Monarch Ski Area has earliest opening in decades

Monarch Ski Area had its earliest opening since the mid-’90s on Friday, but there’s a big difference from the previous ski area openings that have already arrived.

Monarch didn’t have to put any extra effort for its snow — while other ski areas were relying on snowmakers to fill in the gaps along runs, Monarch let Mother Nature take care of it.

The ski area is in its 79th year running, and Hayley Houlihan with Monarch says opening days feel more like family gatherings.

“It’s like a big reunion, the family’s all here, the gang’s together, it’s just a really great day — my favorite day of the year,” Houlihan said.

Co-owner Randy Stroud says that’s because there’s a big local presence at the Chaffee County ski area. There are more season pass holders from Colorado Springs than most other places.

“We truly believe that that whole corridor — especially through Canon City, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs — we feel like they’re in our backyard they’re our neighbors and our locals,” Stroud said.

The big announcement this year is that Monarch is adding a new tubing hill, which is set to open soon. We’ll bring you the latest on that opening along with snow totals from Monarch and other ski areas throughout the season.