Monarch Mountain is set to unveil a significant expansion with the opening of the new Tomichi Lift on January 29, 2024. This long-awaited addition to the resort will provide skiers access to a fresh area of lift-served terrain in the No Name Basin, featuring approximately 377 acres of new slopes designed for intermediate and advanced skiers.
The Tomichi Lift will offer around 1,000 vertical feet and approximately a dozen runs, which include a mix of bowls, glades, and fall-line descents typical of Colorado skiing. Resort officials emphasize that this expansion aims to alleviate crowding while maintaining Monarch’s signature, no-frills atmosphere.
Celebration Planned for Opening Day
To mark the occasion, Monarch Mountain is hosting an opening celebration, with the Breezeway Lift set to open at 09:00. The first skiers in line will be granted access to the Tomichi Lift for a special inaugural ride. The festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the lift’s summit, along with live music and giveaways, enhancing the experience for guests, as reported by the Denver Gazette.
The expansion follows a rigorous approval process through the U.S. Forest Service, which formally added 377 acres to Monarch’s special-use permit area. This extends the resort’s operational footprint from approximately 769 acres to about 1,146 acres. Project documents detail a new fixed-grip chairlift, spanning roughly 2,700 feet, and featuring nearly 1,000 feet of vertical rise. Additionally, cleared runs, gladed terrain, an access road, and base-area support facilities were part of the project, all of which contribute to the enhanced skiing experience.
Terrain and Skiing Experience
The Tomichi Lift is designed for seamless integration with existing access from the Breezeway and Panorama lifts, ensuring that much of the new terrain can be reached without extensive hiking. Early reports from Teton Gravity indicate that skiers can expect around a dozen named runs and two gladed sections that cater to both cruisers and steeper tree shots.
Skiers are advised to check current lift and trail reports before heading out, as coverage in the lower parts of the basin may be uneven. Monarch Mountain has committed to providing the latest updates on lift and trail statuses, especially as the season ramps up.
While the excitement builds for the new lift, the region has experienced below-normal snowpack levels this winter. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has reported record-low measurements at several SNOTEL sites, adding context to the conditions skiers might encounter as they explore the new terrain.
For Monarch’s management, the launch of the Tomichi Lift represents the culmination of years of planning and development. Resort owner Bob Nicolls described the project as “a tremendous addition,” highlighting its alignment with Monarch’s established identity. General Manager Chris Haggerty echoed this sentiment, declaring the debut “beyond rewarding,” as noted in the Denver Gazette.
As the opening day approaches, Monarch Mountain urges eager skiers to arrive early and stay informed about conditions. The resort plans to reward patience by offering the first chairs on the Tomichi Lift to those who have lined up at the Breezeway on the morning of the celebration.
