Catskiing AKA “The Poor Man’s Heli” | Photo Credit: Powder Mountain | Cover Photo: Ski ArpaIf you’ve ever watched Aspen Extreme, chances are you got extremely jealous when Dex and TJ snagged a ride to the top of Ajax for first tracks via ski patroller Dave Ritchie’s snowcat.
Riding in a snowcat is not only a novel experience but it’s one of the best ways to access powder stashes outside the world of helicopters. So with that in mind, we asked friends and industry experts where to find the best cat-skiing in the world.
Here Are The 10 Best Cat-skiing Operations In The World
Powder Mountain, UT
Photo Credit: Powder MountainAside from their downhome ski area that boasts plenty of the “Greatest Snow On Earth,”Powder Mountain offers an array of cat-skiing options that include everything from hippie powder turns to steep, varied terrain meant for certified skiers.
Operation Stats:
3,000+ acres of varied terrain
450-500″ of average snowfall
Pricing: $440/person or book the whole cat and save!
The Eleven Experience, CO
Map of the Catskiing Terrain Offered By Eleven | Photo Credit: Irwin GuidesLocated in the heart of the Elk Mountains, The Eleven Experience operated by Irwin Guides offers the wildest cat skiing in the lower 48. It’s remote, snowy, and most importantly contains some of the best terrain in Colorado.
OPERATION STATS:
10,000-15,000 vertical feet per day
Irwin Guides is the only snowcat skiing operation accredited by the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA)
600″ of average snowfall
Price: $650/person or $6,500 for a private cat (includes 10 people)
Shimamaki Snowcats, Japan
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Backcountry ClubWith the most snow in the world and unbelievable views of the Sea of Japan, it’s hard not to score an epic day @ShimamakiSnowcats. Also, avoid Niseko’s crowds of Australian tourists in favor of the low-key Japanese village of Shimamaki, which boasts all-time sushi and a unique cultural experience.
OPERATION STATS:
9,000-15,000 vertical feet per day
590″ of average snowfall (January-March)
Price: ¥ 145,000 / person (2 days, 2 nights)
Steamboat Powdercats, CO
Photo Credit: Steamboat Powder CatsThe Park Range of Colorado is one of skiing’s most underrated spots in North America and Steamboat Powder Cats is lucky enough to call this area home. With over 500″ of Champagne Powder™, Steamboat Powder Cats offers skiers and riders the most bang for their buck in the good ole’ United States of America.
OPERATION STATS:
12 person snowcat capacity
8-16 runs/day
500″+ of average snowfall
Price: $600/individual seat and $6000/private cat.
Island Lake Lodge, BC
Photo Credit: Island Lake LodgeIsland Lake Lodge is BC’s top shelf skiing destination that was founded with the help of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly. Deep snow, 3 course gourmet meals, and a world-class spa make Island Lake Lodge a 4-star destination for luxury catskiing
“I’ve been skiing for more than 40 years and the deepest powder I have ever skied was at Island Lake Catskiing.” – Wayne Wong
OPERATION STATS:
7,000+ acres of skiable terrain
8-12 runs/day
Price: Approximately $3,427/person (3 days, lodging included, peak season)
Ski Arpa, Chile
Photo Credit: Ski ArpaDriving up to Ski Arpa, skiers and riders will instantly realize that this is not your “mellow” sidecountry catskiing op. Just like the Andes, Ski Arpa is rough and wild and hosts some of the best terrain in the central Chilean Andes. Not to mention, Ski Arpa is the most economical choice on this list.
OPERATION STATS:
3,000’+ descents
2 Pisten Bully snowcats
200″ of average snowfall
Price: $350/person and $4,150/private cat.
Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, BC
Photo Credit: Selkirk Snowcat SkiingThe Selkirk Mountains in Canada are home to some of the lightest snow in Canada and its namesake catskiing operation is a contender for the top spot for good reason. The permitted area is close to being double the size of Whistler Blackcomb and receives plenty of POW each season.
OPERATION STATS:
15,000-18,000 vertical feet/day
Weeklong stays (Sunday-Sunday)
Price: $5,400/individual (week long stay)
Valhalla Powdercats, BC
Photo Credit: Valhalla PowdercatsAlso located in the Selkirk Mountains, Valhalla Powdercats offers some of the most unique and extreme terrain offered without booking a helicopter.
OPERATION STATS:
480″ of annual snowfall
21,000 acres of skiable terrain
Suited for advanced to expert skiers
Price: $550/person/day
Baldface Lodge, BC
Photo Credit: Baldface LodgeThere’s a reason why Travis Rice loves Baldface Lodge. The catskiing operation located in the snowcat mecca of the Selkirk Mountains is home to Red Bull’s Supernatural along with hundreds of thousands of face shots each year.
Photo Credit: Mustang PowderFrom Sammy Carlson to JP Auclair, Mustang Powder has hosted some of the best skiers in the entire world and for good reason. The Monashee Mountain cat skiing op is holding court as one of the premiere backcountry experiences in the world.
