Finding the Right Trip
Are you ready for cat skiing?
Before you book, make sure you’ve got the skills, fitness, and mindset for the adventure
At GNPG, we want every trip to be safe, smooth, and unforgettable. Cat skiing is a backcountry adventure, not a lesson. We do not offer trips for beginners or low-level intermediates. If you’re not there yet, we recommend booking professional instruction at Whitefish Mountain Resort’s ski school.
By booking a trip with us, you confirm you’ve truthfully self-assessed your ability using the guidelines below. If you cannot ski or ride at the level you’ve signed up for, you may be moved to a lower-level group (if available) or benched for the day with no refund.
Ability Levels
Powder Cat (Advanced)
If you ski or snowboard black diamond runs at the resort and want to step into the backcountry, this is your ride. You don’t need backcountry experience–just the ability to handle deep snow, and technical off-piste conditions and all-day laps.
- Designed for advanced skiers & riders (comfortable on black diamond runs in all conditions).
- No prior backcountry experience required—our guides will get you set up with safety training and keep the stoke high.
- Terrain includes glades, pillows, trees, and rolling steeps.
- Must be able to ski/ride confidently in variable snow and stay active all day.
- Great fit if you’re advanced at the resort and ready to step into the backcountry.
Steep & Deep Cat (Advanced-Expert)
Looking for chutes, cliffs, and steep technical lines? The Steep & Deep Cat is where legends are made. Smaller group (10 max), tighter terrain, higher commitment. If double blacks at the resort are your warm-up, this is the place to prove it.
- For advanced-expert skiers/riders only.
- You should be comfortable on double-black diamond runs at most resorts.
- Expect steeper, tighter, more technical terrain (chutes, steep trees, cliffs).
- Backcountry experience required.
- Additional phone screening may apply.
Fitness Requirements
- Ski or ride all day (8+ runs, full vertical).
- Confident in deep snow conditions.
- Strong enough to recover from falls, hike short pitches if needed, and keep up with the group.
Not Sure Where You Fit?
- If you’re advanced at the resort but new to the backcountry → Powder Cat.
- If you’re a seasoned charger who craves steeps and is comfortable on double-black diamond runs → Steep & Deep.
- Still unsure? Call us — our team will help place you in the right group.
Ready to send it?
