Run by the former Ski Boss at Berthoud Powder Guides, Jamie Wolter, Powder Addiction Snowcats will be serving up powder and smiles this season starting December 10. Here’s a bit more info:

When Mary Jane’s not enough…there’s Powder Addiction. New to the ‘09/10 Winter Season is Grand County’s only snowcat backcountry skiing and riding adventure. Offering guided backcountry skiing and riding with uphill transportation in a heavily modified snowcat, Powder Addiction is conveniently located less than an hours drive from Denver. With headquarters at the base of Winter Park Ski Resort, Powder Addiction operates in the Jones Pass area. With a bottom elevation of 10,500ft and topping out at an elevation of 12,000 to 12,500ft—that makes up to 2,000 vertical feet of pure virgin snow for your riding pleasure.

Open seven days a week, beginning December 10th, adventures include powder skis, safety equipment, lunch and transportation to and from the Village at Winter Park and the Jones Pass trail head.

The first run of the day is determined based on the current conditions. It could be a high alpine bowl or a run through the trees. As safety is a major priority, a guide will always ski first, setting boundaries and a meeting spot. Guests can expect six to eight powder runs throughout the day.

Skiers enjoy a sack lunch of homemade goodies including delicacies from the renowned Tabernash Tavern. During the first half of the tour, a photographer who will shoot still shots as well as video will accompany riders. The tour concludes back at headquarters, where guests are treated to a complimentary beer (21 and older, of course), while viewing the day’s photos on a big screen TV. Adventurers can post their personal videos and slide show on their own Facebook pages, or store on their iPhones for bragging rights.

Benefiting from storms that flow in from all directions, Powder Addiction offers riders the best chance for sweet skiing conditions. The high altitude combined with Northern exposure keeps the snow cold and light.

Low season rates (Dec. 10 – Dec. 21, March 21 – April 30) are $300/day and $3,000 for a private snowcat. High season rates are $350/day and $3,500 for private snowcat. For real powder addicts, Powder Addiction offers a “Hot Seat Program” where a one time payment of $100 allows access to an exclusive daily email specifying how many seats are available for the next one or two days. A quick call can grant access on the snowcat for half price.

Powder Addiction is located at 115 Parry Peak Way, #400 Winter Park, CO 80482. To book an adventure, learn more, or speak with a Powder Addiction representative, call us at 970.726.9247.

More Info: Visit PowderAddiction.com

The Steamboat Powdercats Stoke

It had been over 10 days since the last storm, so the mood was a bit somber. Just a few weeks prior to this trip, both Utah’s Wasatch and the Colorado Rockies were getting pounded with the white stuff. But, after 10 days, the Wasatch was hurting for freshies—we could only imagine that the terrain around Steamboat would be in the same boat.

Hooking up with the crew at Steamboat Powdercats, we quickly realize that this is a first-class operation. Their offices are in a prime location near the base of the resort in Ski Time Square. Having stayed at the Steamboat Grand Hotel the night before, we just walked across the street.

Greeting us at the office was Kent Vertrees, the man with the plan. His infectious smile and stoke assured us that the newly-opened Level III terrain would deliver the goods in spite of the lack of recent snowfall. We then meet our guides for the day (Eric, Mason and Todd), then hook up with the crew of college buddies from the University of Colorado who would become the 6th Man—our group for the day.

The terrain used by Steamboat Powdercats is located in the Routt – Medicine Bow National Forest and consists of a number of ridgelines filled with relatively short but steep shots. The terrain doesn’t feature many picture-perfect, wide-open bowls, but what it does have is nicely-spaced tree runs that keep the powder fresh weeks after a storm.

Like many operations, they are beginning to rub shoulders with the ever-growing masses of snowmobilers. Steamboat Powdercats lays down the roads and some snowmobilers take advantage of their generosity and treat them like highways in the backcountry. Luckily, we didn’t see too many of our two-stroke buddies. Kent mentioned to me that the National Forest is considering banning snowmobilers from certain parts of their usable terrain. I know that if this happens, the guests will have a better experience and will enjoy safer runs without the threat of snowmobilers “high marking” or otherwise causing safety concerns. Now back to the goods…

The Steamboat Powder

Out of the gate, Kendall and I felt like outsiders as college jokes and conversation turned to topics only they would understand. But, that all quickly changed the second we hit our first run—we were all skiing powder! POWDER… 10 days after a storm? Yes, powder it was, but with a hefty layer of surface hoar. “Loud powder,” as our lead guide, Eric would point out. Loud powder or not, there was powder to be had in these mountains and we were stoked to be there.

The first two “warm up” runs were in South Soda Creek Canyon that’s known locally as “Bitch Creek.” With a name like that, we had to inquire as to how that came about. Well, apparently a crabby old lady used to backcountry ski in the area—maybe she still does. As the snowmobilers crept into her terrain, she would yell at them. I can imagine her saying things like, “you boys get the hell out of my powder stash!” They say on clear mornings, if the wind blows just right, you might hear a few four-letter words from the tops of the trees. Well… back to the real story.

South Soda Creek Canyon is defined by open tree shots with northeast, east and west-facing aspects (primarily north). This area, as well as all areas we skied, is littered with rocks and all sorts of fun terrain features to keep you on your toes. One thing we noticed with Steamboat Powdercats that was different from other operations was their willingness to lead us to rocks and airs. They knew our abilities and allowed us to decide which lines to ski.

Every snowcat operation we’ve visited has featured super-friendly and knowledgeable guides—well, Eric proved to be even more than that, he was so full of stories and jokes that he kept us entertained during every cat ride.

The next few runs were had in the Pepsi area, which was once again gladed with rock drops of 5’ – 25’ everywhere with plentiful powder pockets. We knew we were in for a treat when Eric busted out some common lingo like “goodies.” He was always leading is to the “goodies,” or untracked powder stashes of delight.

After getting our fill in the Pepsi area, we returned to Lower Bitch Creek where we skied a handful of lines with super-sick, dreamy powder as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds that had kept the day gloomy and overcast. Just as we pulled up to the start zone that had everyone salivating like kids in a candy store, Kendall says, “I’ll ski down a bit and take some photos.” Nice move man!

Kendall parked it for some photos (which never materialized by the way) after skiing some of the best turns of the day. We all busted down Bonsai Face with big, arcing turns and little rock drops galore—totally stoked and grins from ear to ear.

As we approached the cat, we all knew that could’ve been our last run, but the guides pulled out one more treat—the bonus run! YEAH BABY! The final run of the day would consist of untracked powder through aspens and finally down an untracked gulley. What a way to add the final touches to a great day of cat skiing.

The Steamboat Snowcat Skiing Love

We loaded up the cat and made our way back to the parking lot, the sunset streaked red and orange across the sky. Our guides, Eric, Todd and Mason all said that most groups don’t get the bonus run. It was then that the 6th Man Award went to the CU Buffs for being such a stellar group for the day.

Honestly, the day went much better than expected—with untracked powder to be had all over the place. Considering how long it had been since the last storm, we are confident that Steamboat Powdercats can deliver powder for your next snowcat vacation.

More Info: Visit SteamboatPowdercats.com

Pacific Crest Snowcats Background

Dave is the name of two of the owner/operator/cat driver/guides for Pacific Crest Snowcats, the only snowcat operation located in California’s Lake Tahoe region in the High Sierras. We showed up to the parking lot to find a few people lined up and getting prepped for the day’s trip. Our guides today would be both Daves and R.B., all seasoned guides from backgrounds such as being Alaskan heli-ski guides, ski patrollers at Alpine Meadows, and seasoned river guides.

The snow looked grim from the parking lot, a light powder dusting on top of a sun-baked crust…. yet our hopes had not been shattered. We had just driven 9.5 hours after an 8-hour workday to get here. We had to stay optimistic. So the crew starts showing up for the ride… 3 girls from Cali, Chamonix, and back east, a pro skier, 2 other photographers, and our crew of 3. We were ready.

After a short backcountry safety discussion and an explanation of the day’s plans, we piled into one of Pacific Crest’s snowcats. Nestled between world famous Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl, is a vast expanse of terrain previously accessed via ski touring, only now we had the opportunity to rip it without hiking, thanks to Pacific Crest Snowcats. Operating on private land, the terrain is definitely not for the inexperienced. With chutes, cliffs, gladed trees, and wide-open faces… this place was jaw dropping. There is almost every compass aspect available for our feast as we unload at the top of a 40-minute ride to our first destination.

By the looks of it, we have 6-8 inches of fluff on a solid base. We do a short beacon search and head to the snow pit. The snowpack is just about as stable as they come, so we all ski down our first run. Come to find out, the snow turns out to be some of the most challenging we’ve ever skied. Punchy, and firm…but we all chuckle and make the best of it and load in the cat again. We decide to hit some sun lit runs in hopes that it’s a bit softer.

With most Cat skiing operations offering 500-800 vertical foot runs, Pacific Crest Snowcats offers up to 1200 and even a 1500-foot shot of snowcat accessed powder, so the choice of runs was a coin toss. Just at the top of our next ridge, the cat throws a shoe….but that wasn’t going to stop us. While the Daves took off to get a reserve cat, we threw our gear on our shoulders, and hiked a short distance to our perfect south-facing slope. We shoot tons of pictures and video of everyone, and hike back up for seconds.

After a successful session on a giant slope with a bunch of exposed goblin-like rocks, we head down to the cat. Exhausted and hungry, we catch a ride to our lunch destination and proceed to scarf down the great deli-style feast prepared by our guides. A bit of story telling ensued and after brief cool off, we head down our last run to the cat. Most of us were tired from our great session in the sunlight so we head for home base.

The Bottom Line on Pacific Crest Snowcats

The short number of runs did not disappoint any of us. The experience of the trip due to great terrain, company, and guides, left us all grinning ear to ear. The day was an official success. Pacific Crest gets an A+, and the day finished by the crew enjoying a brew at a local pub just a short distance away. Once again, stories came from every direction and laughs abounded. With the combination of terrain, guides, snowpack, and ease of having the Reno airport so close, Pacific Crest Snowcats is quite possibly the biggest little secret in California.

MORE INFO: Visit www.pacificcrestsnowcats.com to book a snowcat adventure

– Jason Beacham, FeedTheHabit.com Contributor
– Erik Seo, FeedTheHabit.com Photographer

From the early 1900’s until a mere 30 years ago, Thousand Peaks Ranch was indeed just that, a ranch for cattle and sheep with a thousand peaks. All that changed when in 1978 Ray Santa Maria explored this corner of paradise and dared to dream of a special place where powder hungry skiers would experience a slice of heaven. Thankfully for us his dream came true and today Park City Powder Cats & Heli-Ski is our ticket to access some of the finest powder skiing in North America.

The Man Loves Powder

We first meet up with Ray Santa Maria, owner/operations manager at a hotel lobby in Park City. After a brief introduction to Matt, our other guide for the day, and a light breakfast we pile into the van to head out to Thousand Peaks Ranch. As we approach the Uinta Mountains, home of Thousand Peaks Ranch and Park City Powder Cats, the sky is overcast with a pocket of light that shines down from above, beckoning us onward. Were the powder gods sending us a sign of what was to come? Unequivocally yes.

We arrive at the ranch cabin where we’re introduced to our cat driver and we review beacon safety while getting geared up. Moment’s later as the group loads the snowcat, we realize the sky has cleared, leaving the air crisp and cold. Another sign that we will be treated to some of Utah’s finest snow today, the greatest snow on earth.

The Goods – Powder Baby!

Our first view of Giant Steps bowl has all of us jaw dropped. Imagine the quintessential bowl, vast and expansive with steep flanks on each side. Double the size you’re imangining and you might begin to appreciate Giant Steps. Bryan and I look at each other and we know that today it’s on. Ray’s as anxious as a school boy in math class, waiting for recess, itching to get out of the cat and play. Even after 11 years of guiding and operating PC Powder Cats & Heli-Ski, it’s all about the powder for Ray….and it clearly shows. His enthusiasm and focus sets the tone for the day as 10,000 Maniacs sings “these are the days” over the sound system in the cat. Indeed this is the day for 10 powder maniacs with Ray leading the way.

Nearing the top of Giant Steps the snowcat forges forward, cutting a path on a narrow ridge just below the summit. Barely wide enough to fit the cat, we catch view of Warren Miller chutes to our right (so named after Warren himself filmed a crew of skiers ripping these 50 degree chutes) and some steep chutes of Giant Steps bowl to our left.

As we empty the cat, Ray mentions that we’re about the ski 2′ of new that has fallen in the past 48 hours. Standing atop Giant Steps he gives us the true welcome to PC Powdercats after which we drop in one by one. As I ease into the first few turns of ultra light solid knee deep powder, I find that I’m talking to myself. “Oh yea, this is the goods”, “Feelin’ sweet”. This continues for nearly 1700′ resulting in me grinning ear to ear. As a matter of fact, so is Ray.

Watching the others descend what could possibly be the run of their lives, we realize that group dynamics is going to come into play. One of our group, fresh from Indiana, is having a hard time adjusting to the powder. That’s one of the things about cat skiing or any type of guided ski experience for that matter. The group can only ski to the ability of the weakest link, and we had just found ours. What could have turned out to have banished us from Giant Steps to lesser slopes is averted after some quick tips on skiing powder are shared with our flat land brother.

Round two is just as good as the first. It’s unbelievable that places like this exist and I get to ski fresh lines on it. Ray has lead us to the goods, but he’s quick to mention that this is what it’s always like out here. I’m beginning to realize that a guide’s enthusiasm can really set the tone for a great trip.

Unlike most cat operations in the U.S., Park City Powder Cats & Heli Ski can deliver the vert. 1700′ per run in Giant Steps is leaps and bounds ahead of the typical 700-900′ slopes you’ll find with most cat operators. The area we are skiing in is defined by above treeline open powder slopes. It reminds me of Heli Skiing in the Caribous of Central British Columbia. Big slopes, lots of room to turn and nothing but peak after peak as far as you can see.

A change in scenery leads us to Little Steps, a shorter shot just to the east of Big Steps. Dropping into Little Steps, we realize the wind has stacked the snow on this lee side of the ridge. Deep powder turns, the kind you dream about, one after another all the way down to the pick up point where our transport to the goods awaits. With each lap we make on Little Steps yields unbelievable powder. The amazing thing was that for miles around these are the only tracks we can see.

By now the group was starting to mesh together quite well. We’ve got a real good mix of both skiers and snowboarders from all sides of the U.S. New Jersey, Indiana, Massachusets, Utah and California are represented. Interestingly enough for the snowboarders, none of our drop off sites have required the dreaded traverse or hiking on thier part. PC Powder Cats is certainly a “snowboard friendly” operation as witnessed by the Quiksilver and Salty Peaks stickers on the cat.

After having our fill on Little Steps it was decided that we’d refill our energy stores with a fine lunch provided by Ray and the crew. Hot chicken noodle soup, deli style sandwiches, beverages and frisbee sized cookies all hit the spot. One of the most beautiful lunch spots I’ve enjoyed as we soaked in the sun while observing our handiwork on Little Steps.

A Change of Scenery

Thinking that we’d stick to the big bowls for the rest of the afternoon, our guides had something else in store for us. Descending into South Ham via lower Little Steps, we set our sights on some west facing ridges that start above treeline and descend through football field sized slots in the aspens, the same aspens we’d driven through earlier in the morning. With the loss in elevation, from 11,000′+ at Giant and Little Steps to 9000′ here in South Ham, we could have easily gotten into some inferior snow conditions. Matt and Ray would not let us down as we slipped into some tremendously light snow on west/northwest facing aspects.

The west facing slopes had us looking off into the distance at the back of the Wasatch. I wondered what conditions were like for all those folks skiing the many resorts that dot the central Wasatch. I’m sure they were oblivious to the fact that a mere 30 miles to the east was the shangri la of powder skiing. In fact, we’d later find out that while we were enjoying a light breeze and phenomenal snow conditions here in the Unitas, the ridges and bowls of the Wasatch were experiencing stout winds and wind packed powder conditions. Reminded me of Robert Frost, “…and I chose the road less traveled and it has made all the difference.”

As we spun our last lap in paradise, and loaded up for the cat ride back to the cabin, I had to stop and take one last glimpse around, to soak in the magnitude of the area. I made mental notes of slopes I have yet to ski that are calling my name. With over 30 feet of snow this year, they could be calling my name well into the month of May.

Every snowcat operation we’ve visited this year has had highlights or things that I’ll remember well, but of this I am certain: the images of the 1000 peaks and beyond will forever be with me. The tops of the Uinta Mountain peaks, where the powder is light and deep, the sky is extra blue there’s a snow cat and a smiling Ray Santa Maria that awaits. We hope they don’t have to wait too long for you.

More Info: Visit PCCats.com

What’s better than backcountry powder shared with a couple of good friends? Skiing with your buddies in the trees, sharing a great line on an open slope and watching your mates pop off bumps into the pow is a great way to spend a day. Now, if that makes you smile, think about expanding it to 12 good friends. Think about a day of good powder and good runs shared with the 12 friends you would most like to spend time with. Then expand the thought to three of four days in succession.

If it seems like a wild dream, it’s not. Snowcat skiers are doing it every year. Many snowcat operators will provide a discount to the organizer of a group of 12. Assemble your own group to share its own cat and guides and determine the pace of each day’s skiing. The cat rides back up the mountain become almost as much fun as the runs down, filled with the old lies and jokes and stories that you all enjoy sharing. Evenings in the lodge in the bar playing pool or darts for “shots” or soaking in the hot tub just continue the fun of the day. The photos found at Favorite Chatter Creek photos were taken by members of a group of old friends who go cat skiing together every year. By the way, if you don’t know all about it, check out the cat skiing articles at cat skiing articles.

Most, but not all, cat skiing operators encourage groups and group organizers. At least two operators in BC offer no particular incentive to group leaders, but point out the advantage to having ski companions that know one another and are all compatible skiers. However, at least three BC operators provide group organizers a free seat and one operator offers two free seats (take 12 people, pay for 10). Other operators offer a discount ranging from $1200 per day, to $1500 for a 4-day tour. Organizers shopping for a cat skiing tour should consider group discounts last, after selecting a short list of operators having terrain and skiing conditions that best suits their group’s needs.

Organizing a group is no cakewalk. The group organizer is the sole point of contact with the company. The group organizer collects and accounts for all funds, makes lump payments on behalf of the group, distributes company literature, collects client information and submits it to the company. Above all, the organizer ensures that group members understand the tour dates, transportation arrangements, meeting times and special conditions like baggage restrictions or clothing needed for the trip in to a remote lodge.

Finally, the organizer handles last minute changes. People get sick or have emergencies or “things” happen at work and substitutes have to be arranged. Snowstorms can require last-minute telephone calls to the group to change travel plans, as described in the article, “Getting to Chatter Creek:Go Early and Get There”.

You may have known your buddies for years, but you don’t really understand them until you try to organize their ski trip. As one cat ski operator noted, “It’s like herding cats”. One or two email messages is not enough to convey critical dates and other information. There is always someone who forgets or is confused or loses forms or is always late with payments.

Regular reminders and specific confirmation is needed to ensure that people really do understand what they need to know, and that critical dates and times really have been recorded in next year’s calendar, and not this year’s. If the meeting point is in a different time zone, alarm bells have to be rung regularly, or people will forget the time shift. People need reminding that there is a day of travel before and after the dates of the tour. If tour members are married, it’s a good idea to ensure their wives know “the drill”.

Different organizers do different things with their discount. Merle McKnight, manager of Chatter Creek, in Golden recommends, “Put it in your pocket, you’ve earned it!” Some organizers do just that. Others share the discount with the group members, giving everyone a small discount. One organizer rents a bus to take his group from Calgary to Golden, where his cat skiing tour starts. That tour really starts and ends in Calgary and everything in between is a blur. The author tends to be a sharer, but after years of organizing groups, my enthusiasm for sharing is waning.

Whatever frustrations a group organizer may bear, they fall right away on that first run of the annual tour, as the organizer watches his mates go charging down the hill, with whoops and hollers and powder snow flying. The grins on your friends’ faces make it all worthwhile!

Suggested Snowcat Operations

Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing – Golden, BC
Park City Powdercats – Park City, UT
Steamboat Powdercats – Steamboat, CO

I woke up an hour before my alarm clock was set to go off. The only time this happens is when I’m going skiing and know it will be a sick powder day. It had snowed 28 inches in the last 36 hours and today I was going helicopter skiing for the first time in my life with Whistler Heli-Skiing. Not only was the powder going to be deep but I wouldn’t have to fight 6000 other maniacs for the goods. It was shaping up to be an epic day of skiing but had the storm passed so the helicopters could fly?

It was still snowing heavily outside my window at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler when I peered out. Noticeably absent were the gusty winds that kept the helicopters grounded yesterday. Not sure if we would be able to fly, I optimistically dressed in my ski clothes, grabbed a bite of breakfast and waited for the “Go” or “No Go” phone call. At 7:45 my phone rang, “Please head down to the Crystal Lodge at 8:15 so you can meet your guide Dale…” I was out the door and in the elevator before they had a chance to finish.

I met the nine members of my group at the staging area and our guide Dale ran through the basics of backcountry skiing and helicopter safety. It was a brief but thorough introduction and Dale’s professionalism and knowledge were obvious. Before I knew it the safety talks were over. We piled into a Bell 212 helicopter and took off in the direction of untracked powder.

In five minutes we climbed 2000 feet and set down near the top of the tree line. Any higher and the falling snow would make it difficult for the pilot to land and for us to see during the ski down. When the helicopter flew away it was just our group in the middle of a vast untracked wilderness. No day lodge, chairlift, or powder hungry hordes in sight, just acres of untracked powder snow.

We partnered up and followed Dale down a gently sloping ridge for 20 turns before stopping above a steeper slope. Dale made a ski cut to test the slopes stability and then ripped off effortless turns until he stopped 200 feet below us. We skied the slope one at a time and it quickly became apparent that our group consisted of a wide range of abilities. Some of us jumped off of a small cornice, made two turns and straight lined the rest. Some of the guys fell in the deep snow and looked for skis. But we all had the same wide smile on our faces.

During the two runs we made before lunch the snow was epic but it felt like we were stopping to regroup as much as skiing. Unfortunately this was necessary in the trees where visibility was restricted. If we had gone further before regrouping it would have been easy for someone to pick up the wrong drainage and become hopelessly lost. My vision of heli-skiing always involves arching huge turns down a wide-open powder field. The reality is that the weather and snow conditions dictate where you can make your turns.

On our third and final run the weather cleared a little and we were able to ski slightly more open slopes. Near the bottom of the run we broke out of the trees into a large clearing. Every turn resulted in a face shot and I caught frequent small airs off of fluffy snow pillows. The run was over far too quickly. The turns I made during this run are some of the best I’ve had in twenty plus years of skiing.

We made three runs through the trees and skied around 7500 vertical feet. On a normal day at the resort I would expect to ski around 20,000 vertical feet. But that would involve plenty of cut up snow, moguls, and possibly ice. Today all I skied was powder. At the end of the day I felt kind of like the first time I borrowed my parents car and took a girl out to the movies. It was a new and exciting experience and when it was over I was left wanting more.

– Guest Author, Bryan Rhodes