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Southbound

Monarch Mountain

Salida

The only single black diamond-rated line in the Mirkwood zone.

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
664 m
Ascent
42 m
Descent
80 m
Low Point
3.5 km
High Point
3.6 km
Gradient
23˚
Southbound Map

Southbound is the only single black diamond-rated line accessible from the Mirkwood hike. While the double black diamond ratings on a few of the lines in Mirkwood Basin are debatable, Southbound is certifiably easy with a mere 24° max pitch and widely-spaced trees that are easy to navigate.

Description

The line mapped here is the “standard” descent down Southbound. Accessible via a traverse from the Mirkwood hiking route, hitting this line requires less hiking and no traversing from the bottom of the bowl. However, that ease of access means this line only drops a mere 262 vertical feet—a small snack of a freeride.

As you can imagine, Southbound’s south-facing aspect can become very sun-affected on warm days, meaning that finding good pow here requires perfect timing. If, on the other hand, you enjoy skiing spring conditions, Southbound offers slushy spring skiing sooner than any other aspect on the mountain. If your choices are between skiing crust or pushing some mashed potatoes around, Southbound begins to look awfully attractive.

For a lengthier option in this zone, be sure to check out Southbound: Longer.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Face
  • Trees
  • Walk Required

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area