Powder Addiction offers EPIC experiences for the Winter Sports Enthusiast we nickname Powder Addict! Whether a Skier or Snowboarder, the team of professional guides at Powder Addiction want to share our knowledge and passion for the BackCountry with all of those we guide.
BY SAMANTHA LIEN
Imagine reserving an entire mountain for you and 11 of your closest friends, family or business clients to partake in some of the best snow terrain in Colorado. Well, quit daydreaming, and get to know one company right here in Denver that can make that all entirely possible!
Meet Powder Addiction, a backcountry operation in Jones Pass, which boasts 2,600 acres of high-alpine bowls, glades, chutes and trees on or adjacent to the Continental Divide. Just 60 miles west of Denver, it’s the closest and most accessible operation to anyone seeking a day or weekend packed with fun and adventure through Cat Skiing, Snowcat Tours and a one-of-a-kind Guide School. Today, the company has 15 employees guiding 90-100 tours each ski season.
With a dozen competitors in the Rockies, Powder Addiction stands out. They hold the sole Special Use Permit to Jones Pass and personally maintain the roads there to keep it accessible to snowshoers, snowmobilers and all who want to enjoy Colorado National Forest land.
“The experience is great for any level,” says Dave Bacon, former Berthoud Pass ski patroller, Wash Park resident and owner of BW Bacon. “You’re skiing powder that’s completely untouched and pure.” Naturally, newbies can be nervous, but Bacon says, “it’s so fun when someone steps out of their comfort zone and realizes they’ve got this. They always want more.”
Bacon has planned everything from costume parties with parents from local Wash Park schools to day-trips with business associates. Every year, people who’ve joined him on trips in the past, follow-up regularly with Bacon to ask when he’s booking again so they can join. Many even plan their own trips after their first adventure.
With Jones Pass falling in a Class A Avalanche area, safety is paramount, and always relayed to clients on a moment-to-moment basis throughout the day. The majority of Powder Addiction guides are firefighters and physician assistants, including Scot Hefel, who’s been with the company even before Jason Harper and Steve Chaney became owners in 2013.
“When I lead, I bring 20 years of backcountry experience to the group,” says Hefel. “Each decision is based on my own experiences those 20 years have taught me. We’re also a very close group, so we bounce ideas and routes off of each other on a constant basis.”
“Jones Pass is such a unique ski environment,” says Carter Spencer, a former Alaska Heliski Guide and recently on ski patrol in New Zealand. “We have every type of terrain and aspect giving us plenty of options for a variety of groups and weather conditions. In good avalanche conditions, we are able to ski off of the Continental Divide and clients go crazy when they get to the top and can see both DIA and Summit County from the same vantage point.”
Incredible views, fresh mountain air, and a new experience that’s likely to become an annual tradition. From novice to experts, Powder Addiction isn’t just for leisure. “Some of the best feedback we’ve gotten is from the business community who buy skicat seats.” says Spencer. “They mention how incredible of an experience it is for them to take their clients out and have a memorable, one-on-one experience in the back of the cat. Between runs, they have the opportunity to talk business and strengthen relationships in a fun
high adrenaline winter version of 18-holes.”
Powder Addiction is offering special discounted rates through December 15: $400 per seat or $4,000 for the day. So if touring Jones Pass with an intimate five person guided tour sounds like your perfect day, check them out. These guides, by the way, are trained and ready to lead the group, adhering to strict avalanche safety protocols. Maybe cat skiing with 12 of your nearest and dearest is more up your alley. Safety equipment, lunch and aprés ski craft beer from Steamworks Brewing Company are provided. So major bonus points there. Check out their brand new retail shop, or schedule your booking by calling 970-726-5442 or visiting PowderAddiction.com. Whether you ski or board you are in for an epic experience in the back country with a knowledgeable team of professionals!