I managed to get up to
Monarch Ski Area on Saturday the 2nd for my first snowboarding trip of '10. It was a solo affair, since Angie is unable to board this year with our child on the way. I had checked several of my iPhone Ski Report apps before leaving an read that Monarch only got 1" of powder the previous night. Luckily snow was in the forecast for Saturday, so I was hoping for a smaller than usual crowd for New Years weekend & plenty of room to stretch.
I left Colorado Springs dark & early, a good hour before sunrise so that I could get to Monarch by the time they opened at 9am. By the time I got to the parking lot it was already 1/3 full, so I still had a short trek to the lift. I spend most of my time at Monarch on the Advanced & intermediate only lift (Breeze Way), and that early in the morning there was virtually no one in line.
My first few runs were very nearly first tracks. There were a few riders here & there, but for the most part I was all alone. The wind & snow in my face, burning down some of my favorite (albeit short) runs in Colorado, carving wide & fast; that's what winter is all about.
The great thing about living in Colorado is that it truly is an area for all seasons. From backpacking in August (See the
Raggeds Wilderness) to 4x4 trails all summer and snow fun in the winter, there's always something to do and I'm NEVER bored.
Now if I can only figure out a way to get paid for it!
