Chatter News

Chatter Editor Retires

2006-05-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

After two years of regular updates on powder skiing at Chatter Creek, it's time for your Chatter Editor to move on. Hence, the long silence on the Chatter News. We're hopeful that someone will step forward to take up the reins, but it has not happened yet.

With its 40 separate Weblogs, the Chatter News is still the best source of information about Chatter Creek. However, we'd like to see the Winter Staff site maintained and the compendium of Ski Runs expanded to include more of the new terrain.

I'd like to thank all of the many Chatter Creek clients who have been so supportive with their generous supply of information and their powder skiing photography. Keep in touch, I will be maintaining my interest in backcountry skiing as an editor of the www.heliplanet.com international directory of heliskiing and cat skiing. Send us your cat skiing stories, trip reports and photograpy.

When I'm not backcountry skiing, I'm thinking about alpine ski racing in Whistler, as a Whistler Weasel Worker. Check out new Web site. A number of Chatter Creek's old friends are Whistler Weasel Workers.

Jan 27 to Jan 31 Chatter Creek Tour

2006-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Snow, snow and more snow. That was the story of our end-January trip to Chatter Creek. Four days of the best powder many of the group has ever seen. It snowed part of every day and every night, with 30 cm overnight for our second day. It was really tough, sometimes, maintaining any visibility. It was one "face shot" after another. Photographer John Dougall got some great shots and we all came home with a CD of over 250 photos, every one a "keeper". It was a problem to cut down to the CD capacity.
Overheard in the cat, "After chasing powder for 50 years and on three coninents as well as in the Southern Alps, today is my best day of powder skiing, ever".

The weather kept us confined pretty well to the trees, with only a few excursions onto open slopes. However, the constant snowfall snowed in tracks pretty quickly and the East Ridge just kept on giving. We also skied Lodge Ridge and Staff Trees.

Footnote: we stayed at the Kicking Horse Canyon Guest House in Golden. It's a great spot! Very comfortable and homey. The price is right and the breakfast "rocks"!

2006-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

2006-01-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

"Powder's Up" at Chatter Creek!

We've just recieved our first load of photos from Pro photographer Rob Plato. Rob will be at Chatter Creek part time this winter, assisting John Dougall, and giving John some well-deserved time off.

Rob is clearly no slouch with a camera. Chatter Creek powder hounds will be taking home lots of "ego" shots this year, whether they are taken by John or by Rob.

Check out the changes on the Chatter Creek Web site. They now have a lodge weather report on the main page. There are lots of other changes too.

Don't forget the Chatter News after your powder bash at Chatter Creek. Send us your favorite photos and your tales of the Pink Purse.

Click on any of our photos to enlarge them.

Your Chatter Editor heads to Chatter Creek next weekend for his annual turns in the powder. We'll have a first-hand report for you shortly. Stay tuned.

Check our our new site, Ski Photography by Rob Plato

Chatter Creek Cat Skiing Season Starts

2005-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Chatter Creek Snow Report

2005-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Chatter Creek reports today a meter of settled snow at Vertebrae Lodge and two meters of settled snow in the alpine. I interpret that to be at the treeline, perhaps in Spruce Gully, where there has been a snow plot.

It has snowed daily for the past 4 days, but not a significant amount. It is -8 degC at the lodge.

Chatter Creek opens in two days. Hopefully the guides will soon be providing regular weather reports.

2005-12-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

The start of snowcat skiing at Chatter Creek is just days away.

The Chatter News is ready to receive your reports and your photos. Please don't by shy. Let us know about the powder skiing at Chatter Creek.

Before you start your trip, take a look at our "Chatter Creek Winter Staff" Web site and acquaint yourselves with the folks who will help make your ski trip a special experience.

Don't forget the luggage restrictions. Hard-sided suitcases just won't fit in the helicopter. All you need is a soft-sided gym bag. Wear your ski clothing. Boot bags are provided for ski and snowboard boots. Don't forget your swimming suit for the hot tubs. Enjoy!

Skill-Testing Question

2005-11-29T00:46:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Chatter Creek is running a heli-skiing program next March? Click here for info on more opportunity for great powder skiing.

Busman's Holiday

2005-11-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

What do Chatter Creek guides to after a winter of powder skiing at Chatter Creek? Well, some of them go skiing.

Last spring, Dani Loewenstein and some friends did some touring on Mt. Freshfield, which is a 3336m peak located in the Rocky Mountains, about 45 km southeast of Chatter Creek. Dani has been kind enough to share a few photos from his ski trip.

We believe the photo above is the Freshfield Icefield. Mt Freshfield lies on the Continetal Divide, between the Freshfield Icefield and the Campbell Icefield. If you click on the photo and make your viewing window as large as possible, you will see their tracks and two figures on the icefield. Someone took a real hike for that photo.

Dani says, " We skied a beautiful line off the summit of Freshfield that ended in that amazing glacial compression tonque".

The second photo above shows seracs on the Freshfield Icefield and the last photo was taken inside an igloo that Dani and his friends built for shelter.

We understand that Dani will be back guiding at Chatter Creek in early February.

Cat Skiing News Update

2005-11-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

We've just heard from cat driver Brenda Lenahan that "Dale has been zooming around in the new Bombardier BR 350 snowcat getting a lot accomplished". The good snowpack permits very easy travel and Dale has already built roads to Spruce Pass, through Megahooped & the Windlip, and halfway down Vertabrae Glacier. The Super Road is built on the East Ridge and the Clamshell road is in place, all the way to the Pearl. Dale says it's the best early season snowpack he's seen at Chatter Creek!

The rest of the crew are keeping busy with projects around the lodge. However, they will soon be switching gears - the powder skiing is here and first guests arrive in less than a month. As Brenda says, it's time to play in the mountains!

Thanks for the update, Brenda.

2005-11-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Vertebrae and Solitude Lodges at Chatter Creek Cat Skiing with their brand new entryway under a mantle of fresh snow. There is over a meter of snow at the lodge, and things are just about ready to go. Finishing touches are in progress and the lodge is being stocked. For a look at what's new at at Chatter Creek, take a look at our "Summer at Chatter Creek" Weblog.

The first tour kicks off on December 17. If you have a hankering for some early-season powder skiing, we notice that there are some openings still available at discount rates.

Click any image to enlarge it. Use the browswer's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News. The Chatter News is a collection of Weblogs about all aspects of Chatter Creek. Follow the links at the top of the page, and those in the right hand margin. Dont miss our our tour of Chatter Creek's Cat Skiing Terrain and our Ski Run Index.

2005-11-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

The bar in Chatter Creek's Vertebrae lodge has bee tarted up and re-varnished and awaits the first contingent of cat skiers. There has been lots of finishing details completed within the lodge, this summer, including individual cubicles in the drying room for each guest to dry their boots and outside clothing.

A month ago, the road to Chatter Creek was impassable, due to mud. However, it is now well frozen, plowed and the cats are being used to haul supplies to the lodge.

The Wood-Mizer sawmill at Chatter Creek has been "put to bed" for the winter. In a month, the helicopter landing pad will extend over the end of the bed of the mill. The sawmill has had lots of use this past summer, milling lumber and finishing materials for the new woodshed, the lodge entrance and the lodge interiors.

2005-11-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

We expect that John Dougall will be on hand again this year to capture your great moments in the Chatter Creek powder, with or without the Pink Purse.

We're always happy to display John's great photography, or photos of Chatter Creek by the likes of Mark Gallup and Dan Hudson, but most of our material comes from Chatter Creek guests.

We hope that lots of Chatter Creek guests will come to our rescue again this year with some well taken photography. We've relied on your contributions and we've received some great submissions. Please don't be shy. Don't forget "lodge shots" for our "Happy Campers" site and your "Tales of the Pink Purse".

Many Chatter Creek ski groups use the Webshots photo sharing Web site to share one anothers photos among the group. They send us the URL for their gallery and the Chatter News can take whatever it needs. It's pretty easy for group members to upload their photos to the groups' Webshots ablum.

There has been lots of finishing work done this summer in Solitude and Vertebrae Lodges. Door casing have been tarted up and completed. More insulation has been added and our bedrooms await us. With a second outdoor furnace, the hot tubs should be hot, even in the coldest weather. For a rundown on the summer's projects, look at our Summer at Chatter Creek Weblog. The major projects have been a second woodshed and outoddr furnace, a covered entryway for the lodges, finishing work in the lodges and some road work. The "Summar at Chatter Creek" site tells all about it.

Accommodation Deals in Golden BC

2005-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Chatter Creek Cat Skiing Guests are offered special rates at the Prestige Motor Inn and at the Kicking Horse Canyon B&B Guest House in Golden BC. When you arrive a day early for your powder skiing trip at Chatter Creek, these are the places to stay for room rate discounts.

The Kicking Horse Canyon Guest House offers homey lodging for individuals and groups in a quiet forest setting, a short drive from the center of town. Proprietor Jerry Cook is a chef at Chatter Creek. If you like Jerry's cooking, try out wife, Jeannie's great breakfasts! Also check out Jerry's hand-crafted rustic local-wood furniture. For special rates and bookings call Jeannie at (250) 344-6848 or email kicking_cook@hotmail.com

The Prestige Inn is a comforable, 4 1/2 star "Canada Select" hotel conveniently located on the TransCanada Highway, about 5 minutes drive from the center of Golden. An ABC Country Restaurant is in-house. For special rates and bookings call 1-877-737-8443 or email golden@prestigeinn.com. Click here for on-line reservations.

Click on any photo for an enlargment. Use your browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News. That's the Kicking Horse Resort on the hillside behind the Prestige Inn. You have time for a full morning's skiing there before your flight to Chatter Creek.

Snow Alert

2005-11-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Nov 4, 2005: Sixty (60)cm (about 2 ft) of snow is reported at the Lodge and the glaciers above nearby Rogers Pass have 260cm. It's snowing at Chatter Creek and more snow is in the forecast. The alpine snow pack appears to be well settled with no depth hoar (layer of instability). Tomorrow, Blackcomb Mt. at Whistler will have its earliest opening in 20 years. Things are looking very good for the early cat skiing season.

2005-11-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

A new roof over the entryway to Vertebrae and Solitude Lodges will provide protection from snowshed off the main roof. Cat skiing at Chatter Creek starts in about six weeks.

Our "Summer at Chatter Creek" Weblog has some new photos from this summer's projects at the lodge site. See what's new at the lodge site and follow the progress of mountain lodge construction at Chatter Creek from 2001 to the present. How do you build 20,000 sq ft of log buildings in the middle of nowhere?

Where is Chatter Creek? Click the link for maps and satellite images.

Snow in Golden BC

2005-10-31T23:49:00.000-08:00

Golden has been getting snow flurries. Daytime freezing snow level has been about 1200 meters, dropping to the valley floor (780 meters) overnight. The Chatter Creek Lodge elevation is about 1640 meters, about 900 meters above Golden. The photo to the right is a recent shot of the ridge above the lodge.

On Nov 5/6, Blackcomb Mountain at Whistler is having it's earliest opening in many years. This bodes well for early season skiing throughout BC. Blackcomb will commence daily operations of Nov 11, a far cry from last year! Think snow! Think powder skiing!

Welcome to the Chatter News

2005-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

There's snow at the lodge and things are "heating up". The Chatter News, our client's view of life and cat skiing at Chatter Creek, has never had so many visitors! Over at Chatter, we notice that bookings are pretty well "chocka" mid-season, and are filling up in December, as well.

If you don't know what snowcat skiing is, look at our Cat Skiing Articles, a photo-essay that covers it all. The links at the top of each page connect to the many parts of the Chatter News. We have photos on all aspects of Chatter Creek; the lodges, snowcats, guests, terrain and even travel information.

Our Cat Skiing Terrain and Ski Run Index provide a illustrated tour of one of the largest cat skiing tenures in the world. Few others offer both the variety and extent of high elevation glacier skiing, huge alpine bowls and extensive tree skiing. Your Chatter Editor has had about 10 trips to Chatter Creek and has yet to see half the place. With 238 sq km, it's huge!

Scroll down to see our recent posts or follow some of the many links to our collections of ski photography. There's lots to find! About 40 pages like this one of photos and description, plus monthly archives. You won't run out. The photo above is a John Dougall shot of a guest enjoying the Chatter Creek powder skiing. We hope you enjoy the Chatter News.

Ski Photos by John Dougall

2005-10-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

High flying near La Grave, France. Chatter Creek photographer, John Dougall directs traffic and takes photos from the road on the very last pitch of the col du Galibier. This is where cyclist, Lance Armstrong has for years started to take his enormous leads grinding up these steep hills in the Tour de France. In a former life, John lived a few miles from here.

In this life, John takes professional ski photos of cat skiing guests powder skiing the champagne powder at Chatter Creek. For many more recent ski photos by John, follow this link to our photo gallery, Ski Photograpy by John Dougall.

John's ski photos make great momentos of powder skiing trips to Chatter Creek, not to mention being a bit of an ego booster hanging on the office wall.

Snow at Chatter Creek

2005-10-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

The lodge has been getting rain, and lots of it. However its been "dumping" in the alpine, and the snow line is at the top of the Home Run cut block, just above the lodge. Powder skiing at Chatter Creek is not far away!

Overnight, the freezing level is dropping to SX6, or below. That's the point on the Chatter Creek Main (road) just below the Nose, a few km below Vertebrae lodge. During the day, it rises to about 6000 ft. The Golden Weather now reports a low of -3degC, so things at the lodge must be cooling off.

Weeks of heavy rain has played havoc with Life on the Chatter Creek Road. The mud has made the road impassable to all vehicles, even the Hummer. Until the freezing level drops to harden up the road, no supplies will be getting through to the lodge, not even fuel. Ah, the joys of operating a large backcountry lodge!

Snow at the Lodge seems a little later than in prior years. In late September 2002, when Vertebrae lodge was being constructed, the first heavy snow at lodge level came a few days before the roof was completed. Days of shovelling snow and scraping ice from the floor of the dining hall resulted. Here's a photo from a year ago, showing snow at lodge level in October, 2004. It's a bit dreary, but things brighten right up by the end of November, when there is a good snow cover. Scroll down to our "December Snow Story" for more about early season snow.

Mark Gallup Photographs Chatter Creek

2005-10-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we've looked at Mark Gallup's classic ski photography from Chatter Creek. Our Mark Gallup photo gallery has a collection of great shots of Ryan Oakden, Brian Savard and Chris Collins playing in the Chatter Creek powder snow. A number of Mark's great photos grace the walls of Vertebrae Lodge. Click on any image to enlarge it. Use the browser's "Back" button to return.

Last of the Summer Wine

2005-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Dog Days of Summer. Prelude to powder skiing.

A late-summer shot of the rear of the bedroom wing of Vertebrae Lodge. The hot tub deck has been tarted up with improvements to the railings and the outside stairs. It seems that the skirting over the craw space has been brought to the outside edge of the deck.

For more information on recent construction activities at Chatter Creek, take a look at our "Summer at Chatter Creek" photo gallery.

More about Cat Skiing in Chile

2005-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

PowderQuest has left a comment about Ski Arpa on our August 26 posting to the Chatter News. PowderQuest runs a variety of ski tours in South America and used the Chatter News to pass on a little information and history about Ski Arpa (and to give themselves a little "plug"). Scroll down, or look at our August archive to learn a little more about cat skiing south of the equator.

2005-10-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

The large bowl known as South Park, located southwest of Vertebrae Lodge, between MCO and Lakeview. South Park backs on the new Oyster Bowl, although there is no established direct route between the two. Follow the links above to more information about these powder skiing areas at Chatter Creek.

Click on any image to enlarge it. Use the browser's "Back" button to return.

Helicopter Skiing at Chatter Creek

2005-09-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

You are reading this first in the Chatter News

Chatter Creek will operate a two-week introductory heli-skiing program in late March and early April, 2006.

A year ago, Chatter Creek was awarded a heli-skiing tenure that lies mostly outside of the cat skiing tenure (which has more recently been expanded by an additional 108 sq km). The heli-skiing terrain is to the north, east and south of the cat skiing areas.

This will be a limited program, with space for just 40 clients among four tours, so anyone needing a last shot of great powder skiing and interested in exploring Chatter Creek's new heli-skiing tenure should contact the office ASAP. The Bell 407 helicopter will be used. It's a fast and very comfortable machine that will accommodate a skiing group of just 5 clients plus a guide.

In the event of stormy weather, there will be no down-time. Heli-skiers will be bundled into snowcats to sample some of Chatter Creek's great cat skiing terrain. When the weather clears, the helicopter is there waiting to whisk you back to the more remote heli-runs.

Follow this link for more information about the Chatter Creek Helicopter skiing program, another opportunity to indulge yourself in Chatter Creek's exceptional powder skiing.

The photo shows a view east from Chatter Creek's Vertebrae glacier. Many of the distant snowfields will be within reach of the Chatter Creek helicopters. Mount Columbia rises in the distance on the right of the image. Click the image to enlarge it.

Autumn Days are Upon Us.

2005-09-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

The summer has come and gone at Chatter Creek and the final push is on to complete the "summer" projects. Very soon, all hands will be "on deck" for final preparations for welcoming guests to Vertebrae and Solitude Lodges.

A lot of finishing carpentry has been completed in the lodges this summer; jobs that were not finished last summer, when Solitude Lodge was built. There has also been quite a bit of work completed on the Chatter Creek access road. The partners expect to complete a second woodshed this fall, with a second outdoor furnace to act as a booster to the existing hot-water heating system. This will allow the propane booster installed last year to be retired and will provide much more heat during cold snaps. One of the remaining tasks is a wood-choping "bee". A crew will be going in to the lodge shortly to cut the winter firewood for the two furnaces.

There are a lot of people looking forward to powder skiing in the new "Lakeside" terrain. It won't be long now! The annual mailout to guests is "in the mail". Watch for it and remember to mark the November "due date" on your calendar.

For more information on these two great lodges, look at our "Lodge Life" Web site or, for the story of the construction of these lodges, look at our "Vertebrae Lodge" and "Solitude Lodge" sites.

Golden, a popular North American destination

2005-09-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

Golden BC, located in Western Canada between the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains is becoming an ever more popular destination for skiers and snowboarders wanting a variety of mountain experiences. Few places in North America offer such a wide choice of winter holiday excursions. Skiing at beautiful Lake Louise is a 50 minute drive to the east, on the way to the nearest international airport in Calgary, the Panorama ski resort is an hour's drive to the south and, of course, the Kicking Horse Alpine Resort is just minutes from the center of town.
Besides alpine skiing, Golden offers a wealth of other winter holiday experiences. Great Canadian Heli-skiing and Purcell Heli-skiing are both in or close to Golden and, in the mountains around Golden, there are many backcountry lodges including Mistaya Lodge, Amiskwi Lodge, Sorcerer Lodge, Purcell Lodge and Golden Alpine Holidays with a collection of small backcounry lodges.

For competent intermediate and expert alpine skiers and riders having no backcountry experience, a three-day snowcat skiing tour at Chatter Creek provides an easy but memorable introduction to the joys of backcountry powder and probably by far the best skiing of the trip. Our dream trip would be a few days of alpine skiing at the resorts in or near Golden followed by three or four days of cat skiing and then a day of heli-skiing. After that, try dog sledding or snowmobiling, because more resort skiing will be a little anticlimatic. If you share that kind of dream, make sure you book at least a year in advance because a lot of people have similar plans. Chatter Creek has perhaps the largest area of cat skiing terrain in North America and also boasts the highest and most extensive glacier skiing for cat skiers. It is becoming a very popular spot for intermediate and expert skiers.

By the way, the cat skiing and heli-skiing require no special equipment, just your usual ski clothing and boots. For Chatter Creek, you'll also want your toothbrush and a swim suit for the hot tub. Operators rent powder skis that are well adapted to local conditions and they also look after safety gear and they train you in its use. The cat skiing and heli-skiing tours are fully guided by very experienced and well trained guides.

Scroll down to lean more about snowcat skiing. If you want to try backcountry powder skiing, this is the easiest and most accessible way to do it. You don't need to be a star. The photos we show on the Chatter News tend to be of the better skiers and riders. Don't be put off. If you are a strong intermediate, you'll have a blast! If you've never tried powder skiing in untracked snow in the trees or on big alpine slopes, Chatter's the place to start. There's no hiking, warm comfortable snowcats take you to the top and pick you up at the bottom. In between, you ski untracked powder at a pace that's right for you. Fresh tracks, every run on an endless variety of hills. Check out our Cat Skiing Articles to learn more. Our Ski Run Index shows many of the major runs and ski areas at Chatter Creek.

Cat Skiing at Chatter Creek

2005-09-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Chatter News is a personal Weblog (blog) that provides an independent client's view of powder skiing and boarding at Chatter Creek, in the Canadian Rocky Mountain backcountry. There is also lots here about mountain lodge construction.

This is NOT the Chatter Creek Mountain Lodge Web Site. For cat skiing tour schedules, prices, booking informtion and the OFFICIAL word about snowcat skiing and boarding at Chatter Creek, go to www.chattercreekcatskiing.com

Click here for information on Getting Around the Chatter News Site

View earlier posts in our Chatter News Archives for Jul ., Aug., Sep ., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr.
All Archives are listed to the right >>.

The links at the top of each Chatter News window connect to 19 photo galleries plus other info. These contain photos and information on:
1. Glacier skiing in the Rockies, at an elevation of almost 10,000 ft.
2. Cat skiing terrain and views from the road to Vertebrae glacier
3. The Bombardier Snowcats used by Chatter Creek.
4. Our group's Favorite Chatter Creek photos.
5. Skiing in the Clamshell, a high bowl contining a small glacier.
6. Ski Photography by Mark Gallup, great riding and ski photos.
7. Ski Photography by John Dougall, Chatter Creek's in-house
     professional photographer.
8. Dan Hudson Ski Photography , more great ski photos.
9. Cat Skiing the Cut Blocks, cleared areas at lower elevations.
10. A sampling of Lodge Life at Chatter Creek
11. Happy Campers, guests enjoying themselves at Vertebrae Lodge.
12. Cat Skiing on the East Ridge with its old burns and forest glades.
13. Cat Skiing the Lodge Ridge & it's "Home Run" to the lodge door.
14. The helicopter flight to Chatter Creek
15. Travel information for skiers and boarders heading to Golden.
16. The story of the construction of Vertebrae lodge.
17. The construction of the Solitude lodge bedroom annex.
18. A photographic tour of the Cat Skiing Terrain at Chatter Creek.
      Visit all points of the Chatter Creek tenure.
19. A collection of ski articles on the Chatter Creek Web site.
20. Where is Chatter Creek uses maps and satellite images to locate
     Chatter Creek.
21. Photos and "bios" of the Chatter Creek Winter Staff
22. Ski Run Index provides photos and information on most Chatter Creek ski runs.
23. Chatter Creek Ski Runs is a large collection of photos and information referenced by the Ski Run Index. The Index provides quick access.
24. Cat Skiing Photos - a collection of prior "photos of the week".

Also, there is our illustrated Cat Skiing Articles all about cat skiing.

Scroll down to see our recent postings to the Chatter News.

Chatter Creek Ski Run Index

2005-09-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

We are developing a Ski Run Index for the Chatter Creek tenure. Click the above link to find two sets of links to collections of ski run photos and descriptions. The first set organizes ski run links by the five major cat road networks, while the second set lists all ski run names alphabetically. Click any link to view a collection of photos and a description of the selected ski run.

The Ski Run Index is relatively small and quick to load. This references individual postings to our Chatter Creek Ski Runs Weblog, which is large and slow to load. However, the latter permits the user to scroll through descriptions and photos of all the ski runs, organized in alphabetical order.

The Cat Skiing Terrain Weblog provides a top-level description of the Chatter Creek tenure and introduces the five major ski zones (cat road networks). From here, link to a separate Weblog that provides a detailed description and many ski photos from one particlular zone. Use the Ski Run Index to see our collection of ski photos for any particular run. The index is a work in progress. The Ski Run Index also provides access to an index of all names associated with Chatter Creek.

Old Article, But Good Reading

2005-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

I've just noticed this article by writer and film producer, Peter Chrzanowski. It dates from 2001 (sounds more like 2000) and a whole lot has changed since then. However, it's interesting reading.

Glacier Skiing at Chatter Creek

2005-08-27T02:03:00.000-07:00

A favorite place to visit at Chatter Creek is Vertebrae glacier. Visit our Glacier Skiing at Chatter Creek Weblog to view the spectacular vistas from the glacier and the powder skiing that it offers.

At about 9600 ft elevation, the Vertebrae glacier is perhaps the highest and most extensive glacier in North America that is regularly accessed by snowcat skiers and snowboarders. The glacier skiing is mellow and the mountain scenery is amazing.

Thanks to photog Dan Hudson for this shot.

Cat Skiing in Chile

2005-08-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

We've heard from Caimin Roycroft who is a guide at Ski Arpa at Los Andes near Santiago, Chile. It's the first cat skiing operation we've heard of in South America. Caimin is an ex-Kicking Horse Resort skier.

Ski Arpa is three years old and does not yet have accommodation at the ski hill, but something is planned for next year. The road to the area is "basic" and 4x4 is suggested, but not usually necessary. Most clients are Americans who take day-trips from Santiago. It looks as if this is basically a ski hill that uses snowcats for uphill transportation. The terrain size is over 4000 acres (16+ sq km). Weekdayday skiing is by reservation and weekends run on a first come, first serve basis. The company encourages the hiring of guides, but it does not seem to be mandatory. Caimin says there are guides with most groups and, when there is avalanche risk, they just don't operate. He says, "Being a coastal snowpack it is fairly dense and easier to predict".

Sounds like Caimin's working hard to promote the place and to build up the ski and guiding programs. Good luck!

Here's a Globe and Mail article about Ski Arpa.

Chatter Creek Announces Terrain Additions

2005-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's Official - after months of waiting, Chatter Creek is now able to announce an increase of 108 sq km (42 square miles) to it's snowcat skiing tenure north of Golden BC, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

This increase brings the total size of the cat skiing terrain to 238 sq km (92 sq mi.). The increase comes in two parts, the Lakeside Addition and the Spruce Pass Addition. The Lakeside Addition includes the huge Oyster Bowl that some lucky guests got to sample last year. It also includes the Game Creek drainage that has been shown in some of our Chatter News photos (West Side Terrain). We don't have any information yet on the Spruce Pass Addition, except that it lies north of Spruce Pass

How big is BIG? The Chatter Creek cat skiing tenure is now over seven times larger than Whistler/Blackcomb. It is twice the size of Whistler/Blackcomb, Heavenly, Vail, Squaw Valley, Mamouth and Lake Louise combined. At any one time, this enormous area is shared by just 36 guests and their six professional guides.

The Cat Skiing Terrain Web log provides a photo tour of this wonderland of powder skiing. Skiing at Chatter Creek occurs between the elevations of about 5000 ft and 9600 ft. Chatter Creek is in a productive snow belt and the alpine skiing is relatively high, yielding good quality snow that resists warm weather trends.

Please tell us at the Chatter News if you know of a snowcat skiing operation anywhere with more usable terrain. In five years of trips to Chatter Creek, your Chatter Editor and his friends have never "set ski" in any of the South Side terrain. Now we have twice the "new" area to explore.

The full news release can be found in this .PDF document or on our News Releases Weblog.

Powder Skiing near Lakeview

2005-08-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Cat roads and cat skiing tracks near Lakeview at Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing. There's abundant powder skiing here. This is one of many bowls in the original Chatter Creek tenure. For a tour of the whole area, look at our Cat Skiing Terrain Weblog. Scroll down to view our recent postings to the Chatter News. View the Archives for earlier entries.

Lakeview lies inder the usual path of the helicopter flight between Golden and Vertebrae Lodge. This is one of first or last views guests have of Chatter Creek as they arrive or depart from Chatter. See the "Flight to Chatter Creek" for shots of Lakeview and MCO Pass from the helicopter.

The Chatter News has hundreds of ski photos by Chatter Creek clients and other contributors as well as ski photography by professional photographers, Dan Hudson, Mark Gallup and John Dougall.

Where is Chatter Creek?

2005-08-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our brand new ski Weblog, Where is Chatter Creek provides maps and satellite imagery showing the location of Chatter Creek in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Click the link above to view more 3-D satellite images from "Google Earth".

What's Cat Skiing?

2005-08-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

What is Cat Skiing? Find out if cat skiing is for you and just how much great powder skiing you can get in a day. Do you need backcountry experience or special equipment? Are you good enough? The Cat Skiing Articles weblog tells all about backcountry powder skiing from snowcats.

Cat skiing terrain at Chatter Creek

2005-08-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

South Side and West Side ski terrain at Chatter Creek. The top of Oh my Gord in SX3 is visible beyond MCO Pass, at the far left of the photo. MCO slopes down to the right from the pass to the trees in the center left. Beyond the MCO trees are the draws containing RUZM (Right up ze middle) and Elbow Drive. Beyond Elbow Drive, South Park is partially visible sloping down from the highest point at the left of the photo. Lakeview is visible in the background, beyond the foot of South Park. To the right of this collage, a cat road climbs in the shadow through the Clamshell to the Pearl and Oyster Bowl in the new Lakeside Addition. To the right of the Clamshell, the Plank and Forbidden Fruit drop into Fruit Loops, which is accessed from Oyster Bowl, beyond the ridge. This terrain lies in the Kitchen Range of the Rocky Mountains.

At any one time, only 36 guests and 6 guides share the Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain, of which, this photo shows perhaps 20%. Chatter Creek offers boundless powder skiing!

Click on the image to view the names of ski runs. Make your viewing window as wide as possible. Use the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News. For photos and information on all of the Chatter Creek ski terrain, look at our Cat Skiing Terrain photo gallery.

The Chatter News is a Year Old

2005-07-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

A year ago this month, the Chatter News was born as an unofficial newsletter about powder skiing at Chatter Creek. Our first photo was a shot of Mullet Bowl (we called it Vertebrae glacier, at the time). Now we have an entire photo gallery about glacier skiing at Chatter Creek.

We've grown to about 40 Weblogs about different aspects of cat skiing at Chatter Creek and about the construction of the two enormous mountain lodges. Find them using the links at the top of each Weblog. There is not much about Chatter Creek and cat skiing that cannot be found in the Chatter News and it's associated Weblogs.

Our "Cat Skiing Articles" Weblog tells all about snowcat skiing and links to a number of written articles about cat skiing. Our three Weblogs devoted to Dan Hudson, Mark Gallup and John Dougall contain high quality ski photos by these professional ski photographers.

We'd like to acknowledge Luke of "Snowgo" fame, who was one of our first correspondents, who gave us encouragement and advice and who provided our first backlinks. Luke is one of the snowboarding world's great bloggers. Thanks, Luke!

Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing

2005-07-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing is located about 90 km north of Golden BC, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, just east of Kinbasket Lake in the Columbia River Trench. Overlaid on this ©"Google Earth " image is the TransCanada Highway which passes through Golden BC from Lake Louise and Banff, in the east to Revelstoke, in the west. Provincial Hwy 95 runs south from Golden to Cranbrook and Spokane WA. Here is the Google Road Map for the area. Drill down to show Golden.

Chatter Creek cat skiing guests are transferred by helicopter from Golden to Chatter Creek's Vertebrae Lodge for 3-day and 4-day cat skiing tours.... powder skiing and "fresh tracks" every run is the norm.

For more information locating Chatter Creek, look at "Where is Chatter Creek?"

Chatter Creek's Cat Skiing Terrain in 3D

2005-07-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

This image was generated using Google's new ©"Google Earth " downloadable program. The accuracy of this image of Chatter Creek's remote cat skiing terrain is quite amazing.

The viewpoint is over Bush Arm, looking WNW, across the Kitchen Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Chatter Creek valley runs NW, from Bush Arm to a point just right of center in the image. Vertebrae Ridge is to the right of the valley and the Kitchen Range is to the left, between the valley and Kinbasket Lake. Below the south end of the East Ridge (the Nose), Chatter Creek veers to the west (left). At this point, East Creek drains into Chatter Creek from the east of East Ridge and Stovepipe Mountain, beyond. Vertebrae Glacier is visible on the east slope of Stovepipe Mountain.

The Chatter Creek cat skiing tenure lies between Vertebrae Ridge, on the east, and Kinbasket Lake, on the west. The tenure extends east of Stovepipe Mountain to include Vertebrae glacier and other regions. The tenure extends from just above Bush arm, in the south, to a point north of Stovepipe Mountain.

Click on the image to enlarge it, to make Lodge Ridge visible, beyond lower East Ridge. Click the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

Kinbasket Lake, at the left of the image, lies in the Columbia River trench, about 90 km north of Golden BC. The Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain is on the western flank of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Fish On!

2005-07-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

One more photo from our fishing trip in central BC, before the Chatter News gets back to the joys of powder skiing at Chatter Creek Snowcat skiing. In the next few weeks, look for more information about the expanded cat skiing terrain at Chatter Creek and an announcement of a week or two of heli-skiing at Chatter Creek next spring.

Summer Alternative to Cat Skiing

2005-07-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

We're back in the saddle to report a good fishing trip. The trout fishing in central BC is in pretty good shape. The weather was lousy, but the fishing was excellent. The best ever! Water level was much higher than usual and many of the usual fords were too deep to cross in hip waders. We enjoyed a great fish camp with good company, great wine and many trout dinners. The only sad note was the Mountain Pine Beetle kill in the area. Many of the larger trees around our usual bush camp had been killed. However, none of the young trees have been affected, and the spruce in the area remains healthy.

Not much to report in wildlife sightings, except more deer than we've seen before. Field mice had a great time with a roll of toilet paper one night and the mosquitoes were particularly active. Also, the track to our campsite was muddier than we've ever encountered before. FWD was very helpfull and it was easy to "bottom out" the F150.

Stay tuned for more cat skiing news. We'll have more soon on expanded snowcat skiing at Chatter Creek.

Gone Fishing

2005-07-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Things will be quiet around the Chatter News for a week or so because we're going fishing in central BC. The siren call of the wee trouties summon us to our forest hideaway, far from the din of civilization and the glare of computer monitors.

One year we were visted here by a Kermode Bear , who was far from home. I wonder what surprises await us this year. Have a good week, all. We're going to. Cheers.

2005-07-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

The summer construction season at Chatter Creek is about to warm up. There is no heavy construction planned this year and we expect mostly interior finishing on the two lodges. This shot shows Dale, in 2003, extending the roof overhang on Vertebrae Lodge. Since then, the Solitude Lodge sleeping annex has been completed. Click either image to enlarge. Use the "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

For a look at both lodges in action, see our "Lodge Life at Chatter Creek" photo gallery.

2005-07-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Chatter News and its related photo galleries (the links that appear at the top of the page) now contain over 600 photos and over 34,000 words of text about powder skiing at Chatter Creek , in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

To view our photos of Chatter Creek, scroll to the bottom of this page, use the photo gallery links at the top of the page and look at the monthly archives listed in the right hand column. For information on powder skiing tours, click this Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing link.

After viewing an Archive or any of the photo galleries, return to the current display by clicking the Chatter News link at the top of the page (first link under the title).

Our favorite galleries are: Ski Photography by Mark Gallup, Ski Photography by John Dougall and Cat Skiing Terrain with it's aerial photograpy.

Favorites among our Chatter News viewers are Happy Campers at Chatter Creek and Glacier Skiing at Chatter Creek.

Readers who have experienced Chatter Creek cat skiing are invited to pass on their photos and comments, expecially their tales of misdeeds relating to the "Pink Purse Award"

Our "Lodge Life at Chatter Creek" gallery has been updated to show the effect of the Solitude Lodge expansion.

We hope you enjoy the Chatter News! Please leave a comment!
The Chatter News is the personal Weblog (blog) of a Chatter Creek client. All views expressed are his own. all for the love of powder skiing!

2005-07-01T03:53:00.000-07:00

End of the July Cat Skiing Posts.
Click here to see all of June 2005.
Click here to see the most recent posts.

2005-06-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

South Park and the roads to Elbow Drive and to RUZM as seen from Lakeview at Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing. There are more that a few days of good powder skiing here!.

For more views of this part of the Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain, look at our South Side Ski Terrain weblog. The Cat Skiing Terrain weblog provides a tour of all parts of the Chatter Creek powder skiing terrain.
Scroll down the Chatter News to see different aspects of cat skiing at Chatter Creek or use the links at the top of the page to explore our various cat skiing weblogs. Don't overlook the Chatter News Archives. Enjoy! Thanks to Hans Gut and his Swiss friends for this great shot.

Click on any Chatter News photo to enlarge it. Use your Browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

Tree Skiing at Chatter Creek

2005-06-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

A snowboarder rides under a canopy of trees at Chatter Creek. The East Ridge, the west side of Lodge Ridge and areas to the south and west of Vertebrae Lodge provide great tree skiing at Chatter Creek. Being protected from sun and wind, the powder skiing in the trees is usually very consistent with deep, light snow.

For great photos of tree skiing at Chatter Creek, scroll to the bottom of our gallery, "Ski Photography by John Dougall". Also check out one of our favorite Mark Gallup photos.

Chatter Creek Ballet

2005-06-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Dan Hudson photographs Chatter Creek owner Dale McKnight and snowboarder Eric crossing Bush Arm on their way to Chatter Creek. Bush Arm is formed by the Bush River as it flows into Kinbasket Lake, about 90 km north of Golden BC.

Check out our new Weblog, "Dan Hudson Ski Photography" for more great photography by Dan Hudson. Dan is a regular visitor to Chatter Creek. Chatter Creek snowcat skiing guests travel to Chatter Creek by helicopter flight.

2005-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

A snowcat nears the end of the Super Road on East Ridge. The Super Spruce and Super Bowl ski runs descend to the west (left). For views of the slope to the east, and the ski run into the East Creek valley, take a look at our Skiing the East Ridge photo gallery (scroll to the bottom). Thanks to Hans Gut and his powder skiing Swiss friends for many East Ridge and "South Side" photos. This photo is by Egmond.

Click any Chatter News photos to enlarge it, then use the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

2005-06-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's the end of September, 2002 and Chatter Creek partners Dan Josephson and Dave Markel survey the enormous amount of work to be done to complete two-story, 9500 sq ft. Vertebrae Lodge. In three short months, 24 guests will be in residence. The exterior walls are up, the roof is just on, and there is an inch of snow and ice on the dining room floor. All of the finishing has yet to be done. Windows and doors are yet to be installed in the log walls. The interior framing, wall board, electrical systems, plumbing for 14 bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and a hot tub, the heating system and the entire septic system all remain to be started. All for the love of powder skiing!

For a closer look at this huge project, see our Mountain Lodge Construction Web site and it's companion sites.

2005-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

By the end of 2004, Solidute Lodge had been completed, and Vertebrae Lodge was entering its third year of operation. The total accommodation space for staff and guests is now over 19,000 sq. ft. See our Solitude Lodge construction Web site for interior views of Solditude Lodge. Chatter Creeks mountain lodges are located about 90 km. north of Golden BC, at an elevation of about 5400 ft. on the western flank of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Access for powder skiing and snowboarding guests is by helicopter.

2005-06-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew Hardingham contemplates the sunset from Lodge Ridge at Chatter Creek Cat Skiing. Photo by Dan Hudson . Dan and Andrew were at Chatter Creek recently for a photo shoot, a result being the cover photo on the April 2005 issue of Snowboard Canada magazine. More Dan Hudson ski photography to come.

2005-06-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

One corner of the Cat Skiing Terrain at Chatter Creek. This photo by Egmond, a Swiss visitor, shows Lodge Ridge, Megahooped and the bottom of Jo-Pal. Vertebrae Lodge sits a the bottom of the Home Run cut block, at the lower left of the photo. Vertebrae Glacier lies beyond the ridge at the top right hand corner of the photo. The Clamshell and the new Lakeside Addition lies to the west (left) and all of the South Side ski terrain lies behind the photographer. The East Ridge lies to the east (right). Follow the above links for a photo tour of other powder skiing areas at Chatter Creek.

Click on the image to enlarge it, use the Browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News. Scroll down to learn about powder skiing at Chatter Creek.

2005-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Lakeview taken from South Park by a client of Hans Gut. Hans has just supplied Chatter News with a treasure trove of ski photos from Chatter Creek. Han's company, HR Sport & Travel, brings a powder skiing group to Chatter Creek every year, mainly from Switizerland. The Chatter News will be "feeding" off this material all summer! Thanks, Hans.

Lakeview is one of the many drainages to the south of Vertebrae Lodge. There is excellent powder skiing on three sides of the lake, which drains to the West, into Kinbasket Lake. Look at our Cat Skiing Terrain photo gallery for a tour of snowcat skiing areas at Chatter Creek. Beyond the far ridge, there is yet another large drainage called Harbourview with many more ski runs.

2005-06-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Mark Gallup photographs Ryan Oakden in the Enchanted Forest on Chatter Creek's East Ridge. Nice powder skiing! Photo: © Mark Gallup. For more great powder skiing shots, check out our collection of Mark Gallup ski photography, or see our recent posting (below) about Ski Photography at Chatter Creek.

2005-06-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Phil Fortier augers in on Super Spruce on upper East Ridge. On this "sweet" run, Phil entrusted his friend Stephan to record his descent. Looks like he did the job but perhaps Phil "caved" under the pressure.

Super Spruce and neighboring Super Bowl lie at the end of the East Ridge "Super Road". Follow the link for other views of this great powder skiing area. The lower portion of the ridge offers lots of tree skiing.

2005-06-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

End of the June Cat Skiing Posts.
Click here to see all of May 2005.
Click here to see the most recent posts.

Ski Photography at Chatter Creek

2005-05-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Click any image for enlargement

Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing generates a wealth of ski photography. Many pro photographers visit Chatter Creek for photo shoots for magazine articles, videos, film and advertising. John Dougall works at Chatter Creek, taking high quality ski photos of Chatter Creek guests. Beyond, these professionals, many Chatter Creek guests photograph their snowcat skiing tours and share their ski photos with the Chatter News an/or on public Web sites such as "Webshots.com". We sincerely thank those guests who have taken the time to send us their ski photography. We absolutely rely on you!

Listed below are links to the collections of ski photography from Chatter Creek that we know of. Please write us if you know of others.
1. Ski Photography by John Dougall - John is Chatter Creek's in-house photographer.
2. Ski Photography by Mark Gallup - Mark is an old friend of Chatter Creek who visits often.
3. Dan Hudson collection - Dan is another old friend of Chatter Creek.
4. Trip Reports by Phil Fortier - Phil is a Chatter Creek client and a mountaineer who takes outstanding photographs. Look for his Chatter Creek photos
5. Dave Hanson's Chatter Creek Trip Report - photo journal about Dave's 2005 Chatter Creek tour.
6. Chatter Creek clients who have recorded their snowcat skiing tours on public Web sites include: Cliff Jennings (two albums), Dave Harvey (three albums), Robert Donalds , Kelly Kerr (two albums), Ryan, Tom Megson & Co., Scott Staples,& Lockie Brown

Special thanks to Chatter Creek clients and staff who have sent us their ski photography over the years including Crichton Pike of Vancouver, John Dunlop of Vancouver, Patrick Miller of Seattle, Are Tallaksrud of Oslo, Norway, Paul Daniels of Sydney, Australia, Peter Allen of Whistler, Robert Donalds of ESO (Germany), Ian Cumming of Vancouver, Wes Giesbrecht of Mercer Island WA, USA, Al Perrett of Kamloops, Laurie Ross of Vancouver, James Statham of Toronto, John Toelle of Quadra Island, BC, Marty Wagman of Toronto, Mike Pirzynski of Seattle, Scott Staples of Vermont and Isabelle Thibeault and Krys Sekora of Chatter Creek. Apologies to anyone I have overlooked. Please write me!

Hans Gut has just supplied us with a treasure trove of ski photography from Chatter Creek. Hans is a ski instructor at Silver Star near Vernon and his company, HRSport & Travel , brings powder skiing groups from Switzerland to Chatter Creek. Hans has provided a CD full of photography taken by himself and many of his Swiss clients. Thank you, Hans!

For excellent ski photography, browse the Chatter News and it's related Web sites. (There are 39, can you find them)

2005-05-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

South Side snowcat skiing terrain at Chatter Creek. Two shots by Chatter Creek photographer, John Dougall. For a better look at the Chatter Creek ski terrain, click this link to our Cat Skiing Terrain photo gallery.

Looks like great powder skiing. Click on the image to enlarge it to see the tracks in both photos. Use the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

2005-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Lodge Ridge at Chatter Creek is a long way from Vermont. Susan, a ski editor for SkiSnowboard.com, enjoys the views and the powder skiing in Dewar's Bowl.

2005-05-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Wes on his tellies enjoying some Chatter Creek powder skiing. The snowcat skiing at Chatter Creek has been getting better and better as they have opened up more and more powder skiing terrain.

2005-05-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Bombardier (Camoplast) Snowcats at Chatter Creek SnowCat Skiing have taken their last guests powder skiing for the year. Their tracks are being removed for repair, the Metal Form passenter cabs are being removed and stored and the snowcats are being shipped to Camoplast Industries in Calgary for their annual inspection and overhaul. For more information about Bombardier Snowcats at Chatter Creek, click the link. This site includes a map locating Camoplast Industries in Calgary, Alberta.

2005-05-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chatter Creek photographer John Dougall takes high quality ski photos of clients and staff. Here's Chatter Creek Assistant Guide Charlotte Visser enjoying some sweet powder skiing on her "tellies". The staff jackets are supplied by ARC'TERYX.

For more great ski photos, click this link to our "Ski Photography by John Dougall".

2005-05-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

SnowCat Skiing at over 9000 ft. Greg B arcing GS turns in the powder on the Vertebrae Glacier. Thanks for the ski photos, Wes.

2005-05-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Cat skiing on the west side of upper Lodge Ridge at Chatter Creek. This may be Dewar's Bowl, or a neighboring bowl in the Chatter Creek watershed. Lodge Ridge offers endless powder skiing. This was taken at the end of January, 2005. Thanks to Scott Staples of the Jay Peak Ski Patrol.

2005-05-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Another shot by Scott Staples from Dewar's Bowl on upper Lodge Ridge. This bowl is just one area on the huge alpine ridge that forms the west side of the upper Chatter Creek watershed. The Chatter Glacier lies at the head of the valley. The Chatter glacier iteslf is too shallow for good powder skiing, but the slopes above it are great. The glacier skiing at Chatter Creek is done on the Vertebrae glacier.

2005-05-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Wes, of Mercer Island fame, has again graced us with photos from his annual Chatter Creek powder skiing bash. Wes wrote, "(We) had a great Chatter Creek cat skiing trip 2-26-05 to 3-1-05. It had not snowed for about 3 weeks and we thought the turns would be lacking. Not so...Dale built a bunch of new roads and we got to ski several new lines in very good snow."

Here's David S below Steph's Thumb. Classic! Steve Evens is the photographer. More in the days to come! Thanks, Wes.

2005-05-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

One Way cat road from Harbourview into Lakeview on the "South Side" at Chatter Creek. Watching the empty cat head off to the next pickup, cat skiing photographer Phil Fortier commented, "Our driver for the 4 days was Pete - this was his first time driving this "down only" road. Dale had opened it only a few days earlier. He inched the cat down as slowly as possible, until it finally lost its grip on the slope - then it was full power downhill!" Thanks for another great photo, Phil.

2005-05-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Phil Fortier catches his friend Vince riding in a cloud of powder snow on Super Spruce. We're looking down on Crystal Lite and Mommy's Run on Lodge Ridge. Take a look at our new tour and description of the Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain. As part of that, we've re-worked our Skiing the East Ridge photo journal. Check out the great aerial photograpy by Steve Neill of Alpenglow Aviation.

Click any Chatter News image to enlarge it. Use the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

2005-05-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Photo Op" on Megahooped, opposite upper Lodge Ridge. Spruce Pass is directly behind the snowcat. Looks like the start of a run in Bouncing Chuckles. For a tour of the Chatter Creek cat skiing tenure, with lots of aerial photography, click here for "Cat Skiing Terrain".

2005-05-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

End-Jan, 2005. Joni B enjoying some great powder skiing in South Park at Chatter Creek. South park is one of the many cat skiing zones located in the "South Side Ski Terrain" Photo credit: Dave Hanson.

2005-05-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

End of the May Cat Skiing Posts.
Click here to see all of April 2005.
Click here to see the most recent posts.

Chatter Creek Cat Skiing Terrain

2005-04-30T01:55:00.000-07:00

There is an enormous amount of alpine terrain south of Vertebrae lodge at Chatter Creek. Much of this terrain has only been opened up for cat skiing in the past year or two, much of it in 2005. This aerial photo shows MCO, South Park and parts of other cat skiing zones at Chatter Creek. Scroll down four posts to see MCO Pass in the setting sun.

In the photo above, MCO (Multiple Cascading Orgasims) crosses the photo from left to right, dropping from MCO Pass. South Park rises in the background from above center to the top right hand corner of the photo. To the south (left) of South Park, the lake of Lakeview is visible, although all of the Lakeview cat skiing terrain lies hidden. Harbourview, yet another cat skiing zone, lies south of Lakeview, barely visible at the top left hand corner of the photo.
RUZM Gully (Right up ze Middle) decends in shadow from between the two knobs at the right edge of the photo. Elbow Drive lies hidden beyond RUZM. The Gong Show drops away to the left, at the bottom edge of the photo. Click the photo for a better view.
Click here for a version of this photo with the names of these ski runs marked .. For a selection of photos from each cat skiing zone, click on the respective name: South Park, Lakeview, Harbourview, Gong Show, RUZM and Elbow Drive

2005-04-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Blowhole at the top of the Windlip on Chatter Creek's Stovepipe Mountain. In its April issue, Snowboard Canada Magazine has a cover photo by Dan Hudson of Andrew Hardingham , in free fall, jumping off this cornice (at the deep end!). It's a long way down! Photographer, Dan Hudson is no stranger to Chatter Creek. The Chatter Creek Web site has a collection of Dan's work at Chatter Creek.

For more photos from the Windlip, take a look at our "Road to Vertebrae Glacier" photo journal. The Windlip is just around the corner from the top of the Vertebrae Glacier. Scroll down for more views of the great powder skiing at Chatter Creek Cat Skiing.

2005-04-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Phil Fortier's friend, Jessie, snowboarding in South Park at Chatter Creek. Thank's for another great photo, Phil.

More Cat Skiing Photos Added

2005-04-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

We've dressed up the Chatter News by adding some of our best terrain and ski photos to the right hand column. Look for yourself! You now get the same sort of posts plus a column of great ski photography, with contributions by John Dougall and (soon) by Mark Gallup. Lots of powder skiing!

2005-04-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

© John Dougall
In the middle of April, great tree skiing like this is but a fond memory. This John Dougall shot catches a Chatter Creek cat skiing guest powder skiing in the Staff Trees. For more ski photos like this, look at our "Ski Photography by John Dougall" Weblog.

2005-04-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

On a clear evening, the flight to Chatter Creek is a magical ride to powder skiing. The views are spectacular and passing over MCO Pass gives a idea of the great powder skiing awaiting us. The flight to the remote lodge provides a clean break from the outside world and helps us get into a holiday frame of mind. We've added more photos to our "Flight to Chatter Creek" photo gallery. Click the link to follow the 25 min. flight, all the way from Golden, BC to Vertebrae Lodge.

2005-04-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

After me! Chatter Creek guide Andrew Prosser heads off to test a slope on the South Side of the Chatter Creek tenure. As photographer, Phil Fortier says, "tough life". However, no one wants to be out in front if there's a problem! Like the other guides at Chatter Creek Cat Skiing, Andy's a very safe operator. The best powder skiing is safe powder skiing!

It's Still Snowing at Chatter Creek

2005-04-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

Remaining staff had a wind-up snowmobiling party at the lodge, last weekend, almost two weeks after the official closing of Chatter Creek's 2005 season. It was held amid a heavy snowstorm that delivered 60 cm. of storm snow. Winter is just not quiting at Chatter Creek! The powder skiing keeps on coming.

Wood-Mizer Celebrates Vertebrae Lodge

2005-04-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

In 2003, The Chatter Creek partners and their small crew undertook the huge task of building a 9300 sq ft. backcountry lodge. The enormous log building is located 90 km from the nearest paved road and about 120 km from the nearest hardware. Built in just six months, from bare ground to occupation by 24 guests, Vertebrae Lodge stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of the builders. In 2004, they were back at it, and another 9,000 sq. ft. building, Solitude Lodge was constructed over one short summer, as a bedroom annex and expansion to Vertebrae Lodge.

For each building, well over 200 large spruce logs were milled on site to provide the large supply of posts and beams, decking, studs, rafters, purlins, and paneling needed for the buildings. To accomplish the necessary milling at a rate not to delay the projects, a reliable high-throughput sawmill was required. The partners chose a Wood-Mizer LT40 Hydraulic Alaska-style portable mill, complete with a 45 ft bed, a decision they have never regretted.

Wood-Mizer has featured the construction of Vertebrae and Solitude Lodges in it's company magazine, "The Wood-Mizer Way", Vol 68, Winter 2004. (click for an on-line .pdf document). Chatter Creek is very proud of it's lodges and thanks Wood-Mizer sincerely for this welcome recognition of it's accomplishments. Wood-Mizer have also featured Vertebrae Lodge on their Web site.

The following link provides photos and more information on the Chatter Creek sawmill.

Powder Skiing Terrain at Chatter Creek

2005-04-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

A panorama of the Kitchen Range immediately west and south of Vertebrae lodge. The cat road to the yet to be announced Lakeside Addition crosses over the ridge at the Pearl, abovethe Clamshell. Favorite exits from the Clamshell are the Table to the south of the Clamsell, or Forbidden Fruit and the Plank, to the north. The Plank passes below the rocky tower, Forbidden Fruit passes above. RUZM Gully and Elbow Drive are accessed from the road to MCO and the southern parts of the tenure. Staff Trees and the Bermuda Triangle provide very protected tree skiing close to Vertebrae Lodge. Follow this link to see more of the Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain

Great Snow and Great Style at Chatter Creek

2005-04-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

End-of-season, "First International One-Piece Ski Suit Day" at Chatter Creek. Chatter Creek carpenter, Chris Hacker and cat driver,Marc Beleyme try to compete with guests, Mari and Rhoda, from Calgary, and Debbie from Canmore. Very pretty, lads! "Hacker's" one-piece really suits. Suck it in, Chris! Looks like you are about to pop something! Sweet! Looks like just another day at the office for Marc Beleyme. Best dressed cat driver at Chatter Creek. If you feel you need a better look, just click on the image.

Mari, Rhoda and Debbie were part of a group that got "rained out" in mid-January, but went back to Chatter Creek for a second try in early April. In Debbie's words, the second trip was "one of the best tours of the season". They plan to be back for more great powder skiing!

2005-04-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Cat pickup in the Bowling Alley in the SX3 drainage, south of Vertebrae Lodge. This area has some classic powder skiing runs, including "Oh My Gord" and "Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump"
This shot is by Chatter Creek photographer, John Dougall. Click the underlined links to see more of John's ski photography or other photos of this cat skiing area.

End of the 2005 Cat Skiing Season at Chatter Creek

2005-04-12T01:58:00.000-07:00

The 2005 cat skiing season has rolled to a close at Chatter Creek. Sunday, April 10 was the last day of operation. The last good snowfall was Saturday night, making the final day on Vertebrae glacier something quite special. The staff have a snowmobiling day planned for next weekend and that will put a "wrap" on a great year.

The weather this year put Chatter Creek to the test, but it seems to have performed pretty well. We've had all kinds of positive feedback about the powder skiing and our own trip in late January was great. Dale and Dan were particularly pleased with their ability to consistently offer "fresh tracks" in good snow througout the five-week drought in Feb and Mar. Next year, we expect the cat skiing terrain to be significantly expanded, so there will be even more north and east slopes to draw on.

Merle McKnight reports that the warm weather and the Robins are returning to Golden, although winter conditions still wrap the alpine. The staff are ready for a well deserved rest.

Bookings are strong for next winter, with many old clients ready for their next crack at the great Chatter Creek powder skiing. If you have not yet booked for next year, call Merle right away. Check the Chatter Creek Web site for details.

We've a bit of a backlog of photos here at the Chatter News, and we'll be publishing new stuff and bits of news, on and off, over the summer. Please keep in touch and if you have some good photos from your Chatter Creek cat skiing trip, please send them along.

Cheers, for now.
Your Chatter Editor.
Happiness is powder skiing!

2005-04-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

We have an identification of the snowboarding ballerina in our April 8 post. See the comment about four postings below. Thanks Robin. Much appreciated. Shannon, it's nice to be able to count on your friends!

Accommodation Discounts in Golden

2005-04-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

Chatter Creek clients heading to Golden for their cat skiing tour, should be aware that the Prestige Inn and the Kicking Horse Canyon Guest House offer Chatter Creek clients special discounted rates.

The photo shows Jerry and Jeannie Cook's attractive Guest House in East Golden. If you enjoy Jerry's cooking at Chatter Creek, you are certain to enjoy his guest house. Here are more views from this Golden BC Guest House.

For travel information about Golden BC, try this "Chatter Creek guest info" link.

Cat Skiing Terrain at Chatter Creek

2005-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

We are slowly cataloging a set of wonderful aerial photography provided by Steve Neill of Alpenglow Aviation. The photos concentrate on the southern part of the existing Chatter Creek tenure including MCO, South Park, Lakeview, Harbourview, and the SX2 and SX3 drainages.

Click here to access our index of photographs of the cat skiing terrain at Chatter Creek. On each page, follow the links to the various powder skiing areas listed. Enjoy!

2005-04-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Gong Show, just south of Vertebrae Lodge. This valley is close to the helicopter flight path to Chatter Creek. It offers 3000 ft vertical of powder skiing. MCO is just west of the Gong Show and is visible beyond the ridge, in the upper right of this shot by Chatter Creek photographer John Dougall. The SX3 drainage is located to left of center, beyond the Gong Show, to the south. View this panorama to see a number of cat skiing areas just south and west of the lodge.

Click here for more photos of the Chatter Creek cat skiing terrain.

Click on any Chatter News image to enlarge it. Use the browser's "Back" button to return to the Chatter News.

2005-04-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mike P. for some John Dougall photography of Mike and his friends. In particular, thanks, for the photo above. It's special! A real exhibition of style and grace. At least a "9.5"! Classic garage sale! Much appreciated, Mike. Can we give a credit? (Ed note: click the comment below)

Mike's remark about his March 15 cat skiing trip to Chatter Creek was, "THE TRIP WAS UNFORGETTABLE AND WE ALL CANT WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR." We share that sentiment, Mike!

2005-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Who are these young people? One has done "Health and Safety" work in Mongolia and another has two University degrees. One is a professional baker and the fourth comes from Bavaria. Another is a skilled millwright and the last is an experienced firefighter. Can you match the experience with the face? You may be fooled!

What all these folk have in common is that they are part of a team that delivers a daily fare of great skiing, great food, great service and good company to Chatter Creek's cat skiing guests. Click the link to learn more about the warm and friendly Chatter Creek Winter Staff.

Besides that, they all love cat skiing or cat boarding in the Chatter Creek powder.

2005-04-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Phil Fortier riding the powder near the bottom of Mommy's Run. The Road to Vertebrae Glacier is apparent at the top of the photo, as it skirts the Megahooped Trees.

2005-04-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Chatter Creek staffers Carly and Combine Don watch the unfolding drama of a game of Dart. For more views around Vertebrae Lodge, take a look at our Lodge Life at Chatter Creek Weblog. Also, our "Interior Construction" blog has many photos from the interior of the lodge (scroll to the end). Thanks to Phil Fortier for this photo and for many others.

Send your Pink Purse Stories

2005-04-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

Dribs and drabs of material filter in for the Pink Purse photo gallery. If you have any "pink purse" photos from your cat skiing tour at Chatter Creek, and a bit of a story, please send them to us. Our Chatter News email address can be found at the top of the right hand column.

2005-04-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

James of Toronto has sent us a few photos from his March 4 tour at Chatter Creek. This is for those folks who might think that cat skiing is a little "lame". This is certainly not the usual thing, but if you are up to it, and you guide is "on side", then the "hairy" stuff is there! James writes, "We were the first to ski this steep run, which I hope has been properly named either Blind Date (didn't know what we were getting into) or Wasabe after our Japanese friends." Click the links to check out James' "date". Thanks, James.

March Cat Skiing Archive

2005-04-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

End of the April Cat Skiing Posts.
Click here to see all of March 2005.
Click here to see the most recent posts.

2005-03-31T21:25:00.000-08:00

In the south of the Chatter Creek cat skiing tenure there are a number of large alpine bowls. This photo shows three of many.

In the top third of the photo lies South Park , to the left of the distant trees on Lodge Ridge . South Park slopes from left to right , almost into Lakeview, which is the next bowl closer to the camera . Lake View is a drainage that empties to the left of the photo. Next closest bowl to the camera, just below the center of the photo, is Harbourview, partly in the shadow of its southern rim. The area at the bottom of the photo has not yet been been opened up for cat skiing. The sides of these bowls offer many powder skiing lines, some quite steep. Use the links above for more detailed views.

Click here for a version of the photo with these areas marked.

Photographs by courtesy of Steve Neill of Alpenglow Aviation.

Chatter Creek's Tenure

2005-03-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

Many offshore visitors to Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing are intrigued with the concept of tenure. Some people confuse "tenure" with "terrain". Rather, it is a legal right conferred by Government to the exclusive use of certain Crown Land for a specific commercial purpose.

Click here for a layman's attempt to explain the concept.

2005-03-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

Phil Fortier catches Chatter Creek photographer John Dougall popping some bumps on Mommy's Run on Lodge Ridge.