About Steamboat Powdercats
Steamboat Powdercats has been operating snowcat skiing tours at Buffalo Pass near Steamboat Springs since 1983 — making them one of the longest-running cat skiing operations in Colorado. Their terrain at Buffalo Pass sits above 10,000 feet and receives an average of 400 inches of Steamboat's famous Champagne Powder each winter, providing some of the deepest, driest snow conditions in the Rocky Mountains.
Every trip includes everything a skier or snowboarder needs: equipment (skis, snowboard, poles), avalanche beacon, snowcat shuttle, guided runs, food, drinks, and photos. With three heated snowcats running simultaneously, they group guests by skiing ability — from intermediate powder skiers to expert steep-and-deep riders — ensuring everyone is skiing terrain matched to their comfort level. A typical day delivers 10 to 14 runs through gladed trees and open powder bowls, with each run offering 800 to 1,200 vertical feet of untracked snow.
What makes Steamboat Powdercats special is the accessibility of the cat skiing experience — unlike helicopter skiing, which requires expensive helicopter time, cat skiing delivers a comparable backcountry powder experience at a fraction of the cost. Their 40-plus years of operating history at Buffalo Pass means the guides know every tree, cliff band, and safe zone on the mountain intimately. For skiers who have exhausted Steamboat Resort's groomers and want to experience genuine backcountry powder without the logistics of a multi-day expedition, Powdercats is the answer.
