Guides
About
Our mission at High Sierra Snowcat is to provide a welcome alternative to the traditional ski resort, by providing an accessible option for backcountry skiers to ride remote terrain, sleep in cozy overnight accommodations, with safe and exceptional service. We want you to have the best day ever!
Founded in 2012 by Mike Deacon and Tim Robinson, High Sierra Snowcat was providing a human-powered overnight backcountry experience with the convenience of arriving via snowcat. Drew Layman purchased HSS after more than a decade of experience as a ski patroller and ski guide all over the world. Under this new ownership, HSS will continue to provide high-quality guided adventures with a new focus on cat-skiing throughout the terrain.
Located on the East Side of the Sierra Nevada, High Sierra Snowcat combines the use of snowcats, ski touring, and yurts to provide a safe backcountry experience in some of the wildest terrain left in California. We operate within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with nearly 9,000 acres of skiable terrain across multiple basins surrounding Virginia Lake.
We operate under an Outfitting and Guiding permit issued by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
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Guides
Trips
Private Overnight Snowcat Skiing and Boarding Trip
This is the core experience at High Sierra Snowcat! This multiday trip includes guided snowcat skiing or boarding throughout our 9,000 acres of permitted terrain followed by overnight accommodation in our backcountry yurts. Have your crew be the only people around with two sleeping spaces for 5 people with new heating systems and queen sized beds and lines (10 People Total). Then come over to our new communal yurt with comfy seating options, enjoy our signature surf and turf dinner, play games, enjoy our sauna, before heading back out for another day of backcountry
What's Included?
- Guided Snowcat Skiing throughout your trip. Typically riding between 8,000 - 12,000 vertical feet daily!
- Bring up to 10 rides on a private snowcat experience.
- Avalanche Airbag, Beacon, Shovel and Probe.
- 2 Guides per snowcat.
- Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Apres, and Dinner is provided throughout your stay.
- Queen sized bed with bedding in an exclusive space featuring new and improved heating systems.
- Shared common and dining space
- Wood Fired Sauna walking distance from yurts.
What's not included?
- Gratuity.
- Ski or Snowboard Rentals *Can be booked through High Sierra Snowcat*
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
- Alcoholic Beverages - Option for our "Local Brew Package" through June Lake Brewing.
Seasonality
Jan-Apr
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5-Person Semi-Private Overnight Cat-Skiing
This is the core experience at High Sierra Snowcat! This multiday trip includes guided snowcat skiing or boarding throughout our 9,000 acres of permitted terrain followed by overnight accommodation in our backcountry yurts. Bring your crew of up to 5 riders for multiple days of guided snowcat skiing. You will have your own private 5 person sleeping area with communal dining and hangout space along with access to our sauna.
What's Included?
- Guided Snowcat Skiing throughout your trip. Typically riding between 8,000 - 12,000 vertical feet daily!
- Bring up to 5 skiers. Snowcat will be shared with up to 5 other people.
- Avalanche Airbag, Beacon, Shovel and Probe.
- 2 Guides per snowcat.
- Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Apres, and Dinner is provided throughout your stay.
- Queen sized bed with bedding in an exclusive space featuring new and improved heating systems.
- Shared common and dining space
- Wood Fired Sauna walking distance from yurts.
What's not included?
- Gratuity.
- Ski or Snowboard Rentals *Can be booked through High Sierra Snowcat*
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
- Alcoholic Beverages - Option for our "Local Brew Package" through June Lake Brewing.
Seasonality
Jan-Apr
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Private Day Snowcat Skiing
Come experience a fully private day of cat-skiing and boarding in the High Sierra! As our only group in the field, we can cater the experience to your desires! Let our snowcat whisk you up to the top before riding down an epic backcountry run. Runs vary from treed areas to big, open alpine slopes and even steep chutes when conditions allow. Occasionally our runs require a short bootpack from the cat-drop to access our bigger alpine terrain!
What's Included?
- Guided Snowcat Skiing. Typically riding between 8,000 - 12,000 vertical feet daily!
- Bring up to to 10 skiers
- Avalanche Airbag, Beacon, Shovel and Probe
- 2 Guides per snowcat
- Lunch, Snacks, and Après provided
What's Not Included?
- Gratuity.
- Ski or Snowboard Rentals *Can be booked through High Sierra Snowcat*
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
Seasonality
Jan-Apr
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Individual Seat Day Cat Skiing & Boarding
Come experience cat-skiing and boarding in the High Sierra! Let our snowcats whisk you up to the top before riding down an epic backcountry run. Runs vary from steep treed areas to big, open alpine slopes and even steep chutes when conditions allow. Occasionally our runs require a short bootpack from the cat-drop to access our bigger alpine terrain!
What's Included?
- Guided Snowcat Skiing throughout your trip. Typically riding between 8,000 - 12,000 vertical feet daily!
- Avalanche Airbag, Beacon, Shovel and Probe.
- Group sizes of 4-10 skiers.
- 2 Guides per snowcat.
- Lunch, Snacks, and après provided.
What's Not Included?
- Gratuity.
- Ski or Snowboard Rentals *Can be booked through High Sierra Snowcat*
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
Seasonality
Jan-Apr
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Yurt Based Ski Touring
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day backcountry adventure that combines exhilarating ski touring or splitboarding with the rustic charm of a night in the High Sierra Snowcat Yurt. Nestled deep in the wilderness, our cozy, off-grid yurt serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring endless untracked terrain. Let our snowcat eliminate the approach and get you deep into the backcountry, saving your energy for just the fun part of ski-touring!
Your journey begins with expert guides leading you through diverse alpine landscapes, from wide-open bowls to playful tree lines. With access to premium snowcat transport and personalized route selection, you’ll find powder stashes and terrain suited to your skill level. After an action-packed day, return to the yurt for a well-earned rest. Enjoy our wood-fired sauna, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and breathtaking views, it’s the ideal space to recharge for another day of adventure.
Whether you're chasing fresh turns, exploring new terrain, or soaking in the serenity of the High Sierra, this experience promises memories to last a lifetime.
Seasonality
Jan-Jun
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Mechanized-Assist Ski Touring & Splitboarding
Want to go ski-touring without anyone else to compete for tracks with? Let our tracked vehicles take you deep into the backcountry where you can earn your turns in a remote environment all day long! You can expect to be shuttled about 7 - 15 miles into the backcountry to the starting point of your guided touring objective. Expect to hike and ride about 2,500 - 4,000 vertical feet or more throughout the day, depending on touring ability.
What's Included?
- Guided Mechanized-Assisted Ski Touring.
- Bring up to 5 skiers.
- Avalanche Airbag, Beacon, Shovel and Probe.
- 2 Guides per snowcat.
- Lunch, Snacks, and Apres provided.
What's not included?
- Gratuity.
- Touring Skis or Splitboard Rentals *Can be booked through High Sierra Snowcat*
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
Seasonality
Jan-Apr
Dec
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Ski Touring and Splitboarding Around Mammoth Lakes
Day Tours: Explore the High Sierra In a Day
For those looking for guidance as they step into backcountry skiing, our day tours are the perfect option. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through some of the best terrain the High Sierra has to offer, tailored to your skill level and preferences. New permits from the Inyo National Forest allow us to access many different areas up and down the Eastern Sierra.
The best part about day tours with High Sierra Snowcat is that we are a low volume guide service with every trip catered to your desires and that day's best conditions.
Overnight Tours: Immersive Backcountry Experiences
For a more immersive experience, our overnight ski touring trips allow you to explore deeper into the High Sierra Wilderness. Spend your days skiing through untouched snow and your nights in cozy backcountry camps, surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains. There's nothing we love more than a spring trip deep into the backcountry which allows us to take advantage of prime conditions.
What's Included?
- Professional Guiding, throughout your trip.
- Backpack, Beacon, Shovel and Probe.
- All meals on overnight trips.
What's Not Included?
- Gratuity.
- Lunch and Snacks on Day Trips.
- Touring Skis or Splitboard Rentals.
- Ski or Snowboard Boot Rentals.
- Camping Gear for Overnight Trips.
Seasonality
Jan-May
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