If you’ve followed my family's ski adventures for a while, you know we have a soft spot for the independent, soulful ski areas that focus on the skiing rather than the shopping. Salida, Colorado’s Monarch Mountain has always been one of those gems, and as of January 29, 2026, it just got a whole lot bigger.
Yesterday marked the official opening of the highly anticipated No Name Basin expansion, and the energy was absolutely electric. Believe it or not, eager skiers were lining up as early as 3:30 a.m. to snag the first chair! While I admire that level of dedication, you'll usually find me still pouring my first cup of coffee at that hour. But for those early birds, the reward was fresh tracks on terrain that has been years in the making.
Why This Matters for Families
This isn't just a small tweak to the trail map; this is a 377-acre expansion that increases Monarch's skiable terrain by nearly 50%. For families like ours, this is huge news. The new pod adds a mix of intermediate and advanced pistes and glades, with a vertical drop of around 1,000 feet.
As a mom and instructor, I'm always looking for "progression terrain"—those spots where the kids can graduate from groomed cruisers to something a bit more adventurous without getting into extreme danger. No Name Basin seems to hit that sweet spot perfectly. It offers a backcountry feel but within the safety of the ski area boundary.
The New Lift and Amenities (Mom-Approved)
Accessing the new terrain is done via the new Tomichi lift, a SkyTrac fixed-grip triple chair. Now, I know what you're thinking—"fixed-grip" means a slower ride. However, that just gives us more time to chat with the kiddos on the way up. Plus, they designed this lift with the motor terminal at the top, making the loading area at the bottom incredibly quiet and serene.
Pro-Tip: Since fixed-grip lifts are a bit slower, you'll want to make sure the little ones are bundled up. We never hit the slopes without warm extremities; I highly recommend the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt to keep fingers toasty during the ride.
Perhaps the most important feature for parents? There is a warming hut and vault toilets right at the base of the terrain pod. If you’ve ever had a child announce they need the bathroom five minutes after dropping into a remote bowl, you know exactly why this is a lifesaver!
Skiing the Divide
One of the coolest geography lessons you can give your kids happens right here. With this expansion, Monarch becomes one of the few places in North America where you can ski on both sides of the Continental Divide. It joins an exclusive club that includes the likes of Banff Sunshine (which scores a 68.1/100 on ShredIndex). It’s a fun fact to share while you’re standing on the ridge, looking out over the vast Colorado landscape.
Unlike the mega-resorts like Park City Mountain, Monarch offers a more intimate vibe, and this expansion proves you don't need a massive village to offer world-class terrain. We can't wait to get the family out there to explore the glades and enjoy the views.
See you on the mountain!
Source: Unofficial Networks
