Lake Tahoe’s Homewood Mountain Resort will introduce Homewood Snowcat Adventures this winter. The service uses a Bombardier snowcat fitted with a 12-person carrier to transport skiers and snowboarders to backcountry terrain beyond the resort’s typical boundaries.
Subject to final approval from the U.S. Forest Service, the snowcat will take guests to slopes on the flanks of Ellis Peak, providing guided access to terrain outside the resort’s normal ski area. Groups of up to 10 guests will be accompanied by professional guides trained through the North American Ski Training Center. Runs from the 8,740-foot summit of Ellis Peak deliver expansive, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
Reservations are open for guided snowcat skiing and snowboarding packages on select days during the 2014–2015 ski season. Full-day packages start at $399 per person; Homewood season pass holders receive a $100 discount. Participants must be advanced skiers or snowboarders under regular operating conditions to ensure safety and preparedness for backcountry terrain.
Homewood Mountain Resort has been a well-regarded recreation destination in the Lake Tahoe region since opening in 1961, offering a combination of alpine terrain, scenic vistas, and opportunities for more adventurous backcountry experiences through programs like the new snowcat adventures.