Monarch Mountain is set to unveil its long-anticipated expansion in the No Name Basin this week, introducing the new Tomichi Lift to skiers. Scheduled to open on January 29, 2024, this addition marks a significant enhancement to the resort’s offerings, providing a fresh area of lift-served terrain that spans approximately 377 acres.
The Tomichi Lift descends about 1,000 vertical feet and services around a dozen runs tailored for intermediate and advanced skiers, featuring a mix of bowls, glades, and fall-line descents. This expansion aims to alleviate crowding while preserving the resort’s character as a laid-back, homegrown destination.
Celebration and Features of the New Lift
To commemorate the opening, Monarch Mountain is hosting a celebration on the day of the launch. The Breezeway Lift will transport skiers towards the Divide, with the first rides on the Tomichi Lift reserved for those first in line. The festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the lift’s summit, alongside live music and giveaways. The Breezeway Lift is set to open at 09:00, as detailed in reports from the Denver Gazette.
The expansion project received approval from the U.S. Forest Service, which formally adds 377 acres to Monarch’s special-use permit area, expanding the resort’s footprint from approximately 769 acres to nearly 1,146 acres. According to project documents, the new fixed-grip chairlift spans roughly 2,700 feet in length and features an almost 1,000-foot vertical rise, along with the introduction of cleared runs, gladed terrain, an access road, and base-area facilities. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision was pivotal in moving the construction forward.
Terrain Details and Skiing Conditions
The Tomichi Lift is designed for seamless integration with existing access points from the Breezeway and Panorama lifts, allowing skiers to reach the new terrain with minimal hiking. Preliminary trail maps indicate about a dozen named runs and two gladed sections, offering a diverse mix of cruisers and steeper tree shots, particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced skiers, as reported by Teton Gravity.
While the new terrain is expected to enhance the skiing experience, the resort has noted that coverage may be uneven in the lower sections of the basin. Guests are encouraged to exercise caution near road cuts. Current lift and trail statuses, as well as storm totals, can be found on Monarch Mountain’s website as operations ramp up.
Ski conditions this winter have been challenging, with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service reporting below-normal statewide snowpack levels. Many SNOTEL sites are experiencing record-low or near-record measurements as the season progresses. This context highlights the importance of staying informed about current conditions before hitting the slopes.
For the management team at Monarch Mountain, the launch of the Tomichi Lift represents a culmination of years of planning and investment. Bob Nicolls, the resort’s owner, described the project as “a tremendous addition” that maintains Monarch’s unique character. Chris Haggerty, the General Manager, expressed that the launch is “beyond rewarding,” emphasizing the anticipation surrounding the new terrain.
Skiers planning to attend the opening day are advised to check the latest lift and trail reports before heading to the resort. The first chairs on the Tomichi Lift will be awarded to those already in line at the Breezeway on the morning of the opening, ensuring an exciting start to the new chapter at Monarch Mountain.
