Mirkwood Trees
The easiest line in Mirkwood Trees, which still tends to hold excellent snow.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Ascent
- 86 m
- Descent
- 299 m
The most popular freeride line in Mirkwood Basin.
Freeride Skiing Difficult
Mirkwood Bowl is the iconic zone that anchors the ski lines in Mirkwood Basin. Most of the skiers and riders that hike from the top of the Breezeway lift to the summit of Monarch Ski Resort at the top of Mirkwood Basin choose to ski down Mirkwood Bowl.
While rated as an extreme double black run, Mirkwood Bowl is eminently approachable as a freeride line. The bowl is relatively steep with a consistent pitch of about 34-36 degrees, but the wide-open bowl and consistent snow conditions provide plenty of room to maneuver and forgiveness if you bobble a turn. In addition, there as long as you stay in the center of the bowl, there are no trees, cliffs, or other obstacles to avoid. These factors combine to make Mirkwood Bowl a favorite for local skiers looking to try their first double black run. Whether or not the bowl should be rated a double black is up for debate, but it’s a fun rip down the mountain regardless!
A tall cornice forms on the top of the bowl, growing larger and larger throughout the season. While there’s only a slight in-run to the cornice, it’s still possible to launch off the cornice and score massive air to a pillowy landing far, far below—just make sure you have a spotter!
Difficult
Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.
The easiest line in Mirkwood Trees, which still tends to hold excellent snow.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
A short, steep, techy line at the end of the ridge.
Severe Freeride Skiing
A wide-open face providing a delightful companion to the main Mirkwood Bowl.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
A delightful, widely-spaced glade.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
The first wide-open line on Elation Ridge.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
The second obvious line down Elation Ridge, and the beginning of the larger cliff bands.
Difficult Freeride Skiing
0 m away
A longer, more rewarding descent on this south-facing aspect.
Moderate Freeride Skiing
0 m away
The most technical freeride line on Monarch Mountain.
Severe Freeride Skiing
0 m away
A wide-open glade at the end of the ridge.
Moderate Freeride Skiing
0 m away
The only single black diamond-rated line in the Mirkwood zone.
Moderate Freeride Skiing
13 routes · Freeride Skiing
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