- Snow cat skiing is for advanced and expert riders with strong off-piste skills.
- Snowcat operators will provide an avalanche beacon for you if necessary but they expect you to have your own fat skis. Check with a local shop a few days before you go to make sure there is something available to you.
- Snowcats, unlike helicopters, run no matter what the weather so you can plan ahead. In fact, stormy days are the best for a deep powder experience.
Overview
Snowcat skiing is one of those activities you keep telling yourself you'll try "one of these days" and then never get around to. Maybe it's because the inbounds snow in Utah is 'deep enough' or the pricetag sounds high or you just never got around to making a call to an outfitter. The truth is, a day in a heated snow cat is like crack. You can't have just one. It's more economical than heli-skiing and offers more consistent untracked vertical than any you'll find at a resort. And it's a blast.
Where To Go
How does untracked powder without liftlines sound? That's a day of snowcat skiing. Unless you book a private tour, expect to group up with 10 of your closest strangers. But even with your gang and two guides making their way down the mountain, there's still a fresh line for all.
Alta's cat will take you on a guided off-piste adventure in Grizzly Gulch. Your day includes an orientation, continental breakfast and five runs spread throughout a 375 acre-bowl.
The Powder Mountain snowcat drags Lightening Ridge and beyond. It's one of the area's biggest draws. The heated cab drops you into more than 2,000 acres of powder-packed bowls and tree shots. You can take a single snowcat ride or a full-day Snowcat Powder Safari that includes two guides, lunch, an avalanche beacon, and of course untracked powder.
Guides and Rentals
Private outfitters also carry riders into the Uinta Mountains outside of Park City. You can expect eight to twelve runs in a day but make sure you call well in advance if you want a seat during your next vacation.
