There are a lot of options to choose from after your Mirkwood hike. Most drop directly into Mirkwood Bowl or Orcs. Others choose the NE facing trees to be found in Mirkwood Trees or Staircase. The more adventurous find themselves poking through the cliff bands in East Trees. For skiers/riders wanting a return view to the ski area may pick Southbound or Lodgeview. If you are up for a bit more hiking after reaching the top of Mirk, Elation Ridge offers one more mini adventure. A short ski and boot pack to the top sets you up on the mini summit of Elation Ridge. Views of the Waterdog Ridge and our cat skiing terrain are at your back. Gunbarrel can be seen in the distance and the perspective of the bowl and Mirkwood Ridge from here are impressive. Elation has a short lines through open faces, tight chutes and nicely spaced trees. It does have a SE aspect, so choose your days wisely. It can get a bit of a melt-freeze surface during dry spells, but can also soften up in the afternoon as the sun does its work on the slopes. When it’s good, it’s pure Elation.