Monarch Pass, CO – Monarch Mountain has begun the first of many improvements proposed in the Colorado ski area’s U.S. Forest Service master plan. Monarch received Forest Service acceptance of the new master plan last November, and a two-fold Base Lodge expansion and remodel is the first project of the new plan to be implemented.
Monarch is spending more than $2.3 million on the expansion and remodel of the Base Lodge, the largest capital expenditure in a single season in the resort’s 73-year history. An additional 16,000 square feet of space will enhance the building’s facilities and services as it is expanded towards the south, bringing it closer to ski patrol and the mountain. The improvements include rejuvenation of the entire lodge including inside stairs to all levels, a handicap elevator, a fire suppression system and more seating throughout the lodge.
Guests will notice the new expanded Base Lodge as soon as they arrive. On the right side of the building at the parking level is a direct-to-mountain walk-through entrance that will pass under the Gunbarrel Cafeteria level and lead to Group Ticketing, Season Lockers, Restrooms, the Picnic Room, the Snowcat Meeting area and an additional retail shop before leading to the mountain.
Freshies, the ski area’s popular deli, will be relocated to the lower level on the south side of the walk-through. Freshies improvements include seating for sixteen people and the addition of Starbucks coffees and snacks to their menu.
The Sidewinder Saloon will be expanded in several ways. The new kitchen will allow for new additions to the menu and an additional 85 seats will allow more guests to enjoy the new menu comfortably.
The resort’s Gunbarrel Cafeteria will also benefit from the expansion and remodel. Guests will find a larger scramble area and more food options to choose from. Seating in the cafeteria area will increase from 67 to 520 chairs, while the popular Family Picnic Room located on the new lower level is growing from 224 to 392 seats. A new family restroom, dressing rooms, lockers and the Snowcat Meeting area will be linked to the upper levels with inside stairs and an elevator. The entire building will tied together with a new roof, house additional recycling centers and a second ATM machine.
Monarch is also investing an additional $300,000 in capital this season to expand the rental and demo fleet of skis, snowboards and boots, as well as purchase new uniforms for Ski School and new snowmobiles for Ski Patrol.