Monarch Mountain vs Purgatory
Comparing Monarch Mountain (CO) and Purgatory (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
Purgatory
Durango, CO
Independent pass
Window price$89
Online (advance)$79
Season pass—
Side-by-side
| Stat | Monarch Mountain | Purgatory | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $99 | $89 | Purgatory |
| Online (30+ days) | $79 | $79 | Tied |
| Season pass | $649 | — | Monarch Mountain |
| Annual snowfall | 350" | 260" | Monarch Mountain |
| Skiable acres | 665 | 1,635 | Purgatory |
| Vertical drop | 1,946' | 2,029' | Purgatory |
| Runs | 50 | 105 | Purgatory |
| Lifts | 8 | 12 | Purgatory |
| Summit elevation | 11,244' | 10,822' | Monarch Mountain |
| Beginner terrain | 22% | 23% | Purgatory |
| Advanced terrain | 47% | 26% | Monarch Mountain |
| Average lift wait | 3 min | 5 min | Monarch Mountain |
The Match
Purgatory is significantly bigger (1,635 vs 665 acres). Monarch Mountain sees more snow (350" vs 260"). Both are on the Independent pass — same pass, same wallet.