Most snowcat operators cater to 12, 24 or 36 clients, who ski from independent snowcats. Skiing tenures are sufficiently large that groups often won’t see one another in course of skiing day, even at a distance. Each group determines its own pace. While keeping their group together, guides are expert at finding “lines” to challenge more competent skiers/riders while leading others on a more “mellow” path. Guides set bounds on every run leaving guests ample opportunity to find “fresh tracks”. Safety is always first priority.

Some guests organize their own group of 12 skiers, so they are ensured a compatible skiing group of people they know. Many operators offer group organizers a significant discount for their efforts. However, most clients arrive singly, or in pairs and operators work hard to find compatible skiing groups for everyone. New friends are made and groups bond very quickly.

Most cat skiing operators recommend their clients be at least “strong intermediates”. However, depending on nature of their terrain, some operators can accommodate less experienced intermediate skiers who are in good physical condition. Potential clients should discuss concerns with operators.

Backcountry skiing usually offers consistently soft powder snow. Sometimes, areas of “wind crust” or “sun crust” will develop, but guides try to avoid these and quickly find better snow. There is no tracked and “lumpy” snow to contend with, and “moguls” are unheard of. The short, fat “powder skis” rented by operators are forgiving and easy to turn. People having little “off-piste” experience find they learn very quickly. Again, fitness is a great asset.

“Tree skiing” is a fixture of all backcountry skiing. When weather is stormy, snowcat skiers and boarders just head for trees, where protected snow is softest and deepest and visibility is best. Skiers with little experience “in trees” find that consistent snow and powder skis not only allow them to “do it”, but that it’s great fun. Many cat skiers prefer tree skiing to open alpine slopes.

Snowcat skiers in North America tend to ski between mid-January and end of March. However, excellent skiing and reduced rates can often be found in December and in April (when longer spring days can mean more skiing). While a few cat operators offer day-trips, most provide multi-day full-service packages. These require a booking at least a year in advance, although shoulder-season tours can be booked on much shorter notice. Cancellations also accommodate short-notice bookings, sometimes at a reduced rate.

The amount of skiing done in a day depends on group. Typically, 9 to 15 runs will be skied for a “total vertical” between 9,000ft. and 16,000 ft. Individual runs vary in vertical drop between about 800 ft and 2000ft. Long cat rides are usually broken up into a number of short “hops” that provide short rests between runs but keep guests active. The lack of any skiing “minimums” allows guides to focus on needs of their group and on finding best skiing. There is no need to “rack up vertical”.

Overseas visitors might consider combining resort skiing with snowcat skiing. For example, visitors to Kicking Horse Resort in Golden BC could break their visit with a 3-day or 4-day tour at nearby Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing (www.chattercreekcat skiing.com/). Also, visitors to Whistler-Blackcomb can do cat skiing day-trips with Powder Mountain Catskiing. Many other snowcat operators are located near excellent ski areas.

The Chatter News Web site (http://powder-skiing.blogspot.com/) provides a client’s view of snowcat skiing at Chatter Creek. This photo journal provides many pictures and descriptions of all aspects of cat skiing and boarding.

In Western Canada, BC Helicopter & Snowcat Skiing Operators Association (http://www.bchssoa.com/) lists snowcat skiing tour operators who operate under its stringent safety guidelines.

3. Instruct your partner to resist as you push down, firmly and steadily, on his extended arm for several seconds. Your partner's arm should not move down more than a couple of inches.

4. While your partner keeps his arm extended, have him close his eyes and think of a negative golf experience. When he has it focused, press down on his arm. His arm will come down easily.

5. Now ask your partner to think of a very positive golf experience. Once he has it in focus, press down again. His arm will stay level and strong.

6. Have your partner check you. The muscle checking is real and repeatable. It is indicating response of your partner's unconscious mind to negative and positive golf experiences. The results have nothing to do with muscular strength; rather, you are accessing a neurological phenomenon. With positive thought your muscle stays strong indicating that your body's life energy and brain functions are switched-on.

With negative thought your muscle switches off demonstrating how negative thoughts actually affect your physical body, and this interferes with your golf game. As you observed and experienced for yourself, contrast is very easy to see. For more information on muscle checking and other techniques to help you play better golf, visit www.golf-help.info.