The Joy Of Snowcatting
by Julie Hayden
Exploration With A Mission: Summit and Shore Alliance co-founders Alex Drawbaugh and Jennifer Jordon are proud to offer free outdoor excursions to veterans as a way of giving back.
Millions of people have been drawn to Colorado to enjoy the spectacular Rockies in wintertime through the sport of skiing. But not everyone these days wants to ski or only ski. This can be due to preference or advancing age, or injuries or many other reasons but does not mean they want to stay indoors and miss all that the mountains have to offer. This has resulted in the booming sport of snowmobiling, and now snowcatting.
A snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck-sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to travel over snow. They originated in the Antarctic Terra Nova Expedition in 1910 and evolved for many industrial uses but more recently have become extraordinary recreational excursion vehicles for groups up to a dozen or so persons per vehicle. Think of them as RVs on snow track skis.
“I call snowcats ‘yachts of the snow’ because they combine comfort and adventure,” says Alex Drawbaugh. He’s the cofounder of one of the newest and most prominent outfitters to enter the scene, Summit and Shore Alliance (summitandshore.org; 970-716-7470). In the summer months they focus on water trips and are now firing up their fleet of snowcats to take folks on backcountry excursions.
No Experience Necessary
There’s a certain amount of training, experience, and physical ability that go into a typical ski trip. But no experience is necessary for guided snowcat excursions. Anyone can enjoy a trip into the most scenic and remote backcountry. Summit’s co-founder Jennifer Jordon says their motto is “always peak.” “We’re all about finding untracked powder and providing epic rides on snowcats and sleds.” They offer curated packages designed to take you off the beaten path: everything from morning backcountry trips with bottomless mimosas, to a midday trip into the heart of the Bear Mountain Outfitters wilderness, to a sunset snowcat ride and mountaintop bonfire. And, if you’re really into a luxury experience, “We’ll take you to a mountain lodge dining hall where your private chef will prepare a custom, gourmet meal just for you,” Jordon says.
Yacht of the Snow: Summit’s Alex Drawbaugh calls snowcats “yachts of the snow” because they combine comfort and adventure in Colorado’s scenic backcountry.
Wintry Party Bus
Snowcats have come a long way since the original models. With customizable interiors and excursions, some describe them as “party buses” for winter fun. Industry analysts say the market is experiencing steady growth due to an increasing demand for winter sports. Drawbaugh points to their partnership with Bear Mountain Outfitters as an example. It’s home to 18,000 acres of pristine backcountry. You can enjoy epic views, spot a moose or wolf track, all from the comfort and safety of the snowcat. Lodging options range from luxury mountain homes, to “glamping,” to rustic off grid retreats near Steamboat Springs.
Drawbaugh says guiding tours into the backcountry is a passion for him. “Disconnected from the phone and hustle and bustle of the city, you remember what’s important. It’s not your connection to the internet, it’s connecting to the world around you and the people you are with.”
One of Summit’s snowcats was owned by Colorado singer and songwriter John Denver. “When we saw this come on the market we couldn’t resist,” says Chris Hawk, one of the board members. They’re pulling out all the stops as they renovate it, describing it as an “RV snowcat party bus.”
Day Tripping
There is also growing interest in snowcat trips from skiers who want to take a break from the busy slopes. Many outfitters offer back country ski trips as well as shorter morning, afternoon, or sunset rides. Drawbaugh says their private tours can be completely customized. “We’ll tailor it to your group, whatever size. The vision is all yours.” Your entire family or group can participate in the adventure together, regardless of age or ability.
Adventure With A Cause
The veterans community is one group that can appreciate the opportunities a snowcat provides to explore remote backcountry areas of the Rockies, regardless of mobility issues resulting from injury. Summit’s Jennifer Jordon says they recognize this and, as a nonprofit, are proud to support the veterans community by offering free outdoor excursions and host various veteran initiatives. “What could be more rewarding than using some of our proceeds to give back to those who have served to protect these spaces,” she explains.
For more information on packages or free veteran excursions visit summitandshore.org, or call 970-716-7470.
