What Is Cat Skiing? A Beginner's Guide

What Is Cat Skiing?

The term 'snowcat' comes from a 1946 trademark by Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation of Medford, Oregon. The iconic orange-clad Tucker Sno-Cats were widely used by the North American ski industry to groom slopes, transport skiers, and for various on-mountain duties until other manufacturers began creating similar machines in the 1960s. There are just a few Tucker Sno-Cats remaining, but the term 'snowcat' has stuck to describe treaded vehicles that travel over snow.

Cat skiing involves riding in one of these vehicles to reach terrain that is typically inaccessible by a chairlift or other infrastructure. Conditions are dependent on Mother Nature, but the majority of cat skiing experiences are focused on skiing untouched powder on varying terrain.

A typical cat skiing excursion will have anywhere from two to 10+ guests that are supported by trained guides. It's the responsibility of the guides to select avalanche-safe terrain, keep the group together, and offer tips. They also communicate with the snow cat driver to coordinate pickup and drop-off points throughout the day.

What Skill Level Is Required to Go Cat Skiing?

The majority of cat skiing operations require skiers to be in the Intermediate to Advanced range, when it comes to skill level.

The majority of cat skiing runs, depending on where you're skiing at least, won't offer 45+ degree slopes with exposed rocks and mandatory airs, but there is a base level of ability required for your safety and for the safety of the group.

Schweitzer, a popular ski resort in north Idaho that recently acquired its own backcountry cat skiing operation, recommends the following when it comes to ability: "The best way to have fun and be safe is to know your abilities. For our backcountry adventures, you must be a competent Black Diamond skier or snowboarder and be comfortable with a minimum of Blue Square level powder riding. Our terrain is wonderful for a curious backcountry adventure seeker with powder experience. None of our terrain is too extreme but get ready for some tree skiing!"

In summary, if you're comfortable with skiing western Black Diamond trails in powder, you're more than capable of going cat skiing. Skiers of lesser abilities should consider speaking with a cat skiing guide before booking a trip.

Tips for Cat Skiing

If you've never been cat skiing, and have no experience recreating in the backcountry, be prepared for a crash course avalanche and snow safety. Because the overwhelming majority of cat skiing terrain is considered backcountry and not avalanche controlled, skiers and riders are required to undergo a safety briefing with their cat skiing guide prior to each outing.

If you do not own a shovel, beacon, and probe, don't sweat it. Most cat skiing operations will rent high-end equipment and teach you how to use it. If you've never used a beacon before, consider watching an instructional video prior to arriving for your day of cat skiing.

Pack the fat skis! If conditions allow, odds are you'll be skiing powder during your day of cat skiing. If you don't own wide skis, consider renting a pair from the cat skiing operation or another shop. It can make or break your day.

Take a deep breath. Venturing into the backcountry for the first time can be overwhelming. Make sure you're mentally and physically prepared for each run and that you're aware of the inherent risks as identified by your guide. Maintaining composure will allow you to have the most fun.

Where Can You Go Cat Skiing? 

The majority of cat skiing operations in North America can be found in The United States' Intermountain West, and north into the Canadian Rockies and Interior British Columbia. We recommend searching for cat skiing operations near your favorite ski resort or mountain town to find a convenient location.

The author has enjoyed cat skiing experiences at the following locations: Brundage Mountain, Idaho; Powder Mountain Cat Skiing, Whistler, BC; and Northern Escape Heli Skiing, British Columbia.

If a trip out west isn't in the cards, consider traveling to Mount Bohemia, Michigan. The ski area owns and operates Voodoo Mountain, a separate ski area reserved exclusively for cat skiing excursions.

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