SJSC guide Skippie keeps an eye on skiers dropping into Pando Cirque.
Your safety is our highest priority
Since the San Juan Ski Company began operating in 1997, we been is dedicated to providing the ultimate snowcat skiing adventure in as safe a manner as possible.
For the most part, our clients never see all the work and thought that goes into our safety program. This is, of course, as it should be; but we encourage you to educate yourself regarding the risks associated with catskiing and what is being done to mitigate and contain these risks. We are proud of our staff’s qualifications, as well as the expertise and experience they bring in making your day a great one.
Managing risk in a backcountry tour operation involves identifying the hazards which may be encountered on any given day and then avoiding those hazards or mitigating the danger presented by those hazards. The primary focus of risk management in skiing the backcountry is the selection of ski terrain. The selection of ski terrain is made on a daily basis and is the result of a consideration and evaluation of several factors including, but not limited to, avalanche potential, weather, snow conditions and the clientele’s level of skiing and riding proficiency.
Following are some of the key safety issues, as well as standards and protocols that define our operating procedures.
Operating Standards
The San Juan Ski Company is a member of the U.S. Snowcat Skiing Association. We are regulated by the U.S. Forest Service who requires that we submit an operating plan before each season.
Guides
All of our guides are professionals with a lifelong dedication to their profession and are trained in medical first aid, avalanche avoidance and alpine rescue. While in the field, all guides carry radios and are in constant communication with other guides, the snowcat drivers and Durango Mountain Resort’s ski patrol dispatch.
Beyond this, the guides are chosen based on their years of experience specifically related to backcountry skiing and their unique personalities. We encourage all our guides to continuously upgrade their professional skills. All personnel are provided with annual refresher classes and training in the use of radios and communications, terrain evaluation, winter emergency care and rescue operations.
SJSC owner and lead guide Bob digs a quick pit to check snow stability.
Snow and Weather
The San Juan Ski Company maintains several snow-study plots, which are monitored throughout the season. In addition, the guides record daily field observations, and diligently track weather details and snowfall data. This beta is shared during the guide’s twice-daily meetings. Each and every day, a snow stability forecast and avalanche hazard rating is prepared in the morning, and a snow stability evaluation with the day’s observations, is prepared in the evening when we return from the backcountry. The terrain and runs we choose to ski are designed to minimize exposure to any potential risks based on these tools.
We are a member of the American Avalanche Association (AAA). We also participate in an information exchange each day by e-mail to share daily avalanche hazard and weather information from other operators and agencies involved in avalanche forecasting and control in the San Juan Mountains.
Route finding and run selection provides the guides with an opportunity to avoid hazards either recognized in the morning forecast or encountered throughout the course of the skiing day. The topographic configuration of the ski run and surrounding terrain offers guides the surest form of avoidance. The greater the variety of ski terrain (aspect, steepness, elevation, treed versus open slopes) available to the operation, the easier it is to manage the inherent and ever-changing risks. When the avalanche hazard rating for the day is extreme, lower angled terrain and more heavily treed areas are chosen.
The San Juan Ski Company uses an ongoing forecasting system that is based on current industry standards.
These include:
1. Monitoring avalanche and weather forecasts from available resources, such as the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Telluride, DMR, and Silverton Mtn. Ski Patrols.
2. Knowing and choosing the terrain to be skied given the conditions for the day.
3. History of the snowpack over the course of the season and observed characteristics of the snowpack.
4. Evaluating the snowpack using snow pits and stability tests.
5. Slope testing by ski cutting and the use of explosives.
6. Documentation of all pits, stability tests and explosives use.
Infrastructure and Back-up Support
There are many additional safety features we have considered and built into our cat skiing program. For example, we share repeaters with Durango Mountain Resort to ensure reliable communications at all times.
Also, even though the snowcat and guides carry a carefully prescribed list of medical and rescue gear, we have a mutual response agreement with Durango Mountain Resort in the case of an emergency.
