Each year, Monarch season pass holders have the opportunity to “live the dream.” We think about schralping on magical powder days long before the snow falls. We buy expensive equipment. Some of us talk big. Have you been watching the weather?
This is your time.
There are always excuses, but if you enjoy playing in the snow and your body still allows you to ride a lift and ski or board back to the lodge, you should (really…no, really) consider heading up.
I was lucky enough to be up at Monarch today (Sunday) with my family, and I was extremely thankful to be there. It was very deep. It was snowing all day, and the “nasty winter weather” is supposed to continue this week. For those of us who grew up in snowy climates, The Monarch ski lodge will put a smile on your face; Red-cheeked kids are everywhere, and wide-eyed guests are drinking hot chocolate and Schnapps. Outside the lodge, heaps of perfect flakes are falling —near constantly.
Are the roads crazy? Sure, so take it slow, but these are not the eighties and the plow crews seem to have entered this century with skill and serious equipment.
This is a wonderful pre-Christmas gift for all of the hard working people at Monarch Mountain —and for those of you who know that life is short, and love to play in the snow, it is a gift for you as well. But, it’s best experienced by standing, knee deep in the fluff and looking up with your mouth open and your tongue out (while cruising at warp speed at 10,000+ feet).
To get you in the mood I attached some images (below) from Monarch from the last few seasons. If these pics don’t inspire you, check out the highlights from NOAA.
Please don’t take my pics, just send people to this page. Thanks! -bd
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN …SNOW…HEAVY AT TIMES…IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE INTO THURSDAY MORNING. MULTIPLE DAY SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 FEET AND LOCALLY UP TO 6 FEET ARE EXPECTED THROUGH THURSDAY. THIS IS AN EXTREME…LONG DURATION SNOWFALL EVENT FOR THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE. PLEASE STAY ALERT TO THE LATEST FORECASTS AND WARNINGS FROM YOUR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BEFORE ENGAGING IN TRAVEL PLANS.
Warning noted, thanks NOAA.
The shot of the guy in the red jacket buried in three feet? That’s me. Image by Eli.
Thanks Bill we will see you on the hill tomorrow, and the next day and the next and the next….
Hi Bill, I’d give anything to be able to ski with you and Read. Please bash one for me an help my son EASE back into it. Love and holiday wishes to all the family
Definitely a fabulous day on the hill. It was great to see you up there!
Man, it’s raining right now in town… Memories of Tahoe. Pacific snowpack on the continental divide? – Don’t know about you folks, but I’m in! Blanket that stuff!! See you on the hill!
Nice… yesterday was great… heavy snow for this time of year! Since I’ve been here, it seems we get this dump every year at varying times. Sure is nice when it arrives. Lets hope it keeps coming!
Heading your way soon. Save some for us:)
Surf’s up!