Deep Powder, Open Bowls: The Best Utah Cat Skiing
The Utah backcountry beckons with guaranteed powder turns (even well after a storm), great views, no crowds or lift lines, and varied terrain options. A cat-ski trip gets you maximum untracked runs with minimal hiking, and it’s not as big a hit to your wallet as heli-skiing. Here’s how.
Getting first tracks on fresh corduroy is a satisfying feeling, but it’s fluffy powder that skiers really dream of — those deep, untouched stashes that make the most dedicated souls get up and out the door in the wee hours, when everyone else is enjoying another hour of sleep before getting ready for the day. The Utah backcountry beckons with guaranteed powder turns (even well after a storm), great views, no crowds or lift lines and varied terrain options. (Read: 4 Tips to Prepare for Utah's Winter Backcountry)
While there are several ways to get into the backcountry, a cat-ski trip gets you maximum untracked runs with minimal hiking, and it’s not as big a hit to your wallet as heli-skiing. Go alone, bring your friends along, or add a guide for the best local knowledge, and load up in a cozy snowcat with the heater cranked and stereo booming.
Here are some of the best options for Utah cat skiing this winter.
Park City Powder Cats plays host to 15,000 skiables acres in the Uinta Mountains.
Photo: Jeremiah Watt
Park City Powder Cats
With 15,000 skiables acres to play on in the Uinta Mountains, Park City Powder Cats provides a dream-come-true for powder hounds. Located just 35 miles from Park City, Utah, the territory here includes four open bowls — Giant Steps, Four Eagle, No Name and M&M — chutes, glades, cliff drops and nearly perfect tree skiing. With cat rides taking only 5-10 minutes each, you’ll have hours of fast laps (with 800–2,000 feet of vertical per run) and plenty of time to enjoy the wealth of what’s out there. After a day of sweet skiing with Park City Powder Cats, that après beverage and hot tub are especially rewarding. Oh, and breakfast, lunch, snacks and avalanche beacons are provided. While you may want to bring your phone along to take sick photos, there’s no cell service out here, so save the posting for later.
"While there are several ways to get into the backcountry, a cat-ski trip gets you maximum untracked runs with minimal hiking..."
Powder Mountain Cat Skiing
With affordable and flexible cat-skiing options, Powder Mountain has quietly established itself as one of the premier cat skiing resorts in the country. Considering that Pow Mow has more than 8,464 acres, the most space of any ski resort in the United States, you’ll want to get out beyond the groomers to truly experience it. Unguided snowcat rides head to the top of Lightning Ridge and Raintree, and you can board with a single cat ride pass, purchased alongside your lift ticket or season pass. But because it’s not your private snowcat, sometimes you have to wait in line. Another option is to head out for the day with a guide and up to 11 fellow powder seekers to access more than 3,000 acres of backcountry terrain, including untracked bowls, glades and chutes. Lunch and avalanche equipment are provided. (Read: Another Day in Powadise)
Snowbird snowcat skiing includes a half-day of guided backcountry adventuring.
Photo: Scott Markewitz
Snowbird Snowcat Skiing
Duck into Snowbird Resort’s private property south and east of the resort for a half-day of guided backcountry snowcat skiing. Want to add on more? Consider a private or custom snowcat tour, so you can make the ski day of your dreams. Snowbird Mountain Guides take guests through upper American Fork Canyon, including Sinner’s Pass, the north-facing slopes of Pagan Basin, and Borussia in Mineral Basin, rolling terrain and aspen trees of Miller Hill and majestic Mary Ellen Gulch.
Proceeds from Snowbird’s snowcat skiing benefit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation and the Wasatch Water Legacy Partnership, working with volunteers to improve the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Salt Lake City’s drinking water. Breakfast at The Forklift restaurant and avalanche transceivers are included.
Discover More
-
11 Classy Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
From sheer proximity and the biggest mountains to a ski-in distillery and a celebrity-owned resort, these are the reasons to ski Utah now.
-
11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
-
5 Scenic and Awesome Runs for Confident Beginning Skiers
Ski resorts often provide tours, lessons or skiing tips for beginners. Ready? Take a chairlift to the best, most scenic skiing for beginners’ slopes in Utah.
-
8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
-
Another Day in Powadise
Join ski cat driver Kevin Irons on a day's adventures to Lightning Ridge at Powder Mountain, complete with pizza bribery, remote access and lots of powder.
-
Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
-
Best Utah Ski Resorts for Families
Utah boasts some of the best ski resorts for families. Get a first-hand parent perspective on skiing with kids at Alta, Snowbird, Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.
-
Utah Is Your Easy Winter Vacation Destination (and We All Could Use Easy)
Whether you’re looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure — whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way.
