When you first hear the term "cat skiing," you might imagine skiing with, or even on, a big fluffy cat. But cat skiing has nothing to do with felines! It’s actually an exciting way to access fresh snow on a mountain, away from crowded ski resorts, using a special snow vehicle called a "snowcat." In this blog, we'll break down what cat skiing is, how it works, and why it’s a unique and thrilling experience for adventure-loving skiers.

What Is Cat Skiing?

Cat skiing is a type of off-piste (or backcountry) skiing, meaning it takes place outside the boundaries of traditional ski resorts. Rather than taking a ski lift up the mountain, you and a group of other skiers or snowboarders are taken up in a snowcat, a rugged vehicle built to travel over snow. Snowcats are typically used to groom trails at ski resorts, but in cat skiing, they're used as a ride to remote areas of untouched snow.

Why Is It Called “Cat” Skiing?

The “cat” in cat skiing doesn’t refer to the animal; it’s short for “snowcat.” Snowcats are large, tracked vehicles with an enclosed cabin, kind of like a tank for snow. They’re designed to handle rough, snowy terrain and can carry a group of people plus their ski or snowboard gear. So, when you go cat skiing, it’s all about taking a “cat” ride to find those perfect, undisturbed powdery slopes.

How Does Cat Skiing Work?

Here’s how a typical cat skiing experience goes:

1. Booking a Tour: You book a spot with a cat skiing operator. These companies operate in mountainous areas with plenty of snowfall, like Canada or the Rocky Mountains in the U.S.
2. Getting Geared Up: You meet at a base location, where the guides provide safety training and equipment like avalanche transceivers, which are essential for backcountry skiing.
3. Ride the Snowcat: The snowcat picks you up and drives you up the mountain, away from busy ski lifts and slopes.
4. Skiing the Powder: The snowcat drops you off at the top of a mountain slope with fresh, untouched snow. Then, you ski or snowboard down through beautiful powdery snow, usually with fewer trees and more open terrain.
5. Repeat: After your run, the snowcat meets you again to take you back up for another ride. A typical day might include six to twelve runs, depending on the weather, snow conditions, and the group’s experience level.

Why Choose Cat Skiing?

Cat skiing is an incredible experience for those who want something beyond traditional resort skiing. Here’s why it’s special:

• Uncrowded Slopes: Since you’re skiing in remote areas, you won’t run into crowds or long lift lines.
• Deep, Untracked Snow: Backcountry areas offer powder snow that’s untouched by other skiers. For powder enthusiasts, this is the ultimate experience.
• Adventure and Solitude: Being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of regular ski areas, creates a feeling of adventure and peace.

Is Cat Skiing for Everyone?

Cat skiing is best for intermediate to advanced skiers or snowboarders who are comfortable with deeper snow and can handle varying terrain. Beginners might find it challenging, as powder skiing is different from skiing on groomed resort trails. But if you’re up for a challenge and want to explore backcountry skiing, cat skiing is a great way to start, as it’s safer than traditional backcountry skiing since you’re with guides and have safety equipment.

Final Thoughts: Is Cat Skiing Right for You?

Cat skiing might not involve actual cats, but it’s perfect for adventurous skiers or snowboarders seeking fresh powder, amazing scenery, and a bit of solitude. It offers a great mix of adventure and safety, and with the right guidance, it can be a memorable experience. So, if you’re a fan of skiing and love the idea of finding your own secluded slopes, cat skiing might be exactly what you’re looking for.