Exit [R2804R, Revelstoke Mountain Resort]'s 3,031 acres of lift-served terrain, and you can add on 2,210 acres in cat skiing terrain. The resort expanded its cat skiing terrain by 830 acres this year, gaining access to three huge high alpine bowls-South, Montana, and Kokanee.

"The views are absolutely spectacular," marketing director Ashley Tait told Onthesnow.com, "and there's a big hunk of terrain out there." What's better is that you'll have the three bowls, the views, and of terrain for only 12 skiers plus two guides."

The cat ski operation runs right out of the base area at Revelstoke. You meet your guides at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and a safety briefing before loading up the Revelation Gondola and The Stoke quad to the top of the mountain. Then, you ski down Jalapeno and follow your guide through a secret cut through the trees to the cat.

The cat qualifies more as a luxury vehicle with automated steps and large bus-type seats all facing front. Plus, lunch includes hot chili along with sandwiches and other goodies.

The cat skiing terrain spreads out across a high mountain face with big wide-open upper bowls that drop into glades. "We did a lot of spacing to open the glades," explained Tait. Revelstoke pruned selected trees from 79 acres this summer. Rochus Schneble, the company's lead guide from Germany, yodels to corral skiers from the trees on each run.

The average group skis 6-10 runs during the day. Afterwards, you'll celebrate your adventures with Mt. Begbie beer brewed locally and appetizers such as Quebec cheeses.

A day of cat skiing at Revelstoke costs $400. The rate includes fat board rentals, breakfast, lunch, après ski, and the guide service. Call 800-663-7080 to make reservations for cat skiing.