Featured Image Courtesy of Loveland Ski Resort
Check out the backcountry terrain of the Dry Gulch with a guided day of cat-accessed skiing across 580 acres of led by Loveland Ski Patrol this season. Operations will kick off next month (snow conditions and weather permitting) for full day trips on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Seats are $395/person and include an avalanche receiver, lunch and expert guidance from three Loveland Ski Patrol certified guides. Advance reservations are required and can be made online or over the phone.
The tour starts off with a group meeting at the Lower Ridge View Room located at Loveland’s base lodge at 8:00am—be sure to arrive booted up and ready to go. The Guides will kick off the day with introductions and a safety briefing followed by avalanche transceiver distribution and instruction of use. From here, the group will load up Chet’s Dream at 8:30am to meet the snowcat up top and expect to be slaying first turns by 9:30am. Pro Tip—Get a good night’s sleep the night before and show up on time and prepared. If you’re not present for the initial load up the lift, you won’t be able to participate and won’t receive a refund. Skip the snooze button, and opt for a breakfast burrito and strong coffee.
Expect to ski approximately 8-11 runs with 600-800 vertical feet each. We suggest you bring a day pack with an extra layer, a water bottle, sunscreen and snacks. The tour includes a healthy lunch, but who doesn’t need a little pocket bacon pick-me-up when your legs start to feel it. The tour will conclude back at the ski area around 3:30pm where you can enjoy a complimentary post-trip après bevvy at the local’s favorite watering hole—Loveland Rathskeller.
For more information, check out all the FAQs here. Whether you’re riding solo, with your partner in crime or opt to rent out the whole cat for a ‘work’ trip, a day of lapping Dry Gulch is sure to be a season highlight.
