At Great Northern Powder Guides (GNPG), every powder-filled adventure begins with a lifelong love for the mountains. "Skiing is my passion," said Jay Sandelin, founder and former ski racer who first hit the slopes at age three. After carving his way through the mountains of the U.S. and Europe, he brought his vision to Western Montana's backcountry. Nestled in the untouched expanse of the Stillwater State Forest, GNPG isn't just a cat-skiing operation; it's a living tribute to the thrill of deep powder and the artistry of mountain guiding.
Family-Built, Montana-Raised
Behind GNPG is the Sandelin family and their deep-rooted love for Western Montana's wild terrain. Years ago, Jay and his wife, Kylanne, transformed a dream into reality, creating Montana's only backcountry cat-skiing operation. Spanning over 20,000 acres, GNPG was inspired by the family's desire to offer an immersive experience in the place they love most. “We've created it from the ground up,” Jay reflected. For him, GNPG is about more than skiing; it's a way to share his passionand connection to one of the last unspoiled wildernesses in the Lower 48
“We're giving them the experience that they're not going to get someplace else. We just happen to be in the right spot.”
Guided by Connection, Fueled by Adventure
For guests, that passion comes alive from the first light of day. As dawn stretches across the Whitefish Range, GNPG's team is already preparing for another epic adventure, setting the stage for a day that's anything but ordinary. These aren't just guides—they're a close-knit crew with a deep camaraderie. “The guides that work for us…are more like a family,” Jay explained, and that bond enhances every guest's experience. With each trip, the team sets out to offer something extraordinary. “We're giving them the experience that they're not going to get someplace else,” Jay said.
Into the Wilderness: Cat Skiing Montana's Finest Powder
With anticipation high, guests board custom-built snowcats, ready to explore the pristine powder. GNPG's unique terrain offers “steep, safe lines,” as skier Aspen Ward put it, “That's what you get at Great Northern Powder Guides.” Each run brings a new thrill, with powder-packed chutes, glades and expansive bowls under the careful guidance of the team. For Jay, it's about delivering a day like no other, and the high alpine snow is unforgettable. “There are no bad days when there's snow like this,” guide Katie Frutiger added.
Après Ski at the Powder House
After a full day of skiing, guests return to the cozy warmth of the Powder House, GNPG's iconic two-story yurt nestled in the forest. Here, by the wood-fired stove, stories are shared and friendships are forged. Reflecting on the magic of GNPG, Jay noted, “Time and time again, [our clients] come down and say, 'This is the best day of my life.'” Those who stay overnight can unwind in the hot tub, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Glacier Country.
