Steamboat Powdercats offers backcountry snowcat skiing and riding trips on Buffalo Pass in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Colorado is one of North America's premier skiing and snowboarding destinations. At the pinnacle of these experiences in a snowcat skiing trip with one of the 10+ operations that exist in the state. Epic terrain, abundant snow and a fully guided experience makes snowcat skiing a bucket list adventure for most skiers and riders.
Steamboat Powdercats was founded in 1983 near the friendly resort town in northern Colorado of Steamboat Springs. Buffalo Pass is just 20-min north of Steamboat Springs and is annually one of Colorado's deepest snowpacks. The Steamboat Ski Area and its trademark Champagne Powder is nearby. Every year guests from all over the country and the world make Steamboat and Steamboat Powdercats a fantastic ski and snowboarding destination visit.
What sets a trip to Steamboat Powdercats apart from the other snowcat operations in Colorado and North America? We are blessed with powder first and foremost. Typically, Buffalo Pass holds one of Colorado's deepest snowpacks thus providing our guests with dependable fresh snow even during times of drought. Secondly, the terrain on Buffalo Pass is a mixed variety of open glades, meadows and glades interspersed with world class aspen and fir forests. All of the terrain is below tree line which allows us a respite from the wind which can destroy the powder like conditions. There are north, south, east and west facing terrain aspects that allows us the opportunity to search out and find good, fresh snow even when Mother Nature isn't looking out for us.
Beyond all that, we have enough terrain to satisfy a 3 snowcat operation. This gives us the daily opportunity to take an Intermediate, Advanced or Expert (Level I, II, III) tour out most everyday. By pre separating guests during the reservation process, we pride ourselves on getting the 12 guests in the snowcat matched with others that fit their ability level and terrain that they can skiing at a safe level.
Our trips are all inclusive. Not only do we guarantee 8 runs per day but we provide 3 guides per cat with 2 guides on the snow with each group. All the gear is provided including powder skis and snowboards, poles, beacon, shovel and probe. We provide shuttle to and from lodging, a light breakfast, lunch, water and snacks in the cat and an apres ski party and finally we have a photographer on the snow with you who will capture the moment and we provide you with low resolution, social media images for free (high res images cost a nominal fee).
Dates fill up quick. We start booking trips in August and we have a very loyal clientele who come back every year so advanced reservations are most of the time highly recommended. We have an online booking system on our website at www.steamboatpowdercats.com/reserve/.
It is our mission to create adventure experiences for our guests that are fun, exciting, and safely led by knowledgeable, friendly and professional guides, and to create a work environment that allows us to satisfy and challenge the best and brightest employees.
Buffalo Pass, our permitted terrain is a 10,000 acre winter wonderland perfect for a backcountry snowcat skiing operator. With an annual snowfall of 500+ inches per year, Mother Nature is our best friend. Dry, cold days allow for Champagne Powder and fresh tracks even days after a storm.
Our all inclusive, full day tours include Armada powder ski's and Never Summer snowboards, all avalanche equipment (BCA), poles, light breakfast, full catered lunch (Steamboat Meat and Seafood and Backcountry Provisions), snacks and water, a post trip party and a disk full of images of you and your crew during your trip.
