Plan a Bucket-List Experience in the Steamboat Backcounty
If charging untouched powder, skiing deep backcountry lines, and escaping lift lines are high on your Steamboat Springs wish list, Steamboat Powdercats delivers one of the most unforgettable winter experiences in Colorado. Located just outside of town on Buffalo Pass—home to some of the deepest snowpack in the state of Colorado—Steamboat Powdercats offers guided cat skiing and backcountry tours designed for advanced skiers and riders looking to elevate their mountain adventure.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone trip or simply want to maximize your time in Steamboat’s legendary snow, this is the kind of experience that stays with you long after your skis are put away.
About Steamboat Powdercats
Steamboat Powdercats specializes in private and small-group backcountry experiences, giving guests access to vast terrain, consistent snow quality, and highly customized days on the mountain. Their guiding team focuses on safety, skill-appropriate terrain, and creating a seamless, high-end adventure for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Buffalo Pass, where most of their operations take place, consistently sees incredible snowfall totals each season—making it a prime destination for deep powder turns well beyond the resort boundary.
Snowcat Skiing Tours: Private and Seat-Based Options
For those looking to ski hard and cover serious vertical, Snowcat Skiing is the signature Steamboat Powdercats experience.
Snowcat Skiing Details
- Private snowcat: $11,000 (up to 10 guests)
- Seat-based option: $1,100 per person
- Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Runs: 8–16 runs per day
- Vertical: 8,000–14,000 vertical feet
- Terrain: Advanced backcountry lines on Buffalo Pass
These tours are fully inclusive, with professional guides, transportation, meals, and logistics handled for you. Groups are assigned based on skill level, ensuring everyone skis terrain suited to their experience and ability.
Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Tours
For skiers and splitboarders who prefer earning their turns, Steamboat Powdercats also offers private, non-motorized backcountry tours tailored to your ability and fitness level.
Backcountry Tour Details
- Pricing:
- $650 for the first guest
- $250 for each additional guest
- Group size: Up to 4 guests (private only)
- Runs: 3–6 runs per day
- Elevation gain: 1,500–3,000 feet
These custom backcountry tours often begin with a snowmobile or snowcat bump to reach higher terrain before transitioning to human-powered ascents on skins. From there, your guide will lead a refined day of ski-to-hike transitions, ensuring a rewarding and immersive backcountry experience.
What to Know Before You Go
- Advanced terrain: Cat skiing is best suited for confident, advanced skiers and riders comfortable in variable snow conditions and deep powder.
- Custom experiences: Tours are tailored to your group’s ability, fitness, and goals.
- Safety focused: Professional guides handle route selection, avalanche safety, and pacing throughout the day.
- Weather dependent: Conditions can affect terrain access and tour availability—flexibility helps.
- Book early if possible: Space is limited, especially for private cats and peak season days.
Where to Stay in Steamboat
A full day of backcountry powder deserves a comfortable, convenient place to come home to. Four Seasons Steamboat offers a curated collection of luxury Steamboat vacation rentals perfectly suited for skiers planning a winter adventure.
Many Four Seasons Steamboat properties feature ski-in/ski-out access, mountain views, private hot tubs, fireplaces, and spacious layouts—ideal for recovery after a demanding day in the backcountry. Whether you’re traveling with a small group or planning a larger ski trip, staying close to the mountain makes early mornings, gear prep, and après-ski relaxation seamless.
Pairing a Steamboat Powdercats adventure with a Four Seasons Steamboat vacation rental creates the ultimate Steamboat Springs ski experience!
