The ski and snowboard industry took some of the earliest, most decisive actions last spring to protect the health and wellness of snowsport enthusiasts during the pandemic. As we ski into another magical winter season here in the Rocky Mountains, millions of Americans are excited to explore Colorado’s pristine slopes and wide-open natural spaces.
And while things might look a bit different this year, Creekside Chalets and Monarch Mountain are ready to welcome you to a new winter wonderland. If you want to enjoy a safe, clean, and exhilarating adventure here in Salida, the following tips and tricks will help save you time, save you money, and ensure a hassle-free winter vacation of your dreams.
Six Pro Tips For Your Upcoming Monarch Mountain Vacation
1. Consider a Season Pass
Buying a season pass is the best way to enjoy this year’s ski season. When you purchase a pass, no reservations or advance notice is required. A season pass maximizes your time on Monarch Mountain and locks in your savings. And because many visitors may be nervous about cancellations and COVID-19 closures, there’s a unique guarantee this year: Monarch Mountain promises to be open for a minimum of 90 days this season, or they’ll offer you a pro-rated refund!
Monarch Season pass holders are not required to make advance reservations, just show up and hit the slopes. Plus, every season pass holder receives a BONUS 10% OFF of their stay at Creekside Chalets! Simply mention #1PowderPlace when booking at Creekside Chalets No Blackout Dates!
2. Stay Up-to-Date With the Latest COVID News
Monarch Mountain’s ski lifts expected opening date is Friday, November 20. If we’re lucky and snow arrives early, they may even push up the opening date for the slopes. Keep doing your snow dance!
The weather isn’t the only unpredictable thing. The latest news and regulations concerning the pandemic change on a weekly basis. Before your upcoming visit to Salida, CO, check for any last-minute updates that you and your family need to know. We recommend going straight to the source:
- The Monarch Mountain website
- The personal updates from Monarch Mountain’s general manager
- The state of Colorado’s COVID-19 dashboard
2. Ski During the Weekdays
Avoid weekends when possible. If given the choice, we strongly recommend skiing the weekdays. This is the season of the “Weekday Warrior.” We know that is not possible for everyone, but those who can and do will be helping those who cannot. Creekside Chalets is also offering a Weekday Getaway where you can SAVE $50 on a 3-day stay Sunday-Thursday in any size chalet. (blackout dates apply). COVID season means many people are sticking closer to home during the holidays, and as always weekends tend to draw more people. Typically some of the busiest days of the year include:
- December 26, 2020 – January 3, 2021
- Martin Luther King Day (January 18, 2021)
- President’s Day (February 15, 2021)
New to the slopes? Have no fear! Monarch Mountain is one of the best places to ski and avoid the crowds.
3. Plan Ahead
One of the biggest changes for Monarch is that advance lift ticket purchase is required this season. Here are the guidelines for purchasing tickets online.
- Tickets must be purchased before midnight prior to your day of arrival.
- Tickets can only be used on the date selected.
- Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and not for re-sale.
- Reservations must be cancelled 7 days or more prior to your scheduled arrival date to receive a refund.
You can buy tickets online at the Monarch Mountain reservations page, or by calling the reservations department at (719) 530-5196.
Save time and keep socially distant and remember that there will be no same day window sale tickets available this year.
We also recommend you rent your gear in advance when making your reservations. It’ll keep you from wasting precious minutes in line, and also ensures you get the equipment you need. Shavano Ski Shop takes advance reservations on equipment and has been the best shop in town for 50 years!.
5. Book a Place to Stay That Offers True Peace of Mind
During this pandemic, there’s a lot of stress and uncertainty. Don’t let your Salida accommodations be a part of that.
At Creekside Chalets, we’ve always had the health and safety of our guests and our greater community in mind. From our 10 acres of lush, natural green spaces, to our commitment to the environment as an eco-friendly resort, we’ve always gone above and beyond.
And that continues in today’s COVID-19 reality.
To protect you, your family, and our own community, we’ve implemented stringent, industry-leading cleaning and hygiene protocols. We even supply each guest with their disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting spray in each cabin. We are committed to keeping the chalets your “home away from home” to keep all our guests safe.
We also offer two comprehensive trip cancellation protection plans, so you can focus on planning your ski adventures instead of worrying about life’s “what-ifs.”
Speaking of planning your ski outings, our guests also love that their luxurious lodging at Creekside Chalets is only a 14-minute drive to Monarch Mountain. You get to spend more time on the slopes and less time traveling when you book accommodations close to Monarch Mountain.
6. Know Before You Hit the Slopes
Monarch Mountain is renowned for its deep, heavy snowfall (an average of more than 300 inches a season!) that creates world-famous ski and snowboard conditions. However there are some significant changes to what the day may look like on the mountain.
There will be limited lodge access at Monarch to maintain social distancing and crowd control.
- No Sack Lunches
- Boots must be on prior to leaving your car.
- Limited time allowed at bars and counters.
All our guests at Creekside Chalets will enjoy the short commute. In just ten minutes you can be back at your own private chalet to re-fuel before heading back out to finish the day. Before you leave, make sure you’re prepared by checking the daily conditions on the mountain.
And one last tip? Stock your car with blankets and snacks for a mobile picnic. Monarch has also announced a new food trailer, “Fly-by Burritos,” that will be available for outdoor food service. There are so many astounding vistas and places to stop both on your way to Monarch Mountain, and on the mountain itself. Many of our guests have found themselves on the side of the road simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the Rockies.
If You Are Ready to Book Your Monarch Mountain Vacation…
Escape your COVID-19 worries and the stresses of everyday life, and experience rejuvenation and adventure at Creekside Chalet.
Nestled just a few minutes from Monarch Mountain’s 800 ski-able acres, no other accommodation option in Salida, CO, provides our level of impeccable hospitality for the outdoor adventurer. We offer one, two- and three-bedroom options, plus an incredible 10% discount for all guests who hold a season pass at Monarch Mountain.
Contact us today or call (719) 539-6953 to book your stay at Creekside Chalet!