Q. What is a typical cat-skiing trip like?

A. On the evening of your arrival, you will be greeted by our Lodge Manager who will show you around the lodge and to your room. Once all the guests are settled, there will be an orientation and safety talk and an explanation of the daily routines. On your first morning after breakfast we have group instruction and practice in the use of the avalanche transceivers, which everyone wears while skiing. The snowcat picks up the group at the front door of the lodge each morning and transports the group and two guides to our skiing area. We measure our skiing in days rather than feet and we ski all day, every day. The number of runs in a day depends on the snow conditions and the strength of the group. Average vertical per day is between 12,000 and 15,000 feet. If you don't wish to ski a full day it is possible to return early to the lodge or sit-out runs in the snowcat. Weather permitting, a picnic lunch is served outside on the mountain. On inclement days we often serve a hot lunch inside our mountain-top shelter. At the end of the day we have the option of several runs that take us back down to the base for apres-ski relaxation in the comfort of our private lodge.

Q. When should I come for the best skiing?

A. This depends on what you are looking for. Although the weather is totally unpredictable, we usually describe December and January as having cooler temperatures and heavy snowfall. We usually have 6-8 feet of snow on the ground by Christmas. February and March typically get "sun breaks" between regular snowfalls. April offers the best chance for sunny days combined with excellent powder. On warm, sunny days our powder snow is well protected on our numerous north and east facing slopes.

Please note that the weather is totally outside our control and this is one area where we all have to work with what we get. Conditions are such that we get good skiing most of the time, unbelievably great skiing some of the time, and occasional brief periods of difficult skiing.

Q. Am I prevented from skiing on days of heavy snowfall?

A. No. Our snowcat operates on days of heavy snowfall, often above the cloud layer. The terrain chosen is determined by weather, visibility, snow stability and snow quantity. Virtually everyday of your vacation is a ski day.

Q. Do I need to be an expert skier with previous powder experience?

A. No. Our guests are expert, advanced and intermediate skiers. They come from many walks of life from young to not so young. Previous powder experience is not required, but you will be required to ski in control on various types of backcountry terrain and snow conditions including treed slopes. You should have considerable experience at downhill resorts and have spent some time skiing off the groomed trails. With your skis on, you should be able to make confident parallel turns and be able to side slip, step up sideways, traverse and make kick turns on terrain that can be difficult and steep. You should be in good physical condition. The better condition you are in, the more enjoyment you will get out of your vacation and the less likely you are to injure yourself. It is difficult to describe precisely the level of experience required to fully enjoy cat-skiing. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you are unsure of your ability level.

Q. Do you recommend special equipment?

A. Yes. Goggles should be double lens and antifog. An extra pair of gloves or mitts is a good idea so you always have a dry pair. Clothing brought should be suitable for various winter conditions from snowy and cold to warm and sunny. Dress at the lodge is casual. Our guests have more fun on shorter, softer powder skis. Our rental shop carries the Volkl Explosiv, Volkl Snowranger, and Atomic Powder Plus in a variety of lengths. These "fat" skis enable intermediate and expert powder skiers to ski ungroomed slopes with more confidence. Please note: while fat skis have made powder skiing accessible to more intermediate skiers, they have also given some skiers a false sense of their true ability. Snowcat skiing is not recommended for novice skiers.

Q. Are snowboarders welcome?

A. Yes! Snowboarders need to be accomplished, experienced riders who are able to handle any backcountry conditions including treed terrain. Our guides will do their best to find lines suited to snowboarding. However, conditions and terrain can vary widely and snowboarders must be prepared to do some traversing and walking. Collapsible poles are strongly recommended.

Q. Can I come alone or do I have to come with a group?

A. Skiers arrive in any combination from alone to private groups of 16. Rest assured that if you come in a small group or alone you will very quickly feel right at home. Our lodge is an ideal facility for holding business meetings, entertaining clients, or hosting family gatherings.

Q. Do you take credit cards?

A. Yes - we take VISA and Mastercard payments. Please contact our office for details.

Q. What should I do if I require a special diet during my stay?

A. If you have special dietary requirements, please notify our office prior to your arrival. Our chef will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Q. What communication services are available from the lodge?

A. We like to think that your ski vacation is a great opportunity to "disconnect" from the world. However if you need to be connected, there is high speed wireless service in certain areas of the lodge. The quality and speed of access will be variable and you must bring your own laptop, as we cannot provide access to any computer equipment at the lodge. Guests can call out on the lodge pay phone with a calling card or credit card. Messages and faxes can be left on the lodge private line. We ask that you limit the length of your calls as a courtesy to other guests.