Loveland Ski Area’s Snowcat Tours are a gateway to untouched powder, accessing up to 580 acres of pristine backcountry terrain in Dry Gulch. Led by Loveland Ski Patrol-certified guides, it’s the perfect opportunity for newbies to get their feet wet in backcountry skiing or for experts to get their fix without trekking far off I-70.
Ditch the base area for the day and load onto the private snowcat with a maximum of 12 guests. The tour starts off with a group meeting at the Lower Ridge View Room located at Loveland’s base lodge at 8:00 a.m.—be sure to arrive booted up and ready to go. The guides kick off the day with introductions and a safety briefing followed by avalanche transceiver distribution and instruction of use. From here, the group treks up Chet’s Dream at 8:30 a.m. to meet the snowcat up top. By 9:30 a.m., you’ll be off the beaten path, cruising pristine, untracked runs.
The backcountry terrain of Dry Gulch caters to advanced, intermediate, and expert-level skiers—mostly black and blues which we like to call ‘purpleish’ terrain. From steep chutes to rolling ridges, there’s plenty of mountain for whatever skiing you prefer. If you are comfortable skiing the terrain served by Lifts 4 & 9, this area won’t be an issue for you. And with March and April typically delivering ample snowfall, you can expect prime conditions now and in the coming weeks.
Throughout the day, three expert guides lead the small tour group, that’s a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4. With such an intimate group, guests receive personalized attention and expert advice on navigating the terrain, reading avalanche conditions and ultimately maximizing their time on the slopes.
But the Ridge Cat Snowcat Tours are more than just skiing—they’re a full-day excursion. Each skier will take around 8-11 runs, each at around 600-800 vertical feet. Riding the cat is an experience every skier should have, and exploring the mountains on one is an adventure in itself. We’re talking stunning views of the range throughout the day. Be sure to pack your day bag with essentials—a spare layer, water bottle, sunscreen, and snacks—as you’ll be away from the base all day.
The tour returns to the resort around 3:30 p.m., where you can grab a complimentary post-trip après-ski bevvy at Loveland Rathskeller, the locals’ favorite watering hole. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, seats are available for $395 per person, or you can rent out the entire cat for $4,500. Whether you’re riding solo, with your partner in crime or cop the whole cat for a ‘work’ trip, a day of lapping Dry Gulch is a must-do before the snow melts. As a perk for 23/24 Loveland season pass holders, you can now book two seats on the cat for the price of one—not just once, but for EVERY snowcat tour in April 2024. That’s 241 snowcat trips!
For more information on the Snowcat tour, visit skiloveland.com/snowcattours.
