California's Homewood Mountain Resort has added snowcat skiing on Ellis Peak, along Lake Tahoe's West Shore. (photo: Garry Moore)

Homewood Adds Cat Skiing

Homewood, CA –  California’s Homewood Mountain Resort is now for the first time offering snowcat-accessed backcountry skiing and snowboarding to advanced skiers and snowboarders from the top of Ellis Peak, just above the resort’s designated ski area boundary on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore.

Over 750 acres of tree runs, steeps, glades, backcountry bowls and fresh snow await just out-of-bounds at Homewood Resort. This season, groups of up to 10 skiers and riders can enjoy guided access in the backcountry with Homewood Snowcat Adventures. Participants will enjoy laps of up to 1,828 vertical feet from the top of Ellis Peak to the bottom of Old Homewood Express chairlift. After each run, a short chairlift ride takes participants and their guides back to meet the snowcat for another ride to the top of Ellis Peak, where breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness await, along with untracked terrain.

“The terrain accessible by snowcat just outside the resort boundary is some of the most desirable backcountry skiing and riding on the West Shore,” said Kevin Mitchell, general manager of Homewood Mountain Resort. “Thanks to the El Niño winter conditions we’re experiencing in Tahoe this season, advanced skiers and snowboarders will have guided access to this incredible terrain through Homewood’s Snowcat Adventures throughout the remainder of the season as conditions permit.”

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The maximum group size is capped at 10 people to ensure plenty of powder runs for everyone, with all participants required to be advanced skiers or snowboarders. Private group tours for intermediate skiers and snowboarders can be arranged in advance with a full buyout.

California's Homewood Mountain Resort has added snowcat skiing on Ellis Peak, along Lake Tahoe's West Shore. (photo: Garry Moore)
California’s Homewood Mountain Resort has added snowcat skiing on Ellis Peak, along Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. (photo: Garry Moore)

All-day packages with Homewood Snowcat Adventures, which includes both lift access at Homewood Resort as well as the snowcat tour, are available for $399 per person, per day. Also included are the required backcountry backpack, shovel, avalanche beacon, and probe, as well as professional instruction related to mountain safety practices.

Homewood season passholders receive a $100 discount for themselves and friends when the group books together for the same day. Groups or companies interested in a day of guided snowcat touring can also reserve a private adventure.

Homewood Resort’s demo ski shop also offers powder-specific skis at a special package rate to anyone who books a Snowcat Adventure. For more information, or to book a Snowcat Adventure, call (530) 525-2992.

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