No fast runout here.
I discovered an interesting development at Monarch ski area today while doing a little after ski season skiing. It looks like the snowcat drivers had a major end-of-season party and then went out grooming at the end of it! Most of the major ski runs are largely un-skiable due to new and major trenches, berms and ridges apparently caused by snowcats run amok.
Wahooooo!
Like the aftermath of some monster-truck slalom race, Monarch’s major runs now all sport deep snowcat tracks down the slopes. Pick a run : Sleepy Hollow, Great Divide, Ticaboo, Tango, Aftershock … all have these demolition derby-like snowcat tracks. It is clear that the “cats” were also plowing as well just weaving around, because many of the tracks are inset ruts. Frozen in place like they are now, these ruts and lumpy berms not only take the s-m-o-o-t-h out of corn snow turns, they also create quite a leg-breaking hazard.
Jump or break a leg, your choice.
Inquiring minds want to know. Why would they do this?
Could it be some special snow-cat drivers training? Not likely, as any training would surely result in smooooooth packed snow, not a lumpy mess.
Perhaps something to slow spring melt water? Probably not, as most of the tracks are down the fall line.
How about snowcat races? Doubt it … Unless the guys (or gals) were racing for a personal best, you would expect more than one set of tracks on each run.
Maybe it is a new marketing campaign like Mad River Glen? “Off-season Monarch! Ski it if you can!”
What do you think? Give your well-reasoned and wacky theories in the comments.
Ride the wave.
I don’t know about the snowcats, but the snowmobiles were tearing it up the Saturday after closing (April 18). Perhaps the snowcats were out to ruin the snowmobilers fun? We really enjoyed gunbarrel trees -no track and less noise.