Loveland Ski Space’s Snowcat Excursions are a gateway to untouched powder, accessing as much as 580 acres of pristine backcountry terrain in Dry Gulch. Led by Loveland Ski Patrol-certified guides, it’s the proper alternative for newbies to get their ft moist in backcountry snowboarding or for consultants to get their repair with out trekking far off I-70.
Ditch the bottom space for the day and cargo onto the personal snowcat with a most of 12 visitors, geared up with two guides for a 1:6 ratio. The tour begins off with a bunch assembly on the Decrease Ridge View Room positioned at Loveland’s base lodge at 8:00 a.m., the place visitors ought to plan to reach booted up and able to go. Espresso and pastries might be offered in addition to an array of snack choices for visitors to take together with them. The guides kick off the day with introductions and a security briefing adopted by avalanche transceiver distribution and instruction of use. From right here, the group rides up Chet’s Dream at 8:30 a.m. to fulfill the snowcat up high. By 9:30 a.m., you’ll be off the crushed path—cruising pristine, untracked runs.
The backcountry terrain of Dry Gulch caters to superior, intermediate, and expert-level skiers—largely black and blues which we prefer to name ‘purpleish’ terrain. From steep chutes to rolling ridges, there’s loads of mountain for no matter snowboarding you favor. If you’re snug snowboarding the terrain served by Lifts 4 & 9, this space received’t be a difficulty for you. And with February proper across the nook and usually delivering ample snowfall, you may count on prime circumstances now and within the coming weeks.
All through the day, three professional guides lead the small tour group, that’s a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4. With such an intimate group, visitors obtain personalised consideration and professional recommendation on navigating the terrain, studying avalanche circumstances and finally maximizing their time on the slopes.
However the Snowcat Excursions are extra than simply snowboarding—they’re a full-day tour. Every skier will take round 8-11 runs, every at round 600-800 vertical ft. Using the cat is an expertise each skier ought to have, and exploring the mountains on one is an journey in itself. We’re speaking beautiful views of the vary all through the day. Remember to pack your day bag with necessities—a spare layer, water bottle, sunscreen, and snacks—as you’ll be away from the bottom all day.
The tour returns to the resort round 3:30 p.m., the place you may seize a complimentary post-trip après-ski bevvy at Loveland Rathskeller, the locals’ favourite watering gap. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, seats can be found for $370 per particular person, or you may hire out all the cat for $4,440. Whether or not you’re driving solo, along with your associate in crime or cop the entire cat for a ‘work’ journey, a day of lapping Dry Gulch is a must-do this season.
For extra info on the Snowcat tour, go to skiloveland.com/snowcattours.
