Powder Addiction makes guided skiing, riding accessible
Winter Park, Colo., Feb. 23, 2010 – Guided snowcat skiing and riding now is available within an hour’s drive of Denver, thanks to Powder Addiction, a new outfitter in Winter Park.
Powder Addiction is running trips in the Jones Pass area on Berthoud Pass. All trips leave from the Village at Winter Park, and include transportation to and from the Jones Pass trailhead off U.S. Highway 40, Solomon alpine powder skis, safety gear and lunch. Each adult participant also receives two free beers at the end of the day, compliments of Durango-based Steamworks Brewery.
With 2,600 acres in its operating permit, Powder Addiction’s terrain ranges from 10,500 feet to 12,500 feet in elevation. Each trip averages six to nine runs. The company operates seven days a week, with up to 12 guests per day.
Guests should be of advanced and expert ability, and able to ski in variable snow conditions on a variety of terrain, according to Jamie Wolter, operations manager of Powder Addiction. Groups of individuals who ski at similar levels, or are concerned about holding up other skiers, can rent the entire snowcat for private group tours as well. “Our focus is on providing a tremendous backcountry experience for everyone who can enjoy it, from the tame at heart to those who thrive on adrenal skiing,” says Wolter.
Powder Addiction places priority on safety, according to Wolter. “Most of our skiing happens one at a time for safety reasons,” he explains. One of the guides skis first, and sets boundaries and a meeting spot. Guests follow one at a time, staying close to the line the guide has set. Once all participants are lower on the mountain, the group may ski together before reuniting with the snowcat for a ride back up the mountain.
Rates range from $300/day in low seasons to $350 in high season. The company also offers a “Hot Seat” membership-based pricing program. After joining the program ($100 for the season), members who can take advantage of last-minute availability are eligible for the Hot Seat snowcat rate of $175/day.
In addition, a photographer accompanies each group during the first half of each day. Photos, including slide show options for an iPhone or other mp3 device, are available for purchase.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Powder Addiction at 970-726-5442 or www.powderaddiction.com.
Powder Addiction (www.powderaddiction.com)
Powder Addiction, based in Winter Park, Colo., offers guided snowcat skiing and riding in the Jones Pass area off U.S. Highway 40. With 2,600 acres in its operating permit, the company offers the closest powder skiing operation to the Front Range. Powder Addiction is a member of the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce.
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