It was Saturday afternoon on St Patrick’s day. The view outside the Tahoe Mountain Realty Northstar office was of a snowy landscape. Our biggest snow event of the season had produced snow totals ranging from 6.5 – 8.75 feet. The 5 day storm was about to break with the forecast calling for a bluebird Sunday. JB walked in the door and asked with a coy smile, “Anyone want to go backcounty skiing tomorrow?” Without hesitation nor the need to ask a single question the response was an emphatic “Yes, I do!” The decision was made.

The groups’ anticipation was palpable during the seemingly endless initial snowcat ascent. From the first decent to the last, we were not disappointed. Every lap skied was completely untracked, champagne blower powder. Face shots were aplenty. The timing for a Cat Skiing trip couldn’t have been any better. Call it the Luck of the Irish.

All the details:

The Who: Tahoe Mountain Club put on a day of Backcountry Cat Skiing for its Members through Pacific Crest Snowcats.

The What: A day of backcountry ski access away from the crowded resorts.

The Where: Pacific Crest Snowcats are situated on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, nestled beside the Pacific Crest between Squaw Valley & Sugar Bowl resorts.

The Terrain: 3,000+ acres of magical backcountry exploration with terrain ranging from wide open bowls, long tree’d glades, and steep couloirs.

The Guides: Lead by owner and lead guide Dave “Happy” Rintala and flanked by guides Abby & Casey.

Our Group: A snowcat full of 12 enthusiastic skiers/boarders.

The Result: Ear to ear smiles, burning quads, and an unforgettable Tahoe ski day.