Big Red Cats announced an new creative Catskiing program – The New Big Red Cats Flexipass - skiing for just C$350 per day. If guests come for 6 days – Big Red Cats will guarantee that guests get out for at least 3 out of the 6 days – at the level that the guest books either intermediate, advanced, or Expert. Big Red Cats will determine which days that you ski within the 6 day period. This is good for guests because it provides:

• Better conditions – by allowing Big Red cats to switch your days – this means that we can optimize the conditions of your trip
• Better skiing - Means you ski that Big Red Cats can build more cohesive groups – this helps ensure that you only ski with other guests of a similar ability.    (Big Red Cats is the only operation in BC to offer separate, Expert, Advanced and intermediate Cat skiing).
• Lower costs – skiing for C$350 per person per day is a great deal.     

On the other 3 days (out of the 6 days) guests have choice of:

• Skiing at Red Mountain BC
• Skiing at Whitewater
• Having a rest day.
• Or picking up another day of cat skiing with Big Red Cats. 

To book call Kieren or Paula at Big Red Cats  on 1 250 362 2271  www.bigredcats.com

The Guys at K3 Catskiing were out ski touring and scouting some new terrain for next season.  There is an additional 400 acres of the burnt forest skiing area with an Eastern aspect, 350 acres of South facing steep (40 degrees) tree skiing, and over 600 acres of North aspect  terrain with open alpine and then tree runs, ranging from 400 to 700 vertical metres.  We can't wait to get out there and ski some of this new terrain.  I know winter seems like a far way off, but If this skiing is anything like the other terrain we've skied there, it'll be worth the wait. Check out the full gallery of new terrain photos here.

4 Cat Skiing Operations Have Guides That Pass Canadian Ski Guide Level 3 Exam Last Week. 

Every 2 years (for the last 20 years) the Canadian Ski Guide association holds a 9 day long exam for ski guides that want to lead or supervise a cat or heliskiing operation operation.    This winter 5 guides managed to pass this gruelling ski guide test.   The exam involves terrain selection, group management, rescue, crevasse rescue, Transceiver search and much more.    The crevasse rescue was held at 9,000 ft in the northern Monashee range.   This course was hosted by Mike Weigle Heliskiing.   

The Level 3 qualification allows guides to supervise a cat or heliskiing operation.   The level 3 takes a minimum of 6 years to complete and involves:

• 6 years of mentoring from senior guides - in an apprenticeship model
• 3 levels of guide exams and training
• The highest level of courses and Certification from The Canadian Avalanche association.
• Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Level 1 -2 course
• Current 80 hour 1st aid course

This winter the guides that guide cat skiing that passed are:

• Kieren Gaul - from Big Red Cats
• Martin Keyserlingk – from Vahalla Powdercats
• Patric Malony – from Snowwater Heli skiing (snowcat back-up)
• Demian Whitley - from Baldface Lodge

Congratulations to all these guys – why not go to one of these operations and request to ski with one of these guides

We had the opportunity to ski at K3 for the first time this year, and I have to say, I sure hope we get back there again soon.  It has made a great impression on us for a number of reasons, and I know we are not alone.  The elements that have pushed K3 to the top of our to do list are: the terrain, the snow, the hospitality, and the ease of access.  If you were to read no further, that would suffice as minimum practical info.  But please, read on.

Somewhere out in the wilderness in the Ymir area we found ourselves knee deep in some awesome Kootenay pow. Wildhorse Catskiing offers an authentic backcountry experience. You really feel like you are out exploring and mining fresh powder. Have a look at the evidence below...

on Friday, 12 February 2010. Posted in Powder Skiing

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Have you ever heard of a place called Kaslo?  How about New Denver?  Odds are, unless you live in the BC interior, or have a good knowledge of it, you have never heard of those places.  But nestled at the top of the pass between these two Kootenay towns is a place called Retallack.

We all love spending time in the backcountry, and (hopefully) eveyone knows that having the proper gear with you is essential.  All of us at Catskiing.ca carry our Back Country Access beacons, probes, and shovels, and regularly practice how to use them when we are out skiing in the backcountry.  What we love about BCA, is their philosophy on avalanche safety:

"At BCA, our mission is to save lives, not just pump products. As a leader in our industry, we need to be responsible about sending people into the backcountry. They need to be equipped not just with products, but with education. That’s why we’ve invested so much in research and education."

Having the right equipment is key, but if you don't know how to use it, you're almost in as much trouble as if you didn't have it at all.  Take time to learn with trained guides/instructors, and practice your techniques to get better.  In addition to that, there are some great online resources. Check out http://backcountryaccess.com/english/education/education.php for lots of info and education tips.  Have fun out there and stay safe.