Overdue TR: Monarch serves sastrugi with spring corn for dessert, April 2-3, 2007

[SheSkisTrees]

Our group: For the snowcat skiing: Me, Woodcorps (my husband), several other ski writers from the East Coast, one resort marketing guru. We started out with 2 guides in the morning, but since we had seats in the cat, several ski patrollers joined us for the afternoon.

For the inbounds skiing the next day: Me, Woodcorps, several other ski writers from the East Coast, one ski writer from the West Coast, several resort marketing gurus.

Weather and snow conditions: The wind had been whipping for days before our arrival at Monarch Mountain, and the snow in the open bowls where the ski area offers its snowcat skiing screamed signs of Mother Nature’s brutal onslaught. Par for the course on this spring multi-resort trip, we did not get to test out Monarch’s famous powder. But we still had fun. The following day, it was very warm and sunny too, so we had classic spring skiing conditions.

Music to set the tone: “Call Me The Breeze” by Lynrd Skynrd




April 2, 2007: Monarch Snowcat Skiing

We’d been looking forward to cat skiing ever since we booked the trip in December, but here we were in April, talking with the guides about how we’d have to cancel it unless the wind died down and the sun warmed up the snow enough to make it safe for skiing.

Around 10 a.m., we were given the green light. We were warned that the snow would still be quite challenging—and we’re offered the opportunity to back out—but the guides felt that our group should be able to handle the conditions. We all put on our avalanche beacons, grabbed our skis and headed for the hills.

All aboard!




We went to Monarch Mountain on the prowl for its fabled powder. Instead, the mountain served us sastrugi.

And, no, sastrugi is not a Bavarian cream puff pastry.

Oh, if only it was something as tasty as that. No such luck. Sastrugi is wind-eroded snow that often looks rough, like frozen waves, and is usually found on windward slopes.

With the day’s conditions making skiing so technical, we’d be sticking to the so-called easiest slopes—those with the least exposure to the elements. Fine by me…and everyone else in the cat.

It was kind of spooky on the ridge.




Mmmm, give me some of that sastrugi!












Did I mention the wind? While the winds had died down, they were still fierce, packing gusts so strong it felt like we’d be blown off the mountain.








The wind devils create dramatic lighting as our guide Andy bursts through the snow.






Quite the opposite of Andy’s powerful skiing, Christine seems to float down like an angel from the heavens above.




When the wind wasn't hammering us into submission, the sun beamed down on us to warm our spirits.




On this day, we skied low-angle gullies, short chutes, open bowls and trees. We found breakable crust, wind-groomed hardpack, whipping whirligigs of powder, even sections of forgiving and deep snow—and depending on what the terrain was like, our confidence ranged from sinking doubt to euphoric triumph.

When all was said and done, despite our late start, we still squeezed in eight or nine runs. That was more than enough to leave us all feeling satisfied at the end of the day.


April 3, 2007: Monarch Inbounds Skiing

What a difference a day makes. We woke up the next morning to warm temperatures, no wind and a brilliant blue sky that heralded an unexpected treat: a day of classic spring skiing.

Oh, baby. If I can’t have a powder day, give me a day of spring corn harvesting.

We were eager to explore the mountain to find out why so many skiers and riders are suddenly discovering this gem of a ski area in southern Colorado. It’s become a favorite of road trippers who like to hit up several ski areas on one trip to combine Monarch with Crested Butte, tossing at least one day of snowcat skiing into the mix. What we found proved that sometimes a little ski area can pack a big—and pleasant—surprise.

The star of the show. Oh, goodness, look at all those sweet trees!




Let’s go check them out!






Ooh, some soft spring bumps.




And soft groomers too.



Monarch first opened in 1939, and while the mountain has seen many changes since then, it still retains its spirit of being a locals’ playground. It’s owned by a group of private investors who have made it their goal to preserve this small-mountain character. It didn’t take us long to realize that everyone who works here has a genuine smile and a friendly greeting. We think it’s a nice change of pace from the more hectic mega-resorts that Colorado is known for. No slopeside lodging, a charming historic district in nearby Salida, a town full of people who exude the outdoor lifestyle—this is our kind of place.

Next time we visit, we’ll time it better for a powder day or two or three or more!

As usual, I have an article on our website that gives more details about our trip. If you want to read it, click here.

If you don’t want to read no stinkin’ article but want to see all of Woodcorp’s pretty pictures, click here. If you don’t have time to wade through ski photos from all over North America, do a search for Monarch. And don’t forget to click on the pictures to make them bigger.

[TyWebb]

The wind devils create dramatic lighting as our guide Andy bursts through the snow.

Cool fotos here.

[BenWA]

oops, double post.

[BenWA]

Why does this thread have 143 looks but just one reply??! AWESOME photos!




that place looks like a kickass place to ski!

[MrZach]

I went to Monarch for the first time ever on my way back north from Wolf Creek last year. Thanks for some great memories and nice shots - Monarch is a fantastic mountain.

[Mother_of_all_Moms]

I skied Monarch on a gorgeous Christmas Day a *few* years back and it was awesome. More recent trips had sketchier snow, but it's a cool place with a good feel about it. Thanks for the excellent photos and the reminder that I have to get back down there.

[SheSkisTrees]

Ty, those two are some of my favorite photos too. Glad you like them.

Why does this thread have 143 looks but just one reply??! AWESOME photos!

Well, I suppose it's because folks posted POWDER TRs at about the same time. Pretty hard to compete with that! But thanks everyone for saying you like the photos.

My intent was to let people know about this cool little area so they can consider going NOW while the snow is awesome.

[sawatchsplitter]

The snow is awesome! Over 20 feet in roughly 40 days, do the math. Simply incredible conditions here right now. Do yourself a favor!