Since October, storms have been tracking south and the Southern San Juans have been hit with fresh powder on almost a weekly  basis. This weather pattern appears to be holding. And, since March typically brings the most snowfall to the San Juans, the next few weeks could be epic.

The snow is piling up and our prices are going down!  Offer is good Monday-Thursday. Private snowcats hold 10, taxes and fees apply. Trips cannot be booked online. Call 1.800.208.1780 for reservations.

The storm that blew in February 2nd just keeps on giving. Almost a foot of snow fell Thursday night, followed by four inches Friday; four more on Saturday and eight inches last night. And more snow is predicted this week.

In the past couple of weeks our area has received over four feet of snow.

Skiing has been phenomenal! Almost daily, however, we get calls from people inquiring if we are open. Of course we are! And conditions are great!

We might even have the snowcat skiing bragging rights to the deepest base and best snow in the state.

We started the season with one of the deeper snow packs in Colorado which allowed us to get our roads built before the dry spell, which was also accompanied by high winds and warm temps, hit the state and grounded all snowcat operations. This early snow also allowed us to open earlier than any other snowcat operation in the U.S. We ran several trips in December and after a brief halt in operations, started running trips the middle of January.

Whereas several Colorado snowcat companies are still struggling to build roads or aren’t open due to lack of snow, we are skiing in all of our zones – including alpine bowls and lower elevation trees.

If you are hungry for first tracks, now is the time to schedule a trip. And, as always, we guarantee untracked powder.

Fortunately, the waiting has ended; we are open for business and are ready to ski powder!

The storm that rolled in late Sunday brought around 12 inches to our lower terrain.  The new snow and predicted stormy weather throughout the week and upcoming weekend can tide us through the next dry spell… if needed.  

We appreciate your patience while waiting for more snow and your concerns about upcoming trips. Those of you who have trips booked now through the end of January (or who are thinking about booking a trip) you will have great conditions even if it doesn’t snow this week. The last storm brought enough snow to allow us to ski most of our trees runs; which, till now, needed more coverage.

The Southern San Juans still have one of the deeper snowpacks inColorado.

Warm temps and weird jet streams have contributed to scant snowfall throughout most of the western states.  While the San Juans have one of the deeper snowpacks in Colorado, the SJSC hasn’t run snowcat trips since Dec. 31^th when high winds blasted alpine terrain and warm temps melted lower elevation cat roads.  Since then, we haven’t picked up any measureable precipitation in our catski terrain.

However, the storm track appears to be changing…

Forecasters agree that the dominant ridge of high pressure is shifting and may signal an end to the blocking pattern that has pushed recent storms away from Colorado. Snow is predicted in the San Juans late Sunday and a second storm is predicted out of the northwest Monday morning. Local forecasters call for an unsettled northwest flow developing by middle of next week. One national forecaster even predicted a total flip from the current weather pattern.

Here at the SJSC, we are keeping our fingers and toes crossed that the rest of January and remaining season will be snowy and stormy.

 This year marks our 15^th anniversary.  Since we have been unable to celebrate with scheduled specials and events in December and January, we have extended our specials in February to include three days of discounted seats.

 We kick off our anniversary revelry on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, with a romantic catskiing package that includes lodging. Price is $600 per couple and includes lodging and catskiing for two and photos of your day. Single seats are also discounted $25. Gift certificates are available, with or without lodging.

 On February 15, we debut our steep clinic. Conditions and weather permitting, we will officially open our doors to “gnarvana” and take skiers and riders down some of the steepest lines in our 36,000 acres of terrain. Seats are discounted by $25.

We are offering discounted private cats for $2,000 (plus tax)  February 16.  Get a group of 12 together and ski for $166 (plus tax) per person.

Discounted trips cannot be booked online. Please call 1.800.208.1780 for information and reservations.

By Carrie Rule

Our first trip of the year was December 24. We were gifted with great powder skiing.

As a young ski bum in Montana, dry spells during winter always led to adventure. I’d head north to Canada and follow the storms – getting face shots at Whitewater, Fernie and Red Mountain, hopping on helicopters at standby rates, or flying into BC backcountry huts for a week of power skinning and epic powder turns on glaciers. 

Other drought years took me to Colorado, Utah, California and even the Alps. 

Twenty years later, it’s not so easy for me to follow storms across North America. And fortunately, I don’t have to travel far to find powder, since skiing untracked lines (even weeks after the last storm) is just a snowcat ride away – until this week.

The Southern San Juans started the season with south tracking storms stacked one after another. By the middle of December, our area had one of the deepest snowpacks in the West. Since then, winds have blasted our snowcat terrain (even below tree line), warm temps have melted and consolidated the snowpack (as well as creating a killer crust), and no snow has fallen in almost three weeks. Despite this, the Southern San Juans still have one of the deeper snowpacks in Colorado.

Because of less-than-ideal ski conditions, we are not running any snowcat trips until it snows.

For those of you who had trips this week that were cancelled, we are deeply sorry. And for those of you who are hesitant about booking a trip later this season, we understand your concerns.

 Who knows what this winter will bring?

We know you are jonesin’ for powder just as much as we are. Snow will eventually fall in the San Juan Mountains. And if you can’t follow the storms around the U.S.and Canada; remember that once it begins to snow again, the SJSC has over 36,000 acres to play in.

We are booking trips, but will not charge a deposit on your credit card until we get enough snow to reopen. Please call 1.800.208.1780 to take advantage of this offer. We still have many seats available in February and March as well as April. (Might as well ski late into the season since the season is starting late).

Forecasters predict the current dry spell in the San Juans and Colorado to end Saturday. Let’s hope they are correct!

If line after line of untracked powder skiing is on your Christmas wish list this season, the San Juan Ski Company, Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation, has thousands of acres of pristine powder just waiting for skiers and riders to rip into during the holiday vacation.

 The Durango Mountain Resort-based catskiing outfit takes out its first guest ‘cat December 24.  Seats are still available through New Year’s Day.

While most Rocky Mountain ski areas are reporting a base that hovers around 25 inches, the SJSC has had normal snowfall throughout its 36,000 acres of terrain and is one of the first snowcat companies in the U.S. to run catskiing trips this season.

Since the first major storm hit the southern San Juan Mountains in early October, systems have been tracking south and the storms have kept rolling in.  Ski areas in the San Juans - Durango Mountain Resort, Silverton Mountain and Telluride – are reporting normal or above normal snowpack, while Wolf Creek has bragging rights to the most snow in the nation – with 187 inches this season.

Another storm is predicted for tonight and tomorrow (Dec. 21-Dec. 22). The powder keeps piling up! We hope you can ski with us this holiday season.

If you are still searching for a great gift, we have snowcat skiing gift certificates.

For details, visit www.sanjuanski.com or call 1.800.208.1780.

Press Release

For those of you who would rather ski than shop or who can’t find the perfect gift, Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation, the San Juan Ski Company, is offering gift certificates for the VIP’s - very important powder hounds – on your Christmas list.

You can order the gift certificate without missing a ski run, stepping into a mall, searching for a parking spot, or standing in line at the cash register. And, most importantly, the powder-skiing junkie on your list gets a day of untracked powder and an experience that lasts a lifetime.

Since the recipient chooses the day they want to cat ski, they can pick the best powder day of the season.  Advanced reservations are required. Some days may not be available due to prior bookings.

Snowcat skiing gift certificates are discounted $25 off regular seat prices and include a coupon for 50 percent off Icelantic demo powder skis. To order, call 1.800.208.1780.  For snowcat skiing details, visit www.sanjuanski.com.

Renowned for challenging terrain and 36,000 acres of untracked powder, the San Juan Ski Company is based at Durango Mountain Resort.

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The website for Treasure Mountain Hut, a backcountry cabin outside of Silverton, Co., describes its skiing and riding terrain as “a Disneyland of Gnar;” a recent piece in Powder Magazine was titled “Sculpting Gnarnia;” and our own website for the San Juan Ski Company says we have “opened the gates to Gnarvana.”

 Ya think maybe the gnar is being overworked? Ya think?

No way. In fact, now is the time for a lexicon of gnar – agnarxicon, if you will. If you own skis, a snowboard, or a surfboard and you are under the age of ……well, dead, you don’t need “the gnar” defined for you. So let’s just jump right into it. Gnarology 101 -

Gnarophilia- Unquestioning love of the gnar.

Gnarophile – One who loves the gnar.

Gnarophobia – An irrational fear of the gnar.

Gnarophobe- One who suffers from Gnarophobia. Is Gnarphobic.

Gnargon- A planet many light years away. Those most adept at killing the gnar lines are generally from one of three places. The most adept are (yes, we have to acknowledge it here) extraterrestrials and have visibly supernatural ability in this realm.

Gnargonaut- Extraterrestrials from Gnargon who have come here to shred. Gnargonite- If a Gnargonaut eats sh..(oops, can’t say that here), there is the strong probability that the biff was caused by the presence of Gnargonite, the main element of their home planet. The smallest amount of Gnargonite can put the total spaz on a Gnargonaut.

Gnaristan- On our home planet the sickest shredders hail from Gnaristan and Gnarsylvania. Gnargyle- the hand woven fabric with its distinctive pattern worn as a base layer by Gnaristanis .

Gnargahide- a mythological waterproof and breathable material said to come from Gnarsylvania . (This material does not exist.)

Paragnarmal- Terrain so sick the lines are from another dimension.

Gnarcissism- The not so rare disorder that causes people to become obsessed with seeing themselves shred – in video or still footage.‘ This term can also be used to describe the farming of snow (i.e. keeping regular paying customers off the franchise lines) by a back country ski operation just before an impending photo/video shoot (See ‘shameless self-promotion.’)

Gnargoyle – Someone who can totally shred but is uglier than the little stone decorations atop medieval cathedrals. Even goggles and helmets can not hide the hideous appearance of a gnargoyle.

Gnargoplasty – Results from eating it sick – really sick. This high speed facial alteration is similar to other types of facial alteration e.g. rhinoplasty (i.e. a nose job). Gnargoplasty, however, usually does not do your physiognomy any favors. Unless you are a gnargoyle.

Gnarcolepsy – A neurological condition marked by sudden attacks or seizures brought on by anything gnarly. A gnarcoleptic will yard sale anytime, anywhere just talking about sick lines.

Gnark – Okay, you have been Captain Kirking the backcountry, and you have found some totally uber cool shreddin’. You bring your bro to your secret pow stash, but your bro turns out to be Brosef Stalin and ruins your fun by telling the world about your secret stash. He has gnarked on you. Don’t ever trust a gnark.

And finally and most importantly.

Gnargasm – What is it that draws us to the gnar? It is simple, we are seeking a singularly intense experience. We are seeking to experience a ‘gnargasm.’ This word explains itself, especially if you have ever had a gnargasm. Sometimes a gnargasm is so intense it will cause some poor moron to declaim, “Skiing is better that sex.” Oh well. Dude, less time with The Gnarma Sutra and more time with The Karma Sutra.

So, you want the gnargasm? Call the San Juan Ski Co. – Trust me, it will gnarbulous – yeah, totally epic….I mean gnarpic.

The latest edition of the Gnarma Sutra will be available in time for Valentine’s Day. Ask for it on your next SJSC cat trip.

Recently Aspen Skiing Co. announced that it is again offering “The
Ultimate Ski Pass.”

 For $25,000, pass holders will get “unlimited first tracks before chairlifts open,” get to meet members of the Women’s U.S.
Ski Team, have breakfast with the president of the U.S. Ski and
Snowboard Association, and more.

First tracks….really?

Inspired by “The Ultimate Ski Pass,” The San Juan Ski Company,
Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation is
now offering “The Penultimate Ski Pass.”

If Aspen has the last word in ski passes SJSC has the next to last word in ski passes. For $24,999, (Notice: this pass is cheaper) pass holders get 100 skier days with SJSC that can be used solely for fresh trackin’ or for any of the following perks:

Spend an early season day in a winch cat, experiencing the thrill of
moving up to nine miles an hour through our 36,000 acres of backcountry terrain.  Add to the excitement by talking politics with one of our well-informed wingnut snowcat drivers (left or right wing nuts are available).  Get to experience the tedium…. er, excitement of establishing cat roads.

Got issues?

 Wanna unload some baggage?

 A relationship needs fixing?

Head out into the backcountry on a snowmobile with one of our guides,  get remote, put your skins on, start climbing and open yourself up.  You love the cold smoke, the ‘pow,’ the face shots, but the rest of your life is more like breakable crust.  We can help.  Our sensitive, caring guides will bring you to actual pow stashes at the same time leading you to the untracked powder of your soul.  Tell us.  How do feel about that?

Meeting the U.S. Women’s Ski Team …Okay, that’s pretty cool.  But shredding fresh pow and returning home spiritually centered and in touch with your feelings – kinda priceless, eh?

 Ever dreamed of using explosives? Ever wanted to blow up something  ….besides you ex’s car? 

 How about filling your backpack with Pentolite or maybe some ANFO and heading out with SJSC’s lead guide to do some
snowpack evaluation. Get to yell, “Fire in the hole.” right before the cornice goes kablooie.  But the real fun will be the next time you try to get  that backpack through airport security.

Since this is all about “ultimate” stuff, how about the ultimate
untracked back country experience (and we do mean ultimate). Strap on one of our BCA Float Avalanche Airbags and let’s go ‘git us a avalanche.’ We will find you an avalanche prone ski line and off you go. If the slope  does not go we will find you another. We will not quit until you’ve gone  for the ultimate ride. After which we will name that slope after you.

(SJSC is not responsible for any injuries (physical or psychological) or dry cleaning that might result from this experience.)

While the proceeds from Aspen Skiing Co.’s Ultimate Pass will be split between local schools and helping events tied to World Cup ski racing in Aspen, our intentions are no less noble. The profits from SJSC’s Penultimate Pass will be spent on cosmetic surgery (never mind for whom, maybe it’s more than one) and to support The St. Dementia Home for Aging Ski Guides.

Start buying those Lotto tickets because you know you want to be rockin’ the SJSC Penultimate Pass. It could be the next to last thing you ever do.

The San Juan Ski Company is not responsible for anything. It is
especially not responsible for anything expressed on this

To celebrate its anniversary, the independently-owned Durango Mountain Resort-based catskiing outfit is offering monthly discounts on snowcat tours, guided backcountry trips and specials on and around the 15^th of every month through April. 

The San Juan Ski Company resumes its anniversary celebration Jan.14-15, which also coincides with another Backcountry-Experience sponsored and DMR-hosted event – Winterfest. The third annual Winterfest offers a weekend of ice-climbing, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing clinics, dog-sledding, ski races, igloo making, ski movies and more.

January 14-15: In the spirit of Winterfest, which originated to encourage people to experience new winter activities, the SJSC is offering a 10 percent discount on regular seat prices (a savings of $25) and a 25 percent seat discount (a savings of $100) on its Learn-to-Ski Powder Snowcat; Price is $300 includes ski instructor and powder skis.

In addition to snowcat trips, the SJSC will also guide back country skiing tours that emphasize skinning techniques, avalanche beacon use, backcountry protocol, terrain selection, and, of course, powder and tree skiing tips.  Skis, AT boots or climbing skins are not provided; however, this gear can be rented, but must be reserved in advance.  Price is $175 per person (a $50 savings). Guide to client radio is 1:4.

Feburary 14: The SJSC slows down the party beat for Valentine’s Day with a special romantic catskiing package that includes lodging. Couple packages start at $600. Price includes lodging, snowcat skiing and photos of your day. Gift Certificates are available; with or without lodging.

Feburary 15: The SJSC ramps it up with a discounted steep clinic ‘cat (skiers/riders will be filmed for a video) and a discounted private snowcat. Conditions and weather permitting, the SJSC will officially open its doors to “gnarvana,” and take skiers/riders down some of the steepest lines in its 36,000 acres of terrain. Skiers/riders who join the steep clinic will also be featured in a new video for the SJSC’s website. Seats are $250 (a $25 savings).

In addition to the steep clinic, the SJSC is also offering a private snowcat for $2,000 (a savings of $500).

The SJSC’s own version of March Madness runs March 15-18 with four continuous days of discounted trips and private snowcats.

March 15-18: The SJSC is offering a 10 percent discount on all trips, including private snowcats (save $250), regular seats, Family PowderCats, Steep Clinics, Learn-to-Ski Powder Snowcats and Guided Backcountry Ski Tours.
Weather and conditions permitting, the SJSC has slated the second annual Graysill/Grayrock Chute Out for the first weekend in April.

April 6-7: The Graysill/Grayrock Chute Out is steep spring skiing at its best and includes a southwestern-style barbeque lunch and snowmobile ride to the snowcat rendezvous. These special trips are subject to change based on weather and snow conditions (groups may be skiing powder). Price is $275.  

April 10-15. The San Juan Ski Company wraps up the season with private snowcat specials for $1,800.   

Some specials cannot be booked through the SJSC’s online reservation system. For information or reservations, call 1.800.208.1780.

The Bootdoctors/Paragon Sports of Telluride has partnered with the SJSC to provide a shuttle from Telluride to DMR for catskiing guests throughout the season.

In addition to anniversary specials, the San Juan Ski Company is offering a multi-day package that include three s catskiing, one day lift skiing and five nights lodging starting at $950 per person, based on 12-person occupancy.

Renowned for challenging terrain and endless powder lines, the San Juan Ski Company was started by owner and lead guide, Bob Rule, in 1997 to write off his powder skiing addiction. Since then, Rule has single-handedly held the helm, and today the SJSC is one of the longest-running, independently snowcat operations in North America, as well as one of the largest - with almost 60 square miles of terrain.