Welcome to Pacific Crest Snowcats, Skiing and Snowboarding at Lake Tahoe, California

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>> Welcome to PCS
Experience the Soul of Skiing and Snowboarding.
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>> Snowcat Skiing and Snowboarding.
>> Open Slopes, Tree Runs, and Steep Chutes!
>> Located in the heart of North Tahoe's Snow Zone!
>> Experienced Professional Guides.
>> Book early, we take only 12 guests per Snowcat!

Come explore deep into the backcountry with Pacific Crest Snowcats Lake Tahoe’s only snowcat assisted backcountry skiing and snowboarding service. Experience the best snow conditions in the area in our steep north facing runs. The terrain we now visit initially inspired our operation; and you too will be inspired when you visit. Our open slopes and tree runs will remind you of the best off piste areas at your favorite ski resort. Our longest run is fifteen hundred feet (our average run length is 1200 vertical feet) and begins near eight thousand feet through nicely spaced trees and long vertical clearings left by historic logging crews. Our spring corn is managed to provide smooth corn throughout the late season. Our steep terrain is second to none in the area and has entertained some of the best snowboarders and skiers around. Come explore where the snow is fresh for days and days. Your guide has never taken a group down a run with tracks.

Relax and enjoy your experience in the hands of professional guides. Our guides are Emergency Medical Technicians and Highly trained Avalanche Forecasters and Controllers. Many of our guides work year round as guides and we employ several in the spring as helicopter ski guides at Alaska Backcountry Adventures our sister operation in Valdez Alaska. Many of our guides are trained in high and low angle rescue techniques and our snowcat is fitted with a complete first trauma rescue kit. You will be trained in the use of an avalanche beacon, which we provide for your use. You will not be required to carry a pack with you unless you feel comfortable doing so. We have a backup snowcat that is secured nearby our terrain in the event of a mechanical breakdown in our primary cat. Our operation was created for your safety by a lifetime guide and avalanche forecaster, it was created to share the backcountry. Pacific Crest Snowcats has a perfect safety record; you will be in great hands. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

In addition to finding the best snow conditions your guides are continually studying the snowpack to become intimate with it’s various layers and degrees of bonding. In this way we avoid the use of explosives, which tend to destroy powder skiing by exposing the bed surfaces and creating avalanche debris. On some days we may avoid a particular slope, waiting until time and settling sinter the snowpack into its sierra strength. When the hazard is high such as during a snowstorm we will ski fresh powder through the trees and on lower angle terrain. When we are trying to get on steeper terrain you will see your guide doing hazard assessment tests and ski cutting to control potentially unstable snow. Your guides will tell you what they are doing and explain each run as you go. With just six guests per guide you are guaranteed personal attention. The guides will watch your skiing to assess the terrain that they feel is best for you, please discuss your terrain desires with your guide.

Sometimes it is necessary to split a group into different skill levels. This does not reduce the social time during the snowcat rides but allows us to provide for the most excitement each skier wishes for. If your group does not want to be split up, then you will ski together. You may qualify for a discounted adventure with Pacific Crest Snowcats. Simply book your day with Pacific Crest Snowcats at least fourteen days prior to your chosen date and you will receive a twenty-five dollar discount off our retail prices. Your discounted price will be 275.00. You will receive this discount on every seat booked with a deposit a minimum of two weeks prior to your trip. Within two weeks the rates are 300.00. Book early to ensure availability and to receive your discount. Deposits are non-refundable but you may reschedule your reservation up to fourteen days prior to your reservation date.

Private cat skiing is the ultimate experience of intimate adventure. You may reserve the entire Pacific Crest Snowcats operation for a day or a week. Simply book the entire cat for the day and we will ensure your privacy by not running our second cat. Discounted private cat rates are based on ten seats although seating for twelve is available in the cat. Private cats are popular for large and small groups looking to ensure equal ability, enjoy a family event, film each other or movies, or simply for privacy and attention. Booking the entire cat allows you and your group to choose special menu options, special schedules, or any other custom choice.

Swayback Adventure Services and Pacific Crest Snowcats also offer production resources for your film and photography work. Production work requires a private cat and includes, at no extra cost, additional guides and support personnel, snowmobiles for efficiency, and cat time for building kickers or other custom projects. We are very eager to have production teams utilize our terrain and operation; we have a wide variety of terrain areas, backgrounds, rock types, and lots of steep chutes and cliffs. Please see the Swayback website for further resources available for summer and winter productions.

The sport of skiing began and evolved in unpacked snow conditions. Whether skiing or snowboarding, there exists no experience that compares to carving through untouched stellar crystals or carpets of pristine corn snow. When you visit Pacific Crest Snowcats you will be one of just twelve guests (up to twenty for large groups in two cats), this preserves your experience. Come and experience the soul of the sport at Pacific Crest Snowcats. Contact Swayback Adventure Services for booking and Information at 1-888-Swayback, locally 530-581-1767, or email us at info@swayback.com

Thank you very much for your interest in Pacific Crest Snowcats, give us a call, and please enjoy your day!

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