Backcountry Skiing for Intermediate Skiers
Snowcats have made backcountry skiing accessible to
intermediate skiers.
Backcountry skiing offers vast expanses of soft, consistent
powder snow in remote and spectacular high-mountain settings.
Often considered the domain of hardy and self-reliant ski
touring enthusiasts, or of proficient and deep-pocketed
helicopter skiers, backcountry skiing is now easily accessible
to snowcat skiers.
Snowcat skiing is typically much more affordable than helicopter
skiing and can be more adaptable to skier ability. Also, it
requires no special equipment or backcountry experience.
However, good physical fitness is desirable, especially in
skiers with little powder snow experience.
Cat skiing operators offer full-service tours into remote, high
alpine areas. Guests stay in comfortable lodges with
double-occupancy bedrooms and private baths, excellent food, and
outdoor hot tubs, complete with bar service. Guests’ needs and
comfort and safety comes first, both inside the lodge and on the
hill. Everyone has a good time. Refer to the Cat Skiing Articles photo gallery
(http://cat-skiing-articles.blogspot.com) for a pictorial
description of snowcat skiing.
Western Canada boasts many backcountry lodges, where
intermediate and expert skiers alike use snowcats to access the
very best of backcountry skiing. One such lodge is Chatter
Creek’s rustic 9300 sq.ft. Vertebrae Lodge which can be viewed
at www.backcountrywintervacations.com/vertebrae-lodge.html
Guests ski in groups of 12. Each group has a dedicated snowcat,
two highly qualified guides and a driver. Groups can be
assembled according to ability, and because the snowcat and
guides move at the pleasure of the group, the whole party enjoys
terrain and a pace of skiing that best suits them. There is
never pressure to maximize the utilization of the equipment.
Snowcat skiing is equally enjoyable for experts and strong
intermediates alike and for both skiers and snowboarders.
On the hill, the lead guide sets the track and the guests
follow, with everyone skiing in fresh, untracked snow. The guide
stops occasionally to regroup and to give people a chance to
rest, to take pictures and to share their experiences. The
frequency of stops depends on the ability and strength of the
group. Strong groups may ski non-stop to the bottom; 1800 to
2000 ft. of pure joy! Other groups may have a few stops along
the way. The guests determine the pace, not the guide.
The lead guide keeps his flock together and sees that no one
falls too far behind. The second guide, called the “tailgunner”,
is always the last person down the hill. If a guest falls or has
difficulty, the tailgunner will be at their side to assist.
Cat skiing offers a special experience for family groups
(children aged 19 & older)*, ladies groups, groups of business
associates or groups of friends. In a diverse social group,
everyone can feel relaxed and “part of a team”. Companions can
be enjoyed, not only in the lodge in the evenings, but also on
the ski hill. Groups keep together and interact while skiing
and, on the ride back up the hill, share jokes and conversation.
The snowcat rides allow guests to unbutton, warm up, dry out,
enjoy some lunch and to take more pictures.
Many guests arrive in prearranged groups of 12, organized by one
of the group members. These groups fill a single snowcat and can
be very compatible, with everyone skiing well together.
However, guests arriving singly or in pairs can be assured of
just as good a time as members of pre-arranged groups. The tour
operator will usually try to place individuals in a suitable
group and they will quickly make new friends and fit in to a
very sociable environment.
Guides are expert in finding “lines” for skiers of differing
ability. Better skiers might enjoy some “steeps” or “pop” off
bumps while others in the group are guided on a more “mellow”
line. Everyone has ample opportunity to challenge themselves,
and to wear themselves out.
As the end of the day approaches, and guests may start to tire,
they are welcome to sit out a run and ride back down the hill
with the snowcat driver. A slower skier may occasionally “sit
out” a run to allow the rest of the group a faster-paced run. If
a guest wants to “call it a day”, a staff member will drive them
back to the lodge on a snowmobile. Staff is committed to service
and want to make guests as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Safety is the primary concern in the backcountry. Snowcat skiers
are always led by fully trained guides. The guide not only
selects safe terrain, but also the safest track through the
terrain. When the snow is unstable in the alpine regions, above
the tree line, skiing will be restricted to more stable slopes
at lower elevations. The first line of defense is prudence and
even in periods of high stability, guides will always “play it
safe”.
“Tree skiing” is a fixture of all backcountry skiing. Snowcat
skiers never hesitate due to weather. On stormy days, snowcat
skiers just head to the trees, where the snow’s best and the
visibility is good.
The smooth consistency of the snow and short, fat “powder” skis
allow intermediate skiers to master terrain they would not
normally attempt. There are no moguls and lumps of snow to
contend with. The snow is soft and light and helps control
speed. Skiers who rarely “ski the trees” not only find they can
do it, but that it’s fun! The sense of accomplishment and
delight after a first “tree run” is enormous.
Cat skiing offers a welcoming, fun-filled and comfortable
experience to skiers and snowboarders having a wide range of
abilities. It’s an experience that’s nice to share with friends
and family, but single individuals can be assured of enjoying
themselves, having wonderful skiing and of making new friends.
Many snowcat operators recommend that skiers be at least “strong
intermediates” and some snowcat operators prefer expert skiers
only. However, physically fit intermediate skiers of lesser
ability can also do well at many snowcat skiing venues,
especially if they are part of a specially organized group of
12. Skiers who are unsure of their ability should discuss their
concerns with a tour operator, who will be pleased to make
recommendations.
The Chatter News photo journal has over 350
photos at http://powder-skiing.blogspot.com/.
*Children younger than 19 may often accompany their parents.
However, more mature offspring will better enjoy the lodge life
(http://lodge-life-at-chatter-creek.blogspot.com) and the other
guests. Guests in their 20’s and 30’s will relate well to the
young, personable staff.
