The Only Catskiing Operation in Tahoe
Beyond the Lifts and into the Tahoe BackcountryA full-day, professionally guided snowcat adventure offering access to world class terrain of Ellis Peak with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada desolation. Your group’ s private snowcat, up to eight guests, two backcountry guides, avalanche gear, food and hydration beverages.
Private Backcountry Snowcat Experience
Homewood Snowcat Adventures offers a full-day, professionally guided backcountry skiing and riding experience beyond the lifts at Homewood Mountain Resort. Designed for small groups and families of up to eight guests, this private experience unlocks exclusive access to 720 acres of pristine terrain around Ellis Peak.
Guests enjoy six to eight guided ski descents through the Sierra backcountry, with terrain carefully selected and customized to match the group’s ability and conditions. From playful tree skiing to wide-open bowls, every Snowcat Day delivers fun for all ski ages, panoramic views, and a deep connection to the mountain.
Ideal for: Families, groups of friends, corporate outings, celebrations and those that love to ski and snowboard in off-piste terrain.
Program Options and Pricing
All-Inclusive Private Snowcat
Price: $4,500
Capacity: Up to 8 Participants.
Includes lift tickets
Passholder Private Snowcat
Price: $3,950
Capacity: Up to 8 Participants
Includes the full Snowcat experience excluding lift tickets.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your Snowcat Day Includes:
❄️ Full-day private Snowcat reserved exclusively for your group
❄️ Up to 8 participants
❄️ Six to eight guided backcountry runs near Ellis Peak
❄️ Two professional backcountry guides
❄️ Avalanche safety equipment for each guest
(pack, beacon, shovel, probe)
❄️ Café breakfast and lunch from Big Blue View Bar
❄️ Water and sports drinks throughout the day
❄️ Seamless access back toward Homewood’s lift network
Eligibility:
All participants must hold a valid Homewood Season Pass or Day Lift Ticket.
The Experience
Tailored. Private. Unforgettable.No two Snowcat days are the same. Our guides tailor each descent to your group’s ability, comfort level, and the day’s snow conditions—whether you’re learning to love powder or seeking steeper, more technical lines.
Snowcat Adventures are about more than just skiing and riding—they’re about exploration, connection, and experiencing Tahoe’s backcountry in a way few ever do.
Homewood Backcountry Terrain
720 Acres of Backcountry that connects back to Homewood Mountain Resort
The Homewood backcountry unfolds from the summit of Ellis Peak, extending along north- and south-running ridgelines that naturally frame the in-resort ski terrain below. This landscape spans over 720 acres and includes five primary zones of predominantly north- and east-facing terrain, forming a natural alpine basin that captures snow and funnels skiers and riders back toward the Homewood lift network.
From tree laps in Quiet Bowl and the glades of Quiet Meadow to the steeper lines of Cornice Bowl and the Homewood Palisades, the terrain offers something new with every visit. For those seeking deeper exploration, Knee Ridge provides access to the less-frequented North Bowl and Upper Bowl—prized for their solitude, snow quality, and sense of adventure.
And while every great backcountry area has its “secrets,” some zones are best left unnamed.
Avalanche Safety & Stewardship
Guided by Experience. Grounded in Safety.
Every Snowcat Adventure is made possible by a dedicated network of professionals working behind the scenes. Homewood Snowcat Adventures operates through the collective efforts of Homewood Ski Patrol, avalanche forecasters, our professional backcountry guide team, and partners at the U.S. Forest Service.
Safety is foundational to every decision we make—from terrain selection and snowpack evaluation to guest readiness and group management. Time spent in the backcountry is not only about adventure—it’s how we stay deeply connected to the mountains, the snowpack, and the rhythms of nature.
We’re grateful to the many professionals who work tirelessly to keep our guests safe, informed, and smiling while preserving the integrity of this remarkable alpine environment.
Who is This Experience For?
❄️ Intermediate to advanced skiers and riders
❄️ Guests comfortable in ungroomed, off-piste terrain
❄️ No previous backcountry experience required
❄️ Minimum ability requirements apply
(Final terrain selection is always determined by guides based on conditions and group ability.)
Ready to Go Beyond the Lifts?
Experience Lake Tahoe’s backcountry the Homewood way—private, guided, and unforgettable.