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…

I know there have been several lake posts this summer/fall, but Upper Waterdog is a real treasure up here.

In August of 2020, I put out a blog post with some trail maps from Monarch’s earlier days. In that blog, I promised to post a couple more at some point. It may be two years later, but here are a few more classics to enjoy. The first is a map from our 1966 Master Development Plan. It includes some…

I’ll admit…it’s not the sexiest project out there. But it sure makes a good impression and helps to protect a significant investment! We are finishing up a substantial maintenance effort on our main parking lot that includes crack-fill, sealant and asphalt patching. Many other resorts in Colorado have acres of gravel lots full of axle-breaking potholes. Meanwhile, Monarch offers our…

With the crisp mornings of fall starting to show up and the first dusting of snow coming up at some point soon, we are making sure to get a few more days of riding at 12,000′. The Monarch Crest Trail is consistently rated as one of the best in Colorado and also ranks as one of the must-ride trails in…

Most of you have experienced the ride as the Pioneer Lift passes high over Garfield. While these two lifts pretty much access the same side of the mountain, each of them play an important role come winter time. Garfield is a local’s favorite to spin laps on a powder morning. It easily accesses the “Uppers” trails along with Kanonen, Lobo…