Snowcat Skiing Riding – Powder Harvest

Snowcat skiing riding in Colorado is a doorway to a new level of Colorado wonder. Once you experience Colorado’s powder snow, you are suddenly in pursuit of more! Snowcats access terrain not available via chairlift or gondola. This terrain is much more pristine, ungroomed, and truly amazing in its natural state. The few places that do offer snowcat skiing and riding are all different in their way of going about it. Make sure you check out their rules, gear requirements, and ticket information ahead of time so you know what to expect. Below is where to find snowcat skiing riding access in Colorado. Find and harvest the Colorado powder skiing riding via snowcats!

Resorts that Feature Snowcat Skiing Riding

Keystone Resorts – Peak Snowcat Shuttle

Keystone provides a snowcat skiing shuttle service to access Bergman and Erickson Bowls. The snowcat shuttle picks up from behind Timber Ridge, the Outpost building, on North Peak – top of Prospector Trails or the far side of the Outpost Gondola. Each snowcat ride is $25 and charged on-site. Snowcat rides cannot be booked in advance and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis!

Loveland Ski Area – The Ridge Cat

The Loveland Ridge Cat – ride the Free 18-passenger Ridge Snowcat to Loveland’s most exhilarating terrain. The snowcat skiing riding accesses Field of Dreams, Velvet Hammer, Tickler, 13,010, and Marmot when conditions permit. Although the snowcat ride is free, you must have a valid lift ticket or season pass with a Ridge Cat Pass available at the ticket office. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis!

Monarch Ski Resort – Snowcat Skiing

Monarch Cat Skiing opens up an additional 1,635 diverse expert skiable acres. Terrain features wide-open bowls, steep chutes, beautiful glades, and some of the best tree skiing in Colorado. Ticket prices and tours vary; contact Monarch to make a reservation. Monarch is near Salida, Colorado.

Purgatory Ski Area – Snowcat Adventures

Purgatory Snowcat Adventures is the largest snowcat skiing operation in Colorado! With 35,000 acres available to explore, there will always be something new to ski or ride—customized guided tours for various skier/rider ability levels are available; see pricing. Enjoy amazing views of the Northern and Southern San Juan Mountains along the way. Purgatory is near Durango, Colorado.

Steamboat Powder Cats – Snowcat Skiing in Steamboat Springs

Snowcat skiing and riding tours with Steamboat Powdercats. Enjoy Steamboat’s world-famous champaign powder via Buffalo Mountain, right next to the Steamboat Ski Area and just 10 minutes from Steamboat Springs. This area historically receives some of the deepest snowpack in Colorado. The all-inclusive ticket includes breakfast, lunch, and an apres ski party. Plus, a choice of skis or snowboards via Powder Cats private store and an avalanche transceiver (required). Reach out well in advance as reservations fill up quickly.

Guided backcountry tours are also available.

If you’re ready to work a little harder for the untracked, inquire about a private guided backcountry tour. You’ll come back tired and hungry but very satisfied.

Wolf Creek Resort Snowcat Access

From the top of Alberta Chairlift, take a short hike to Knife Ridge Staircase to a trail that traverses along Knife Ridge to catch a snowcat that will take you to Horseshoe Bowl. The snowcat pickup (open-air snowcat) is at the top of Dog Chutes. It’s an adventure only recommended for expert skiers with proper backcountry equipment. Wolf Creek Resort is near Pagosa Springs in southern Colorado.

The Wonders of Snowcat Skiing Riding

The success of your snowcat skiing riding adventure depends heavily on current weather conditions. As mentioned before, the terrain that snowcats access is not maintained. If you’re unsure what to expect, contact the snowcat company, ask about current snow conditions, and check the weather forecast. It’s best to educate yourself about the area’s avalanche danger and come prepared. Weather conditions can instantly change in Colorado and become life-threatening. Don’t let your excitement overwhelm your good sense; be prepared to change your ski plans if conditions get bad! Check driving conditions before heading out, too.

Consider hut-to-hut skiing. The 10th Mountain Division provides another way to experience Colorado’s backcountry skiing.

Many of these same snowcat skiing and riding outfits also provide snowcat scenic tours. These opportunities are growing in popularity and are a great way for the whole gang to experience Colorado’s amazing winter wonderland!

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons