Crested Butte vs Monarch Mountain
Comparing Crested Butte (CO) and Monarch Mountain (CO) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, CO
Epic pass
Window price$239
Online (advance)$169
Season pass$1,051
Monarch Mountain
Salida, CO
Independent pass
Window price$99
Online (advance)$79
Season pass$649
Side-by-side
| Stat | Crested Butte | Monarch Mountain | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $239 | $99 | Monarch Mountain |
| Online (30+ days) | $169 | $79 | Monarch Mountain |
| Season pass | $1,051 | $649 | Monarch Mountain |
| Annual snowfall | 236" | 350" | Monarch Mountain |
| Skiable acres | 1,547 | 665 | Crested Butte |
| Vertical drop | 2,775' | 1,946' | Crested Butte |
| Runs | 121 | 50 | Crested Butte |
| Lifts | 16 | 8 | Crested Butte |
| Summit elevation | 12,162' | 11,244' | Crested Butte |
| Beginner terrain | 15% | 22% | Monarch Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 24% | 47% | Monarch Mountain |
| Average lift wait | 6 min | 3 min | Monarch Mountain |
The Match
Monarch Mountain is cheaper at the gate ($79 vs $169 entry). Crested Butte is significantly bigger (1,547 vs 665 acres). Monarch Mountain sees more snow (350" vs 236"). Pass affiliation: Crested Butte is Epic, Monarch Mountain is Independent.