What is San Juan Snowcat's Phone Number?
Toll Free: 855-411-SNOW (7669)
What is San Juan Snowcat's main Email Address?
You'll have to click here to find out! We are trying to limit spam coming to our InBox EMAIL
What are your packages and pricing?
Please see our “Rates” page for current rates
What kind of tours do you offer?
Snowcat skiing and snowboarding tours, scenic tours, skiing/snowboarding tours using snowmobile access, and sledding or snowshoeing tours.
What are the elevations of San Juan Snowcat’s operation?
Base Elevation: 11,111
Peak Elevation: 13, 250
Maximum hiking elevation: 14, 014
What allows San Jaun Snowcat to operate on public land?
We have obtained and regularly review and renew a "special use" permit within the Rio Grande National Forest. This permit gives us access to over 35,000 acres of skiable terrain accessed by a snowcat for use in our activities
What is your average snowfall?
350-450 inches/year. We are only a few miles from Wolf Creek Ski Area, who averages the most snow of all ski resorts in Colorado and was noted by Skiing Magazine as top three resorts in North America for Best Powder and Best Trees. So we are close to them and we attempt to pull more snow out of the sky, than they do, each and every day. Ask us to do our snow dance.
How many square miles of developed terrain do you offer?
Total: 40+ square miles. Approximately 10 square miles is currently developed, 30 more square miles are available for future exploration and development
What is the vertical average per day?
8,000 to 18,000 ft
What are the average slope angles of the terrain?
25-55 degrees
Who else has access to your terrain?
There are no other commercial snowcat operations with access to our terrain.
How much experience do your guides have?
All are Ski Patrol certified or equivalent. CPR and basic First Aid are required by the Forest Service. Level 1 Avalanche Training is required by the U.S. Forest Service.
Available Equipment?
We use various snowcats. Some with passenger cabins and some without. We also incorporate snowmobiles and various trailers that tow behind snowmobiles for those powder hunting excursions.
What is your booking policy on deposits?
Snowcat Tours: 10% of the tour fee is non-refundable as a reservation fee. 50% of the snowcat tour fee is non-refundable within 45 days of your tour. Your reservation is completely non-refundable within 21 days of scheduled tour date. With Avalanche Classes, once a spot is booked and paid for, these classes are non-refundable as we forward the monies to the course provider supplying us with the instructor. We pay for instructors to teach the class before your arrival. Should your trip be canceled for a reason that is deemed "refundable" by San Juan Snowcat, we will refund your money as soon as possible after the scheduled date of your trip.
What is your "contracted price" policy?
Our "contracted price" policy is the negotiated price at the time of booking the trip with us. If your tour or skiing excursion should change with regards to number of participants you are responsible for the "contracted price" specified at the time of booking. Please call us immediately should your tour change.
Do you rent skis/snowboards?
No, however we recommend checking with the several options located in South Fork and Creede. Please call us or click here
What are the main risks and dangers?
Avalanches, tree wells, getting lost, severe cold weather, stumps, rocks or trees, cat roads, snowcats & snowmobiles. Just to name a few. This is not an all inclusive list. Many dangers exist in the backcountry.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A hot "almost-gourmet" lunch is provided. It will be hot, hearty and we will have enouogh for leftovers. Water is provided on the snowcat. Sometimes snacks are provided as well. If you have any special dietary concerns (No red meat, allergic reactions to shellfish or peanuts, no raw onions), please let us know at the time of booking. Please tell us sooner than the day of the trip or even the day prior. Lunch is not included during Avalanche Classes. Please be prepared to feed yourself for the entire day. Dinner options in Creede establishments are available but limited in the winter.
What is the weather like?
The high alpine Rocky Mountains are known for alternating fierce snowstorms with surprisingly sunny days. Daytime temperatures range from -10 to 35 degrees, made seemingly warmer by very low humidity. Evening temps can drop to -20 or -30 in January and February. Whether you arrive on one of our sunny “blue-bird” days or during a massive snowstorm dumping 1-4 feet of fresh powder on the ground the weather is questionable and variable at best. Be prepared for both everything and anything!
Will a trip be cancelled due to weather?
Most likey, no. Snowcats can operate in some of the most severe weather ever recorded. Some of the best skiing is had on the stormiest days. On a stormy day, our guides will do their best to find sheltered terrain that will allow you to continue to enjoy your snowcat adventure! Some other factors such as, but not limited too, low overall visibility and wind velocities may alter the terrain choices for the day.
What is the best time to come snowcat skiing?
Certainly, the best day will be right after a large storm has passed through the San Juan Mountains. If you are a lucky guest, you will land your trip on one of these days! But, as weather is unpredictable, it is nearly impossible to know exactly which days these will be the most filled with epic powder…but not to worry! Miles of fresh powder can be found throughout the season, even in drought years! Late December, January and February are all solid months. However, early snowstorms in November can yield enough powder to justify days on the mountain, too. And March is often our best month, with early spring snowstorms dumping FEET of snow…but also, with warmer temps spring-like conditions can apply, too…. No matter the day, you will no doubt be pleasantly surprised by the conditions we will find! You are not spending your day at a local ski area but in an environment that only sees 10-12 people per day. We find powder turns because we have so much terrain and only use it for a small number of people.
How many runs will we get in?
We guarantee that you will be enjoying several runs per day. We usually average 8-14 runs per day, but please be forewarned that we do not guarantee a certain number of runs. We like to ski and ride as well. So we naturally want to get in more runs than you would think. In the past we have had 5 previous trip accumulate a total of 17 runs for thier particular day. Three of these trips happened in February of 2012. Truly epic trips. In the event of abreakdown, if your particular snowcat breaks down we will credit you some monies based upon our current average of 11 runs per day. If you skied and/or rode 4 total runs then you would receive a credit for 7 runs. But if the guides deem the snow to be too dangerous (think ice crust and avalanches for example) or the overall ability level of the group is not on par with the US Freestyle Ski Team then we will do our best, without placing anyone in a safety compromising condition, to provide you with as many runs as we can squeeze in for the day. We may also alter terrain choices to avoid runs with increased risk to guests or Guides.
What happens if a snowcat breaks has mechanical problems during my trip?
If a mechanical breakdown occurs to one of our snowcats during your trip, we apologize in advance, as this is never something that we wish to happen. Your patience is appreciated if this occurs to your group. We will do our best to fix the problem on site and may need to shuffle you and your group around with another cat or snowmobiles while the issue is being fixed. See “How many runs will we get in?” above.
What ski areas are nearby?
Wolf Creek Ski Area – 37 miles (driving) - Website
Monarch Ski Area – 133 miles (driving) - Website
Crested Butte Ski Area – 133 miles (driving) - Website
Durango Mountain Resort – 154 miles (driving) - Website
Telluride Ski Area – 130 miles (driving) - Website
Silverton Ski Area – 85 miles (driving)- Website
Taos Ski Area – 158 miles (driving) - Website
Am I ready for snowcat skiing in the San Juans?
If you are a strong intermediate skier or boarder and can confidently navigate blue runs at ski resorts in varying snow conditions, then you are ready for a Snowcat Skiing and Snowboarding Adventure. Snowcat skiing/boarding is not recommended for beginners, however we can often make accommodations for those willing to try. Please call us if you fall into the beginner category and have a group of friends with similar ability levels. San Juan Snowcat enjoys a tremendous number of terrain options and is able to take beginners out into the backcountry to experience powder skiing and snowboarding. We simply require knowledge of beginners’ ability ahead of time in order to plan appropriate trips for both you and our other guests. We will make your first snowcat trip a memorable one.
Do you offer discounts for groups?
Yes! Rent a whole cat for your group at a discounted rate. We will also work with groups that want multiple days of snowcat skiing and riding too. See our Rates page. Call us too.
How safe is snowcat skiing and snowcat boarding?
We take your safety very seriously. However there is always risk in the back-country because we are dealing with a natural and uncontrolled environment. We cannot fully eliminate this risk, but with a good team and good procedures we attempt to reduce and manage this risk.
- We use experienced and highly trained guides that know the area in shich you are playing.
- Each guest receives an avalanche beacon and basic training on its use, along with a shovel and probe. You are allowed to bring your own equipment. We will check it out for proper functionality
- Our team does frequent snow testing and takes weather observations daily
- We are experienced with, and feel comfortable saying “no” to situations that might place unnecessary risk on guides, guests or equipment.
What kind of terrain does San Juan Snowcat offer?
San Juan Snowcat offers all kinds of terrain options. Something that we CAN boast about. We have trees, bowls, cornice drops, chutes, open fields and whatever else you can think of. We have lots and lots of terrain. Our choice of terrain each day is based on avalanche hazard, snow conditions, and skier ability. We like to challenge our guests as much as their ability and snow conditions allow. We have lots of terrain options. You will be amazed. We will work with entire groups of any ability level. Even the beginning powder skiers.
Still have a question about San Juan Snowcat and/or Snowcat Skiing? Contact Us today!
Toll Free: 855-411-SNOW (7669)
Fine Print: Policies listed herein are subject to change without notice and for any reason.