This course is not for beginners. Ideally you are at least a strong resort “expert” meaning that you can comfortably ski black diamond runs and handle mixed conditions (ice, powder, crust, bumps). We will also have a ski test on Day One to determine who can ride the cat the next day. This is because riding deep untracked snow, (while utterly awesome and arguably the entire point of learning to ski!) takes some learning. And the day to do it is not when you have a snow cat full of frothers waiting for you at the bottom. If for any reason (including fitness, or altitude) you do not pass that Day One test, don’t worry. You will have a guided lesson at the CB Mtn Resort on Day Two, and then rejoin us that night and for the backcountry hut trip.

Yes! If you already have Alpine Touring (AT) skis, or telemark skis, or a split-board snowboard, you will also need climbing skins, a snow shovel, an avalanche beacon and a probe. If you have regular alpine resort gear, that will work for Day One at the area, and depending on your setup may work for Cat Skiing on Day Two (minimum ski width recommended for off piste 110mm). Or it can be simpler to rent the gear you need as local stores have great selections of dialed in gear. Backcountry.com is a solid one stop shop for most of this stuff. We will also have snow shoes to rent for snowboarders who do not/cannot have access to a split-board touring setup.

This is all moderate fun. (For a mountain athlete). Intention isn’t to be “sending it.” No mandatory airs (or jumps). No required cornices or cliffs. All good times on relatively low angle snow (condition dependent, but mostly under 30 deg slopes). That said, the town of Crested Butte sits at 8800’ in elevation. Lake Irwin (the zone for the cat skiing) is at 10,500’. 

If you are not regularly engaging in solid cardio you may be gassed and that would be a frowny faced situation for all. If you are flying in from the coasts, we would recommend a preliminary night in Salt Lake or Denver to help acclimate. (also, ask your doctor if altitude medication like Diamox is right for you!)

And if you’ve been a bit couch bound and want to thrash that last 10lbs around the middle – you’ve got time. Get after it and use this course as the incentive to fire your game back up!

Gunnison Regional Airport is a sweet little spot just 30 minutes downvalley from Crested Butte. It has regular shuttles (United) to Denver, Salt Lake, Phoenix and other hubs. You can also fly into Denver or Salt Lake and rent a car. Drive times are considerable – 5 hrs plus. We’d recommend coming in the night before the course starts to acclimate, get gear etc.

We also recommend staying in town on the last day for post-course hang. But if needed you can get out that late afternoon/evening.