Book a snowcat trip for first-run fun every time
by Kim D. McHugh
Untracked powder is the aphrodisiac of skiers and snowboarders. But despite having thousands of skiable acres and dozens of lifts, Colorado’s more than 20 resorts can’t keep it untracked for long. Unless you’re at or near the front when the lifts start up or the forecast calls for a raging storm the day you hit the slopes, the fresh stuff is adios by lunchtime. Instead, forego lift lines teaming with other powder seekers and book a snowcat outing. Here are three operators that can lead you to pristine powder even days after a storm.
Permitted to access 1,635 skiable acres, Monarch Cat Skiing deposits its guests atop their first run during an outing that can result in 15 to 20 runs depending on conditions, available terrain, group size—and how long it takes to do selfies at the bottom of the trails, which are primarily for advanced level skiers and riders.
“Our terrain is largely double black diamond consisting of open bowls, chutes and trees. Guests should be confident skiing and riding that terrain in deep snow. We have seats for up to twelve in our cabin cat that provides room for guests to comfortably, safely and quickly get to their next great run. We offer both single seats as well as full cat bookings. Guests frequently comment that their day cat skiing was the best day skiing they have ever had,” says Zach Moore, assistant director of mountain operations.
Cat skiing is an excellent way to venture into terrain outside of the resort, offering a guided experience with trail mitigation efforts present while also providing more intimate and adventurous skiing and riding than may be available inbounds.
Purgatory Snowcat Adventures is Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation, with 35,000 acres of guided skiing for skilled skiers and riders. Putting ginormous smiles on guests for two and a half decades, the company is an expert at seeking out quality snow in terrain that is largely treed, though there are wide open areas in the mix as well.
“Our terrain is relatively mellow compared to the extreme terrain of Silverton Mountain. While I would encourage guests to be comfortable with advanced or intermediate skiers and riders, I would by no means say one must be an expert. The terrain can be tricky for folks new to skiing and riding through trees, especially in deep snow. We’ve had kids as young as eight years old ski with us. If they are confident, in control and can follow directions, they are welcome,” says Grady James, lead guide and operations manager.
Appealing to skiers, riders and non-skiers/riders is the Snowcat Dining Excursion, which includes an evening ride to the top of the mountain followed by a five-course dinner featuring scrumptious seasonal dishes. Scenic snowcat daytime tours are also available.
Operating since 1983, Steamboat Powder Cats knows how to show guests a fabulous backcountry adventure. Its permitted terrain on Buffalo Pass boasts snowfall depths north of 500 inches annually, so romping in fresh powder is pretty much a given. Runs vary in length from 500 to 1,200 vertical feet and between 15 and 40 degrees in steepness.
“We are blessed with terrain that fits all levels with lower angle open slopes that fit the slower pace of an intermediate level guest and steeper, more aggressive terrain that experts seek out every run. We are all–inclusive and, beyond the ten to fourteen runs in fresh powder, we provide skis and snowboards, avalanche transceivers, breakfast, catered lunch, snacks, three guides per trip, professional quality images of guests and a post–tour après ski party,” says Kent Vertrees, whose title is master of chaos.
The company created an ability level system based on Intermediate, Advanced and Expert levels. Not only does this system provide a way to have less experienced guests on a tour they didn’t think doable, but it also gives comfort in knowing they won’t be holding up others.
IF YOU GO:
There are numerous cat skiing options in Colorado and beyond. Operators enlist backcountry protocols, mindful of avalanche dangers and keeping guests safe. Being in good physical condition is a real plus. Prices range from $650 to $950 a day per guest, and sharing an epic powder day with family and friends is, well, priceless. Book your trip early in the season, as spaces sell out quickly.
Colorado
Monarch Cat Skiing
719.530.5000
skimonarch.com
Purgatory Cat Skiing
970.385.2100
purgatory.ski
Steamboat Powder Cats
970.879.5188
steamboatpowdercats.com
Eleven Experience (Crested Butte)
970.575.5413
elevenexperience.com
The Ridge Cat (Loveland)
303.571.5580
skiloveland.com
Silverton Powdercats
970.422.2223
silvertonpowdercats.com
Winter Park Snowcat Skiing
970.726.5514
playwinterpark.com
Idaho
Selkirk Powder Company
208.263.6959
selkirkpowder.com
Soldier Mountain Cat Skiing
208.765.3437
soldiermountain.com
Montana
Great Northern Powder Guides
406.881.2032
greatnorthernpowderguides.com
Utah
Park City Powder Cats
435.649.6596
pccats.com
Snowbird Cat Skiing
800.232.9542
snowbird.com
Wyoming
Wyo Cat Skiing
307.413.9300
wyocatskiing.com
Canada
Big Red Cats
250.362.2271
bigredcatskiing.com
Great Northern Snowcat Skiing
800.889.0765
greatnorthernsnowcat.com
Selkirk Snowcat Skiing
800.799.3499
selkirksnowcatskiing.com
