We are excited to announce that along with award winning Nordic ski trails located right on property plus complimentary shuttle service and discounted trail access to the world-class downhill skiing terrain of Winter Park Resort, your stay at the Ranch can now include back-country Cat Skiing- making the Ranch the ultimate triple threat opportunity for any ski and snowboard enthusiast!

Breathtaking views and bucket list adventures converge in this exciting new experience only for Devil’s Thumb Ranch lodging guests! Access new and exclusive ski and snowboard terrain, plus all the fresh powder that mother nature can provide right here at the Ranch! Our snowcat will take you on a scenic ride to private backcountry terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.

We invite you to sit back and enjoy the ride up, then hoot and holler the whole way down (seriously, just try not to…) through scenic, open glades and thrilling alleys. Have a warm drink and share tales of your powder shots and adrenaline-pumping turns in our warming yurt between laps. No crowds, no lift lines, just pure alpine fun.

Whether you are looking for private and exclusive adventure for a group of your more adventurous friends and savvy back country veterans or a family who would simply like to experience a pampered half-day of guided skiing on a private ski mountain all to yourselves, we can tailor the experience and terrain to suit your needs!

Each tour is 4 hours long, beginning with a convenient pickup right outside of the Ranch front door. Cruise 20 minutes on a scenic ride to our pristine, on-property terrain consisting of over a dozen distinct drop ins. Number of runs achieved in each session and vertical feet will be dictated by skier ability levels. A delicious home cooked lunch is provided midday in our warming Yurt.

The experience includes avalanche certified guides throughout the experience with a brief safety orientation before your ski day begins. State of the art avalanche safety gear and back country ski equipment rentals are also included for those not   bringing their own gear.

The Devil’s Thumb Ranch CatSki Back Country Experience is open to advanced-intermediate and expert skiers ages 12 and above. 8 people is the maximum number of participants per CatSki session. You must be an overnight lodging guest of the Ranch to participate.

Private family half-day ski experiences can be curated to skew towards more intermediate ability levels and terrain. A staff member will be happy to work with you to create the perfect custom experience for your party.

Regular Season Pricing

Roughly February through close:

$450 PP (2 person minimum)

We will be happy to quote additional cost for personal instruction packages (intermediate skiers an up). Personal instruction may not always be available, especially during peak times. The Devil’s Thumb CatSki Back Country Experience availability is limited and dependent on weather and conditions.

Please fill out the Devil’s Thumb CatSki Back Country Experience interest form below or book online using the link provided.

A representative will be in touch after receiving your inquiry to curate the perfect experience for your party.

tentative itinerary

8:00 AM

Guests arrive at Zach’s to get gear, sign waivers, take brief safety class, and load up in cat. Cat has coffee and tea ready for guests.

8:30 AM

Cat leaves main lodge and heads to ski terrain drop-off

8:50 AM

Cat arrives at trails, guide meets skiers for the day at drop-off area. From there, talks resume about safety, experience level, and trail conditions

9:00 AM

Start skiing.

11:45 am

Hand crafted lunch served fresh in our warming Yurt

12:15 PM

Snowcat Departs for Scenic Return to Ranch

12:30 PM

Arrive Back at the Ranch