Monashee Powder Snowcats is located in the western Monashee Range
Monashee Cat Skiing BC
The experience can be well tailored to those new to cat skiing
The powder is superb: photo - Freeride Media
Monashee has a large tenure
Photo: Freeride Media
Packages are either 3 or 4 days
Monashee Powder Cats
Photo: Freeride Media
Monhsee Cat Skiing BC - Photo: Freeride Media
I might need a massage tonight...
Cat Skiing BC Canada
Some nice mellow tree skiing
Hard not to have a good time!
Monashee Powder Cats
The staff are fantastic
Fresh powder lines galore - Photo: Freeride Media
Nothing too gnarly
Airbag backpacks can be rented
Monashee Cat Skiing BC Canada
Monashee
Monashee Powder Cats, officially known as Monashee Powder Snowcats (MPS), is located in the heart of the Monashee Mountains in British Columbia where they receive an average of 18 meters of fluffy BC powder per year! The second highest snowpack ever recorded in Canada was on a neighbouring peak.
In addition to all this powder, the passion and dedication of owners Carolyn and Tom Morgan are what makes the Monashee cat skiing experience one of the best snowcat skiing destinations in Canada. They came to MPS 16 years ago when it first opened. They loved it so much they bought it and have been running it for the past 15 years. With son Gary working as both lead mechanic and tail guide, there is strong evidence of a powder hound gene - further study is warranted!
Where is Monashee Powder Cats Located?
Monashee Powder Snowcats is located in the western Monashee Range in British Columbia. The best access is from the town of Kelowna and transportation is provided from Kelowna airport at 12pm on your check-in day. If driving yourself, you should arrive to the River Ridge Golf Course in Cherryvillle, 70km from Kelowna, at 2pm. The drive from Kelowna to Cherryville is approximately one hour fifteen minutes.
From Cherryville, the Monashee Powder Snowcats bus takes all guests 50km north to meet the snowcats. From here, cats transport guests and gear 1 hour up to base lodge situated mid mountain. Total time from Cherryville to MPS Lodge is approximately 2 hours.
Departure flights on the day your package ends must be AFTER 8pm as you will arrive at Kelowna airport at approximately 7:10pm.
Monashee Cat Skiing Packages
MPS offers two package options. Either 4 nights and 4 days of skiing/riding (starting on Sundays) or 3 nights and 3 days of skiing/riding (starting on Thursdays).
Packages include lodging in double occupancy, all meals - breakfast, lunch, apres ski and dinner – (alcoholic beverages are extra) - transportation from/to Cherryville, and guided skiing (ratio 6:1) with approximately 12,000 to 18,000 vertical per day.
Guests are required to use the MPS Mammut Pulse beacons included in pricing. Snowpulse airbag packs are available for a small daily fee and MPS also has a wide range of rental skis and boards for all ability levels. Massage services are available for an additional cost and prices vary by service.
Terrain
The Monashee Cat Skiing area is pretty big with 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares) and 8 different zones with both alpine and tree skiing. It typically takes 15 minutes from the lodge to the first run, and the end of the day is typically a 30 minute ride to return.
The MPS terrain has something for everyone ranging from high alpine bowls and chutes to gladed trees with all levels of steepness. MPS caters mostly to the advanced intermediate powder skier, but don’t let this fool you as there is also plenty of challenging terrain and all the air you might be looking for. The guides like to make sure everyone is happy!
Lodge
The new Monashee Powder Snowcats guest chalet, built in 2010, has both double (14) and single (2) rooms with ensuite bathroom. The rooms have everything you need including fast and reliable wifi and and plenty of hooks to hang your gear after a day of skiing.
Common areas include: a large drying room with a boot dryer and plenty of drying racks for gear; a small exercise/stretching room with stationary bike, a few weights, exercise balls and stretching mats; bar/lounge with large screen TV and pool table; and dining room with living area and wood stove. Their wood fired boiler keeps the lodge toasty, while generators keep everything lit up around the clock. Last but not least, two hot tubs are available for guest use.
More Reasons to Cat Ski with Monashee Powder Cats
The staff are wonderful and are a key reason that guests return.
Safety is the top priority at Monashee and Chief Guide, Karl Klassen, is a leader in the industry.