Cat’s Claw – The Close-in Off Piste Skiing Experience

You are coming to Colorado to ski and want to get off the groomed slopes into the wild un-tracked. A bit daunting if you have never skied off the groomers much.

Ski Loveland to the rescue with the Cat Skiing experience. This is simply the most affordable, accessible option for an off-piste adventure. Anywhere.

Just 53 miles west of Denver, Ski Loveland is an easy stop for those continuing west to other mountains on the other side of the divide. And, if you just want to head up for a day experience, this is more than close. Those beginners and even advanced who want “normal” ski slopes while you carve out the big turns have plenty of choices at the same area.

There are two cat options at Ski Loveland. With a lift ticket, the Ridge Cat gets to the top of the ridge, with a number a paths down. This option is N/C with a lift ticket. A great introduction to the top of the mountain and options that include regular runs and terrain accessible through hiking.

For the more adventurous, the Snow Cat tours offer that back country experience for intermediate and more advanced skiers. This is a full day experience that runs FR-SUN. Plan on a scheduled start at 8 a.m., then return to the lodge at 3:30.

Is this for you? If you can ski the terrain or similar to Lifts 4 & 9 (see map link), you can do this. It is a mix of open powder and tree skiing.

Skis? An all-mountain ski or wider is best. The Ski Loveland Sport Shop has powder/demo skis for rent for the day for the competitive rate of $50.

During check in at the main lodge, you will get acquainted with your fellow adventure hounds, then go over safety procedures. A must is getting your own beacon and safety gear, which they provide. The list of things you should bring is simple, most things you would take for a full day of skiing. Ski Loveland does provide lunch.

Dedicated ski patrol, assigned to the group, guide on a regular basis. So, they know the terrain, snow and safety issues. It is either safe to go, or it isn’t. A or B. Good to know if you are not sure.

How much vertical do you get? Depends upon the day, weather, snow and group. 10-12 runs are the normal range. I found that was more than enough descent. These are long runs which are not groomed, so a bit more physical work than skiing intermediate/advanced that has been groomed. Getting back up on the snow cat is a welcome leg-recharge.

Just because this is a Cat experience does not mean it lacks excitement a plenty. With both Cat options, you get above where the lifts stop to terrain that is only accessed by the snow cat. You are standing at the top of the Continental Divide at the start of each descent.

One great part of the cat experiences is the social mingling with your fellow sliders for the day. Just enough that it makes it both interesting and helps pass the time on the short trip back up the mountain.

With any of the runs/descents, there are more difficult options for the expert ripper. One advantage for this experience is you can dip your boots into off-piste skiing without making it a five-day trip. And, for many, this is just enough off-groomer experience to suit their slide palate.