and off the chair at Tumbelina before moving on to the other lifts, which move considerably faster. Beginners at advanced lifts generally cause more stopping of the lift, and we'd like to keep you skiing rather then waiting in longer lines.

Check For Loose Clothing- Backpack straps, gloves, and anything else that can get caught in the chair when unloading. It's easier than you may think to get hung up.

Riding With Your Snowboard- Please do not completely strap your snowboard on while riding up the chair. While it may save you time at the top, it can be very dangerous. Sudden stopping of the lift while snowboarders were strapping in has caused them to fall off chairs. The proper way to get on and off is with only the front foot strapped in. The chairs also become damaged from edges cutting into the seat. Please make sure you have a leash on your snowboard to prevent it from running away downhill. This is a very common occurrence and it's no fun to get hit with a snowboard coming downhill at 50mph.

Don't Swing Or Jump Off Chair- Do not swing the chair or make it bounce up and down as you're riding up. While it may seem harmless, this is a great way to make the cable come off its support wheels, and you would be endangering everyone on the lift. DO NOT JUMP off a chairlift. Besides possibly hurting yourself, you are putting EVERYONE on the chairlift in danger. Jumping off the lift is the best way to cause a de-ropement. This is a very serious offense and the Chaffee County Sheriff will be called with possible fines enacted.

Unloading The Chair- When unloading the chairlift, let the chair push you down the ramp, don't push yourself downhill. Pushing the chair causes it to swing, which can lead to a de-ropement. Please do not bang your equipment against any part of the ski lift towers, or use your poles to mess with any of the moving machinery. The stop gate bar at the top is designed to keep you from continuing downhill on the lift, which could be dangerous. Don't be afraid to let your legs hit the bar; it is not a fixed device and will not hurt you.

Riding With Kids- Parents with small children; place your child on your right side so the Attendant can ensure they load safely. If you're taking your little one on their first chairlift ride, it's probably best if you already know how to ski yourself. If you are both beginning, we highly recommend lessons, where they will even show you how to lift your child into the chair safely. When teaching your young one, there is usually no need for the parent to use ski poles, and you can concentrate on lifting your child into the chair. On approach tell lift operator to slow the lift down then enter picking child up and then sit down beside them. On exit ramp pick child up ski down ramp to a flat spot out of the way of others. The Lift Attendant will gladly help you boost the child into the chair, but you are ultimately responsible for your child's welfare. Please do not leave your child unattended at the ski lifts if they cannot load and unload by themselves. Never ski with child between your legs (reason: if the child falls we run them over and cause neck, back or leg injuries). Stay close to them with the child beside you and a hand out for their assistance.