Cat skiing
Overview
Last winter, we widened approxmately 6 miles of forest road giving us access nearly to the summit of Mt. Atlasta (6,400 ft).
As we continue to develop the short cuts on old logging roads, we’ll ride 3 to 4 laps comfortably per day on primarily on south and north runs leaving from the dome area.
For groups fit and ready for a 10–15 min boot pack, we can summit Atlasta (200 vertical ft) to access more terrain.
4–6 participants
Licensed, professional & fun guides
The price displayed represents the final tour price, which includes 6 % Idaho state tax and 6 % booking fee. These are detailed as a separate amount during the check-out process.
A typical day
| 7:30 am | Meet Selkirk’s staff and guides at the Eastriver Road meeting area. Drive together to snowmobile parking area. |
| 8:00 am | Leave on snowmobiles. |
| 8:20 am | Arrive at the snowcat(s). |
| 9:00 am | Arrive at the dome drop zone. |
| 2:00 pm | Last ascent. |
| 3:30 pm | Return to the snowmobile parking lot. |
Groups & suitability
Individuals and small groups that occupy fewer than 6 seats must be adequately experienced to tour and ride in uncontrolled, ungroomed, or unimproved slopes upwards of 40° safely and confidently. Private groups may consist of novice riders and guides who can or will become instructors as well as route overseers.
You can expect the same you would from any established backcountry operation: great service, tight logistics, superior access and egress support, not to mention varied route selection, challenging reconnoitering, and multiple ski zones.
We would not classify the terrain generally as extreme. Certainly, there are areas with greater exposure to consequences, but typically, the terrain varies widely, and there are plenty of areas that are suitable for novices.
Unfortunately, no, it is not possible. Anyone – skiing or snowboarding – must be at an intermediate level or more. We reserve the right to exit any guest that doesn’t meet this criterion. You can be new to the travel methods, but you must be able to ski or ride downhill in a safe and confident manner in tight trees on any slope angle.
You need the endurance for multiple transitions from the cat to skin-mode to downhill-mode – so, pretty fit. You need to be familiar with your equipment and transitioning (applying and removing skins or snowshoes). Willing, fit, and stoked intermediates are welcome. However, novice skiers must book private groups. In a private tour with novices, one or more guides can provide technical instruction.
Yes: a guest must be at least 14 yr old to participate.
Choose options
Snowcat bump
Begin and finish like cat skiing with cozy rides up and back down.
Deep backcountry
Find yourself untrammeled by resort bustle in the wilds of the Selkirks.
Fresh tracks
Expansive terrain options on three aspects offer dream-runs every day.
FAQs
The town of Coolin couldn’t be much cooler. It’s a very small lakeside town that’s pretty chill
in the winter. Most winter visitors are either bc shredders or sledders, so it makes for a
wonderful place to stay. It’s about 7 mi from the staging area and has all facilities to support
you. Powder magazine published an article in July
2024 on this topic.
Coolin on Google
Maps
As we’ll have two cats operating, we don’t see conflicts between the day group and scheduling for unguided groups that want to do custom arrangements.
We are approximately 135 mi / 3½ hr away from Big Red Cats. Other destinations:
- Silver Mountain: 110 mi / 2½ hr
- 49° North: 67 mi / 1½ hr
- Brundage: 345 mi / 6½ hr
- Soldier Mountain: 620 mi / 10 hr
- Coolin: 7 mi
- Priest River: 12 mi
- Schweitzer: 55 mi
- Spokane Int’la Airport: 77 mi
No, we do not offer equipment rental.
No – please make sure you have everything. We highly recommend that you travel with replacement parts specific to your bindings, boots, and other equipment.
Yes. AIARE Rescue, Level 1, and Level 2 can be incorporated into your ski tour days. This is subject to scheduling before October 1 annually.
Yes. We’ve been fortunate to have semi- to good connectivity. We still suggest you download maps for offline use.
We recommend travel insurance policies with cancel-for-any-reason-coverage for peace of mind and reducing your exposure should you want to cancel due to conditions not being to your liking. We’ve selected a policy to consider.
Booking policies
Payment
All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Promotions & discounts
Any promotion or discount must be redeemed only by calling reservations directly. No promotion and/or discount will be applied after the reservation has been made and full payment has been received.
Cancellations & reservation changes
Cancellations
Any cancellation made within 21 days of the scheduled tour date are 100 % non-refundable – no exceptions for any reason, not even airline delays, road closures, family emergencies, personal injury, etc. We encourage all guests to consider purchasing travel insurance with enhanced coverage (one with a cancel for any reason rider) through an outside provider such as InsureMyTrip.
Reservation changes
You may request date changes to your tour date outside of 21 days of your booking. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $100 per person.
Tour cancellations due to mechanical issues or unsafe conditions
Selkirk Powder Company has no control over Mother Nature. We tour in sun, snow, rain, wind, or any combination of interesting weather. It is, after all, an alpine environment. Be prepared, and dress accordingly. SPC reserves the right to cancel a tour for mechanical, weather, safety, personal or any other circumstance. You will be issued a full or partial credit valid for 1 year from the original tour date. No refunds will be issued. If your tour is cancelled multiple times, your credit still expires after 1 year – no extensions will be applied.
SPC reserves the right at any time, and at its sole discretion, to modify any policies set out above, with or without notice other than publishing such modifications on our website. It is your responsibility to review policies on our website for updates and/or changes. Your reservation and/or use of our services following any such policy modification constitutes your acceptance of any modified policy.
To ensure you get the dates and size of group you want, we encourage you to book as soon as your dates are established. Some of our guests make their reservations up to a year in advance, so don’t wait too long to contact us.
Payment in full is due at the time of booking.
If you prefer, tips can be added at the time of booking. The typical tipping amount in the industry is 10–20 % of the total tour cost: the same as you would extend for service in a restaurant or similar setting. At Selkirk Powder, tips are pooled and shared among guides, snowcat drivers (for snowcat trips), and your reservations agent.
You may request date changes to your tour date outside of 21 days of your booking. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $100 per person. We recommend trip insurance policies with cancel for any reason for peace of mind and reducing your exposure should you want to cancel due to conditions not being to your liking.
Reviews
