Spring skiing in the sun at BC's newest catskiing operation
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We had the opportunity to get out and explore the new terrain that is now being offered at Keefer Lake Catskiing. Located just a short drive East of Vernon, British Columbia, and only a 2 hour drive the Kelowna International airport, it is easy to get to and sure to be attracting attention....
We are stoked to get another cover for our photographer Geoff Holman!
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We made the cover of Ski Magazine! Our photographer Geoff Holman and skier Todd Avison grace the cover of the February 2016 cover. This particular photo was taken on a late March trip to Valhalla Powdercats just outside of Nelson BC. We have had some of our most epic skiing at Valhalla and this trip was no exception. One of the main differences though was that we were there in late season. Normally our visits to Valhalla occur in January when the days are darker and the snow is pounding on a daily basis. When you are up high and in a climate zone like Valhalla the snow stays fresh while the skies stay clear more often.
When Ski Magazine was looking for a "Spring" image, we had just the collection to show them. We want the skiers of the world to know that not all Spring skiing is Snik infused, goggle tan, patio drinking days (although those are nice!). Come to our neck of the woods in Canada and enjoy some Spring pow at Valhalla Powdercats.
We are pumped to get the cover and even more excited that the name of Valhalla Powdercats is getting in front of the eyeballs of skiers all over North America. Oh, and we love the title of this edition....Your Endless Winter.
Handmade in Vernon BC
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We stopped by the Skevik Skis workshop the other day to pick up our new pair of Anton 112's and saw these beauties sitting there. It is a custom graphic edition of the Anton made specially for Keefer Lake Catskiing. This is a perfect match really. Skevik Skis are handmade in Vernon BC and Keefer Lake Catskiing is just 1.5 hours down the valley. Skis made for the mountains in this area of BC.
Check out that graphic too. Skevik is known for their artistic topsheets and this one fits the bill. Nice work guys. We know Keefer Lake will love em as much as we do!
Experiencing team spirit in the backcountry
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There is something about this pic that encapsulates the vibe of skiing with Big Red Cats. Kieren, owner and lead guide, believes that catskiing is a team sport. When I first heard him explain this is was foreign having grown up skiing and competing it always felt like I was the only on on the team. Fast forward a few years to the phase of my life that includes a fair amount of catskiing and Kieren's remarks begin to take hold on me.
The spirit when skiing with Big Red Cats is to be out exploring terrain and getting powder, but it is more than that. Kieren has instilled this philosophy of skiing as a group and cheering each other on. Watching the next guy's line, getting pumped when someone pushes themselves, helping out after a crash, that sort of thing. The BRC style is the exact opposite of "No friends on a powder day".
We got in on some early season El Nino snow mid-December at Big Red Cats. The BC Interior was blessed with ample early snow which was a well deserved gift considering the bleak conditions from the previous season.Big Red Cats toughed it out and was ready for some payback from Mothernature and her unpredictable sidekick El Nino.
Big Red Cats was experiencing one of the strongest openings in years and stability was of the charts stable. This enable the team to get into some interesting and more sporty terrain than some of our previous visits. In fact, we saw a whole new side to Big Red. We skied chutes, steeps, drops, tight and steep trees, deep pow...you name it, we skied it. It also helped that we had sunshine rolling in and out all day. Sun and pow in early December. Incredible.
We skied fresh powder under sunny skies for two days with the BRC team and the group from Freeride Media. It was an epic way to kick off the season. We were even treated to a fine mountain side meal at Big Red Cats restaurant Fresh Cafe and Apres. Delicious food and a great environment to get fueled up for the day and wind down afterwards.
Having skied with Big Red Cats since they opened I have to say, this may have been my most favorite trip. The conditions were exceptional and we got to ski some cool zones. But what I think sunk in the most was this team thing. Kieren is on to something and is shows in all the positive feedback they get and the repeat clients that come back year after year. So if you are looking for a confortable backcountry experience filled with good times and a team environment, check out Big Red Cats. They will do their best to make your day as memorable as possible.
A few pics from the adventure...
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Words by: Todd Avison
Photos by: Geoff Holman
Christmas came early for us skiers and boarders in BC
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We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best pow lines in the New Year! The 2016 season is shaping up to be one for the record books. If you have a trip planned, have an incredible time...if not, make it a New Year's Resolution and get after it!
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Save big on deep powder skiing before Christmas. Just $299 (around $215 USD) for standby seats. Photo was taken this week! and snow continues to fall in the Kootenays.
Check out BIG RED CATS.
Powder, powder and more powder!
This little video is from today, December 18th, 2015 up at Powder Mountain Catskiing near Whistler. The coastal mountains have been having an epic early season!
Are you around the Vancouver/Whistler area for Christmas? Seems only right for you to scoot up to Powder Mountain and go get some of these goods!
Conditions are exceptional and more snow is on its way this weekend.
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We just got back from two days of epic powder skiing at Big Red Cats near Rossland BC. The conditions are exceptional with a storm forecast for Friday. There is a tonne of snow up in their tenure, great stability and tonnes of terrain open. If you are aching for some early season powder, Big Red Cats has the cure! They are up and running and have room from now through Christmas.
Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and call BRC and book a seat.
Select dates: Dec 31st, January 1st and/or 2nd
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Book 4 or more seats at Valhalla Powdercats for these select dates and save 10%!
Select dates: December 31st, January 1st or January 2nd
With the Canadian Dollar at an 11 year low this is a perfect deal for our American friends. Valhalla is only a 2 hour drive from the Spokane Airport!
The powder is stacking up nice and deep making for an epic early season so act fast before these seats are booked!