Monarch Mountain Snowcat Tours Heli/Cat Operation Resort (Are you this resort?)

Great powder, spectacular views, 1,000 plus acres of expert terrain, steeps, trees, cliffs, and bowls – that’s Monarch Mountain’s snowcat terrain.

Considered some of the best snowcat skiing in Colorado, guests enjoy skiing/riding in closely spaced trees, variable snow conditions and extremely steep slopes.

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22720 W. Hwy 50
Monarch, CO 81227
USA

Reservation process 5
Location, ease of getting there 3
Greeting upon Arrival 4
Orientation and provided safety information 5
Overall condition of the snowcat or helicopter 5
Rate the Guide(s) 5
Were the Guide(s) well trained and informed? 5
Did the Guide(s) help make you feel safe and comfortable? 5
Quality of demo equipment (skis, snowboards...) NA
Quality of the food (if provided) 3
Weather 5
Snow quality 4
Terrain met my expectations 4
Lodging (if applicable) NA
Dining at the Lodge (if applicable) NA
Back-up activities for "no-fly/no-cat" days NA
Overall service provided by the Staff 5
Value of the experience vs. cost 5
Recommend this Operation to others? 100 %
Would you use/visit this company again? 5

Additional Data

How did you get there?: Local
Year/Month/Day of visit (Approx. if not known): 2008/03/23
Total number of days spent on this mountain: 1

Comments

General Comments/Likes

This tour offers outstanding value for the turns. Depending on the weather and conditions you will ski both sides of the Continental Divide and in the No Name Bowl. In poor vis you will stick to the trees in the No Name drainage and the near Mirkwood area (so I’ve heard). Of course the areas are chosen so you will have untracked regardless of last snow. You will get some excellent steep shots, chutes and your pick of obstacles should you choose. The permit is right outside of the Monarch ski area proper so you spend a minimum of time getting to it and return to the lodge for lunch and can access your stuff or car if need be.

Apres it’s Benson’s or the Vic in Salida, though the best draft beer not brewed in town (Avery IPA) can be found at Hattie’s. Arguably Colorado’s best beer is brewed at Amica’s which has great pizza, panini, salads and the like at rock-bottom prices. Laughing Ladies has fine California-style cuisine at reasonable prices in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music at the Vic (weekends) and the Salida Cafe (formerly Bongo’s) (most nights).

Dislikes

Not much. To be picky most of the shots are not what you would call epic in length. Probably in the 600-800 ft vertical range. The food is acceptable (we had deli platter/sandwiches/chili) but certainly doesn’t add much to the experience.

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