There is no on-mountain lodging at Monarch ski resort. Most people stay in Salida where the accommodations offer great value for money.

Salida Colorado

Salida Colorado is 20 miles east of Monarch Mountain. Rather than being pronounced the Spanish way (ie meaning exit), it is pronounced such that it sounds similar to “saliva”! The nearby town of Buena Vista isn’t pronounced the Spanish way either!

Salida is a friendly little town with a population of about 5,500 folks. During summer it’s rocking with a whitewater rafting and kayaking crowd. During winter it’s reasonably sleepy and other than the hot springs, there’s not an abundance of activities on offer beyond the Monarch skiing and snowboarding.

Salida has a small range of restaurants and pubs. For an amazingly big Mexican feed at rock bottom prices, check out the Boathouse Cantina!

Salida Hotels

Most of the Salida hotels and motels are located on highway 50, about 1.5 miles from the centre of town. These Salida hotels are generally 2 to 3 star properties, offering good quality accommodation at very reasonable rates.

We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. This Salida hotel provides great value for money. Accommodations comprise king rooms or queen rooms with 2 queen beds. Hotel facilities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, wifi and basic business facilities, and breakfast is included. You can’t go wrong with this hotel.

Also located on route 50, the Hampton Inn & Suites Salida is another good option. This hotel also has king rooms or queen rooms (with x2 queen beds) and each room is furnished with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee facilities.

The Salida Super 8 is another option.

See Salida accommodations here

Monarch Mountain Lodge

The Monarch Mountain Lodge is located in the little settlement of Monarch (previously known as Garfield), 3 miles from Monarch Ski Resort (on the Salida side). The lodge provides economical accommodation, but one potential limitation is that there is nothing else in Monarch, so evening entertainment is somewhat limited.

Gunnison Colorado

Some Monarch skiers stay in Gunnison and make the 45 minute to one hour commute each day.