For every skier out there, climbing to the highest point of the mountain is a dream. Now it is possible, thanks to Cat Ski, snowplows take skiers up to the most inhospitable peaks and from there they can enjoy dreamy off-piste descents, an experience of the highest order!
The practice of Cat Ski originated in British Columbia, specifically in Aspen, where skiers climbed the snowy mountains by means of a specialized vehicle to tread the snow. Over the years, Aspen has achieved its fame as the best-known place to practice this sport. Among its main characteristics is its similarity to the practice of Heli-Skiing.
What is Cat Ski?
The Cat – Skiing, also called Snowcat Skiing or Cat Skiing, consists of climbing snowy mountains outside the ski slopes already originated, and to make its descent having at all times a transport vehicle for the transfer to the following descents.
Characteristics of Cat-Skiing
The main engine and differential of this snow sport is the vehicle, called ratrack or snowcat, a snowplow similar to a truck suitable for moving through the snow. By practicing this sport on unofficial ski slopes, it avoids the waits caused by the chairlifts and the overcrowding on the slopes.
Its cost is lower than the practice of Heli-Sky, and this is due to several reasons: the main reason is that the cost of maintenance and use of a snowcat is much lower than that of a helicopter. Another influential factor is that the number of people who go in groups in the Cat Sky is usually higher than when practicing Heli Sky.
Is it safe to go Cat Skiing?
Before athletes’ head to the mountain, companies must provide mandatory avalanche training, as well as conduct the ascent with the help and professionalism of expert cat skiing athletes certified by the Canadian Ski Guides Association (CSGA).
It should be noted that all instructors equip the people who practice cat skiing with strict avalanche safety equipment: each person carries a transceiver: a device used to locate people who have been buried after a snow avalanche. Another instrument that each athlete must carry is a probe to determine the depth at which the person is buried. Continuing with the process of rescuing a victim stuck in the snow, the shovel is a fundamental element when it comes to saving lives, so it is necessary to equip yourself with one.
The last element of safety in the snow is an “avalanche airbag”, so that the athlete is less likely to be buried due to the increase in volume if the airbag is activated.
Cat skiing in Whistler
Currently Whistler Ski Experience works with a company that specializes in Cat Skiing, which runs daily excursions. Their snowcats are the most powerful, reliable and fast on the market, allowing them to cover the maximum number of slopes per day, around 15, with the usual average of the other ratracks being between 9 or 10 daily descents.
The comfort of going up the mountain in a vehicle in search of the best snow is a decisive factor when hiring our services. Each snowcat has a total capacity of 12 people, 2 guides and a photographer. The minutes it takes to reach the next slope are essential to rest and recover energy for the next descent, enjoying the scenery of the spectacular snow-capped mountains.
Hire Cat Skiing in Whistler
Whistler is one of the main destinations for Catskiing around the world due to its large snowy areas, with a large amount of terrain where this activity can be performed. Hire the services of a company specialized in Cat Skiing such as Whistler Ski Experience.
Whenever you are going to perform a physical activity with certain technical specifications, it is of great importance to have a professional in this field to instruct and train you in the most essential knowledge in order to practice the sport safely.
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