Extreme SnowCat Skiing , Colorado Four Corners, Extreme Powder, San Juan Ski Company, Backcountry Fresh Runs, Ski Tips, Group Rates, SnowCat Arrivals, Departures

<body text="#FFCC33" bgcolor="#000000" link="#99CCCC" alink="#003366" vlink="#99CCCC"> <p align="right"><div align="right"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td nowrap> <p><font size="+2"><img src="../h-faqA.gif" width="302" height="70" align="bottom"><img src="../header-blank.gif" width="127" height="70" align="bottom"></font><br> <img src="../a-faq.gif" width="238" height="21" align="bottom"></p> </td> </tr> </table> </div><br> <br>  </p> <blockquote><b>What level of skiing ability is required?<br> </b>You should be a strong intermediate skier able to ski in control on various types of backcountry terrain and snow conditions including treed slopes. We recommend the use of a wide powder ski, not only will it make the transition to powder skiing easier and more enjoyable but you won't tire as quickly.<br> <br> <b>What happens if some skiers are better than others?</b><br> We ski as one group with two guides. If there is a difference in skiing abilities within the group, the sweep guide will do his or her best to find an easier route for those that need it. SJSC reserves the right to ask weaker skiers to sit out some runs if they are consistently holding up the group and affecting the experience for the other guests.<br> <br> <b>What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?<br> </b>Unlike helicopter skiing the snowcat can run on snowy or cloudy days.<br> <br> <b>How long are the runs?<br> </b>400 to 1800 feet.<br> <br> <b>What is the terrain like?<br> </b>75% of our skiing is done in old growth forests. The snow stays protected from the wind and sun. The remainder of our terrain consists of gladed meadows with open areas. The slopes range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees in steepness.<br> <br> <b>How much snow do you get?</b><br> From 4 to 10 feet. Check out Ava's Snow Report.<br> <br> <b>How big are the groups?</b><br> Minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8, however the entire snowcat can be rented by private groups of up to 12.<br> <br> <b>How many runs per day?</b><br> 8 to 12 depending on the groups ability and fitness levels.<br> <br> <b>What is the weather like?</b><br> We are very lucky in so far as southwest Colorado has very mild winters.<br> The daytime winter temperature averages 25 degrees and the sun shines about 80% of the time.<br> <br> <b>Do we need to bring food?</b><br> No, we supply a hearty lunch and beverages, consisting of water and sodas.<br> <br> <b>What kind of clothing is best?</b><br> Guests are on the mountain all day long and should be dressed for cold weather. Layering clothes is advisable so that extra layers may be removed and left with the snowcat. Goggles should be double lens and anti fog. An extra pair of gloves is a good idea. Don't forget the sunscreen.<br> <br> <b>How much does it cost?</b><br> Check our rates and reservation page.<br> <br> <b>Where do you ski?</b><br> Our terrain starts approximately 1 mile north of Purgatory Ski Area and extends another 5 miles north to the end of Cascade Divide road . Our east boundary is U.S. Highway 550 and runs 7 miles west to Bolam and Scotch Creek Passes.<br> <br> <b>What is the schedule for a typical day?</b><br> You should pick up your tickets at the main ticket office at Purgatory Ski Area by 8:30 a.m. the day of your tour. Our guides will then meet you at 8:45 at the Expert Edge in the Village Center for an orientation. We then load and ride a chairlift to the snowcat. From the pickup point to our first ski run is a 30 minute ride in our spacious, heated cat. Four or five runs are usually the norm before breaking for lunch. The day winds down around 4:00 when we head back to the ski area. You can plan on being back at the base area at approximately 4:30 p.m.<br> <br> <b>Are there any age restrictions?</b><br> Yes, we cannot accept anyone under 12 years of age.<br> <br> <b>Do you take credit cards?</b><br> Yes, we accept Visa and Mastercard.<br> <br> <b>Is this only for alpine skiers?</b><br> No, all snow sliding disciplines are welcome, alpine skiers, snowboarders, telemark skiers and monoskiers.<br>  </blockquote> <center>  <p><font face="helvetica,arial"><b> <hr> </b></font></p> <p><font face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif"><table border="0"> <tr> <td> <p><font size="-1" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif" color="#0099CC"><b><map name="map1"> <area shape="rect" coords="11,64,106,91" href="../msgboard/index/"> <area shape="rect" coords="110,63,169,91" href="../links/"> <area shape="rect" coords="171,66,269,91" href="../reservations/"> <area shape="rect" coords="265,35,321,60" href="../faq/"> <area shape="rect" coords="164,0,247,34" href="../experience/"> <area shape="rect" coords="7,4,76,29" href="../home/" target="_top"> <area shape="default" href="../home/" target="_top"> </map><img usemap="#map1" src="../imagemap.gif" alt="San Juan Ski Company Snow Cat Skiing Durango Colorado Site Map" width="322" height="95" border="0" align="bottom"></b></font></p> </td> <td> <center><a href="../home/" target="_top"><font size="-2" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif"><img src="../logo2_ss.gif" width="122" height="64" border="0" align="bottom"></font><font size="-2" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif"><br> San Juan Ski Company<br> 1831 Lake Purgatory Drive<br> Durango, Colorado 81301</font></center> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <center><font size="-2" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif">Tel:970-259-9671 ~ Fax:259-4969 ~ Email: </font><a href="mailto:powder@SanJuanSki.com"><font size="-2" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif">powder@SanJuanSki.com</font><font size="-2" face="verdana,helvetica,arial,geneva,sans-serif"><br> </font></center> </td> </tr> </table> <br> </font></p></center> </body>