Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, and our answers to them. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, then please contact us and we'll be happy to answer your concerns.

Do you have any useful tips to make our day of catskiing go off without a hitch?

To get the most out of your day there are a few things you can do to make it even more fun.

A good hot wax job the day before makes skiing and riding in powder so much better. You don't get as tired when your skis or board aren't sticky.
Stretching before you go and when you come home will make your body happy. You'll also ride better.
We have bottles of water in the cat so you can drink whenever you feel the urge, or bring your own Camelbak. Dehydration takes away your energy.
Dress for the weather, like you would for a regular day at a ski resort. We ski runs in the high alpine and tree runs in the sub alpine. Layering is always the best way. One of the great things about catskiing compared to heliskiing is you can leave your pack in the snowcat. Having the correct clothes will help you have a great day.
Bring an extra sweater/goggles/gloves if you feel like it. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Snack throughout the day. We have healthy hearty sandwiches on board as well as baked snacks for you to nibble on. Keeping your energy up with great food is a big part of staying warm and having energy to ski and ride our great snow.
Bring a camera. You'll want to get pictures of your tracks, your friends, the guides, mountains, everything. You can pass the camera off to someone else in the group to snap your photo.
Bring a friend, so when you get home you have someone to relive the epic day with. Your friend can also back you up on your stories when no one believes much fun you had.
Don't feel as if you have to rush or keep up with the group. Relaxing and enjoying the day is the key. The cat will be there to pick you up because it's your private cat. Slow the pace down, get some pictures, admire the view and make some great runs with your friends.
The lead guide sets the line down the mountain to the pick up or meeting point. The second guide makes sure that everyone in the group knows what's going on, and points out the sweetest lines. This is really nice if you are learning to ride powder as they can give you tips that will make the learning curve that much quicker.

Where is Backcountry Snowcats Ltd. located?

We are located 1 hour north of Whistler, BC, above Pemberton in a remote property above the Hurley Pass. The Backcountry Snowcats Lodge is ideally located in the sub-alpine of our expansive tenure area, accessible only by snowmobile or snowcat in the winter months.

How do I get to the lodge from Pemberton?

Once the group has met at a coffee shop or hotel in Pemberton we travel as a group to the end of the Meadows Road where we transfer to snowmobiles for the rest of the journey. Getting to the Lodge is a definite perk of the overall experience.

I have never ridden a snowmobile before. What is it like?

Snowmobiles are simple to ride and quite comfortable. You will be taught how to ride in a safety briefing. To access the Lodge for catskiing you will be riding double and will have frequent stops to rest or switch up driving. It is approximately a 45 min ride covering 40 km. It is a scenic and exciting experience even in the dark.

What is the accommodation like?

The Hurley Mountain Lodge is a modular building designed to accommodate up to 14 guests and our staff. Amenities include double occupancy rooms, men's and women’s washrooms and showers, full kitchen, dining and lounge areas, and even an outdoor hot tub. The Hurley Mountain Lodge is a comfortable mountain retreat with skiing and riding as the main activity. Located in the Hope Creek Valley at the 5000 ft. (1430m) level at the base of our terrain. A 35-minute cat ride from the lodge takes you to the top of our terrain. Please read more about our lodge here or view our Photo Gallery for more information.

What kind of ski terrain will I ski?

Backcountry Snowcats Ltd. has a 15,000 acre tenure centered on the Hurley Pass. The summit of Grouty Ridge is 2340m with 5 alpine bowls running into some great sub-alpine tree runs. Depending on weather we will favour either trees or alpine areas. Watch for our new Interactive Maps area for more info, and let the daydreaming begin.

Do you have skis or boards for rent?

Powder skis and boards are available for rent in Pemberton. Please let us know in advance what you need and we can arrange it.

How good a skier do I need to be?

You should be a intermediate or better. The guide will choose the appropriate runs for the combined ability of the group. We always make sure everyone gets the type of runs they can handle.

Do we stop for lunch?

Lunch is available in the cat any time you are hungry. Most groups choose to eat lunch in the cat to maximize their ski day but a short break is possible if the group desires.

What is the temperature range on an average day?

Mornings are cool around -25 C (-13 F) and warming up to mid day temps around -12C (10 F). Dress in layers and bring a small pack with dry goggles and gloves which can be left in the cat during the ski day.

How much snow do you get?

Lots, and the good kind too. Our average alpine base is 2.5m+ (8+ft) with an approximate peak at 3.5m+(11.5ft) in March. Expect similar annual snowfall to the Whistler/Pemberton area but with drier snow to play with.

How much vertical per day?

It really depends on the group but the snowcat is ready to leave the Lodge each morning early and will be returning in the afternoon just before dark, so your day is as long as possible, with the average group getting 12,000 ft vertical or more on the longer late winter days.