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An Insider's Guide to Cat Skiing
Our Insider's Guide provides local insights into Canadian ski towns, sporting activities, music and culture. Check out our previous guides.
Cat Skiing In Canada
Canada is home to 90% of the world's cat skiing opertations, so if you want to take part in this fantatic sport there really is only one place to do it, Canada! This article aims to give you an insight into what cat skiing is like and what to expect before you go.
What exactly is it?
Snowcats, or piste bashers as they can be known in Europe, are the key to cat skiing. These 'cats' are able to access the tops of high bowls and great alpine slopes giving you runs with vertical drops of 1,200 to over 2,000 ft. The cats ferry skiers and snowboarders into terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible, then expert guides show you the safest and most fun way down. In essence it has all the benefits of heli skiing and is much cheaper so is therefore accessible to a greater number of people. If you are a snowboarder don't be put off by the name, this is just as much fun on a snowboard as it is on skis!
Why should you do it?
So you have an unlimited amount of powder for you and your friends to ride all day long. Seriously, if you are tired of riding tracked out powder in resort then you need to get out and find your own stash of powder. Cat skiing is not normally weather dependent and there is rarely any “down-time”. Almost every day is a good cat skiing day. It is not typically suited to the "hard core" and is well suited to strong intermediate riders and expert riders alike. All of this makes it a very accessible and truly enjoyable experience that will be the highlight of any ski trip you go on.
How long does it take?
You can go for one day, one week or as long as you want. To get a taste of the sport you go for one day and will have a truly amazing experience. If you have some more time most operators offer three to four day full service packages where you will stay in their backcountry lodges. These remote lodges are very comfortable and provide a unique wilderness experience. They offer double bedrooms, excellent restaurant and bar, hot tubs and massage facilities. For those who haven't been to a lodge before don't think you will be roughing it, they provide an excellent level of service and comfort that will make your trip feel very special.
What is a typical day like?
The amount of skiing done in a day depends on the group. Typically, 9 to 15 runs will be skied in a day adding up to between 9,000 - 16,000 ft. Individual runs vary in vertical drop from about 800 - 2000ft and can be in the trees or in open bowls depending on the areas you are in and the conditions on the day. After each run the cat will be waiting for you at the bottom ready to take you up to a new run. After skiing one area you will usually move onto a new one for more fresh tracks.
You will have guides with you at all times, safety is the key objective to any cat skiing trip and you must do exactly what the guides say. While sheparding their group and keeping it together, guides are expert at finding “lines” to challenge more competent skiers/riders while leading others on a more “mellow” path. Guides set the bounds on every run leaving guests ample opportunity to find “fresh tracks”. When the guide says, "'Don't ski to the left of my track", there is usually a good reason. With faster groups, the guide is likley to say, "Cheers, see you at the bottom." Guests fan out behind, finding their own "lines". The second guide, the "tailgunner" is always behind, watchfull and ready to help. In the trees, a "buddy" system is used and guests ski in pairs.
How good do I need to be?
You should be "strong intermediates". However, some operators can accommodate less experienced intermediate skiers that have good physical fitness. Other operators want experts only, you should discuss your standard with the operator before you book to ensure you meet their standard.
Do I need any special kit?
No. The operator will provide you with all the kit you need, including avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels and special skis. Otherwise just bring the usual clothes that you ski in. You can often rent special powder skis from the operator but if you're using your own skis then make sure they're nice and wide.
How safe is it?
Safety is the number one priority of any cat skiing operator. Before you go out for the day you will have a comprehensive safety briefing. This will cover off how you must follow and do exactly what the guides say; how to use the avalanche equipment; and general etiquette for the day. Each group has two guides, one leading and the other "tail gunning" who goes at the back checking on anyone that falls. As long as you go with a recognised operator you will feel very safe on your trip.
Who can I do it with?
There are numerous operators throughout Canada so it really depends where you are going to be. We have used a few in the past and would recommend them.
What next?
Book up! All you need to do now is decide where you want to go, which operator you want to go with and crucially which friends you want to enjoy this amazing experience with. Let us know if you go cat skiing soon and be sure to send us the photos of your trip.
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