Adventure sports progress and evolve over time. New disciplines emerge, making them even more appealing and accessible to all audiences, and of course, snow sports are no exception!
Many snow enthusiasts dream of spending a day skiing or snowboarding on untouched snow slopes, where they can perfect their turns and refine their technique while having fun. But reality is different. Finding such pristine slopes regularly is quite challenging, whether due to overcrowding at ski resorts or the excessive cost of producing artificial snow.
A new trend: the use of snowcats
In recent years, some American and European resorts have started using snowcats to access remote areas and enjoy completely untouched slopes. But... what is a snowcat?
It’s essentially a tracked vehicle designed for snowy terrain. Similar to a piste groomer but without the blade or tiller, it features a cabin that fits around 10 people.
On a typical day with this lift, you can expect 6 to 12 runs, depending on the group’s skill level and the terrain’s gradient. At the bottom, you’ll usually wait a few minutes for the snowcat to return before heading up again.
One crucial note: if you’ve never tried snowboarding before, it’s highly recommended to take a beginner’s course first to grasp the necessary technique. Groups are typically divided by skill level, with wide, gentle slopes for intermediate riders and tree-lined runs or obstacles for the more adventurous.
Helisnow or snowcats?
Key differences between the two:
- Cost: Choosing a helicopter significantly increases the price, while a snowcat can cut costs by nearly half.
- Terrain: Steep slopes are better suited to helicopters, attracting more professional riders. Snowcats can’t access such terrain directly.
- Time: Snowcats are slower but offer a calmer ascent/descent. By day’s end, you could surf over 5000m of vertical descent—impressive, especially on high-quality powder.
- Weather: In storms, the snowcat’s warmth is a perk. Helicopters may be grounded, but snowcats operate unaffected.
Travel plans vary by region
In Canada and Alaska, snowcat operators are often in remote wilderness areas, whereas in the rest of the US and Europe, they’re based in winter resorts, catering to guests seeking "something extra".
Not all locations are equal—terrain and snow quality differ. For instance, Alaska delivers intense thrills, while the Rockies complement ski trips. Canada boasts the most established powder businesses, often well-organised, with smaller operators in less-trodden areas.
In Europe, more ski resorts and companies are adopting snowcats to access pristine backcountry, particularly in Northern Europe and the Alps. Now that you know all about this snow vehicle... Would you try it at Spanish resorts?
