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Recommendations needed: Cat Ski Operations

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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Hey guys,

I haven't been skiing enough this winter, and definitely have not gotten my fair share of pow days. So I took some time off work next month and plan to follow the snow, hopefully getting some good turns in at a variety of locations. My intentions are to get at least a day or two in of cat skiing to enjoy some turns without crowds.

I am looking for some recommendations on Cat Ski Operations in the United States (currently no valid passport/enhanced DL) within a day or so drive from the Seattle area. If you do mention a specific company, I would appreciate a reason why, or some general information that would help my decision making. I would also be open to some Heli Ski Operations recommendations (Alaska not included...not enough money on such a short notice for a proper AK trip.) I would prefer steeper, more challenging terrain as opposed to mellow glades and bowls.

I have heard of several companies within the PNW region: Cascade Powder Cats, Mt Bailey, Selkirk Powder Cats, Snow Cat Adventures in Brundage, and North Cascades Heli, but would like some more recommendations or personal experiences if available to expand my options. I am more than willing to drive to Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah if need be, so any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Feb 9 2012 2:57PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Anyone?
Feb 10 2012 6:32PM
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DockEllis
Posts: 1131 - Karma: 1,745
a couple of buddies and I have been looking into taking a trip up to whitefish mt to go cat skiing, it looks pretty freaking sweet
Feb 10 2012 6:56PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Have not really done cat skiing or heli skiing yet, but figured i would throw my 2 cents in here.

If you want heli ski operations but dont want to go to alaska and dont have a passport to go to canada, then I would reccomend telluride helitrax. defiantly isnt cheap, but really the only place to do it inside of the continental united states.

When you go, are you gonna only be cat skiing/heli skiing or do you want to take a few days off at a resort? check out big northern powder guides which is located in montana. perfect place to finally try out those pillow fights. Defiantly no Retallack, but im sure its still a rad time. Not to far away from other resorts in montana as well.



wasnt baker getting dumped on a few days ago? need some of that here in michigan
Feb 10 2012 8:09PM
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Che~
Posts: 2108 - Karma: 296
go to silverton.
Feb 10 2012 8:18PM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
do you need a passport right now to come to canada? I never follow the damn border laws, but the kootenays if where you wanna be. been getting snow all winter while nowhere else has, and a plethora of cat skiing operations littered everywhere.
Feb 10 2012 8:18PM
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Drail
Posts: 14011 - Karma: 10,001
for many years now, you've needed a passport to get across the border. I hear whispers of people still getting across at times without one, so who knows.
Feb 10 2012 8:26PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Thanks for the input so far!

If I had a passport I would be heading to interior BC for sure.

I don't plan on staying in one place too long unless the snow keeps falling. Just planning on hitting up ski areas on the way to whatever the destination is and finding a new route home doing the same.

If Colorado is getting snow at that time, I have plenty of places to stay, and Silverton is definitely on my short list of places to ride.
Feb 10 2012 10:27PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,086
This.
Feb 11 2012 1:27AM
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Legoman
Posts: 533 - Karma: 13
First of all, get a passport.

Second of all north cascades area looks pretty sick, never been there but footage from tgr and nimbus always looks good. I dont know if they do cat operations there though.
Feb 11 2012 1:06PM
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homestar
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 4,197
yeah Great Norther Powder Guides
Feb 11 2012 1:27PM
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EASYZ
Posts: 537 - Karma: 151
Great northern powder guides. Check em out
Feb 11 2012 2:15PM
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bryanw
Posts: 533 - Karma: 283
keystones cat operations are a good time i did it last winter. and i think they have some deal going on now
Feb 11 2012 2:42PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I've been looking into the Great Northern Powder Guides and it sounds pretty sick except for the average vertical feet...800?? Seriously?

Anyone able to comment on the typical terrain there? Some of the videos and pictures I've seen of their terrain makes it appear to be really mellow glades except for the Toy Soldier Productions edit...that terrain is amazing.
Feb 11 2012 2:51PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
look up some of mitten medias videos. i know they go there every year along with epic planks.
Feb 11 2012 7:53PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Anyone else have any recommendations on Cat or Heli operations for me?
Feb 15 2012 1:56PM
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Jonzo
Posts: 103 - Karma: 21

Dude just go to the closest federal building to you (should be at least one in seatle) and rush a passport.  Costs a couple extra bucks, but you'll get it in a day or two.

Then go to interior BC.  Done.

Feb 15 2012 3:37PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Unless I am completely mistaken; http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html

"EXPEDITED SERVICE

As of ( Wednesday February 15, 2012 ), we are processing requests for expedited service in about 2-3 weeks door-to-door, when overnight delivery is requested and paid for both ways (to and from the passport agency)."

That's not going to work for me, I would need it sooner unfortunately. Thanks for the advice though. If I would have had this trip in mind sooner...I would already have a passport.
Feb 15 2012 3:46PM
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BCASSASSIN
Posts: 1330 - Karma: 37
Yes, those people getting across without one are called Mexicans.
Feb 15 2012 4:09PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Final bump.

Any other thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks!
Feb 20 2012 6:23PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,682
I don't give two shits where you go. As long as you take me.
Feb 20 2012 6:29PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Brundage has private cats for $1600/day plus tax, which would be cheaper than a day at North Cascade Heli for 2 people at $950/day per person. Kicking around ideas now for each state within a day or so drive, so no solid plan yet.

With that said, if we decide to go the private cat route at Brundage, there would be more than enough room.
Feb 20 2012 6:58PM
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Panda_with_Guns
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 1,620
try powder addiction in colorado. only one i know of lol. they gave me a free hat in the parking lot the other day and seemed reallychill/legit
Feb 20 2012 8:17PM
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MothaHucker
Posts: 4678 - Karma: 2,589
north cascade heli is the sickest heli op in continental unted states and it is in the same state as you... seems like a pretty sweet deal if you ask me
Feb 20 2012 8:33PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,682
Ya, giving out free hats = good cat ski operation.

Shaking head... Plus anything called 'powder addiction' reeks of something marketed towards east coast executives... Plus it is in CO...
Feb 20 2012 10:12PM
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