If you crave untracked powder, and wide open slopes in wild terrain, cat skiing may be for you.
What is cat skiing? It is a type skiing where skiers and snowboarders are shuttled up the mountain in a snowcat; a tracked vehicle with an enclosed cabin, often guided by experienced backcountry ski guides due to the nature of the terrain being ungroomed and in the backcountry.
The joy of cat skiing is the ability to reach the quieter spaces in the mountains filled with nearly untouched snow. However, this also means the skiing is more challenging than groomed runs. If you are considering a cat skiing tour, check with the guide to determine the skiing ability required for the trip before making plans.
Utah has several options for cat skiing. Each delivers a different experience and prices very widely. I’m not including pricing here as it can shift by season, so follow the links for specifics.
Deer Valley Cat Skiing
“Guided by a dedicated Deer Valley Resort Mountain Host and Ski Patrol, your group will ski off the backside of Bald Mountain into Park Peak Meadow, where a snowcat awaits to transport you to a haven of untouched terrain. With a second snowcat stationed at the bottom of each run, you’ll enjoy seamless transitions back to the summit for more exhilarating descents.”
Timing: 8AM to 1:30PM
The draw: This tour includes the works: Breakfast, drinks, guides, avalanche safety gear, and a lift ticket to keep skiing in-resort afterwards (if your legs can handle it!) You have the option to share the snowcat with other skiers, or buyout the ride for your private party.
Learn more about cat skiing at Deer Valley
Park City Powder Cats
“Imagine standing at the top of your own private resort with your friends and a professional guide who knows all the best lines. There’s no thinking involved — just skiing. Picture what it would be like to ski and ride all that pow without anyone getting the freshies first. Finally, swap the lifts and lift lines for 12-person, heated snowcats. While you’re relaxing between runs, the snowcat brings you to your next descent.” PC Powder Cats & Heli-Ski is truly a magical experience!
Timing: 8:30AM to 3:45PM followed by après ski in the cabin at 4:30PM
The draw: A private 15,000-acre ranch with four pristine bowls and stunning aspen glades. Tours are a full day and include lunch, drinks, guides, avalanche gear and access to some amazing terrain.
Important to know: This tour is suitable for advanced to expert skiers only. See their site for more beta.
Learn more about Park City Powder Cats
Snowbird Snowcat Skiing
“Snowbird Mountain Guides will lead you on an unforgettable adventure in the backcountry areas surrounding Snowbird in a small group (maximum of 12 skiers and snowboarders).” You’ll ski the north-facing, forested terrain of Sinners Pass and Pagan Basin, and the primarily south-facing slopes of Mary Ellen Gulch.
Timing: 7:15Am to 1PM
The draw: Includes breakfast, snowcat skiing, avalanche transceiver, and lift ticket for skiing/riding after your tour. This tour is also among the most affordable.
Learn more about cat skiing at Snowbird
Cat skiing provided one of the most epic runs of my life, untracked knee-deep powder for as far as I could see. My legs were jelly and my heart happy by the end of the day. It’s an experience I highly recommend!
