Monarch Mags - catskiing conditions?

[3pin]

Traveling through a few places in CO for a week and a half of skiing, and I'm planning on two days in Monarch. How are conditions looking for the cat skiing? Saw a couple TRs from a week or two ago, but wondered what the outlook is. Any input on the cat experience there? I've seen Harv's reports, but I think that was with a private group (we're stuck with whoever else booked for the day). Decent terrain? How many runs usually?

[MadMatt]

I was at Monarch on Sunday. Alot of the stuff back in Mirkwood had slid, so I imagine a lot of stuff in the cat area has slid as well. Otherwise the snow was great. I'm hoping to hit up the cat skiing this year as well.

[sawatchsplitter]

3pin, you should be good to go, they will most likely start running ops by the weekend after x-mas. As fas as the conditions go the snow is holding up well. We had a serious dump a little over a week ago which provided an instant base. Plenty of pow back there and the areas that have slid are filling back in. Runs average between 700-900 ft, they are steep and delicious. All aspects are represented and you usually get between 12 and 15 runs depending on group motivation/skill. Take your pick between trees, open bowls, tight chutes, cliffs, etc...The guides are laid back and not at all arrogant. If you have a solid group, they will basically cater to your requests. You will be tired by the end of the day, and lunch is yummy too! Harv's reports are pretty accurate. Do it.