Backcountry skiers and riders are getting an early Christmas gift this year, as our guided backcountry snowcat season opens more than three weeks earlier than normal.

Guided backcountry snowcat trips are set to begin Saturday, December 22. Opening dates for snowcat trips vary from season to season. Snow conditions normally don’t allow the trips to begin until the second or third week in January.

Healthy snowpack at higher elevations will allow Brundage Mountain’s experienced guides and snowcat clients to access runs on all three mountain peaks, Granite Mountain, Slab Butte and ‘76’.

Brundage Mountain’s snowcat trips are among the most affordable in the industry. A single seat costs just $249 plus tax. Those booking private snowcat trips can ski or board for under $170 per person.

Guests of Brundage Mountain SnowCat Adventures will also be treated to some new backcountry experiences over the course of the season.

Forest Service Approves SnowCat Permit Boundary Expansion

The Forest Service has approved a revision to the boundaries of the SnowCat program. The expansion adds 470 acres of terrain in the Six Mile Ridge area. The new runs provide coveted steep, north-facing terrain with approximately 1,200 foot of continuous vertical drop.

Natural features make this terrain unlikely to be used by snowmobilers. The expansion will also extend the Blue Moon Bowl runs by 50 percent to a total length of 1,500 vertical feet. Those longer runs are already included in the permit area but were not accessible by snowcat roads in the past.

Brundage Mountain crews hope to build over-the-snow access roads into the Six Mile Ridge area in the coming weeks as more snow arrives.

Exclusive Use of Granite Mountain Continued

The Payette National Forest has also renewed a Special Order to close 4,730 acres of terrain on Granite Mountain to over-snow motor vehicle use from January 15 – March 31, 2013.

The purpose of the closure area is to preserve the non-motorized recreation experience and safety of all visitors in the area.

The Special Order is the result of several years of collaboration with the local snowmobile community and backcountry skiers.

The two and a half month closure means no snowmobiles would be allowed to operate in this area from January 15 through March 31.

“This will allow our backcountry SnowCat clients and other backcountry skiers to enjoy prime conditions on top-notch terrain like North and South Dead Tree, Baby Face and Free Willy,” said Brundage Mountain Snow Cat Adventures Manager Niki LeClair.

More information on Brundage SnowCat Adventures is available here.