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Unspoiled since 1939

Monarch Mountain takes responsibility for the environment very seriously; we depend on nature for our business.   Everything at the area is done in a sustainable manner to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. Which is why we refer to Monarch as “unspoiled since 1939”.

All Natural Snow

Monarch Mountain’s location on the Continental Divide insures outstanding natural snowfall; 350 inches of snow annually allows for skiing from late November through mid-April.  Natural snow (no snowmaking) saves electricity and alleviates the need to pump and store water.

Energy Savings Programs

Monarch has invested in energy saving lighting and appliances throughout the area with the goal of using 100% energy efficient lighting.  In the Main Lodge the lighting control panel and lights are energy efficient with motion sensors in appropriate areas.  The Rental/Lesson Center and Vehicle Maintenance buildings have energy saving lighting and heating systems.  During the off season, buildings and facilities that are not being used are closed to reduce energy consumption.  Lift maintenance is done in the off season using auxiliary power resulting in less energy consumption.

Recycling at Monarch

Monarch recycles everything from office materials to food and beverage utensils.  All office paper, cardboard, toner cartridges and computers are recycled or donated when appropriate.  Throughout the area recycling containers can be found so guests can dispose of their glass, plastic and aluminum in a responsible manner.  Monarch employees sort recyclables in the Monarch Recycling Center and transport to Chaffee County for recycling.
All used oil and grease are stored at the area and picked up by reprocessing companies to reuse in other applications.

Taking Cars Off the Road

Every day Monarch operates two reconditioned school busses to shuttle employees to and from the mountain.  The busses bring employees from Poncha Springs and Salida about 20 miles away.  Fifty to ninety people ride these shuttles daily and allowing them to their cars at home.  On Saturdays Monarch offers a shuttle from Salida for guests through the Salida Parks and Recreation Dept.

Nothing Goes Downstream

At the base of Monarch Mountain is a large silt basin and a modern water treatment plant to make sure that all water leaving Monarch is pure.  As the snow melts it brings small particles of soil down the mountain this silt is collected in the settlement basin before allowing it downstream.  Over 150 tons of silt accumulates in the basin annually, it is removed and used as fill dirt.  The Monarch Waste Treatment Plant processes all waste water and the sludge that is removed is actually turned into fertilizer.