Historic Monarch Photo from SkiMonarch.com 

By R. Scott Rappold

Eighty years ago this winter, something special was happening in Colorado. 

We were learning to love the sport of skiing. Colorado ski areas Monarch Mountain, Winter Park and Wolf Creek all trace their beginnings to the winter of 1939-40. 

Photos: TR – Purgatory Resort; TL – Powderhorn Mountain Resort
BL – Steamboat Resort; BR – Purgatory Resort

Click here for high res photos: http://bit.ly/WhatsNew2019-20

It’s hard to imagine what Colorado must have been like before the ski resorts were built. What did people even do during the Winter?

Photo Credit: Monarch Mountain 

Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass

As March winds down, Colorado’s ski areas are in the midst of a great spring season with ideal conditions for experts, guests ready to learn to ski or snowboard and everyone in between. Late season features warmer temperatures perfect for learning or for those looking to enjoy a non-skiing activity or the mountain environment.

Photo Credit: Monarch Mountain

Due to incredibly good snowfall during the 2018-19 ski season, Monarch Mountain has announced it is extending its ski season for an additional two weekends. After April 7th, Monarch will be open for skiing, snowboarding, cat skiing and tubing with limited on-mountain services Friday-Sunday (April 12-14 and April 19-21).

Photo Credit: Carl Frey, Winter Park