Cat Skiing & Riding

For information on KAT or to book a tour, call 970-496-4FUN (4386).

There you are, atop one of Keystone’s five legendary bowls, standing on a ridgeline at 12,000 feet, above the tree line. There are no words for the moment, just a big smile and a breath of fresh mountain air. Join KAT for a guided snowcat skiing and snowboarding trip and experience the pure joy of Independence Bowl - our newest expert only terrain. We promise it'll be an exceptional experience you'll never forget.

If you prefer to reserve your energy for skiing and riding the powder – not hiking it – let our Outback Shuttle take you into The Outback's bowls. Reservations aren't required for shuttles, but a $5 (cash only) fare is.

Keystone also offers Mountain-Top Snowcat Tour for those who would prefer a scenic ride into the bowls.

Keystone Adventure Tours

Call 970-496-4FUN (4386) to book your tour.

Let our experienced Keystone Adventure Tour guides make your first run down Independence Bowl, Keystone's newest expert-only terrain, a memorable one.

During the season, we'll offer two guided tours daily through this exhilarating bowl. Each tour comes complete with lunch at the Independence Bowl Hut catered by the Alpenglow Stube – which you're certain to need after making laps in this powder.

Please note that, while highly trained, our KAT guides are not ski instructors; these tours are for expert skiers and riders who are accustomed to and adept in powder and trees. If you'd like to learn the art of powder skiing – or hone your skills before striking out in this territory – we recommend a lesson with our Ski & Ride School, which has instructors for every level (not just beginners).

If you're in doubt of your abilities, feel free to take a Mountain-Top Snowcat Tour first to scope out the terrain, and talk with our staff about your skill level and comfort in deep powder.

Included in your guided tour is a lunch experience at the Independence Hut catered by the chefs of the Alpenglow Stube. Daily offerings include a gourmet buffet with an array of natural gourmet meats and cheeses, fresh artisan breads, medley of salads, homemade soup and delicious desserts.

Dates & Times

(All dates are subject to terrain and snow conditions.)

Scheduled to open Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 through early April.

Meeting time is 8:00 am at the Starbucks in River Run Village.

Tour times are 8:30 am and 9:30 am.  We kindly ask everyone to please arrive at the meeting location on time, as arriving late cuts into the time we spend skiing.

Reservations are required. Walk-ins will only be accepted if seats are available on the cat. Call 970-496-4FUN (4386) to make a Guided Tour reservation.

On the day of your tour...
Meet your guides at the Starbucks in River Run Village at 8:00 am.

We'll walk to the River Run Gondola and load as a group.

Powder skis will be provided to you courtesy of Salomon; equipment rental is included in the tour cost. Poles and boots are not provided. Skis can only be used for the tour. Please bring other skis and poles to ski down with after the tour. The Salomon ski rental is only while you are on the tour.

Why hike when you can ride? Instead of hiking into your favorite expert terrain in The Outback bowls, take a ride on a cat. Keystone Adventure Tour's snowcats make passes on The Outback travel route only. Reservations aren't required, but $5 in cash is.

Dates: Daily mid-December through April (dependent on conditions - call 970-496-4FUN (4386) for the latest cat info)

Time: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Meet at Outback Bowls gate, atop The Outback

Cost: $5 (cash only)

Professional crew: Operator and Gear Loader

Capacity: Snowcats accommodate up to 12 people