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Mirkwood Bowl
Backcountry Skiing Route
Details
1.43 mi
332 ft
The most popular freeride line in Mirkwood Basin.
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! Written by Greg Heil
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! Written by Greg Heil
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