Do you like powder days? Everyone thinks they do, but do they really? When you go up to Monarch, or any other ski resort, have you noticed the length of the lines on powder days? You could get to the mountain at nine and wait in lines until ten or even 11. Why even go at that point? One run down the hill and you find yourself right back in the line. 

On the other hand, if it is a -4 degree day, would you even show up?. When I go up, I always try to go on some of the coldest days because I know others won’t. These are the days when the lines are the best. As a snowboarder, the type of snow or how cold it is does not affect me. This might just be me, but I believe I have my best days are when no one is on the mountain. Monarch is known for its low visitors, but, on some days, it can feel like everyone is there.

I realize that my experience will be different from others, but the last time I was at Monarch on a great day, the parking lot employee told my family that we would have to park at the top of the mountain, which is a two mile walk away from the lifts. Some might argue that you should get there earlier, but does that help? Yes, it will help you get good parking, but will it even matter? Most likely you will still have to wait in line.

The resorts around Chaffee county consist of Monarch, Cooper, Crested Butte, and Aspen, but will you pay for those other resorts? While they do have great employees and great slopes, I personally would not pay for any other pass than a Monarch pass. This might be the same for others, causing lots of people to go on any day.

So, will you go on powder days still?