To start off 2023 Mother Nature gifted the Sawatch range and indeed, most of Colorado, with a major dump of new snow.  The Colorado Avalanche Information Center map went red overnight. High avalanche danger = great skiing.  Just make sure you stay inbounds.

Monarch reported 10” of fresh snow over the 48 hours leading up to January 1 so despite the anticipated holiday crowds, it seemed appropriate to start off the new year with a trip up to the mountains.

We were greeted with mostly cloudy skies and mild temps.   And for the first time in a long while, no wind. Yea!

All the new snow allowed Monarch to finally open all of their terrain, so for the first time this season the mountain feels genuinely open.

Chairlift wisdom. Truly words to live by.

Best of all, we’re expected to get more snow through Wednesday this week.  Winter has finally, really arrived. Happy New Year, auld lang syne, and all that from Colorado.