Date |
Comments and image gallery/movie links and image of the day |
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June 15 |
 After sorting through nearly a hundred thousand images from this past season, we've compiled our "Best Of" image galleries to carry you thru till next season when the snow starts again to fall.
We start with you our guest, those of the Powdercats Nation, who keep coming back to visit us year after year after year. Beyond all the elements of our acquaintance and friendship, its the powder filled experiences and passion we share that link us all deep in the backcountry together.
Click here to view the best GUEST images of the season
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June 15 |
 Oh the Face Shot. What would we do without you? You must feel sorry for those who have never had one, won't ever get one or just don't know how. It's a pity for sure, but probably means there will be less tracks in front of you and more for your taking.
Not all of these images in this gallery are of big face shots but also of those fine skiing and snowboarding images that just have something about them.
Click here to view the best FACE SHOT images of the season
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June 15 |
 We are blessed to have a fantastic group of guides; a loyal crew of co-workers, friends and family. Many of us have been working here for many, many years and its this tradition in seeing the same faces in our staff that connects with our guests.
Beyond all the hard on snow skills and the leadership required its the friendly nature and unique personalities that really make our crew click...most of the time at least.
Thank you again to our staff for making the experience at Steamboat Powdercats as much safe and fun as possible.
Click here to view the best GUIDE images of the season
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June 15 |
 At the end of the day, during our apres ski party, we showcase our daily best of images for each snowcat group to reflect on. There is no question that it's these crash images that always make for the biggest cheers.
Sometimes it's not fun and games, so be careful when crashing but remember that the image will last and it is really funny, for the moment at least, when you are should deep, upside down and yard saling doing the slope.
Click here to view the best CRASH images of the season
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June 15 |
 Along with the Face Shots and the Crashes, it's the jumping images that are always the crowd pleasures. Catching big air in the powder makes for a softer landing and having a bit of Kodak courage always helps our photographers get more and more of our clients to take the hits.
Good fun as always with these shots.
Click here to view the best JUMPING images of the season
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June 15 |
 If it wasn't for our snowcats where would we be? Though hiking and chairlifts are good and all, it is these machines that provide us the lift to get the access we need as a snowcat operation into the backcountry.
Thank you to Felix, Tigger, Calvin and Hobbes for your ease of operation and reliability (most of the time) and comfort you provide us with during the fantastic days on Buffalo Pass.
Click here to view the best SNOWCAT images of the season
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June 15 |
 When it is not dumping snow, overcast or a white out, the landscapes seen from our terrain on Buffalo Pass are unparalleled.
Big, huge views of the commanding valley and of our skiing and snowboarding terrain provide our guests with inspiring glimpses into the big picture that is Steamboat Springs and that of Steamboat Powdercats.
Click here to view the best LANDSCAPE images of the season
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April 1-4 |
 Back to Utah we go. Snowbasin and Powder Mountain offered up some serious fun for us last season so this year, it seemed fitting to get after some more of the same classic, steeper and fresh lines that these resorts offer up.
For many of us here at SPC, it was strange leaving the Valley for the first time in several months after guiding the entire season. As well, it snowed hard for the days leading up to this company party so we played big time at the Steamboat ski area where many said that the Tuesday prior (3/31) was the best snow of the season; think super dry, light powder lapping up into your face, turn by turn with no one on the lifts. Why leave?
You know why, it's got to happen. Just like the thousands that come to SPC to get into the goods, we also have to vacate the familiar so to refresh the mind, body and soul. Though on these trips, we typically pollute the mind, corrupt the body and bypass the soul, we did have a ton of fun again with 15 of us loving life and missing each other already. Until next season...Click here for images from our trip.
 
 Amongst the skiing, eating and partying we celebrated the 20th season of powder guide Mike Rakowski working at Steamboat Powdercats. Mike's been guiding guests for so long at SPC that many of our staff weren't even in grade school when Mike started showing people fresh turns on Buffalo Pass.
His knowledge and dedication to everything that is SPC goes beyond what we could have ever asked from Mike when he started so many years ago. There is not a day that goes by during the winter that his influence on our staff and guests isn't noticeable in one way or another.
We'd like to thank you Mike for helping us all get to where we are today.
You the man, man! Keep kicking ass for another 20.
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March 29 |
 Today we celebrated the end of our 08.09 snowcat season in style. Just one, lively group, who enjoyed the snowcat access for the last time and had unlimited opportunity to any line they wanted.
We'd like to thank all the guests who came to visit us this year. Your dedication to the Steamboat Powdercats experience is unparalleled in the industry.
To our guides, you are the greatest staff anyone could ever ask for.
Click here for images from today
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March 28 |
 No new snow today, our first in some time. The wind buff we had yesterday evolved quite a bit, allowing us to get into and ski the terrain a bit faster than yesterday. We toured all over the terrain and found some great snow in places where we couldn't get to yesterday.
Just one snowcat out, our expert group. We had a blast launching off more or less anything and the gang were all rippers.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 27 |
 Yesterday's blizzard and especially the afternoon wind storm buffed out the terrain quite a bit, leaving us with some major wind pack to deal with. Several of our go to aspects were tough to ski so we poked deep in the trees to our most westerly aspects and found the best snow.
We received over 48" of new powder from this storm. It's been an absolute blessing and put an exclamation point on the end of our season.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 26 |
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March 25 |
 K2 ski's hosted a sales incentive trip with us today. Their best sellers for the year came to reap in the benefits of another sick day as another foot of snow fell overnight. The boys were spoiled rotten and guess what, they are all coming back again for another round in the fluff tomorrow.
Conditions are insane right now and we have space the next few days....what are you waiting for?
Click here for images from today
 
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March 24 |
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It was dumping on and off again today! March storms are always a blessing, treating you with possibly your last, deeper day spent in the backcountry this season.
After a 12-day break in the storm cycle the powder has once again arrived. Our next few days look good for at least cold and overcast days...more snow insight? We have space on our cats so call us if you want some.
10 super, powder pig guests enjoyed lap after lap of fresh turns today. Big cheers to everyone for making the trip a memorable day. Positive vibes out to you all.
Check out the images and feel the powder splash into your face over and over again. Click here for images from today
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March 19 |
 A group of snowboard and ski instructors from across Colorado came to celebrate a bachelor party with us today. High flying, ripping fellas who had more fun with us than most have during the deepest day. We went all over in the expert terrain and we couldn't show them any pitch that they didn't pillage.
Click here for images from today
A storm looks to be finally arriving Sunday night!!!!!!
 
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March 17 |
 Happy St. Patrick's day to all. We didn't have a cat go out today so the guides went up anyway and played in the expert terrain, searching it out and enjoying a day without guests. We had a blast, as always, a true comedic adventure exploring and harassing each other.
The one thing you'll know about us is that the guides and staff that is Steamboat Powdercats will never allow a day in the backcountry go to waste. We lapped up Far East a couple times then after lunch on the top of Soda, we toured the lower reaches of our terrain and found some great terrain that we hope to show all of you someday.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 16 |
 Big skies.
Big smiles.
A ripping group of skiers.
Allowed the guides to search out the fresh and find some great aspects to entertain everyone.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 15 |
 Two groups out today, an intermediate and expert tour. We started the tour a half hour later than usual to allow the snowpack to warm up a bit. After a couple challenging runs in the am, we hit it right after exploring to our most northern aspects.
Another look at the forecast shows an even more daunting ridge of high pressure resting over us of what seems to be forever into the future. Hopefully by the end of March, it'll snow again.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 14 |
We are locked in a high pressure ridge that looks to continue into the near future. Snow conditions are evolving to spring like which mans the dry, light snow that we provide is getting harder and harder to find. The guides are working and succeeding in finding the best conditions under the circumstances and putting a great trip, as always. Click here for images from today
 
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March 13 |
  Monkey business today...good fun with good friends.
Click here for images from today
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March 12 |
 Another day of cold temps are keeping the sheltered, northern slopes nice and dry. The light snow is exactly what we are hoping for in March.
The boys from Ride Snowboards came visit us this week and today was their big event, hosting 2 snowcats full of sales managers and associates who won a sales incentive trip. We had a ton of fun with the mostly Colorado, California and Washington based folks.
Click here for images from today
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March 11 |
 There may have never been a more blue bird powder day than there was for us today. Cold temperatures allowed the powder to stay crisp and clean.
We only took out 2 cats so you missed it again. Keep an eye on our calendar for available seats and get up here when the conditions call for it...like tomorrow!
Click here for images from today
 
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March 10 |
 Yes, it was one of the best day's of the season and some in the groups said "Best day Ever!"
Cold, pure, smoke. More than a foot to a foot and a half. Finally mother nature kicks down, big time.
Where were you? We have space tomorrow!!!!!
Click here for images from today
 
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March 9 |
An engaging day here at SPC. She said yes!
Click here for images from today
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March 8 |
 Cold temps have dropped into northern Colorado once again. Add in a more substantial 4 inches of light powder overnight, and then turn on the sunshine and wammo a true blue March powder day is here to entertain us all.
Now this is more like what we've come to expect in Steamboat and with Powdercats. Though some turns you can still feel the bottom, the lighter snow reminds us all why we enjoy backcountry skiing and riding.
Great friends, good turns and fresh, clean lines.
Click here for images from today
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March 7 |
 The unsettled weather continues as another couple inches teased us again. Conditions are fast and fresh, meaning it's not super deep but the new snow allows us to move around the terrain with ease and most every turn is a fresh one.
Depending on which aspect we are skiing, the depth of the snow varies and is either bottomless or scratchy. This equates to what we call "variable" conditions, a fabulous term for backcountry enthusiasts who understand that every aspect and possibly every turn will hold a different type of powdery condition.
Click here for images from today
 
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March 6 |
  The weather cleared for us a bit today, in and out of clouds with another slight dusting of new snow.
We had 3 cats out today, including our Women's PowCamp where 8 skiers and snowboarders whet up with our lady guides and a couple female ski and snowboard coaches to enjoy the backcountry together. A big thanks to Julie from SheRide for organizing a majority of the gang.
Click here for images from today
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March 5 |
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A fast moving, short wave of weather came in today adding an inch or two on the terrain. Lots of wind and cold temps back in Valley. Good fun as always.
Click here for images from today
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March 4 |
 
One cat + 5 guest + our steepest lines = A+ day!
Click here for images from today
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March 3 |
  Creamy, fresh turns, new friends, old partners, big blue skies, short sleeve shirts, lots of sunscreen and plenty of comedy.
Click here for images from today  |
March 2 |
  Spring has sprung for us here in Steamboat Springs. Due to a southern flowing jet stream, warm weather has arrived in the Valley and the snow has evolved into creamy powder.
When this happens, we at Steamboat Powdercats, our guides and guests, work hard to search it out and find the best conditions under the circumstances. Expectations during times like these can be fairly low, but when you come, the day will continue to be special as we always have a blast here up on the Pass, away from the crowds, enjoying the backcountry all it is worth.
Click here for images from today
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March 1 |
.gif)  March is now upon us and the Madness has begun. Big turns, crazy days and lots of love here. Chicken's and Yeti's and wild times.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 28 |
 
Big blue skies, huge smiles and fresh turns forever today. Lots of happy guests out on the snow enjoying another round of freshies.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 27 |
More new snow today arrived with wicked winds and cold temperatures. The powder was light and soft and you couldn't feel the firmer layer from the other day.
3 private cats out today made for some great turns and good times with friends, co-workers and counter parts all with one focus - deep fresh turns, ohhhhhhh yeaaaaaaa.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 26 |
  After some fear and loathing from yesterdays conditions, the snow gods kicked down and surprised us with a new 5 inch layer of goodness.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 25 |
 A really interesting day here at SPC. Last night it was cold so the warmer snow from yesterday froze, making it a really difficult day of skiing; even on the sheltered North facing aspects - Yikes!.
We found our best snow way up top, on Soda. Though the snow was rough, the guests and guides made it happen and still enjoyed another day in the Steamboat backcountry.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 24 |
 Five inches new today on the stake. It wasn't our typical five, but more Coastal Range consistency. Yes, this storm came in very warm and it rained yesterday in downtown Steamboat. The rain didn't get very high up into the terrain so the snow was saved.
Today, the crews had good times. Yea, the snow wasn't the super fluff, but it was fresh, not crusty and folks enjoyed the day. The guides found best snow on our most northern and most upper terrain areas.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 23 |
We had a cat breakdown today so Spike, our photographer had to take over for Meeker, our mechanic, so no images were taken. This is why we recommend that all of our guests bring their own cameras on the tour so just in case we cannot capture the magic, you'll have your own camera so to get some memories documented. This was the first time we haven't taken images in over a year. |
Feb 22 |
  A solid performance from our crew out there today. Another round of sunshine, at least in the morning, provided for fantastic conditions.
We had to stay off the south today as the sun yesterday put a decent crust on all southern tipping aspect. No worries, we have plenty of other aspects to keep things soft and fresh.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 21 |
 Blue skis forever today, allowing for unlimited views of the surrounding Valley, making for some outstanding skiing and riding.
With sunshine comes the guiding dilemma of hitting our south facing terrain as much as possible before the sun cooks the snow. So, we nailed the south and then turned our attention to north facing slopes to finish off the day.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 20 |
 Cast in shade, cloudy and colder, conditions are primed, retaining soft snow on all aspects. With the wind from the last set of stormy days, there are crazy tree wells and whoopties everywhere making for some fun skiing and riding.
Three groups out today and for most part all returning guests. Lots of happy people hooked up with their powder fix once again.
Weather looks to clear over the next couple days then moisture returns after the weekend as a wave re-enters the Rockies.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 19 |
 After dumping 6 inches today, the storm pulled out just in time to open up the skies and bring down the sunshine. Really, a perfect combination of weather.
Beyond that, it was also an ideal subset of guests with a wide assortment of first timers and long time, return guests to bring smiles to us all. Welcome back folks, can it ever get better than this?
Click here for images from today
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Feb 18 |
 We are still entrenched in a pretty wicked winter storm. Winds continue to be considerable at all of our drop offs. Overnight, 10-inches accumulated allowing for great powder skiing on all aspects. It looks as though we will continue in this pattern for a few more days then a ridge of high pressure is sliding back into the Valley over the weekend.
As always, we hosted several groups today but one individual stood out for us. Phil Wagner, a powder skiing guide from Powder Mountain, Utah come with us today for a pay back trip as he was our guide when Steamboat Powdercats descended on his mountain last April for our company party. We had a blast showing Phil the terrain on Buffalo Pass and he will certainly go back to his Utah crew with a satisfied powder smile from his time spent with us.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 17 |
.gif) Today's wave of weather blew in hard with sustained winds and decent moisture. You know it's windy when the snow stake falls over, which happened several times throughout the day. It's been over a month since we last had wind along with a storm, so getting used to these arctic conditions took a bit of adjustment.
Due to the blowing wind we took advantage of our forests by going directly into them or hugging their edges to provide the visibility necessary. It was definitely an adventure on Buff today.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 16 |
  Presidents Day Holiday party here at SPC. Instead of working we took the day off and ripped up the powder with a bunch of friends...oh right, that is what we do everyday.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 15 |
.gif) .gif) 8 inches new at the cabin with pockets of really deep here and there. It seems like every cat we have run recently has had a birthday on it.
Happy Birthday Everyone!
Click here for images from today
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Feb 14 |
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Roses are red, violets are blue, the powder was deep and where were you? Hopefully you were getting some, powder that is, with your honey, spoiling each other rotten, knee deep in the fluff.
We had another snowy day here and the 3 cats full of return guests were once again enamored with love and romance from the Steamboat Powdercats experience.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 13 |
.gif) .gif) Day 6 of stormy weather allowing for spectacular conditions. Several "Best day ever" comments and not only skiing, but best day ever in life, period.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 12 |
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 11 |
 12" of the pure Buffalo Pass Thunder Fresh out there today. The cold temps arrived just in time. No wind allowed for perfectly shaped and placed snow crystals. Fast, dry light powder.
Two groups, both private cats, both not completely full, allowed for lapse and lapse of face shots over and over again.
Where were you today? We had one cat open you should have been here. There is space on Friday....who want's some?
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 10 |
 Good times on the Pass today. Only 2 cats, neither full, deep powder, smiles, laughter, a fresh turn every turn, what more could we ask for?
Sunshine and powder, okay that is what we'd ask for and guess what, in the afternoon, once it stopped snowing, we got it. That's right, dreams come true and today was one of those dreams that you hope will reoccur, over and over and over again.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 9 |
.gif) After burning 10 pairs of ski's, dancing erotically around the fire with paganistic undertones and sacrificing stuffed ski bunnies, the powder gods have responded and dumped a foot to two feet of new snow on Buffalo Pass.
Listen closely and you can hear the sigh from all the powderhounds rejoicing in the Steamboat Powdercats nation and beyond. There is nothing like a new layer of snow. We dream of deep powder, live for it, pay homage to it's healing powers and inspirational qualities and most importantly enjoy the effortless, free feeling when floating within the snowpack.
Click here for images from today
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Feb 8 |
 With 3 Cats out today. We had 36 guests all chomping for some new snow. Though the big dump hasn't happened, yet, we did get some wind and a minor accumulation last night so things freshened up just enough for the them all.
It's now been 10 days since our last big storm. This is the longest we've gone between storms since March of 2007.
Our guides have to be given huge credit for the tricks they are pulling out in finding fields of fresh for our guests.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 7 |
  This storm is toying with us and has stalled out in California. Now it looks like Sunday evening it will kick in. Doesn't matter, today was a blast!
Click here for images from today
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Feb 6 |
 A transitional day for us, in between sunny weather and the next system. A slight surge of weather is on the horizon, but it's spotty at the moment and we are unsure when the moisture will arrive. A tease of snow fell in the afternoon but it didn't matter as the vibe with our crew was solid.
We've now eclipsed the half way point in our season and we are in the midst of our busiest time. In February we typically see about 40% of our guests.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 5 |
 Another round of sunny and warm weather here at Steamboat Powdercats. We are now in day 7 of drought.
Everyone asks us "How is the skiing like when you don't get any snow". Obviously, the dream is to get 6-20" the night prior with 20-degree temps to make the snow super deep and super light, but in reality, post powder conditions exist more than you'd think.
Boot deep, old fields of fresh await those who come with us in times like this. Our guides hate putting our guests onto tracked out runs, crust and crappy snow so more than likely you'll be amazed with the clean, boot deep freshies you'll get. Pleasantly surprised is the word.
Click here for images from today
 
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Feb 4 |
  Things have warmed up here the past couple days with temps nearing 35 degrees up top.
Though we haven't had any fresh snow since last Thursday, we have been getting a daily dose of surface hoar. The image of our snow stake shows the 1/2 inch crystals that appear as frost builds during these humid and calm conditions.
The next storm looks to be coming on Friday, so keep your fingers crossed if you are coming this weekend. The more snow the better of course!
Click here for images from today |
Feb 3 |
 The folks from Steamboat Magazine came for their annual trip with us. Deb and the gang were all smiles after realizing really quick that the snow was still, plenty fresh.
If you've never met these guys from The Mag, you really should as they are the nicest, most genuine people in Steamboat Springs. Their insight and take on everything Steamboat is written out 4 times a year. Subscribe if you haven't already and grab a copy the next time you are in our office. Click here for images from today.
 
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Feb 2 |
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Feb 1 |
 It was a 50th birthday party for a long time return guest so we hosted a two day event. We also had an expert cat full of long time returnees from Boulder. Finally Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Tavern crew came today and will be coming the next two days as well. Charlie and his crew come for their annual company appreciation party. The neon orange purse and scarf accessories are utilized as punishment for the worst crash on any run. If you fall you must wear the purse. Click here for images from today
 
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Jan 31 |
  A sick day today. Tons of sunshine again. Loads of fresh tracks. Solid groups. Good friends, family and new powder comrades.
Amazing.
Click here for images from today |
Jan 30 |
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Jan 29 |
 It doesn't get much better than the conditions we had today. Deep, blower, cold, pure, smoke like snow. It was just the right depth, not too deep, perfect enough to carry your speed through 90% of the terrain. Guests were disappearing turning into phantoms as they dropped into the runs. Guides were going bonkers.
Many of the guests mentioned it was their best day ever.
This past week has been silly. Since last Friday when the faucet got turned on we've had day after day of snow. The combination of cold temperatures, no wind and just the right amount of snow has made the past couple days ridiculous.
Click here for images from today
 
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Jan 28 |
 It snowed today harder than it has all season. We had 3-inch per hour, nuclear fall out type dumpage, and it piled up knee high before the group came home. It didn't stop snowing once today.
After all was said and done, we hit the mystical, 100-inch base total for the season at our mid-mountain cabin snow stake.
We had one cat out today, our expert group. Two of these fortunate guests were celebrating their birthdays. As powderhounds, there isn't a better way to spend a day, let alone your birthday, waist deep in the powder.
Snow looks to stay with us over the next couple days. Forecast suggest warming early next week and beyond that who knows.
Click here for images from today
 
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Jan 27 |
 Words and images have a tough time explaining the pure magic that occurred today. Cold snow, freezing temps, blue sky mixed with interspersed clouds, South side runs all day long...a fantastic, truly magical day!
Times like this allow you to reflect on only the best days of your life and how they should never be taken for granted.
Click here for images from today
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Jan 26 |
 We didn't go past the cabin today to check on the snow stake as we only had 1 cat out, our expert cat which has lunch in the snowcat. So we are unsure about the exact amount of new snow, but we did get a few more and the flow looks to continue tonight and into Wednesday. The warm weather has pushed East and a cold front has arrived with temps in the teens and 20's.
No tracks all day long. Great company and solid backcountry skiing and riding.
Click here for images from today
 
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Jan 25 |
 The snow keeps coming. 10" new for us today. Just 2 cats out and once again all old friends here visiting; of the 23 guests, all but 1 are returnees. We are blessed with a 70% return clientele but these past few days it has been more the 90%.
It's always great to see all the good friends that have become dedicated Powderhounds in our Steamboat Powdercats nation. Not that the new blood of first timers isn't as good, but the comforting feeling of skiing with friends is like none other.
Click here for images from today
 
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Jan 24 |
Another 8" of fresh for us. It's still the slightly heavier, more Budweiser than Champagne, type powder but better than the alternative, no?
It's day two of our large group visiting us and the other cat that went out was all but 1 return client so good friends back here again to lap up the clean, fresh goods.
Click here for images from today
 
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| Jan 23 |
.gif) Nine days later, the storm arrives. That's right, 10" of new snow was waiting for us and it came down hard for most of the day. This wasn't the lightest of snows, more Maritime than Rocky Mountain, but we'll take it.
We hosted an annual event for coworkers and counterparts in the finance world. They hired all our cats and we traded them our secrets about how to best to spend their money....go powder skiing!
It looks like the weather pattern will keep up. The favorable forecast is now predicting snow all weekend and into next week.
We have space on Sunday and all next week so this would be the time to make it happen.
Click here for images from today
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Jan 21 |
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Jan 20 |
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Jan 19 |
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Jan 18 |
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Jan 17 |
 It seems like blue skies forever here at Steamboat Powdercats.
Several repeat guests descended from afar here today, many of which are spending the next couple days with us. It's always great to see these returnees come back and enjoying their time again with us. It's like old friends, ski buddies who keep the days fresher and real.
Being that it hasn't snowed for days, the powder is holding up fine. It's been cold enough up top to keep the northern aspects soft enough to surprise everyone on the trip.
Amazing how that happens. During drought, the perception of what you think the conditions are going to be like typically get blown away as soon as you drop in on a completely fresh line. Love that!
Click here to check out images from today.
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Jan 16 |
 Another beautiful day here in the Yampa Valley. Today we opened our expert terrain so we had our first 3 cat day of our young season. 36 guests enjoyed the wonderful skiing that is Steamboat Powdercats. Lots of clean, fresh turns for everyone.
Several of these folks are visiting us for their 6th day today, which means that we gave them a "FREE DAY". That's right, once you ski 5 days with us over time we'll hook you up and give you a 6th day on us.
Not only was this day a milestone for us as it marked the opening of  our expert terrain, but the fact that we hosted the 1st Annual "Legends of the Deep" Powder Invitational into this terrain. Dave Genchi and Craig Kennedy, our local mono skiing madman and founder of Access Anything have been working on this idea for years and today we succeeded in pulling off a one-of-a-kind event.
The goal of the event was to change the perception of what people with disabilities can do and we at Steamboat Powdercats loved being part of this inspirational day. Along with Adaptive Adventures, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the International Disabled Free Skiing Association and Dave Genchi, we once again proved to the world that the adaptive world isn't just relegated to gates and groomed, resort style skiing.
These athletes tore up our most cherished runs like the Tube, the Funnel, Tasty Waves and the north faces of Soda Mountain. What an incredible day it was.
Click here to view images from this epic day.
 
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Jan 15 |
 Today we hosted the Steamboat All Mountain Ski Camp, the 4th annual event, where our adaptive skiing friends come to play in the powder. The fast snow made a great impression on these folks, many of which have never had a powder day to test their skills.
We'd like to thank our guides for absolutely embracing the challenges and joys associated with helping this group. A big thanks also goes out to Access Anything, Adaptive Adventures and Backcountry Provisions for donating their time and food for the event.
Click here to view images from this special day.
In light of the 2006 injury to Dave Genchi, our staff photographer at that time, where he suffered a series spinal injury, this day is extra special. For all of you who have been keeping up on Dave and wish to continue, keep an eye on his website (www.davidgenchi.com) for the most up to date information. Also, Dave has been posting lots of video on his YouTube page as well, check it here.
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Jan 14 |
 Two groups out, a private cat of long time return guests and a mixed group that became fast friends before the day was over. Fast, clean turns, all day long. Friendships and powder skiing go hand and hand.
It looks like a January thaw is coming as a ridge of high pressure ascends across the Rocky Mountains. The forecast isn't looking promising for any new snow into next week so expect boot depth freshies and remember to lather up the sunscreen.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Jan 12 |
A fantastic day of skiing today. Only 1 cat, 5 guests and 10 new inches of powder. Okay, so the running total is 6-feet in 10-days, not bad at all.
The sun was out, the group was solid, the guides were in rare form and we went over to Bitch Creek for the first time all season. That's right, the steeps are back.
Check out images from today here.
 
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Jan 10 |
 Another round of powder today. We have really been on a great flow since last Saturday with over 5 feet of snow falling fresh for us to ski and ride. Similar to last year, this early part of January has been fantastic powder.
We had a single, private cat out today, a 50th birthday party. What a way to celebrate. The family group had a great time with all the fresh snow.
It looks like more snow is coming. The weather report shows a good amount of moisture coming Sunday through Tuesday, possibly.
Click here to check out images from today.
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Jan 7 |
After yesterday's epic conditions, things have gotten a little bit weird here. The good news is we received 16" more, the not so good news is that our feather like, cold smoke turned into styroformish, denser, glue like powder. Oh the joys of the backcountry. You take what is given and enjoy the conditions for what they are worth.
Check out images from today's trip.
 
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Jan 6 |
 When the snow is so deep that you gag on it, is it deep enough?
20+" of the super fluff on the stake today. It was feather type snow, effortless to ski through, just the perfect density to float up onto your chest on most every turn.
We had 1 group, a full cat of first timers here for a visit. Behold the power of the powder gods to provide them with something they may not have been prepared for. When we called the ski area this morning for a quick estimate of how much snow we may be dealing with they reported 9". Surprise, it was much deeper on Buffalo Pass.
Last season, we had a ton of snow, but only 3 days of 20+" or more, so when you get a day like this, the powder gods must be looking down on you....big time.
Check out all the images here from this amazing day.
 
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Jan 5 |
There may not be a better combination of elements than sunshine and powder. Today we had both. The morning was brilliant blue skies but as the day played out, clouds rolled in and by the time we came down it was snowing once again.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Jan 3 |
 Okay, so, just when you want something, when it hurts so bad and you never think it will come again and then it appears for you right at the exact moment when you need it most, how does it feel?
Oh yea, that's right, 12-inches of fresh snow today and it feels soooooooooooo good.
Only 1 cat out today, a group that has skied with us 3 years in a row, some locals, mostly out-of-towners, all here for one reason: THE POWDER! Well, it was so good, even better than that.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Jan 2 |
 Mother Nature is toying with us again. We are now in day 6 of a drought but we've had 40% or more chance of snow forecasted the past few days and nothing has happened.
Being powderhounds, we of course hope for 6-10" of fresh for all our guests every night, but the realists in us understands that this is just not possible so we take what we can.
Everyone on the trips today had a blast and enjoyed it for all that it could be. Even in times like this, where it hasn't snowed in awhile, our guides will always put you into the fresh. Where the ski area may not have any clean turns left, we'll have thousands for you still waiting to be hit up. Maybe not every turn is fresh but the goods are still there to be found.
Check out images from today here.
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Jan 1 |
Happy New Year to all you powderhounds out there. Here is to a safe and powder rich season.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Dec 31 |
Celebrating the last day of the year with a powder day is a grand way to say sayonara to the old and to welcome in the new. As always, we had a blast on the pass today with 2 groups loving the sunshiny day.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Dec 30 |
 Two really fun groups out with us today; about half and half, first time and repeat guests. It wasn't the deepest or the driest snow we've had, actually we are in the midst of our longest drought yet this season, a 3-day stint of no new snow. Even without the over-the-head freshies, everyone was super positive and enjoyed the day and all the clean turns.
The next storm is looking to arrive on Wednesday night so keep that candle lit!
Click here to check out images from today.
 
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Dec 29 |
Sunshine and powder, a perfectly blissful combination.
Click here for images from today.
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Dec 28 |
 Guess who came for a visit today? The sun reappeared for us this afternoon. That's right, after almost a month of constant weather, the clouds parted and sunshine once again filled our Valley. We did get 6" of very light snow overnight and it was cloudy most of the day.
The next system looks to be coming into Northern Colorado on Wednesday night for a grand kick off to the New Year.
Click here to see images from today. |
Dec 26 |
 The gifts keep coming as Santa continues to pummel us with snow. It was dumping all day on the Pass, but the wind in the morning caused for some interesting conditions.
The guides had to work extra hard to pin point where the less affected slopes were. This took a few runs of hard turns in the compacted, wind affected powder. They did a good job of figuring it out and as the day, and the lighter snow piled up, the turns progressed and only got better.
So is life in the backcountry. Even when it snows, you never really know what the conditions are going to be like. Anytime there is wind along with a storm, things get tricky and you can should not expect conditions to be as perfect as they were like on X-mass eve.
Click here to view images from today.
 
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Dec 24 |
Happy Holidays.
Put this in your stocking: Click here.
 
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Dec 23 |
 An early X-Mass gift arrived for us today. 17" of new snow lay wait on our snow stake and life couldn't be deeper. We now have a 69" base at our cabin, almost 2-feet more than we had this time last season. It has snowed everyday but one since we opened.
This storm came out of the south west which for us in Northern Colorado is hit or miss. We either get pounded or teased with only slight accumulation. Well today Mother Nature hit a grand slam.
When it snows like this the vibe in all of us, not only the Powdercat Nation and the fortunate guests who hit the jackpot, but the entire Steamboat community comes to life. Those of us who didn't make it up on the cats, went to the mountain early with all the local powderhounds. The mountain reported 19" at the summit overnight. It was a very, very special day for us all here.
Check out the images of today here.
 
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Dec 22 |
 The adventure continues for us. Not only did it snow an inch an hour at times and the turns were deep and fresh, but we had one of our cats get into a very tricky predicament. After a classic line in Fatties, our cat tipped off the road into a super funky place and we had to call in the troops to rescue.
Once another cat came to meet us, we ended up with 11 runs and salvaged what could have been a long, cold day staring at the powder pile up.
 We really appreciate the patience and understanding from our guests when and or if this ever happens to you whilst out with us, and a big thank you to our staff for doing their best to manage the situation. Check out the images from the trip.
We ended up getting Tigger, our snowcat, out of the hole and back onto the road, on the cusp of evening. Check out the images from this adventure.
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Dec 19 |
 After 8 months and 18 days, we are finally back in the fresh, officially deep in the powder once again. With a 49" base and 5" of new freshies (20" over the past 5 days), we commenced our 08/09 snowcat season in familiar style: big smiles, good friends, return guests, lots of laughter and freshies all day long.
It was your typical stormy day here in Steamboat, in and out of slight snow showers, wind, clouds and cold. The powder wasn't super fluff but it was as fresh as you could ever imagine, not a single other track from our first run to the last.
We are looking forward to the next 103 days of our powder season.
So here's to a fantastic, safe and enriched powder year. May the snow come often and deep, dry and cold. May our days be filled with friends and family, laughter, smiles and positive thoughts. Finally, may our days be safe, void of injury and ill will so that everyday can be an epic powder day.
Click here to view images from our first tour.
 
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Dec 11 |
 At this time of year, most everyone, is interested to hear about snow conditions. You will see in the image link below that conditions are typical for this time of year. With around a 40” base, there are the typical bushes, downed trees and specific rocks that you will need to be cautious of. The theme is to ski lightly and understand that any bump in the snow could be a rock, so pick the freshest looking line and be confident in your turns. Big crashes are not recommended.
Until mid January we will not be into our steeper, expert level terrain. If you are familiar with us, you will remember our traditional terrain in and around our Cabin with names like In The Buff, Scotty’s, Sweetness, Revo, Success and Exhibition, which are all skiing great as of today. The tree lines in Fatties, Dingo Done It and Andy’s are still a bit thin, but with a couple solid dumps will ready ready to go.
Click here to see what the skiing has been like.
 
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Dec 10 |
 Bruce Edgerly from Backcountry Access came and helped us with our avalanche training today. Bruce is a co-founder of BCA the premier avalanche equipment manufacture in North American. We have been using the BCA Tracker avy beacon for many years as well as their shovels, probes and packs.
He helped us put together 4 stations: single search, multiple searches, deep probing and shoveling. We were all intrigued with the shoveling techniques that Bruce showed us. It’s this aspect of avalanche recovery that is the most cutting edge and where you can truly save time in recovery. Check out the BCA link here to see how to properly shovel out your next avy victim.
In the 27-years that SPC has been in operation we have been very fortunate to not have to search for one of our guests our guides in an avalanche. Here is to the next 27 years of more of the same.
Click here to see images from our avalanche training day.
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Dec 7 |
 Our guide training is in full swing. We have finished our Outdoor Emergency Care portion of the course and are now into our “on snow” scenarios covering all aspects of how we remove injured skiers from the pass.
Toboggan training is critical for us as we don’t get many opportunities, if any, to do real life rescues during the year. Of course, this is what we hope for and the goal of our operation: safety first. So, taking turns running as well as riding in the toboggans is always a good learning lesson.
Click here to see images from our training.
 
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Dec 4 |
 It has been hammering all day. Big, white flakes dumping and our first serious snow storm of the ski season. We have started out annual guide training where we run down all of our scenarios, medical situations and logistical considerations as well as clean our office, cabin and setting up infrastructure on the pass.
As of yesterday, our cabin had 33" of snow and 5" of new while we were up there for half the day. We won't be up again till Saturday, where we will run our medical training on the pass. As you'd expect we are chomping at the bit in expectations for the first face shots of the season.
 
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Nov 24 |
 Now on sale - Steamboat Powdercats 2009 Calendar.
After talking about this for years, we have this available for you as a perfect Christmas present or stocking stuffer.
We are selling them for $22 per calendar (includes tax, shipping and handling) and you can call 970-879-5188 or email us your order.
For every calendar sold, we will be donating profits to the Dave Genchi Recovery fund.
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Nov 24 |
The ski area is blowing snow like mad in preparation for their opening, just 2 days from now. Fortunately for us at SPC, we don't start with guests till the 13th of December. Looking at the forecast, we could see some snow in on Wednesday night through Friday. Keep your fingers crossed for us because things look thin as of today.
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Oct 5 |
 It snowed for the first time on us today. Not a bunch, just 1/2 inch, but enough for us to start getting a bit more amped for this coming season. As many of you know, annually we host a powder prediction contest where you have the opportunity to pick the first day it snows and how much will come down. Over two hundred of you participated this season and only 1 of you picked the right date.
This image you see here is courtesy of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation and Larry Pierce, photographer, and it is the epiphany of the sporting culture here in Steamboat Springs. Click here for other images from first snow.
Steve Miller from Dallas TX, not the musician, but a friend of a guest, made the right call. Where many of you just shoot from the hip and pick a random date, Steve worked some serious math into his pick, building a graph from website's to fine tune his prediction. Check out this graph that Steve built below. It's a great tool for any of you to use for next seasons contest.
Now that the snow has fallen, we are just waiting for the games to begin. As of today, we have 67 days till our season begins here at SPC, but who's counting?
It looks like another wave of cold and moist weather will be coming into the Colorado this coming weekend. It will be interesting what develops over time and how our snowpack evolves over the next couple months. It is always nice to have plenty of snow up on Buffalo Pass for us to start building our road system and for our annual guide training which will start early December. Last year, you may recall, it didn't snow at all in the early season and we opened with a very thin snowpack. But, as the season progressed, it became the deepest ever that was recorded in the history of Northern Colorado.
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