I just got word that a new snowcat skiing operation will begin operations in Jones Pass, just outside Winter Park, Colorado. At only 45 minutes from Denver, this just might be one of the most accessible snowcat operations around (yes, Alta offers snowcat service, but it doesn’t compare to the terrain here).
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
6 Comments
Best powder skiing of my life was a day cat skiing at Powder Mountain. I would say, about 45 minutes from SLC…
Indeed… PowMow is the goodies. Park City Powder Cats is also within 45 minutes of Salt Lake. But, snowcat skiing 45 minutes from Denver? Pretty cool for Denver-ites.
I thought it was flat a boring. guides were on snowboards and got stuck in the flats.
$350 sounds like a lot. I haven’t been cat skiing in a few years, but it was only $120 or $150 a day. And the economy was a lot better then.
$300-$350 is pretty much the norm for cat skiing and has been for several years now. I can’t remember many operations in the past 10 years who charge much less than that.
Has anyone used the hot seat program? What happens if you don’t get a seat?