Mission and History
Our mission at High Sierra Snowcat is to provide a welcome alternative to the traditional ski resort, by providing backcountry ski enthusiasts access to remote terrain, cozy overnight accommodations, and backcountry education, with safe transportation and exceptional service.
Founded in 2012 by Mike Deacon and Tim Robinson, High Sierra Snowcat has been providing a traditional overnight backcountry skiing experience with the convenience of arriving via snowcat. Drew Layman purchased HSS after more than a decade of experience as a ski patroller and ski guide all over the world. Under this new ownership, HSS will continue to provide high-quality guided adventures with an increased focus on using our mechanical advantage, renovated yurt accommodations, and backcountry riding education courses for guests of all ability levels. We’ve made many new improvements for the 2024 Season that you can learn more about here.
Located on the East Side of the Sierra Nevada, High Sierra Snowcat combines the use of snowcats, ski touring, and yurts to provide a safe backcountry experience in some of the wildest terrain left in California. We operate within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with nearly 9,000 acres of skiable terrain across multiple basins surrounding Virginia Lake.
We operate under an Outfitting and Guiding permit issued by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.