LOVELAND SKI AREA SNOWCAT TOURS

Loveland Ski Area will launch a guided snowcat operation in Dry Gulch, just east of Lift 8, for the 2022/23 season. Loveland Snowcat Tours will offer an authentic backcountry experience for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders. Service is expected to start in January of 2023 and run through April as conditions permit. Loveland plans to offer trips on weekends January through April each season.

Explore 580 acres of open bowl and tree skiing with our guides that know where to find the goods. Full-day trips will be available and include lunch, avalanche transceiver, lift ticket to access the cat, and 8-11 runs per day depending on conditions and group ability. Each run will offer guests 600-800 vertical feet of fun.

Due to snow conditions, Loveland Snow Cat Tours will not operate for the 2021/22 season.

We plan to operate for the 2022/23 season. Check back in the fall for more info and pricing.

Single Seat $395
Entire Cat (12 seats) $4,500

Are there any COVID protocols?

Yes. Because everyone will be sharing an enclosed space during the trip, we have created the following protocols for Loveland Snowcat Tours during the 2021/22 season. For the health and safety of our guests and employees, all passengers will be required to wear masks while riding in the snowcat and inside all Loveland Ski Area facilities during check-in and après. Complimentary N95 masks will be available for any guest that would like one for their trip.

Guests will also be required to either show proof of COVID vaccination that was completed at least two weeks prior to the trip or a negative COVID PCR test result within 72 hours of the start of the trip. At home tests are not acceptable. If a guest receives a positive test result, they will be provided with a refund with proof of a positive test. Any guest that fails to meet these expectations will not be allowed to participate and will not receive a refund.

Are Reservations Required?

Yes, reservations are required and can be made online or over the phone. We plan to open registration and offer trips as soon as conditions permit.

What do I need to bring?

Mask – Complimentary N95 masks will also be available for any guest that would like one for their trip.

Water bottle or hydration bladder. Water refills will be available on the snowcat.

Sunscreen.

Ski strap. Ski Strap for securing skis and poles while riding the cat. (Not needed if snowboarding.)

Snacks. Lunch will be provided.

Layered clothing.

Goggles.

Waterproof jacket, pants, and gloves.

Small daypack if desired.

Nothing can be stored in the Lower Ridge View Room while you are on your trip. Rental lockers are available at Loveland Basin.

What gear will be provided?

We will provide every member of the group with an avalanche transceiver. Guests are required to wear one of our transceivers during the trip, so please do not bring your own. Please bring only what you plan to carry with you or store in a locker at Loveland Basin. Unattended items may not be left in the Lower Ridge View Room during your tour.

Is the snowcat trip guided?

Yes, each group will be accompanied by 3 guides from the Loveland Ski Patrol.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes, guests 13 and under are not permitted on Loveland Snowcat Tours. Guests 14-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need special skis or snowboard to participate?

No, but we do recommend all-mountain or powder specific skis or snowboards. Discount demo skis and snowboards are available in the Adventure Center in the Loveland Basin Sport Shop. Boots are not available. Please bring your own. Reservations are required. Pricing TBA.

Is lunch provided?

Yes, each guest will be provided with a sandwich, chips, fruit, and a cookie. Snacks are not provided, so please bring your own. Water refills will be available on the snowcat.

Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Each guest will also receive a post trip après beverage in the Rathskeller.

Do you require a deposit?

All trips must be paid in full when the reservation is made.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

Guests that cancel 10 days or more in advance will receive a full refund. Guests that cancel within 10 days of their trip will not be entitled to any refund and will not be permitted to reschedule.

Guests can reschedule their trips to another available day within the same season as long as they do so at least 10 days prior to their trip date. Guests are limited to one reschedule per season.

If Loveland Snowcat Tours cancels a trip for any reason, guests will receive a full refund, or they may reschedule their trip for any available day within the same season.

Tours will not run unless at least 6 seats are booked. We will do our best to fill empty seats or combine groups when possible. 

Refunds will not be provided to late guests who are not present and ready to go when the group departs. Winter travel conditions on I70 can cause delays and closures, so please plan accordingly.

Refunds will not be provided to guests that are unable to ski the terrain served by Loveland Snowcat Tours.

How long is the snowcat tour?

Guests will be required to meet in the Lower Ridge View Room at Loveland Basin fully geared up and ready to go at 8:00am for introductions, avalanche transceiver instructions, and a safety discussion. The group will go up Chet’s Dream at 8:30am and head over to Lift 8 via Lift 4. Guests can expect to be making their first lap around 9:30am and then return to the ski area around 3:30pm.

Any guest that is not present and ready to go by the time the group leaves for Chet’s Dream will not be permitted to participate and will not receive a refund. 

Will I be able to ski the terrain?

The snowcat tours are for advanced intermediate to expert level skiers and snowboarders. If you are comfortable skiing/snowboarding the terrain served by Lifts 4 & 9, this terrain won’t be an issue for you. Please keep in mind that you may encounter variable snow conditions or extreme weather on this trip which could make the skiing/snowboarding more challenging. If you are concerned about your ability level, please give us a call and we would be happy to help!

Our guides will evaluate the group’s abilities throughout the day. Because we want everyone on the trip to get as many runs as possible, if someone is holding the group back, they may be asked to finish the day on lift served terrain.

Please be honest with yourself and with us about your ability. Guests that are unable to ski with the group will not be provided with a refund.

Guest Expectations

Listen to the guides and follow their instructions throughout the trip.

Arrive on time, ready to go.

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, and stay hydrated.

The use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited on Loveland Snowcat Tours.

The use of headphones is discouraged. Communication is important to ensure the safety of everyone in the group. If you decide to use headphones, please use only one and turn your music off when receiving instruction from the guides. 

Ski or snowboard within your ability level.

Commercial photography or videography is not permitted unless you obtain approval from Loveland Snowcat Tours and the US Forest Service prior to your trip. If you are interested in obtaining a permit for a commercial shoot, please email john.sellers@skiloveland.com.