Monarch Mountain vs Powderhorn
Comparing Monarch Mountain (CO) and Powderhorn (CO) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Monarch Mountain
Salida, CO
Independent pass
Window price$99
Online (advance)$79
Season pass$649
Powderhorn
Mesa, CO
Indy Pass pass
Window price$89
Online (advance)$59
Season pass—
Side-by-side
| Stat | Monarch Mountain | Powderhorn | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $99 | $89 | Powderhorn |
| Online (30+ days) | $79 | $59 | Powderhorn |
| Season pass | $649 | — | Monarch Mountain |
| Annual snowfall | 350" | 250" | Monarch Mountain |
| Skiable acres | 665 | 1,600 | Powderhorn |
| Vertical drop | 1,946' | 1,650' | Monarch Mountain |
| Runs | 50 | 62 | Powderhorn |
| Lifts | 8 | 4 | Monarch Mountain |
| Summit elevation | 11,244' | 9,850' | Monarch Mountain |
| Beginner terrain | 22% | 20% | Monarch Mountain |
| Advanced terrain | 47% | 40% | Monarch Mountain |
| Average lift wait | 3 min | — | Monarch Mountain |
The Match
Powderhorn is cheaper at the gate ($59 vs $79 entry). Powderhorn is significantly bigger (1,600 vs 665 acres). Monarch Mountain sees more snow (350" vs 250"). Pass affiliation: Monarch Mountain is Independent, Powderhorn is Indy Pass.