Cache_Seven

Max Strotbeck

About

Starting with Steamboat Powdercats in the 2022/23 season, Max is the lead guide in our backcountry ski and snowboard touring program.

Max moved to Steamboat Springs in 2016 and has worked in the mountains ever since. He leads the backcountry touring program here for us at Powdercats, and when not guiding is teaching avalanche science across the Northern Mountains of Colorado or collecting observations and data as a Field Technician for the CAIC.

During the off-season, Max works as a mountain guide in Washington and Alaska and teaches wilderness medicine across the West with Desert Mountain Medicine. Max is also an unpaid professional with Routt County Search And Rescue since 2019.

Prior to ski guiding Max was a ski patroller for five years. He’s also previously worked as an EMT on an ambulance and in an Emergency Department. His first job in Steamboat- chasing hot air balloons.

Max holds professional avalanche training certifications from the American Avalanche Association, is a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Wilderness First Responder, is trained in the ski guide discipline through the American Mountain Guides Association, and has completed training through Rigging For Rescue.

Activities

Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring

Steamboat Springs, CO

Backcountry ski and splitboard touring is now one of the fastest-growing activities in the winter snow sports industry. As the technology of climbing skins, AT, randonee gear, and splitboards have evolved, the world of uphill skinning and hiking to earn your powder turns has become more and more popular. Come join us to see for yourself why backcountry ski and splitboarding is becoming such a cherished experience.

Our human powered tours are a great escape from the crowds you may find at ski areas or other popular areas. All of these tours are private, where we work with 1 trip leader, and are limited to up to 4 guests with a single guide. If you are bringing more than 4 people, we would add in an additional guide to the group.

This is a very custom experience, one that we will refine with you to maximize whatever your ability level, fitness, or past backcountry skills may be. From the never ever backcountry skier to the more advanced, we will set a custom tour plan with you and work to achieve your goals with this experience.

During the day, we utilize a snowmobile or even a snowcat to bump you and your crew up into the terrain. Once up high, we park the machine and carry out the day earning our turns. Depending on experience and fitness levels we we will take 3-6 runs, transitioning from ski to hike mode many times, averaging 1500-3000 feet of ascent during the day.

Seasonality

Jan-Feb

Dec

Buffalo Pass Multi-terrain Cat Skiing

Buffalo Pass, CO

Ready for a day on the slopes that’ll leave you breathless? Join us for an unforgettable adventure at Buffalo Pass, where you’ll hit up to 16 exhilarating runs between altitudes of 8,000–14,000 vertical feet—all while being guided by our expert team. Our heated snowcats can take you to any terrain—whether you’re an intermediate, advanced, or expert rider—ensuring you tackle runs that match your ability.

Fuel your day with a light breakfast and hot beverages, plus a delicious catered lunch—whether at our cozy cabin or in the snowcat itself, then hit the powder with our top-notch Armada Locator skis and Never Summer snowboards, complete with essential avalanche safety gear.

Snap stunning memories with our on-the-go photographer capturing your epic runs—choose just a few images or download the entire gallery. After an action-packed day, unwind at our post-trip party, sharing stories of your epic descents.

With Buffalo Pass boasting some of Colorado’s deepest snow, you’re guaranteed fresh tracks and unforgettable powder.

Seasonality

Jan-Mar

Dec

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