Mount Kato

The vibrant band of colors you are seeing in the thin, wispy clouds is an optical phenomenon known scientifically as a circumhorizontal arc. It is also frequently (though inaccurately) nicknamed a “fire rainbow.”

What Causes It?
Unlike true rainbows, which are created by the reflection and refraction of light through liquid rain droplets, a circumhorizontal arc is technically an ice halo. It requires a very specific set of atmospheric conditions to form:

High-Altitude Ice Crystals: The phenomenon occurs in high-altitude cirrus clouds (the thin, feathery clouds seen in your image). At these high elevations, the clouds are made up of tiny, flat, hexagonal (six-sided) plate ice crystals.

Prismatic Refraction: When these plate-shaped crystals drift horizontally through the air, they act like millions of tiny glass prisms. Sunlight enters the vertical side face of the crystal and exits through the flat bottom face. As the light passes through, it bends (refracts) and separates into its component colors, producing the rainbow spectrum.

A High Sun Angle: This alignment only works when the sun is exceptionally high in the sky—strictly 58 degrees or higher above the horizon. Because of this steep angle requirement, circumhorizontal arcs can only be seen during the summer months in certain latitudes, making them a relatively rare and special sight!

It’s a little wet today, but this weekend looks perfect for a ride!

Another day, another deer.
Hope everyone is enjoying this ”great” weather.

Our MTB Trails Are 100% Open The dirt is prime and the wait is over! All Mount Kato trails are officially open for the season and riding fast. Grab your gear, call your crew, and come get some laps in. See you on the hill! 🚵‍♂️🌲

🚨 ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT!
The Clock is Ticking! 🚨
May 1st is this Friday, which means you are completely running out of time to score the absolute lowest prices on next season’s Mount Kato passes. Once the calendar flips, these deals are gone for good!
Why pay more later when you can keep that cash in your pocket right now? Here is exactly what you stand to lose if you wait until Friday:
* Family of 3 Pass: Save a massive $350 (Lock it in now for $935)
* Adult Pass: Save $200 (Yours today for $385)
* Plus Rental: Save $110 (Just $519)
* Child & Senior Passes: Save $100 (Only $335 right now)
Whether you are hitting the terrain park, carving up the groomers, or bringing the whole family out for their first turns, getting your pass today is the smartest move you can make for next winter.
Don’t be the person paying full price on opening day. Hit the link in our bio to grab your passes before the Friday deadline! ⛷️🏂
Get Your SeasonPass at mountkato.com Today!

TICK TOCK! Prices Rise May 1st! Your Season of Savings is Almost Over. ⏱️

Ben Franklin was a wise man, and one of his most famous quotes rings true today for all our snow enthusiasts: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

We couldn’t agree more. This isn’t just about spending less; it’s about making a smart investment in your passion. Right now, you can lock in our absolute LOWEST prices for next season’s passes. But this deal is melting away fast! ⛷️🏂

By purchasing your pass before May 1st, you aren’t just saving money—you’re earning incredible savings. Just check out how much you pocket by securing your pass NOW:

💸 Adult Pass: Save $200!

💸 Child Pass: Save $100!

💸 Senior Pass: Save $100!

💸 Plus Rental: Save $110!

💸 Family of 3: Save a staggering $350!