I had a chance this week to get up to one of my favorite partner resorts that you can visit using the Monarch Mountain season pass. A-Basin has a great vibe, awesome terrain, and is just a few hour drive up the back-roads from Salida (Avoiding I-70 all together). I skied perfect woods, steep alleys and open bowls. Had the chance to check out the Beavers expansion area more than I had when I visited a few years ago when it was hike-out only. I also got to ride the new Pali lift. Kudos to A-Basin for installing a fixed grip double chair when it came time to replace this classic lift! There is something timeless about a double chair.