Throughout the past few years in Salida, there have been rumors of Monarch Mountain opening up a new, diverse side of the mountain. In 2025, Monarch announced the opening of No Name Basin, the expansion to the backside of Monarch Mountain.
While the area on Monarch Mountain has been open to CAT skiing for years, this new introduction provides easier, cheaper access via the chairlift. Many visitors have been waiting for this change, as it allows more technical and difficult terrain once limited to guided trips. The opening of No Name Basin not only expands Monarch’s area, but also shows the staff’s commitment to offering different terrain while maintaining its reputation as a locally loved and uncrowded resort.
A recent interview with Eva Egbert, the Marketing Admin Manager, further exhibited Monarch’s determination to their loyal customers. Egbert remarked on the deciding factors to open No Name Basin, “This has been a long time coming … once we had the approvals in place and knew we could do it safely and responsibly, it felt like the right time.” Egbert stated that what keeps Monarch so loved by its community is its, “vibe everyone loves.”
While opening up new terrain might seem like an easy task, it’s quite the opposite. “For years, we worked closely with the Forest Service and many federal and state agencies.” With such a big and undiscovered area, many people questioned the impact on the environment. Egbert assured the community, “[Monarch] made sure we were being respectful of the environment and cultural heritage.”
Another question frequently asked is how the opening of No Name Basin affects Monarch, as it is usually an uncrowded and “line-free” mountain. The addition will free up space, giving customers more room to breathe and spread out.
An additional question among skiers is what Monarchs plans to develop in this new expansion, and the answer is nothing. “Right now, we are focused on getting this new terrain dialed and making sure everyone has a great experience,” Egbert comments. Monarch is not rushing into the idea of constructing this new area, giving time for the community to adapt and create exciting new runs.
Now that No Name Basin is officially open, the excitement that once surrounded its announcement has turned into real stories, told by locals you can find everywhere. Skiers and snowboarders are already exploring its advanced terrain, discovering their new favorite lines, and soaking in the breathtaking view.
The energy of the mountain has shifted as well. Bigger smiles, and a sense of adventure spread throughout the mountain. No Name Basin has truly impacted our community more than anyone could have imagined. This new expansion isn’t just seen at Monarch, it’s also seen with the increased amounts of tourists that come with it. Salida continues to see increasing amounts of tourists, helping small businesses expand just as Monarch did. Yet, even with this expansion, Monarch has maintained their uncrowded stereotype, while still producing an amazing new area to explore.
