Enjoy the fantasy of Monarch’s snow kayaking: ‘It’s nothing serious’

By Natasha Lovato

It’s not much of a debate that Colorado is a mecca for winter recreation, not only for skiers and snowboarders, but for athletes in even the most unheard-of sports.

Welcome to the virtual Kayaks on Snow competition at Monarch Mountain, thanks to this video from KOAA News 5 in southern Colorado. Although the 13-year tradition was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve decided to live vicariously through previous years of adventures.

After being pulled up the slopes by Snowcat, boaters race head-to-head down through a banked course full of twists and turns before splashing into an icy pond. Picture ski-cross in a boat.

Although previous kayaking experience is recommended, Monarch welcomes everyone for the competition that is geared purely around fun, not fame.

The excitement and level of competition is driven by spring powder. “It really depends on the snowfall. If it is icy, the colder weather course has more turns, if it is warm and slushier it is just straight,” said Eva Egbert, Monarch Mountain’s sales and marketing manager.

Normally Monarch’s most anticipated event of the year, the competition has gained national attention from ski publications and travel writers who can’t get enough of the crazy challenge that requires guts before glory.

Eva explained how snow kayaking came to the fore because of the community’s connection to the nearby Arkansas River. “Almost everyone that lives around here in Salida, Buena Vista or Gunnison recreates on the river, that is why we live here,” Eva said. “So, come April, everyone is getting their kayaks and river gear ready. For us it is kind of a celebration of the changing seasons from skiing to kayaking.”

The snow kayaking competition has always been a favorite spectator event for Eva and her husband, Glen. Last year it was a spontaneous decision for Glen to jump into the race and an even bigger surprise for him to win.

“I just did it for fun. I didn’t train or anything — it was definitely a surprise to win. I don’t know if weight helps but I’m sure it helped me,” Glen joked. “There’s a little strategy involved but people come out to have fun. It’s nothing serious, just a nice way to end the ski season.”

After suffering a spine injury from kayaking 10 years ago, Glen thought his kayaking days were coming to a close, but between surgery and rehab, he felt up to a little friendly competition. “I was less inclined to participate and was worried about it but it was super fun.” he said.

The gathering, which is expected to resume in 2021, is meant to be more about fun than competition, and it’s certainly not scheduled to become an Olympic sport. It is simply glorified, grown-up sledding designed to make the end-of-season experience memorable.

Native Natasha Lovato celebrates the Colorado lifestyle through hiking, biking or playing bingo while enjoying a sour ale or two.