Lake Tahoe’s Secret Stash!
Pacific Crest Snowcats was formed by a small group of dedicated local backcountry skiers, former ski patrollers and veteran Alaskan heliski guides looking to share the one-of-a-kind Sierra Nevadan ski and snowboard experience found in their own backyard. The terrain now visited by our guests was originally responsible for inspiring the operation…and it will no doubt inspire you. Situated on the North Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, our operation is tucked beside the Pacific Crest itself accounting for some of the deepest snowfall in the region and offers a perfect complement to any ski or snowboard vacation with a climactic day spent exploring the High Sierra.
Pacific Crest Snowcats operates up to two snowcats daily with space available for up to 12 guests and two guides per snowcat (24 guests maximum per day). A typical day consists of between 8 to 10 runs spread throughout seven distinctly different zones as we explore our more than 3,000 acres of reserved terrain located between Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl resorts. On average, our runs are between 1,000 to 1,200 feet in length with a few of our longer laps closer to 1,500 feet in length. This means most groups can expect between 12,000 to 14,000 vertical feet by day’s end…more than enough skiing or snowboarding to feel worthy of the cold beer for the ride back to the trailhead. The all-inclusive pricing consists of avalanche beacon, backcountry protocol education, professional guide service, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
PCS Has Options for Everyone!
Pacific Crest Snowcats offers something for everyone. In addition to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, we offer mountaintop snowshoe tours led by personable guides well versed on the local geology, wildlife and flora/fauna. Relax and enjoy the comfortable ride via our heated Backcountry Express van as it climbs to the trips starting elevation of close to 7,500 feet. Once at the summit, the snowshoe tour meanders through gently rolling terrain consisting of intriguing rock formations, old-growth forests and expansive views of the Truckee Basin and Coldstream Canyon. Trips include snowshoe rental and professional guide service.
Evening scenic trips are also available for groups looking to enjoy a comfortable ride in our heated Backcountry Express van capable of holding up to 12 guests as it climbs over snowy trails and through beautiful pine forests to a scenic vista where a crackling campfire adds the perfect touch to enjoy a bottle of wine and gourmet appetizers. These excursions are a romantic way to cap off a perfect Lake Tahoe getaway (be forewarned…we’ve had more than one wedding proposal as a result) or an opportunity to have the entire family together to do some stargazing and marshmallow roasting. Trips can be customized to meet the wildest of imaginations.
Pacific Crest Snowcats is part of the Swayback family of adventure services including Pacific Crest Heli-Guides offering heliskiing near Lake Tahoe, CA. For more information, call our Lake Tahoe Central Adventures office at 530.544.3020.
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