San Juan Ski Company Snowcat Skiing 2008-2009 Rates and Information
Reservations
Toll free: 800-208-1780
Local: 970-749-0971
e-mail us at powder@sanjuanski.com
Dates of Operation
Daily December - Mid May (Conditions Allowing) 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Rates:
Individual seat: $325.00
Private cat (10 seats): $2800.00
All trips include lunch, beverages, use of powder skis and avalanche
safety gear.
Reservation Policy
We require a major credit card to confirm and reserve your seat.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your reservation outside of 14 days you will forfeit
a $50 handling fee per seat reserved. If you cancel within 14
days, you will lose 50% of the cost of the trip. If you cancel
within 3 days, you will lose 100% of the cost of the trip.
Please understand our cancellation policy and respect our mutual
commitment. We are reserving seats on our snowcats for you and
your group, turning away potential guests on the day of your reservation.
The San Juan Ski Company reserves the right to cancel trips at
which time a full refund will be given to guests.
Registration and Release Signature
We meet at the San Juan Ski Company counter on the 2nd level of the Village Center at Durango Mountain Resort/Purgatory at 8:00 am. At this time we will collect any monies due and have you sign a Release of Liability form. We will also brief your group about the day's weather, avalanche hazard, snowcat safety and backcountry protocol.
During the cat ride, you will be issued an Ortovox Fl avalanche transceiver and instructed in its use. Lunch is provided as well as water. Our counter is located on the 2nd
level of the Village Center at Durango Mountain Resort.
Equipment
We recommend our K2 wide powder skis for our terrain and snow conditions and can provide them to you at no extra cost.
The weather can change quickly at high altitude. Dress in layers and bring a hat, goggles, neck gaiter, sunglasses and sunscreen. A small day pack works best to hold extra gear and personal items.
Ability Level
While we want everyone to have a good time. There are some ability
issues that should be mentioned. Each year we get a couple of
over ambitious guests who get in above their heads (literally!).
Nobody wants to hold up the rest of the group on a powder day,
so here are a few things to consider before booking a trip with
us.
1. All guests should be in good physical condition. You'll be
skiing deep backcountry powder at high elevations and it demands
a lot from your body.
2. We do not groom any runs!
3. Some of our best skiing is steep, tight trees !
4. We ski powder! Lots of it. Every run. If you have never skied
powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the
place to learn.
5. If you are a super-expert and are expecting to ski 50-degree
chutes and huck 50-foot airs every run, you will be disappointed.
Occasionally and mainly in the spring we are able to ski this
kind of terrain when conditions and group abilities allow. So,
if you are a super skier we suggest you get nine of your friends
who like to do that stuff as well, book a snowcat for your group,
and we'll do our best to make your dreams come true.
Our choice of ski terrain each day is based on avalanche hazard, snow conditions, and skier ability. We like to challenge our guests as much as their ability and snow conditions allow. Guests should be of advanced or expert ability and able to ski in variable snow conditions on steep treed slopes. If you are concerned about holding up other skiers, or about being held up, consider renting the entire cat for your own private group. If you know how everyone skis you won't have to worry about the pace.
For safety reasons, guests who are uncooperative or lack the ability to ski the terrain for that day may be subject to arrest and detention by the snowcat police.
We hope you will join us for the best skiing of your life
in the incomparable snow offered by the San Juan Ski Company.
Over 35,000 acres of deep powder and rugged terrain combine for an unforgettable mountain adventure!