New terrain at Monarch

I've been really sick since it opened three weeks ago which is very
unusual for me. I was planning on skiing it the day after it opened but
was shivering and sweating at home in the fetal position instead.
Finally yesterday I got to check out Mirkwood bowl for the first time
since being a Monarch Snowcat packer over a decade ago.

I hiked it twice. About a 10-15 Minute hike. That's probably what kept
the snow so nice. I skied the main bowl the first run and it was nice
but tracked out. Bumps with big piles of snow on them and a fun cornice
entry. The second run I went skiers right a bit and hit the first chute
in Staircase. It hadn't been skied since the recent 8" snow and the
freshies were great all the way down.
I'd estimate the area probably has about 800 Ft. of vertical and is
steeper than anything else at the area. In all I'd say it's a great
addition to Monarch's offerings. I'm really looking forward to the first
big day up there!
Here's a few snapshots of the main bowl. I was having too much fun on
the second run to stop and take any photos.

http://mattb.net/pics.aspx?gal=2005-03-20%20(New%20terrain%20at%20Monarch)

or

http://tinyurl.com/46yn5

Matt