Ski & Ride School classes meet right at the base of the mountain.  Children and adults meet in different areas and are taught with other similar age students. Our professional, patient, friendly instructors will meet you and cover some of the basics; putting on your gear, getting up, stopping and cover the skiers’ responsibility code.  When you are feeling confident and ready you will be transported up the mountain, adults ride a chairlift and children ride a conveyor lift.  Our lift attendants will make sure you are comfortably and safely loaded on the lift, once at the top you simply stand up and glide down a gentle ramp.  Your instructor will gather your class together and begin the process of turning you into a Skier or Snowboarder.

During the lesson you will be on groomed snow on smooth beginner runs. Your instructor will teach you how to turn, control your speed, stop and smile while doing it all.  You will progress at a speed that is comfortable for you and within your limits, we keep it fun!  When you’re ready for a break you can stop at the Starbuck’s in the base lodge for a little pick-me-up.  Breaks and lunch are included in the Children’s programs, we like to keep them fresh and having a good time.

With the new modern shaped skis, warm waterproof clothing, soft groomed snow and friendly patient instructors skiing is more enjoyable than ever.  All of the runs at Monarch flow naturally to the base area so you will always be able to meet up with your friends and family.

If you have questions now regarding Monarch's Youth Programs, please contact Monarch at: 888.996.7669 ext 5196 locally at 530.5196 or you can use our contact form.

The following is a guidline for you to understand about being safe while having a great experience at Monarch.

Monarch can be enjoyed in many ways using alpine, snowboard, telemark or other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements or risk in skiing and snowboarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

It's your responsibility to observe the codes listed below and share the responsibility while on the mountain.

1) Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2) People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3) You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4) Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5) Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6) Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7) Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
8) Snow maintenance vehicles or snowmobiles may be encountered on any trail at any time.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious. Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).

Colorado Safety Act
Under Colorado law, any person using any of the facilities of the ski area is considered a skier. Colorado has amended its Ski Safety Act to include a section on inherent risks and dangers in the sport.

Warning:
Under Colorado law, a skier and snowboarder assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of the sport and may not recover from any area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and snowboarding, including changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects or other people; variations in terrain; and the failure to ski or snowboard within the limits of their own ability. Each skier or snowboarder solely has the responsibility for knowing the range of his own ability to negotiate any slope or trail and to ski or snowboard within the limits of such ability. Each skier or snowboarder has the duty to maintain control of his speed and course at all times when skiing or snowboarding and to maintain a proper lookout so as to be able to avoid other people and objects. However, the primary duty shall be on the person skiing downhill to avoid collision with any person or objects below him. No skier or snowboarder involved in a collision with another skier or snowboarder in which an injury results shall leave the vicinity before giving his name and address to an employee of the ski and snowboard area.

Safety:
In case of accident, use the international signal of skis crossed upright in the snow above the scene of the accident. Report accidents to any area employee, call on our emergency phones, or from the base of each lift. Dial 911 for assistance. Anyone leaving the "Area Boundary" will forfeit their lift privilege for the day and may be guilty of a Class 2 Petty Offense if that area was designated as "Closed". Leave at established Forest Service Gates Only! Area not patrolled past the "Area Boundary".

Slow Zones:
Yellow areas on the trail map denote family skiing and snowboarding zones. They indicate approaches to loading and busy traffic areas. Speeding or recklessness in these areas will result in loss of lift ticket.

Ski Patrol:
For your on-hill needs and convenience, Monarch maintains a professional patrol. Our patrollers are highly skilled skiers, well-trained in mountain safety, first aid and emergency procedures, including CPR. You can recognize them by their uniforms: red parkas with a white cross. They're friendly, reliable, knowledgeable and are here to give you aid and information. You'll find the Patrol Headquarters and Clinic (PHQ) south of the Day Lodge.

Trail Signs:
Signs are posted throughout our trail network for your convenience and protection. Please observe all posted signs; such as, but not limited to,CLOSED, CAUTION, SLOW and AREA BOUNDARY signs. Remember, it is illegal to enter closed areas. The posted degree of difficulty of a run is determined by the surrounding terrain and the runs on this mountain only. Comparisons of runs similarly marked at different areas may be misleading. Be advised that all fencing, equipment covers, signage, ropes and other marking devices are in place to inform you and to indicate a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers will not protect you from injury. It is your responsibility to stay away from marked areas.