Article on the Intermediate Catskiing Trip - North of 50 Mag

Click here to read the full article by Patti Lefkos  in North of 50 Magazine, describing her experience with an intermediate group at Big Red Cats, with photos.

The leap from the security of groomed runs to the challenge of backcountry powder can be daunting. Heli skiing seems terrifying and ski touring requires incredible endurance. So what are those of us slightly over 30 and still up for a new adventure to do? Paula and Kieran Gaul of Big Red Cats near Rossland, BC have just the ticket to ride.

I’m precariously perched on a slippery bench inside what seems to be an aluminum box. I jam my knees against the seat ahead to prevent sliding forward as we rattle along in the red piston Bulley cat. We jiggle gently over every rut of the snow-packed corduroy road. Hemlock branches brush the steamy windows. 

There are 12 of us; most aged 25 to 35, and two couples in their 60’s and 70’s, from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. As usual, the majority are men. 

“How many times did you fall yesterday?” I ask the 30-something guy sitting behind me. “At least ten,” he says with a laugh. “Most of us tasted snow.” I begin to feel more comfortable. A seasoned resort skier but backcountry neophyte, I am as nervous as I am excited about the day ahead. At 60, I’m afraid to be the only one who falls, worried about being the person who will hold up the hard core powder hounds and terrified of losing control and hitting a tree.   Click to go to full article