Catskiing makes for great getaway

By Louise Hudson

I had no idea what a snowcat looked like before the Powder Cowboy Girlski Tour.

It was bright red, powerful and cumbersome - like a huge piste groomer - with a 'crummy' on the back for us girls to rest, stow our gear and graze on gourmet sandwiches and snacks, while being hauled back up to scenic summits for 12 daily powder runs through glorious glades and bowls.

Our skiing euphoria carried over to the cat, which was our hub for socializing, singing and dancing. Apparently, we were breaking the mould from the outset since male-dominated groups are not usually known for spontaneous song and dance, preferring sporadic chat or a quick nap between runs.

There was no testosterone-fired jostling for first dibs in the powder among our gang. We took turns, helped each other during face plants and rooted for one another.

Girls need pampering even if they are hardy outdoors types, happy to face avalanche risk and tree-well terrors to ski the pristine backcountry snow of B.C.'s Columbia Valley. Powder Cowboy's Christa Moffat brought the feminine touch to the tour, holding relaxing and re-energizing yoga sessions in the Honeymoon Cabin after skiing. Muscle-munching massages were available each night, and chocolate proliferated all day.

On arrival, we were all treated to new togs courtesy of Salomon and North Face. But, of course, complementary clothing did nothing to deter retail therapy, as the girls indulged in merino wool purchases with Powder Cowboy logos and intricate silver jewelry designed and made by Jamie Kruger, our multi-tasking tailguide. A gorgeous turquoise and white Salomon parka plus a pair of K2 Nancy 'chick sticks' were coveted prizes during the tour draw.

All these extras were perks for the women bravely bucking the statistics to go catskiing, which - like heliskiing - is a sport dominated by men at nearly 90%.

ON THE MOUNTAIN
Catskiing, invented in the Revelstoke area in the 1960s, is a cross between resort skiing and heliskiing, with the snowcat acting as the ski lift and the backcountry terrain wild and untamed like heli domains. The cats take specially prepared roads, rather than ploughing straight up the powder. Earlybird road teams smooth the tracks daily, and safety duos - often women - patrol the area on snowmobiles, giving the green light to safe runs for the day. With 6,000 acres available, there are infinite options to ski.

We were lucky to have 5 or 6 cm of fresh stuff every night, with swirling snow and sunshine alternating throughout the day. Graupel - miniature, beadlike snow balls - was a novelty to me. When the styrofoam storm began, we felt like we were being besieged by heavenly BB guns.

Our trusty guide acted as a shepherd, leading the way through trees and gullies while the backmarker barked out commands, rounding us up at the meeting points.

Many catski and heliski outfits are waking up to the fact women need specifically customized trips to make them feel more comfortable and confident during backcountry ski experiences. Powder Cowboy's sister operation, Island Lake Lodge (www.islandlakeresorts.com/winter), also offers women-only trips.

Female phobias about catskiing often focus on facilities. Never fear, Powder Cowboy has two backcountry washrooms set up, complete with pink, padded toilet seats.

Perceived as expensive, a Powder Cowboy catskiing tour is actually priced similarly to three days at the spa - see www.powdercowboy.com.