Here is another shot from my ski tour on the mountain last Friday.  The south slopes were starting to show while the north facing ones were still holding on.  Looks like some more snow arriving this week on Wednesday and Thursday along with a drastic drop in temperature.  After that, our next shot of winter weather looks to be arriving somewhere between the 16th-19th of November.  A few of our advantages here at Monarch are primarily grassy slopes on beginner and many intermediate trails, NE aspect on our frontside terrain, and high elevation.  These factors generally allow us the opportunity to open most winters with a base of approximately 16-20″ of snow.  All these early season storms can add up over time.  Keep your eyes on the skies and think snow.