Colorado’s Highest Peaks Home to State’s Best Snowcat Skiing Terrain
Comprised of the greatest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks in the Rockies, the San Juan Mountains, home to the San Juan Ski Company and Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation, are known for massive storms and deep, dry powder. Nestled in the southwest corner of Colorado, our base at Durango Mountain Resort is within a two-and-a-half hour drive from Telluride and Wolf Creek and 30 minutes from Silverton Mountain, Colorado.
Founded in 1997, the San Juan Ski Company has become a world-class snowcat skiing operation and a destination for skiers and boarders from around the world. Our clients often say that we have the best snowcat skiing terrain in Colorado and the U.S. and are on par with many catskiing companies in Canada. We undoubtedly have some of the most challenging terrain and best tree skiing in the lower forty-eight.
From steep, cliff-pocked tree runs to 1,500-foot bowl descents that dive down through chutes to high-speed cruiser glade runs punctuated with face-shots, the San Juan Ski Company’s 35,000-plus acre powder playground includes miles of steep treed slopes and glades spread throughout 10 major drainages and sick lines off of Grayrock Peak and Graysill Mountain. Independently owned and operated, owner and lead guide Bob Rule has been guiding cat skiing and snowboarding trips since 1997. Sixteen years later, he is still exploring new lines with guests.
We don’t farm our powder, we shred it!
Whereas many cat skiing operations run two or more snowcats a day, we only run snowcat a day. This assures you the best possible terrain, skiing and guest service.
Snowfall in the area averages between 20 and 30 feet. When it’s not dumping, the region is known for bright, crisp bluebird days and magnificent views. It is hard to beat a bluebird powder day!
We do not run snowcat skiing tours adjacent to the ski area boundary; the majority of our backcountry terrain is several miles from resort. Guests ride in our 15-person van equipped with mattracks to meet our snowcat. From there, a 20-30 minute ‘cat ride takes skiers deep into the backcountry. We do not return to the ski area until the end of the day - usually around 4:30. We end the day with a groomer run down Demon.
The San Juan Ski Company cat skis in three zones: Cascade Creek, Scotch Creek and the alpine area on and around Graysill Mountain and Grayrock Peak.
This alpine area is the “gem” of the permit and allows access to big mountain bowls and steep chute skiing. Some of the runs in the bowls and chutes are over 1,500 vertical feet. Skiing in this area is incredible and guests are always awestruck by the beauty, terrain and the enormity of this area. No other cat skiing operation in the U.S. has access to so many huge bowls.
The San Juan Ski Company is also renowned for its tree skiing; where the lines are steep, the trees are nicely spaced, and the snow is always deep. Some of our more famous tree runs include EZ and Graysill Creeks that average around 35 degrees. A local Durango favorite is Scotch Creek; a mix of glades and tree runs.
With almost 60 square miles of terrain and plenty of snowfall, skiers and snowboarders are guaranteed powder; even if it hasn’t snowed in weeks. The San Juan Ski Company is the only snowcat skiing operation in the business that makes this guarantee.
Owned and operated by diehard skiers who don’t want to ski unless they are skiing virgin powder, owners Bob and Carrie Rule hope this guarantee gives clients peace of mind before and after booking a snowcat trip.
Clients can expect to ski or ride 10 to 15 runs and between 10,000 and 15,000 vertical feet.
