White Grizzly Cat Skiing, British Columbia, Canada

5CloeandTula 5:00 PM Feb 23, 2013

Steep and Deep
White Grizzly is a small cat skiing operation, the run only 1 cat at a time to keep the terrain fresh, and because they like to take personal care of their guests. It's really cozy, intimate and the accommodations are very clean and extremely comfortable. the owners, Carole and Brad, run the place themselves with a small staff of friendly hard-working people. The skiing is about as good as it gets, for people who enjoy trees. snow always seems to be amazing, even when it's not snowing. passenger cab of the cat is heated, stocked with homemade snacks and bevvies, and has a convertible pop-top for blue-bird days. don't bring insulated outerwear. they really take very good care of everyone, provide a thorough safety education, including a practice avalanche scenario on the mountain, and keep a high guide ratio. felt very safe. food is generally pretty rich, but they are happy to accomodate special requests... you should let them know if you like a healthier diet. also, meadow creek is pretty remote. they have wifi, but it's kind of slow. no cell service. there is a guest phone line. there is a gas/station store not too far from the lodge, but selection is pretty limited. bit of a drive from the lodge to where the cats are loaded, like 20mins. but you can drive your own car. the only cautionary note: because they only run one group at a time, and they deal specifically in advanced, challenging terrain, the place isn't really suitable for people who don't ski much. someone without much experience, or not in good shape will end up slowing down the whole group. they may ask you to sit out if this is a problem. if you want a slower or more 'mellow' ski trip you can rent the whole operation just for your group, and they'll run it however you want. or go to a place that runs a 'slower' cat. :)

5OVFscott 5:00 PM Jan 25, 2014

This place makes powder dreams come true.
I've been to other bigger, better known cat and heli ski operations, and none does a better job of giving guests a great time than White Grizzly. It's my kind of place - small and intimate, homey not glitzy. The terrain is the best I've found - steep and treed, with some open lines and pillows of all shapes and sizes for those who like to huck. The accommodations are rustically comfy; the food is delicious and plentiful, served at a communal table perfect for making new friends and building deeper connections with those you already know. If you're an advanced powder skier, go for the terrain and the efficient, dynamic on-hill program. You'll probably also end up loving the simple laid-back ambiance.