Ski and snowboard untouched powder in Canadian Rockies backcountry, for families and experts, right at the resort. And it’s at a fraction of the cost of heli-skiing. This is a memorable excursion that’s a shutterbug’s scenic dream.

Check out Travel Alberta ski and snowboarding deals and read on to explore bargain options at Castle Mountain. The resort has just launched the only Cat Ski operation in Alberta.

Andrew Rusynyk has been skiing at Castle Mountain for years. The boot-top and knee-deep powder he’s carved when  Cat Skiing is an adrenalin-pumping way to explore Rockies skiing and riding. You tap into 1,600 acres of fresh powder skiing.

“I was notably impressed by the amount and type of terrain you can access,” he says. “You can find nice open bowls and gullies and glades, there’s a great mixture. And just a little bit of wind can sift the snow across it so that you can always get fresh tracks.”

If you don’t know what Cat Skiing is, it’s basically an ultra-traction snow coach that allows you to venture into deep snow areas that otherwise aren’t easily accessible. Just the eye-popping ride into the Rockies is worth the trip. Bring your camera.

For Passionate and Expert Skiers

The resort introduced its Cat Ski operation in January to provide a new way into backcountry powder. Your skill level should be at least intermediate for this excursion, which costs $215 per person.

If you want to ski the mountain without venturing into the backcountry, day tickets are among the most affordable big-mountain bargains in Canada, just $62 for an adult full day. Kids age five and under ski free. And Castle has added on-hill accommodations that you can drive to.

If you just want to explore the Canadian Rockies backcountry in the Cat snow coach without skiing or snowboarding, you can take a mountain tour. Or on-mountain try the resort’s new Rawhide Terrain Park, which has new features this year. It’s a great attraction for families as well as expert skiers and riders honing their parks skills.

Castle Mountain is in Alberta’s southwest, just north across the border from Montana and Waterton Glacier International Peace Park -- and next door to the province of British Columbia and this year’s winter Olympics action. Castle is one of six major ski resorts in Alberta.

Spend a Memorable Day Cat Skiing

If you need powder gear, don’t worry. The fat skis for powder and everything else is available there to rent. And hey, if you’re a rider, a free ride board works fine. Just ride one of the resort lifts to where the Cat is stationed and you’re on a great escape.

“As soon as you get in the Cat at the top of the lift it’s the beginning of an amazing ride on a very steep access road,” says Rusynyk. “You go up and people’s eyes just pop because of the scenery, as you go up this amazing ridge with fantastic views of three valleys. Then you’re into an area you didn’t know existed with fresh tracks all over the place.”

Explore Travel Alberta ski vacations for more information.