It’s been a stormy week with lots of snow AND lots of wind!  While the snow has been a welcome site, unfortunately the 70mph upslope winds mid-week also partially or completely scoured several areas. These zones include but are not limited to; Sleepy Hollow, Freeway, Lower Glade, all of Pano Ridge, Breezeway, and several of the ridgeline trails near the top of Garfield and Pioneer.

The Mtn Ops team has been farming snow, packing slopes and working to fatten up and repair the areas that we can. While there are pockets of decent coverage, (Primarily on Gunbarrel Ridge – between Toddler and Gunbarrel), there are however, several challenges in accessing these lower areas via the top Garfield and/or Pioneer lift terminals due to wind scoured slopes.

While we are still working to push snow and evaluate our trail network, it’s still TBD if/when these critical connector trails will be viable.  We have only seen upslope winds this week, which don’t necessarily help to load these upper trails with snow. We are hoping the tail end of this multi-day storm can help repair the damage, but it could take another storm with a westerly wind to get us there.  This has been a very unique early season storm for us with five days in a row of upslope snow and wind.  Some aspects have decent snow while others that would usually hold snow are completely bare.  As usual, stay tuned for updates on any potential opening timeframe.

With the recent snowfall, we are seeing winter enthusiasts show up to find some early turns.  Here are a few reminders for all of you to follow and share with others that are not following our guidelines.  Please do your part to preserve the early season Uphill access.

EVERYONE wishing to skin uphill at Monarch MUST have an uphill pass AND sign a waiver. This includes ALL Season Pass holders. This is a separate product from a season pass.  All uphillers MUST pick up a new uphill pass EACH SEASON. If you don’t have a valid 2024-25 Uphill Pass, you must stop by the Guest Service Desk at the base lodge to pick up your Uphill Pass. The base lodge is open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.  The Uphill Pass is FREE for season pass holders, and $59 dollars for all other users.  It is valid for the entire 2024-25 winter season.

The Uphill Pass MUST be placed on your ski pants or your backpack so that it is easily visible for ski patrol to spot check. If your pass is not visible, you will be asked to show it.  Please follow this simple guideline and do your part to preserve the Uphill program.

• Heavy Equipment may be operating in the lot and on the slopes.  STAY CLEAR!
• Enter the mountain via the main stairs coming up from the lot away from any loader or snowcat activity nearby.
• DO NOT enter or exit the mountain between the lodge and ski patrol as this is where our loaders are farming snow.
• NO DOGS are allowed on the mountain due to safety and waste issues.
• Prior to the operating season, all trails on the mountain are typically open for uphill and downhill routes as snow permits.
• Prior to opening, backcountry type conditions may be present within the ski area that include the increased risk of avalanches.  Ski with a partner, carry and know how to use rescue equipment.
• The electronic gate from the highway to our parking lot will be open 6am-6pm M-F.  Gate will be closed on weekends.
• Park diagonally on the outside of the gate if planning to tour outside of these time frames.
• If users cannot abide by simple guidelines and safety rules, early season uphill access may be terminated completely.

For more info on our uphill access policy, please visit our website.