Weather

Why is this topic in the number one spot? Because this is one of the factors that is out of our control and all we can do is react. And because the weather is crucial for snow quality. In this section we will provide you with facts which explain why the weather in our area is so ideal for heliskiing. We do not need ski lifts and other alternative activities. Our guests come to heliski and that’s what we do. And thanks to the weather in Atlin the possibilities are endless.

Where is Atlin located and how is this special geographical location relevant for heliskiing?

Atlin is situated 100 km south of the 60th Latitude and approx. 50 – 150 km linear distance from the Pacific Ocean. The 60th Latitude may sound cold whereas Pacific and Ocean sound rather mild. We are situated exactly in the middle and due to the allocation scheme of our heliski area, we are able to benefit from both. When the weather is cold and stable (arctic high), we prefer to ski in the West or South – towards the Pacific. That’s were the runs are relatively long. If we get weather from the Pacific (our weather fronts arrive mostly from the Southwest), we ski at the edge of the front or in the forested areas – generally closer to Atlin. It is the distance of 100 km to the Pacific, on the Lee side of the Coastal Mountains that is so invaluable to us.

Atlin is the northernmost heliski area in Canada. How does this affect the weather and snow conditions?

Mag. Albert Leichtfried, Meteorologist weather station Innsbruck, mountain and ski guide, world champion of ice climbing:
As the northernmost heliski area in Canada, Atlin may have an advantage over the more southern areas due to its location. Should climate change such as significant global warming progress as many climate researchers forecast, a shift of the longer lasting snow cover to the northern latitudes and higher elevations is absolutely feasible. Ski areas located way up North as well as in higher elevations will be able to guarantee a stable snow cover even in future years.
Pete Wright, president of YAH:
The last years have shown an increase in the amount of snow. This is mainly due to the fact that it snows at milder temperatures. The snowflakes at -5 degrees Celsius are slightly larger than those at – 10 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, it appears that the stability is better in the forested areas near Atlin, most notably the adhesion to the surface below seems to be better. This could be due to a greater amount of precipitation from September to November at the beginning of winter.

Atlin is situated relatively far up North. What temperatures can I expect?

Generally the temperatures in Atlin are around -15 degrees Celsius in January -10 degrees in February and -5 degrees in March and 0 degrees in April. This is a variation of +/- 15 degrees. If the fronts arrive from the Pacific (which is often the case and beneficial as this means fresh snow), both the temperature and humidity increase and if a continental high is present the temperatures fall and the humidity decreases. The snow benefits from this weather pattern as dry and cold air draw the moisture out, the snow becomes powdery and the dry cold doesn’t feel as chilly as the humid cold.

When are the snow conditions better? In January or in April?

Pete Wright, president of  YAH:
There is no possible answer to this question. During the last 10 years we have graded each week from 1-5. The statistical analysis of this grading has not yielded a result in favour of any particular time or month. One thing is for sure, the days in January are shorter and the snow is generally lighter and the weather is generally more unstable than in April. I am aware that this does not answer the question – but there is no real answer to this particular question. We are operating during the best possible weather conditions. Our guests are not guinea pigs who test the weather or snow conditions. Should you wish to visit us in December, I am sure, depending on the weather conditions, we could find some nice runs for you. However, the probability isn’t high enough. With a start-up time in mid January and closing at the end of April, we are confident that we will be able to satisfy our guests.

What kind of safety equipment is YAH using?

Pete Wright, president of YAH, mountain and ski guide:
In addition to the usual safety equipment such as transceiver, shovel, probe, GPS, and radio we also use the ABS airbag. Yukon Alpine Heliskiing has 12 years of experience with the Airbag and pioneered the use of this safety equipment in Canada. The airbag is integrated into a backpack and is manually activated. A 150–180 L rescue balloon significantly increases the chances to stay on the surface of an avalanche.  We at YAH are of the opinion that when heliskiing each and every available safety equipment should be used and that is why we equip you with the Airbag without additional charge.
Jean Marc Messmer, head pilot:
The helicopter is equipped with a rescue bag with professional equipment in case of an avalanche, other rescue equipment and First Aid supplies are always carried inside the helicopter.