› Chicago Ridge Backcountry Safety Course

› Sightseeing Tours

• Join us on the Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours and experience the adventure and excitement of backcountry powder skiing and snowboarding. 
  
  • We operate on 2460 acres of terrain on the San Isabel and White River National Forests. We average 275” of annual snowfall. We will take you as high as 12,600 feet in elevation atop the Continental Divide. The slopes vary from 3000 to 10,000 feet in length with vertical drops up to 1400 feet per run. 
  
  • Our terrain varies between open bowls, steeps, and treed glades. The skiing requires an advanced ability or better (solid skier/rider on “black” trails). Remember this is backcountry snow – which presents challenges not found within a ski area.
  
  • Our guests average 10 – 15 runs a day, depending on the strength of the group. Runs average 1500 vertical feet of descent.
  
  • We access our terrain by snowcat. Our cats carry one operator, two guides, and up to 12 guests. Our cat coaches are plush, heated, and include a CD stereo system if guests would like to bring their own music. We maintain over 10 miles of access roads in the backcountry.
  
  • Our guides serve a “backcountry gourmet” lunch in our heated yurt. Après ski is also provided.
  
  • We ask our guests to check in no later than 8:30am – earlier if rentals are needed. The guides request all guests to be on “fat” powder skis or snowboards to enjoy your experience. Powder ski rentals are available in the base area.
  
  • All guests will be equipped with ORTOVOX avalanche transceivers, and will receive basic training on their use. Guests may bring personal avalanche gear provided that the guides test it and feel comfortable with its use.  Check in is at the Ski Cooper day lodge. Please bring appropriate gear for snow and changing weather conditions. This is a great opportunity to rent powder fat skis from our rental shop.
  
  

  Guides:

  • We maintain a qualified and professional guide staff.  All of our guides are registered with the National Ski Patrol and most are Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics or Physicians.  All guides are trained in avalanche safety and rescue.
  • Two guides lead all tours. 
  • Chicago Ridge also staffs a certified avalanche rescue dog.

   

  New This Season:

  • A new Bombardier tour cat.  We now maintain a fleet of two cats.
  • A new yurt and cook shack.  The yurt is heated so guests can enjoy their backcountry meal to the fullest!
  • A more aggressive snow safety program to ensure guest safety and maximize open terrain.

Reservations

• Advanced reservations are required. Call on or after November 10, 2008 to reserve a spot. Call 719-486-2277, Monday through Friday 8:30 to 3:30 MDST. Reservations desk is open full time beginning mid November, 2008. Young people under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and have the skill level to handle the backcountry terrain. A 100% deposit is required at the time reservations are made. Reservations may be made with major credit card, travelers checks or cash.
• Days of Operation - Mid December to the end of March- snow permitting
• Hours of Operation - ALL DAY - 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
• Full Day (Includes a Hot Lunch at our new Yurt & Apres Ski at the Lodge)
• Rates $325 January 25, 2009-February 28,2009
• Rates $290 the rest of the season.