The state of Colorado and much of the west will see our first significant winter storm of the season. Things look to get started at Monarch overnight and carrying on into Sunday and Monday. There is another wave coming later in the week on Wednesday and Thursday. A shift in the seasons is coming.

Each fall we schedule and receive our annual licensing inspection with the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board. This inspection takes place at every ski area and other attractions in the State of Colorado that feature a conveyance. These inspections are conducted by an alternating group of lift engineers that work closely with the CPTSB. So, each season we host a…

The mountain crew has been out trimming tall grasses on the slopes. These trails then see less solar gain from vegetation poking through the snowpack after a storm and the coverage sets up that much faster. We’re ready…just add snow.

Here’s a look down the South Arkansas drainage under a patchy sky and landscape.

Cooling temps and shorter days are turning the high alpine tundra a bright red. Here is a look at the color change near the summit of Mirkwood with Tomichi dome looming in the background. It won’t be long now.

The Mountain Ops team has recently built out additional snow fences on the mountain. These were placed high on the ridgelines near a few of our windy spots. The top of Ticaboo, Snowburn and Docs now have some fences to help protect these slopes from scouring and collect wind driven snow on the leeward side. From there the grooming team…

This seems to happen just about every year. The calendar hits October and shortly thereafter we get our first snow. While it’s not enough to get out and ski, it does indicate that things are starting to change. Winter is coming.

Here is one more drone shot from the summer looking out over Elation Ridge with Sawatch Range peaks standing behind.

Here is a classic fall view up on the pass that I snapped a few days ago. We are experiencing some cold rain up here today, tonight and tomorrow. Sometimes this can cause the leaves to fall early. Hoping they hang on for some more color over the next few weeks.

Things are starting to change in the high country. Recent storms dusted the peaks and the aspens are beginning to take on a golden hue. Time to dig out the winter equipment and take stock. Perhaps buy that new pair of skis you need for your quiver or pick up some other gear that rounds out your set-up. It won’t…