Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snowcat Skiing?
The machines you see grooming ski hills are similar to the ones we use to transport skiers/snowboarders into the backcountry. Here skiers/snowboarders can enjoy an exciting day with a certified guide, carving through powder and endless terrain while absorbing spectacular views.
What type of Snowcats do you use?
Fully equipped Piston Bully Snowcats. Luxury seating for 12, ski racks, heated passenger cab, panoramic view windows, DVD player, surround sound state of the art sound system.
What does the trip include?
A trip with Blackcomb Powdercats includes a full day of powder skiing/snowboarding, transportation to and from our area of operation, lunch, (sandwich, fruit, cookie and water), permits and entry fees, guides and of course loads of fun. Due to the fact that the backcountry can be a wild and unpredictable place, we also include the use of avalanche transceivers and a safety session for your backcountry awareness.
How good a skier/snowboarder to you have to be?
Skiers and snowboarders should have strong intermediate skiing ability with experience in a variety of conditions including powder, trees and steep terrain. Snowcat skiing is unlike a resort style ski area. There are no maintained runs or grooming and the snow is often deep. Much of the area is similar to an un-groomed Black Diamond. Snowcat skiing is a backcountry experience. Snow can vary from fluff to corn and everything in between. Blackcomb Powdercats guides try and match the groups ability level to the terrain.
Does Blackcomb Powder Cats Do Private or Custom Catski Charters?
Yes, we can do private cat ski adventures for your ski group or family.
No experience is necessary, we can even arrange for runs to be groomed with advanced notice. Your own private ski run…
Where does Blackcomb Powdercats Operate?
We operate in the Brandywine Meadows, Metal Dome, and Chocolate Bowl areas, 15 minutes south of Whistler.
Where do we meet?
Blackcomb Powdercats main office is located in the Hilton Whistler Resort. Groups meet here in the morning and are transported to our Brandywine base.
What is your average Snowfall?
The Brandywine area typically receives 20% more snowfall on average than Whistler/Blackcomb. The average snowfall is approximately 11 meters / 432 inches / 36 feet per year.
What is your average vertical?
We usually average between 4,500 – 6,000 vertical feet of riding per day; however, this depends on the conditions and the groups riding ability.
What kind of terrain is there?
Blackcomb Powdercats operates between 3,500 feet and 7,300 feet, on intermediate (15-20 degree slopes) to advanced (40-45 degree slopes) terrain.
Who can catski?
If you are 19 years and older, are a good intermediate or advanced skier, cat skiing is the perfect introduction to backcountry powder skiing.
Why Snowcat Skiing?
No lift lines, epic powder all day, great atmosphere, and the very best ‘bang for your buck'.
Do I need Powder skis?
Short answer – yes. Powder skis make the day a lot more enjoyable and they reduce the injury factor.
What should I wear?
- We recommend similar clothing as to what you would wear on the ski hill, including 2-3 thin removable layers.
- We have a wide variety of weather conditions
- Helmets are strongly recommended.
What else should I bring?
- You may want to bring a backpack with extra water and dry clothes
- All safety equipment is provided, but you can bring your own as well
What does it Cost?
A full day of cat skiing is $459 / person, a half day is $275 / person. The minimum group size is 6 guests and the maximum is 10 guests. Private charters are also available.
Please contact us for further Information
Tel: 604 932-8484
Fax: 604 932-8410