Overview
In when first we discovered the amazing mountains around Atlin in 1994 nobody could have guessed that this would become the heliski area with the best weather conditions in Canada. This 2000 mi (5000 km) area offers everything a snow enthusiast could ask for. Endless runs with up to 6500 feet (2000 m) vertical, steep glaciers and first class tree skiing will satisfy even the most demanding guest. Atlin (680m / 2200 ft) is an old gold mining town, 180 km (110 miles) south of Whitehorse, Yukon
Arrival
Upon your arrival in Whitehorse, Yukon you will be picked up by our courtesy bus. If there is a vacancy at the Atlin Lake Resort, we will pick you up in Whitehorse on Friday night, which will mark the end of your journey. The Friday night stay is also not included in your package. If you stayed overnight in Whitehorse, your heliski week starts early Saturday morning with a beautiful 2- hour drive through breathtaking scenery from Whitehorse to Atlin.
After check in and the meet and great the necessary safety instruction will take place and then, still in the morning, we will start our first heliski day. At the start of every ski week we teach our guests the use of ABS Avalanche Airbags, avalanche transceivers, and safe conduct in and around the helicopter. While skiing, a sat-phone contact with the base station at Atlin is being maintained at all times. Every helicopter comes equipped with extensive rescue equipment and each guide carries a First Aid Kit and rescue equipment. You will experience the vast Canadian wilderness with its endless powder slopes and fabulous tree runs. The groups will join together for an outdoor lunch.
In the evening you can look forward to a multi course dinner. Your last ski day will be Friday. Early Saturday morning our shuttle will take you back to Whitehorse.
Guides
All guides are dedicated professionals and certified members of internationally recognized guides' associations and through regular training programs our high standard is maintained. Our multilingual guides provide you with the highest level of service. Safety is our first concern. We have developed a comprehensive snow and avalanche management system. This includes procedures for collecting weather and snow information, evaluating snowpack stability, assessing hazards in the terrain, and determining a skiing program. Observations are also exchanged between highways departments and ski areas in Juneau/Alaska (100 km SW of Atlin). We are participating in avalanche research projects with the University of Calgary and contribute to the financing of this project.
Heli-Ski guiding is very different from other types of mountain guiding. Helicopters allow for rapid and frequent use of vast areas of wilderness. Coupled with the complexity of snow, Heli-Ski guiding remains an art as well as a science. Since 1998 we are the only heliskiing operation in North Amerika using the approved ABS Avalanche Airbags. The lightweight packs do not hinder your ability to ski/board and provide you with a back protection as well. We would never ski again without the ABS. All other sytems, including the transceiver, needs a burial of the victim to work. ABS keeps you on top of the avalanche and gives you the possibility to "help yourself" if no rescue is near.
Weather
Atlin is in the far North of British Columbia (59 degrees = latitude of Stockholm) and the arctic influence is noticeable. This is the reason why our ski season starts mid of January. The temperatures are already milder and the days are getting longer. We experience long periods of sunny weather which are interrupted by brief but heavy snowfalls. Special activities are available on bad weather days. Our records show 0.8 inclement weather days per week on average. Since 1995 there has been no week with more than two days where it was impossible to ski or snowboard. Every guest since 1995 had the chance to ski at least four out of six days! Spring skiing and snowboarding in Atlin is like no other place on the planet. Cold nights and temperatures at around 0 Celsius during the day preserve the awesome quality of the powder well into May. In April the sun shines from 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
Terrain
From the prime heliski terrain used exclusively by us, we can select from more than 300 runs to suit varying abilities from first time heliskiers to advanced or expert skiers/boarders. Our exclusive permit area for heliskiing encompasses 6,000 square kilometers (2280 square miles). The beauty of the land is breathtaking and fascinates every visitor. Our area in the south is in the Taku River drainage which flows into the Pacific Ocean south of Juneau, Alaska. There we have runs of up to 2,000 meters (6,000 vertical feet). Our areas to the North are in the headwaters of the Yukon River, which drains into the Arctic Ocean 3,000 km (1,800 miles) away. The lakes are all at an elevation of approximately 700 meters (2,200 feet) and the mountain peaks rise up to 2,800 meters (8,400 feet). At these elevations and latitudes the powder is awesome and your physical condition is not affected by altitude. The area around Atlin is also ideal for snowboarders. If you are looking for high speed, steep and varied terrain, we've got it. Some of our guides that are snowboarders will choose fun, exhilarating and interesting routes for you.
Equipment
It is not necessary to bring your own skis. We offer the Atomic Powder Plus Skis which have been specifically designed for powder snow, free of charge. The Atomic Powder skis will increase the enjoyment of every heliskier due to their amazing performance. Poles will be provided free of charge as well as ABS avalanche airbag and avalanche transceivers for your safety.
Accommodation
The accommodations are located adjacent to the lake with a beautiful view of the nearby mountains. Our guests are able to choose between the newly renovated *** Atlin Lake Resort or the Kirkwood Cottages (small authentic log cabins). The Atlin Lake Resort offers more than 20 rooms, each with bathroom, TV, coffee maker and your choice of double or two single beds. The Kirkwood Cottages are furnished with 2 separate bedrooms, a bathroom, a common room with kitchenette and refrigerator, and a TV. One of the log cabins has been converted into a wellness centre with a sauna, whirlpool and massage room. After a fabulous day of heliskiing you can relax with your friends in the whirlpool and with some luck gaze at the amazing display of the Northern Lights.
Enjoy your buffet breakfast and a delectable three-course dinner in the new Lake Shore restauarnt while admiring the breathtaking view of the mountains and the frozen lake. Our chef will spoil you daily with culinary delights! Our new Internet Café and the Riffle Room Lounge, the gold rush bar popular among the locals as well as our guests, are also located in the hotel.
