This high, snow-blessed resort is a small and casual ski area whose vertical is modest and nearest lodging is three miles down the road, but it also carries a big reputation for excellent snow. In addition to lift-served skiing and snowboarding on a high bowl, Monarch operates snowcat tours for those who want to ski in the prodigious powder. Monarch Mountain participates in a program where its season-pass holders can get free days at more than 30 other resorts around the globe.

Where: 130 miles from Colorado Springs, on U.S. 50.

What's There: 1,162-foot vertical drop, 63 trails, 800 acres, one quad chairlift, four double chairlifts, snowboard park, and snowcat skiing adjacent to lift-served area.