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Untouched Powder, All to Yourself!

One of the biggest draws is the promise of fresh, untouched snow. While the ski resorts get skied out during the day, the snowcat takes you to terrain that hasn’t seen a single ski track. Imagine dropping into a wide-open bowl or a quiet glade with nothing but pristine powder waiting for you. And because you’re out there at night, you’re usually with a smaller group, meaning more fresh tracks for everyone!

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The Magic of the Night

Skiing under the stars is truly magical. The world feels different when it’s quiet and dark, lit only by the moon, your headlamp, and the occasional snowcat lights. The snow glistens, the air is crisp, and the silence is broken only by the sound of your skis carving through the powder. It’s a peaceful, almost spiritual experience that you just can’t get during the day.

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The Oak Creek Advantage

Many of the best night snowcat operations near Steamboat Springs, especially those offering Powdercat Tours, explore the terrain in the Oak Creek area. This region is known for its diverse trails, ranging from open meadows perfect for big turns to fun tree runs. The deep snowpack and varied landscape make it an ideal playground for snowcat skiing, offering a variety of slopes to suit different skill levels within your group.

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Exclusive and Guided

These trips are fully guided by experienced professionals who know the terrain inside and out. They pick the best lines, ensure your safety, and make sure everyone has an amazing time. It’s like having your own private ski resort for the night!

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The Meet-Up & The Ride Up

Your adventure usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening. You’ll meet your guides and the rest of your small group at a designated spot, often near Steamboat Springs. After a quick check-in and safety briefing, you’ll hop into the comfortable cabin of the snowcat. The ride up the mountain is part of the experience itself! You’ll rumble through the snowy forest, watching the lights of Steamboat disappear below, as the excitement builds for the untouched powder waiting for you.

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The Skiing/Riding Itself

Once the snowcat drops you off, it’s go-time! Your guides will lead the way, pointing out the best lines and making sure everyone has space to enjoy the fresh snow. You’ll make multiple laps, with the snowcat picking you up at the bottom of each run and whisking you back up for more. Each run is a chance to carve your own path through deep, soft powder. The feeling of floating through “Champagne Powder” is truly unforgettable!

The number of runs you get will depend on the group’s speed, the terrain, and the amount of daylight (or moonlight!) remaining. Typically, you can expect several fantastic runs, each one feeling like a dream.

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Safety First! Your Guides are Your Heroes

Safety is the number one priority on a snowcat tour. These trips are led by highly trained, professional guides who are experts in mountain safety, first aid, and avalanche awareness. Before you even set foot in the snowcat, you’ll get a thorough safety briefing. Here’s what you can expect:

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  Experienced Guides: Your guides know the terrain like the back of their hand. They choose the safest and most fun lines.

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  Safety Briefing: You’ll learn about how to ski safely in a group, what to do if you get separated, and how to use any safety equipment provided.

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  Avalanche Safety: While cat skiing terrain is often managed to minimize avalanche risk, guides are trained in avalanche awareness. Some tours might provide you with safety gear like avalanche transceivers (small devices that help locate people buried in snow), shovels, and probes, and teach you how to use them.

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  Small Groups: Keeping groups small allows guides to keep a close eye on everyone and tailor the experience.

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  Communication: Guides will communicate clearly throughout the trip, letting you know where to go and what to expect.

Always listen carefully to your guides and follow their instructions. They are there to keep you safe and ensure you have the best possible time!

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Who Can Go? Skill Levels & Age

Night snowcat skiing, especially in deep powder in the Oak Creek area, is generally recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable on black diamond runs at a resort and able to ski in varied snow conditions, including deep snow and possibly some trees.

If you’re not sure if you’re ready, it’s always best to call the Powdercat Tour company you’re interested in and discuss your skill level with them. They can help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you.

As for age, most companies have a minimum age requirement, often around 12-14 years old, and usually require minors to be accompanied by an adult. Again, check with the specific tour operator for their policies.

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Skis or Snowboard: Go Wide!

For powder skiing, wider skis or a wider snowboard are your best friends. They help you float on top of the deep snow instead of sinking. If you don’t have powder-specific gear, many companies that offer snowcat tours also have rental options, or you can rent from a local shop in Steamboat Springs. Look for skis with a waist width of 100mm or more, or a snowboard with a wider, rockered nose.

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Boots & Bindings

Your regular downhill boots and bindings are usually fine. Just make sure they’re comfortable and fit well. You’ll be doing a lot of turning and potentially some maneuvering in deep snow, so good control is key.

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Clothing: Layers, Layers, Layers!

Dressing in layers is crucial for warmth and comfort. You can add or remove layers as your body temperature changes from skiing hard or riding in the snowcat. Think about these layers:

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  Base Layer: Wicking material (like merino wool or synthetic) that pulls sweat away from your skin.

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  Mid-Layer: Fleece or down vest/jacket for insulation.

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  Outer Shell: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar material) to protect you from snow, wind, and cold.

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  Socks: Warm, moisture-wicking ski socks.

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  Gloves/Mitts: Very warm, waterproof gloves or mittens are a must. Consider bringing a second pair in case the first gets wet.

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  Hat/Beanie: To wear under your helmet or in the snowcat.

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  Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: To protect your face and neck from cold and wind.

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Other Essentials for Your Backpack

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  Helmet: Always wear a helmet for safety!

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  Goggles: Bring a low-light or clear lens option for night skiing. Good anti-fog goggles are key.

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  Headlamp: A powerful headlamp with fresh batteries is absolutely essential for seeing where you’re going and for emergencies.

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  Water Bottle/Hydration Pack: Stay hydrated, even when it’s cold.

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  Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or other quick snacks to keep your energy up.

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  Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Even at night, reflections from the snow can be intense, and the cold air can chap your lips.

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  Small Backpack: To carry your water, snacks, extra layers, and headlamp.

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  Camera: If you want to capture the magic, but be mindful of the cold affecting battery life.