What a secret little gem. A gem is an association of Boutique Ski Areas in Colorado... and Monarch takes the prize... Boutique it is not. Located at the top of the rockies this area gets over 350 inches a year and this year over 400. All of it 100% Natural. None of the artificially made cement. At Monarch the focus is the ski experience... not real estate, not retail, not to be seen. Simply making turns, cruising in the sun and vertical. And they have a Starbucks... the highest in the US. Monarch is a great value... adult ticket is $52 but you can save with a ski package in Salida. A beautiful mountain town... unspoiled. Cute as a button and a great place to walk around. The town is in Colorado's banana belt, 335 days of sunshine. The weather is really an attraction, abliet a little windy on one of our days. We stayed at the Super 8 and it was a great place to stay and a great value. We will be back! Superb service, real friendly and helpful. When you check in you receive a listing of restaurants and candid advice on where to eat. Three hot tubs... yep this is a Super 8! The staff is very familar with the area and pointed us in the right directions.

We went to Benson's at the recommendation of the hotel. Described as a tavern but with great food. They were right the best burger in a long time.

One interesting fact is the owners are also partners in Monarch Mountain.

In fact we are staying there now... on our way to 4 inches for sugar coating and a day of skiing in the sunshine. This is a true special find in the mountain of Colorado.

My wife and I found this place a great place to get away for a break from the rat race at home. But it is also a great family mountain. Not much night life but it is all we needed. Fresh air, billions of stars and fresh powder what more could you ask for?