The Guys at K3 Catskiing were out ski touring and scouting some new terrain for next season.  There is an additional 400 acres of the burnt forest skiing area with an Eastern aspect, 350 acres of South facing steep (40 degrees) tree skiing, and over 600 acres of North aspect  terrain with open alpine and then tree runs, ranging from 400 to 700 vertical metres.  We can't wait to get out there and ski some of this new terrain.  I know winter seems like a far way off, but If this skiing is anything like the other terrain we've skied there, it'll be worth the wait. Check out the full gallery of new terrain photos here.

4 Cat Skiing Operations Have Guides That Pass Canadian Ski Guide Level 3 Exam Last Week. 

Every 2 years (for the last 20 years) the Canadian Ski Guide association holds a 9 day long exam for ski guides that want to lead or supervise a cat or heliskiing operation operation.    This winter 5 guides managed to pass this gruelling ski guide test.   The exam involves terrain selection, group management, rescue, crevasse rescue, Transceiver search and much more.    The crevasse rescue was held at 9,000 ft in the northern Monashee range.   This course was hosted by Mike Weigle Heliskiing.   

The Level 3 qualification allows guides to supervise a cat or heliskiing operation.   The level 3 takes a minimum of 6 years to complete and involves:

• 6 years of mentoring from senior guides - in an apprenticeship model
• 3 levels of guide exams and training
• The highest level of courses and Certification from The Canadian Avalanche association.
• Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Level 1 -2 course
• Current 80 hour 1st aid course

This winter the guides that guide cat skiing that passed are:

• Kieren Gaul - from Big Red Cats
• Martin Keyserlingk – from Vahalla Powdercats
• Patric Malony – from Snowwater Heli skiing (snowcat back-up)
• Demian Whitley - from Baldface Lodge

Congratulations to all these guys – why not go to one of these operations and request to ski with one of these guides

In many places arcoss BC there had been a bit of a snow drought. Down in the valley's spring was pushing winter out the door. That is, until the storm that rolled in on March 10th and lasted for a few days...

We were lucky enough to find ourselves at Big Red Cats with a cat load of the 2011 Powder Skis. You see, we were on a quest to test the best of the best for 2011. And what a test this was! Fresh snow with more dumping on the first day and bluebird skies on the second day.We are going to have full reviews of the 2011 skis from Salomon, Rossignol, Line, Crown, Blizzard, and Movement in the coming weeks so check back with us regularly.

If you are thinking of getting some end of season turns in, let these pictures below be proof that the getting is good out there. Check out Big Red Cats online for some last minute deals: www.bigredcatskiing.com
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With their new Cat Skiing - Mountaineering Pilot Project you can now access those steeps we all  drool over from the view points at Mustang Powder. We were up there earlier this season as you may know and got a few sneak peeks at the steep piste terrain around the area. We were told this wasn't accessible by the cats but is certainly skiable. That is what got Mustang Catskiing guide Colin Zacharias thinking...

The first trip being offered is March 16-19th and will be guided by Larry Stainer. Larry is the man! You must be a fit and competent steeps skier to handle where he is going to take you. Check out the pics below:

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Somewhere out in the wilderness in the Ymir area we found ourselves knee deep in some awesome Kootenay pow. Wildhorse Catskiing offers an authentic backcountry experience. You really feel like you are out exploring and mining fresh powder. Have a look at the evidence below...

on Friday, 12 February 2010. Posted in Powder Skiing

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So far 2010 hasn't produced much snow. At K3 Catskiing just south of Revelstoke BC however, there was plenty. This little hidden gem is a place that should be on your list. We brought back some evidence...
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We all love spending time in the backcountry, and (hopefully) eveyone knows that having the proper gear with you is essential.  All of us at Catskiing.ca carry our Back Country Access beacons, probes, and shovels, and regularly practice how to use them when we are out skiing in the backcountry.  What we love about BCA, is their philosophy on avalanche safety:

"At BCA, our mission is to save lives, not just pump products. As a leader in our industry, we need to be responsible about sending people into the backcountry. They need to be equipped not just with products, but with education. That’s why we’ve invested so much in research and education."

Having the right equipment is key, but if you don't know how to use it, you're almost in as much trouble as if you didn't have it at all.  Take time to learn with trained guides/instructors, and practice your techniques to get better.  In addition to that, there are some great online resources. Check out http://backcountryaccess.com/english/education/education.php for lots of info and education tips.  Have fun out there and stay safe.

It is finally here! After a few months of hard work Valhalla Powder Cats out of Nelson BC has launched their new site. Just in time for some mid-season powder pics! We have had a quick review and it looks pretty hot. See for yourself at www.valhallapow.com They are also offering up a few days of catskiing this month for a bit of a deal. Check out our Last Minute Deals section at the top of the page. Be sure to mention you saw them on Catskiing.ca!

Great snow, great terrain, and great people. That about sums up Valhalla Powdercats. We have visited this operation a few times now and they consistently deliver fantastic days of skiing. It started to snow the day we were up and the light was a little low, but we were still able to snap off a few good shots. Check out the gallery below and stay tuned for some video...
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