Frequently Asked Catski Questions

Combining the legendary powder of Canada's Rocky Mountains and the Western culture of the Columbia Valley, Powder Cowboy Catskiing is truly an unforgettable Catskiing experience! At Powder Cowboy you'll find a smaller group of skiers, 6 to 12 with a maximum of 24 guests (instead of 36+ at other operations). We have doubled our tenure size to over 6000 acres boasting a wider variety of terrain and aspects than most other operations. Our cats are able to summit a number peaks, opening up incredible vistas, fall line skiing and world class tree skiing.

New for this season, we have introduced some unique options like "6 Pack Skiing" where we can break the group into two small groups of 6, each with its own cat or "Cheetah Skiing" where a group of 12 gets two snowcats - even a fast group will never wait! Accommodation at the Bull River guest Ranch provides a unique western atmosphere in our exceptional lodge - The Big Horn Saloon. The individual cabins are cozy and private. Wildlife sightings are a daily occurrence. Our staff are professional, fun and adventure loving, dedicated to providing you a high quality cat skiing vacation. Powder Cowboy is truly a unique Catskiing experience, so giddy-up!

The main reason is that Powder Cowboy Catskiing is a newer operation and not as well known so there is more availability. We have seats to fill where Island Lake is usually sold out a year or more in advance.

A typical day is 10-12 runs, approximately 15,000 vertical feet. At Powder Cowboy Catskiing you'll find a smaller group of skiers, 6 to 12 with a maximum of 24 guests (instead of 36+ at other operations). We offer some unique options like 6 Pack Skiing we can break the group into 2 small groups of 6, each with its own cat or Cheetah Skiing, your group of 12 gets two cats. Even a fast group will never wait!

Powder Cowboy gets great snow from December through early April. Each of these months are different, but not necessarily better than the other. We can and do get 12-36 inches of snow over night in any of these months.

We go Catskiing or boarding! This isn't like heliskiing we don't have down days here partner! If you decide not to ski there are options like horseback riding and the hot-springs or go into town for hockey games, shopping and bars. Skiing/Riding at Powder Cowboy is good to excellent most of the time, but nothing is perfect! Conditions in the mountains can change dramatically overnight. Do not despair if you hear discouraging reports shortly before your trip. It often changes favourably at the snap of a finger.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing operates on the Western slope of the Lizard Range of the Rocky Mountains in South Eastern BC.

This zone of the western slope of B.C.'s Rocky Mountains is a powder-making machine! The typical snowfall in our area is 900-1,200 cm (30-40 feet) per winter season. This results in a snow-pack of 300-400 cm depth in most of the valleys for most of the season. Powder Cowboy Catskiing is located where the moist storms from the Pacific Ocean collide with the cooler Arctic air from northern Alberta. The result is consistent, deep dry powder from December to April which provides the ultimate experience to skiers interested in Canadian powder skiing.

Typical winter temperatures are usually -5º C to -15º C (23º to 5º Fahrenheit), but in mid-winter they can drop as low as -25º C (13º below Fahrenheit). These lower temperatures are what give us the super light, dry Rocky Mountains powder - the best powder skiing in BC. Our typically lower humidity makes the temperature feel slightly higher than the same level at higher humidity.

While there's some opportunity to warm up in the snowcat after each run, be prepared to dress as if you'll be out in the elements all day long. Bring multiple layers of warm, non-restrictive, breathable and water-resistant clothing, including long underwear. BC's powder skiing requires a jacket with a "powder-skirt" and some good-quality powder gloves. High-quality, well-vented goggles are a must. If wearing a helmet, use one with a low profile or 3/4 coverage shell with removable ear guards so you will be able to hear your guide. The key is: function over form. For evenings, casual wear (jeans or chinos) are normal. And remember your swimming trunks for the hot tub.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing terrain starts at 1370 meters (4500 ft) and skiing goes as high as 2200 meters (7200 ft).

Powder Cowboy Catskiing has a diverse range of terrain for every level of skier or boarder. Particularly known for its vast, naturally gladed tree skiing Powder Cowboy Catskiing is full of a wide variety of terrain from gently sloped open bowls suitable for first-time cat-skiers/boarders, to genuine expert-level steep chutes and spines. You do not need to be an expert skier or boarder to visit Powder Cowboy; guests of every level of ability have come here and loved it.

You are welcome to skip a run or two, have a hot coffee or tee tea in the warm snow cat – the driver always likes to have some company.

To maximize your first BC's powder-skiing/boarding experience, we'll attempt to place you with a group of similar ability. But because we run only 12 guests per snowcat and two groups, you should try, if possible, to travel in a group of similar ability.

You can bring your own skis, especially if they're a wide or fat ski. If you don't own fat skis, we highly recommend you use Powder Cowboy's fat powder skis for powder skiing in Canada - the K2 Chief, K2 Pontoon or K2 Phat Luv - which we provide free. We also have poles available for your use. You will need to bring your own ski boots. Because checked baggage often is delayed or lost, DON'T FORGET TO CARRY ON YOUR SKI BOOTS FOR YOUR FLIGHT.

For riding deep light powder a longer, backcountry board is necessary. Step-in bindings are preferred, with your stance set to the farthest-back setting. We have a good selection of boards at the lodge but not enough for everyone so please bring your own.

There is an internet port in the new Saloon for personal laptop use. The lodge is equipped with a payphone for guests to use. Please have any incoming calls go through the Island Lake Resort Group at (250) 423-3700. Messages will be directed to guests at the Ranch.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing uses the Bull River Guest Ranch which is located approximately 50 minutes west of Fernie, B.C. and approximately 45 minutes east of Cranbrook, B.C. Travel off of Hwy #3 is on well traveled mountain gravel road. Be prepared for winter driving conditions. Maps and travel directions are provided in confirmation packages. Daily road condition updates are available by calling reservations. You can rent a vehicle or let us book transportation from the Calgary, Cranbrook and Kalispell airports. Please call for more information and reservations.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing guests have three choices. If coming from the USA and looking for reasonable flights, you might want to consider Kalispell, Montana. From the airport, you will reach Powder Cowboy in approximately 2 ½ hours by car. The closest major centre is Calgary, Alberta 4 ½ hours away. The beautiful drive south through the foothills of the Canadian Rockies is well worth the trip. If road travel is not your thing, then consider flying all the way to Cranbrook in British Columbia. Only 45 minutes from Powder Cowboy, it is the preferred choice for some. You can get to Cranbrook by connecting through either Calgary or Vancouver airports. Please visit our directions and map page for additional information.

Fernie Alpine Resort is a world class ski resort nearby in the town of Fernie BC Canada.

We strongly recommend trip cancellation, trip interruption and/or emergency evacuation insurance. We also recommend that all guests purchase travel or accident insurance. Your insurance broker can advise you about what other types of personal insurance you may require, such as disability insurance and life insurance.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing is pleased to recommend a Non-Medical Insurance Package and a Visitor's Medical Insurance package offered through RBC Insurance (www.rbcinsurance.com/travel/packages.html. Please contact Patsy McDonald at Uniglobe Specialty Travel Ltd., for further information on these packages (pmdtravel@rctvonline.net or toll free at 866.667.0811). *Please note insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. Powder Cowboy Catskiing reserves the right to cancel, at any time, without notice. Under no circumstances is the company responsible for the guest's inconvenience or travel expense in this situation.