Child care is available for a half day or full day. If you want to go beyond the groomed slopes of a ski resort, but can't afford the second mortgage-sized tab for helicopter skiing in an exotic locale, cat skiing could be your answer. Brundage Mountain Ski Area offers cat ski trips into the backcountry via tractor-like vehicles that put you on top of uncut and ungroomed mountains where you can leave it to your skill and imagination to descend to the bottom. The snowcats leave Brundage lodge early in the morning and travel to nearby Granite, Slab and Sargent's mountains, which range from 7,800 to 8,500 feet elevation. Skiers and snowboarders are led by expert guides down open and tree-dotted runs ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet in length.
Guides provide training on the use of avalanche transceivers, which are provided free to each guest.
Guides also perform avalanche analysis and lead guests away from hazardous areas to ensure everyone has a safe trip down the mountain. Intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders have 19,000 acres of terrain to rack up major vertical feet in bottomless powder. The exact difficulty of the terrain, barring weather and avalanche conditions, is based on the wishes and abilities of the guests. Overnight trips will offer an extended backcountry experience without the headaches and hassles of transporting gear and snow camping. All trips include food and drinks, powder ski rentals and use of avalanche transceivers.