(SOUTHERN COLORADO) – At Monarch Mountain, authenticity is more than just a slogan;  it’s a way of life. While many Colorado ski resorts rely on snow-making systems to kick off the season, Monarch proudly keeps things all-natural. Since 1939, the resort has built its reputation on one simple principle: what falls from the sky is what you ski.

Unlike other resorts that depend on manmade snow to cover the slopes early, Monarch’s team works directly with what Mother Nature provides. Malcolm Wilber, the Assistant Director of Base Operations, says it all comes down to smart snow management and a little creativity.

“It all depends on how the snow comes in,” Wilber explains. “Sometimes we’ve had years where we have to shrink the amount of terrain we can open up right off the bat. But over the years, we’ve put systems in place with our slope maintenance team to manage that snow, no matter where it falls.”

That might mean moving snow from unexpected places, such as the parking lot, to fill in thinner areas higher on the mountain.

“Sometimes it all falls in the parking lot,” Wilber says. “Then we’re using loaders and trailers to bucket that snow up higher on the mountain and patch those thin spots.”

It’s a process that takes patience and teamwork, but for Monarch, it’s part of what makes the skiing experience so special. The resort’s commitment to natural snow helps preserve both the mountain’s environment and its character.

“Not making snow is definitely part of our culture up here,” Wilber says. “It’s part of our product. The skiing is significantly better; our natural snow, once we process and groom it, holds up much better than manmade snow, which generally has a lot more water in it.”

No snow guns, no shortcuts; just real, mountain snow. Monarch Mountain continues to embrace its old school approach, keeping its slopes as pure as the mountain air that surrounds them.