It’s official. Monarch Mountain will be expanding next year. After over a decade of planning, Monarch received official approval from the U.S. Forest Service to begin its expansion into the No Name Basin.
The development will add 377 acres of skiable terrain on the west side of the Continental Divide. Monarch currently uses the area for its cat skiing operations and will offer access to traditionally cleared trails and glades, primarily for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The approval comes after three years of review from both the San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests. In its announcement, Monarch said that after analysis, the organizations that were consulted found no significant impact to the No Name Basin area, with special consideration given to sensitive cultural resources and wetlands in the area.
“This has truly been a labor of love. We learned a lot during the process and have an in-depth appreciation of the State Historical Preservation group and the Federal Advisory Council on Historical Preservation,” said Randy Stroud, COO and General Manager of Monarch Mountain. “We plan to work together along with the Forest Service on continuing education with regard to the importance of preservation of all cultural aspects of the area and beyond. That process has been rewarding. So now on with the crux of the matter — more room for skiing and riding. Time to get to work.”
So when can you ski and snowboard Monarch’s new No Name Basin? If the project goes according to plan, the 2025-2026 ski season.
Construction began in mid-July 2024. Monarch’s main goals this year are to build the access road, extend the necessary power line and begin cutting ski runs.
That power line will extend from the base of Monarch’s Panorama trail to the top of the ridge. “The new lift will be a top drive system, which means that the motor room will be located at the top of the lift instead of the bottom,” explains Scott Pressly, vice president of mountain operations, on his blog. “All of our other aerial lifts have a bottom drive terminal.”
The next phase will take place in summer 2025. The plan then is to install a three-person, 2,700-foot fixed grip ski lift, as well as a warming hut and restroom facility.
If completed on time, skiers and snowboarders will be able to cross the Continental Divide and use the No Name terrain with lift access.
Monarch’s No Name Basin expansion work will also reduce hazardous wildfire fuels by removing timber that has been affected by the spruce beetle epidemic. That is expected to improve forest health.
Learn more about Monarch Mountain at skimonarch.com. Follow the No Name Expansion progress on Monarch’s Scott’s Blog.
