This past Sunday was Monarch Mountain’s closing day for the 2022/23 season.  

Due to Colorado’s prodigious snowfall this year, Monarch extended their season an additional week.  With a 65” base, they could easily go one more.  But with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 30’s, it was a perfect day to wrap up the season.

The trick to enjoying late spring skiing is to plan your runs according to the temperature and time of day.  In the morning, when the snow is still hard from the prior night’s freeze, start your day on the smooth corduroy of groomed trails.

By mid-day, east and south facing slopes have been baking in the sun for a few hours and the snow softens, turning to the consistency of mashed potatoes.  Time it just right and these ungroomed slopes turn into something unique, something you can only ski in the spring.

I honestly can’t decide what’s more fun to ski, fresh powder or mashed potatoes.  Powder gets all the accolades and makes all the ski videos but there’s something to be said for ripping a slope of pre-slush snow in shirt sleeves under a sunny blue sky.

Mashed potatoes anyone?

Lunchtime and the sun deck was packed with people. Music was cranking and folks were decked out in their favorite ski/party wear.

Meanwhile, in the parking lot, people had set up tents and portable grills.  The air was filled with the smell of burgers, brats, and a certain dank aroma I associate with my time at the University of Colorado.  

It was a great end to a great season. To paraphrase Andy Bernard: Everyone needs an end of season tradition, something to tell you the season is over.  Otherwise, you go home and the spring just feels like more winter.  It’s weird.