Monarch Mountain first opened in 1939 and has seen the Colorado resort scene go from nonexistent to a multi-billion-dollar industry. It has a colorful history and somewhat checkered past and this 25-minute documentary by Rocky Mountain PBS covers all 80 years of Monarch’s operation. Enjoy.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... More by Francis Xavier