A snowcat operation is akin to heli-skiing, only the uphill part is seviced by a snowcat that's basically a modified version of what you see mowing your favorite mountain into hardpack every night. The Tahoe-based operation fired up the helis for the first time this winter. But don't mistake youth for a lack of quality. With a full 28 years of experience under it's belt, Wasatch Powderbird Guides is one of North America's senior forces in heliskiing. WPG accesses 45,000 acres of land in the Wasatch Cache of the Unita National Forest.
Island Lake is a perinneal stop for filmmakers and pro skiers, and for good reason.
You'll average 12,000-15,000 verts every day. And since cats never have to take to the unfriendly skies, you have almost guaranteed access to the goods. Helicopters spend a lot of time sitting on the ground waiting for the skies to clear. Snowcat drivers just fire up the engine and keep you racking up laps regardless of the weather. Destination trips are a bit pricier, but still not outrageous for what you get.