Elation Ridge Cliffs

Home to the best senders at Monarch Mountain.

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance: 2.7 km
Ascent: 92 m
Descent: 306 m

Low Point: 3.3 km
High Point: 3.6 km
Gradient: 36˚

On the official map for Mirkwood Basin, Monarch Mountain simply labels the entire northern, south-facing ridge of the basin as “Elation Ridge,” and then leaves it at that. With that amount of minimal marking, you’re pretty much on your own to find the best line down the ridge. Here, I’ve chosen to break Elation into four different lines: Elation Ridge Trees, Elation Ridge 1, Elation Ridge 2, and Elation Ridge Cliffs. To find Elation Ridge Cliffs, cross through the Elation Ridge gate and drop down the top of the ridge, trying to stay high and on top. Look for a cat track or a traverse line, and follow it down the ridge. Soon, it should begin climbing up the secondary knob. Most people will have to click out and hike again to reach the top of the second knob. Elation Ridge Cliffs begins off the top of the far knob on the end of Elation Ridge.

Description

This zone is home to the best sender cliffs at Monarch Mountain! These 30+-foot cliffs offer great in-runs and wide-open landing zones that are perfect for catching massive air. While the south-facing aspect means that the snow conditions don’t stay as soft once the warm sun hits it, when the conditions are right, Elation Ridge can’t be beat!

If you don’t want to send, you can still find plenty of skiable lines through the cliff bands, and most of the chutes don’t choke down as tight as you’ll find in Staircase on the opposing wall of the basin. Just be sure to ride heads-up even as you get your shred on. If it looks like the earth is about to drop away in front of you, it probably is!