Chugach Adventure Guides opens up new snowcat terrain
By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Girdwood based Chugach Adventure Guides (CAG) has a brand, spanking, new Bombardier Snowcat and all new terrain to go with it.
CAG has been operating as rafting, fishing and mountain climbing guides in Alaska since 1997. They’re thrilled with the changes and are encouraging Alaskans to take advantage of the new capacity for Heliskiing out of Girdwood.
CAG spent the entire summer cutting a new road that adds another 500 acres of ski terrain. The snow cat experience offers easy access to backcountry skiing. You can pick up the cat at the tram loop at Alyeska resort. That’s right, you can walk right out of the hotel and catch the snowcat out to Sunnyside, Notch Mountain and A-1 Glacier.
Historically, snowcats were used when the weather conditions were so bad that the helicopters couldn’t fly. The tourists had priority over locals, because when tourists come from around the world to Alaska to ski, the snowcat was a guarantee that they would ski in the backcountry with or without a helicopter.
The idea to groom more roads was one that took a while to come together. Cutting the new road below A-1 Glacier wasn’t that big a deal, but CAG knew that they probably shouldn’t do it until they’d purchased the extra cat.
The deluxe Bombardier Snowcat has captain’s chairs, plush cup holders, a state of the art stereo, and an airflow system that keeps the windows, goggles and glasses from steaming up.
The new snowcat arrived last spring ready to shuttle 22 skiers out each day.
Chris Owens, co-owner of CAG talked about the history and goals of the ski-guiding outfit.
Owens described talked about the times when A-1 was the first stop for the helicopter.
“Now, it’s reachable by snowcat,” he said. “What used to be sights that you wished you could ski, has transformed to places that are now accessible and easier to get to.”
The new trail has opened up 500 acres and added 35 percent more snowcat skiing, he said. The new service route is fast and has more varied runs and terrain.
“Another plus to having two cats,” he said, “is that the cats can work two different areas and never cross tracks. They can do both sides of the mountains at once.”
“The number one goal of Chugach Guides, is to have regular snow cat tours that can make the guided backcountry experience a safe one,” Owens said. “The primary job is to get everyone home safely. Second, is making sure everyone has a great time.”
CAG pioneered the terrain in the snowcat area that is commonly referred to as “Winner Creek.” Notch and Sunny Side, the mountains they access, share a large bowl with complex terrain. The area has great tree skiing in the lower elevations and alpine terrain above 1,500 feet of elevation. During storm cycles they utilize the dispersed tree skiing to provide visibility in the nearly whiteout conditions. These tree runs average 1,200 vertical feet and cat roads access both mountains with relatively fast cycles. It is not uncommon to ski 8-10 runs on a storm day.
“On clear days we start descents off the summit,” Owens said. “This terrain is very appealing, serving both steep and gentle bowls for all skill levels. Keeping the trail groomed by a Beaver Tail is not only good for the snowcat, but it’s a service to the community and it makes perfect conditions for Cross Country skiers. Chugach Adventure Guides are happy about making new ways for locals to get to back country ski. It’s a win, win experience.”
The all day adventure to remote ski areas with guides provides a hot lunch on the excursions. Spoon Catering serves up soup and sandwiches. There’s a cabin at the meadow where lunch can be served, although there are times when they have lunch right on the slopes.
The new runs will have to be named. So all you back country skiers should know that being some of the first people to come down these new runs, just might offer you a chance to name them.
The full on snowcat Alaska Experience runs $285 a day. Alaska residents can purchase a 10-day punch card that would have a bulk savings of $250.