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.
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
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?
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
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.
There is always talk about numerous downdays and the risk regarding the weather when heliskiing in Alaska (which is situated on a similar geographical Latitude). What can I expect in Atlin?
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
The Gulf of Alaska is a mighty weather engine. One of the most affected areas is the adjacent coastal region. That’s where the weather is simply ‘aweful’ and the precipitation amounts are the highest in the world, except for those in the tropical regions (there is no skiing there – maybe dune skiing) and the Andes (in the South American summer – due to the location in the southern hemisphere). In Juneau, the capital of Alaska (150 km southwest of Atlin), it can snow one meter one day and the next it pours rain and all the snow is gone. Yes – there is a rain forest in Vancouver (approx. 1500 km south of Atlin) and a stop-over on the way to Atlin is always highly recommended. The
weather dynamic in the Gulf of Alaska is the strongest in the world.
In comparison, Europe exhibits very little precipitation and a mild climate. Atlin is located on the lee side of the Coastal Mountains. The critical factor for our weather is the fact that the second largest non-polar icefield in the world is the
Juneau Icefield which is situated between us and the coast. Arriving fronts are cooled down and dried out. The remainder of the front still offers plenty of precipitation for skiing. An
average of approximately 20 metres of precipitation should suffice. It is important that the new snow can in fact be utilized – in other words, the helicopter must be able to fly. Since the inception of Klondike heliskiing in 1995 EACH guest had the opportunity to ski at least 4 days. The average number of downdays is less than 1 day per week – and with Klondike Heliskiing you ski 7 days a week. Atlin offers you the Alaska feeling without the downdays.
THE AREA
In order to realize your dreams you will need several components. Aside from the factors that can be influenced, such as organization, staff, accommodation etc., and the weather, the area itself is of great importance. The decision which area should be skied on any particular day must be made in accordance with the weather conditions. In order to arrive at the best decision we rely on our many years of experience. Whatever we decide makes or breaks a good heliski day. The larger the area that we can choose from the better chance for you to experience the perfect heliski day.
What is so special about the area of Klondike Heliskiing?
Klaus Fengler, GEO photographer, www.klausfengler.de:
My expeditions and adventure travels have led me to the most remote areas of the world. The area of Klondike Heliskiing was without a doubt a highlight. The landscape around Atlin with the gigantic Juneau Icefield and the many lakes adds a special flair. Normally I travel for weeks on end in order to reach such fascinating untouched landscapes. In Atlin all it took was 15 minutes with the helicopter.
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
The area around Atlin distinguishes itself with its alpine character. The mix of high alpine, glaciers and lakes make this region on of a kind. Our more than 500 runs are mostly located in the alpine areas. Some forested areas allow us to ski on days with limited visibility (heavy snowfall). However, we are not a tree skiing area and our guests appreciate the wide open alpine slopes.
Picture "Home Run"
Picture "Swanson"
Picture "Nelson Lake"
Picture "Mount Atlin"
How large is the KHS area?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
The heliskiing area for which we have the exclusive tenure encompasses 5000 km². It is important to obtain an exclusive tenure. Imagine you and your guide enter an area that’s all tracked out by guests of another heliski company. We ‘farm’ our area and are well aware of the conditions of each and every slope. We deliberately do not ski certain runs on nice days in order to make them available for not so perfect, yet still skiable days. Five Thousand square kilometers almost equals the size of half of Tirol. Our
heliski area is divided into 3 parts which we utilize according to snow and weather conditions. The western zone 2 of approx. 3000 km² is our main playground. We ski in this area 4-5 days a week. Fabulous glaciated areas (up to 1350 vertical meters) and tree runs up to 700 vertical meters offer diverse options to ensure our guests are able to enjoy what they expected from heliskiing. The amount of snow is the same as in our other zones. The southern area, zone 3 – approx. 1000 km², is skied 1-2 days per week. The snowfall amount is enormous hence the coastal weather consistently bad. This area is known for its fabulous tree skiing and long runs (up to 1800 vertical metres). Zone 1 (approx. 1000 km²), east of Atlin, is used as an alternate area if a southwestern front pushes through or, as the case may be, has arrived. The weather is generally good as the precipitation on the east side of Atlin Lake (meteorological divide) is usually less. The runs offer up to 900 vertical metres for skiing.
Are there tree runs in the KHS area?
Michael Carter, KHS Guide:
For days with limited visibility and bad flying conditions we have developed several runs which offer excellent tree skiing. However, the highlights of Klondike Heliskiing are the runs in the open alpine areas.
HELI
What kind of helicopters is KHS using?
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
We operate the A Star Helicopter by
Eurostar. We have been using these mountain helicopters for heliskiing for 15 years and they have shown an excellent track record.
How safe are these helicopters?
Jean Marc Messmer, chief pilot:
All our pilots have at least 3000 hours of experience flying in mountainous areas. We have one technician for every 2 helicopters who performs daily checks, cleans and maintains the machines in accordance with the required maintenance intervals. We too would like to return home safely and that is why we strive to offer you the best runs possible with technical limitations and safety being foremost in our mind.
How big are the groups at KHS?
Michael Carter, KHS guide:
Klondike Heliskiing specializes in using 3 small groups of 4 to 5 persons per helicopter. The first group flies with the helicopter in the morning to the area chosen for the day, Group 2 and 3 follow with the Hoovercraft or fixed wing airplane. During the day, the helicopter rotates between the 3 groups. Minimal waiting times may occur when the helicopter flies back to fuel up, however, during normal skiing operation with 3 groups everything runs smoothly.
Why does KHS fly with 5 instead of 4 guests (like several other heli companies) per helicopter?
Jean Mark Messmer:
The A Star helicopters can be equipped with seats for 5 (4 guests + 1 guide) or 6 (5 guests + 1 guide). The limiting factor with helicopters is always the weight. Conversely: the lighter and lower a helicopter flies and the colder the temperature the better the performance. The geographical location and topography of Atlin guarantee winter temperatures until spring. Two limiting factors for areas further South in Canada do not exist for us: warmer temperatures and higher mountains (runs from 3000 metres down to 1500 metres). Due to the fact that the glaciers and runs of Klondike Heliskiing reach from 2200 metres down to 300 metres we are able to use an additional seat without loss of performance.
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
Utilizing this 5th guest seat enables us to offer such an attractive price point in comparison with our competitors. Of course the utilization of the 5th seat compromises the comfort in the helicopter slightly as the
double seat beside the pilot is mounted approx. 7 cm further back as the single seat. This however only effects groups when ALL guests are taller than 185 cm. We are, however, of the opinion that with an average flight time of 5 minutes per run and 10 to 20 minutes in the morning and evening the price advantage by far outweighs the slightly compromised comfort.
PRICE
How many vertical metres are included in the price and how are the vertical metres calculated?
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
The KHS package includes 32000 vertical ski metres. Some competitors include vertical flying metres. Due to the fact that the pilot plans the landing approach for the drop off point from the air, the helicopters fly more vertical metres than the skiers ski. We only calculate the vertical metres skied, each run is barometrically documented by the guides and recorded in their daily list of vertical metres.
Some companies offer unlimited vertical metres. Why did HKS include 32000 vertical metres?
Leo Steiner, president of KHS:
Offering unlimited vertical metres is sketchy and as far as I am concerned present some major disadvantages for the guest.
- The price is significantly higher than with fixed vertical metres – the heliski outfit has undertaken precise calculations and made sure that the profit margin isn’t any less than that of a fixed rate.
- Of course each guest believes to be the best skier and able to easily crack the 60000 vertical meters, but if the weather isn’t good enough or other guests slow down the rest of the group with their “relaxed” way of skiing (this happens particularly at companies which ski with 9-11 guests per group/helicopter) which creates stress for those who want to ski more.
- The “relaxed” skiers finance the more “sporty” skiers which makes perfect sense as otherwise the heliski company would disappear from the scene.
We will be glad to offer you unlimited vertical metres. However, we need to know
when you are planning to come and how well you ski. Unlimited vertical metres don’t make sense unless you book a group of 5 guests. Besides, the
private helicopter offers unlimited vertical metres at your own discretion as the helicopter flying time will be calculated rather than the vertical metres – and at an unrivaled price.
What kind of group discounts does KHS offer?
Groups of 5 guests receive half a seat. This equals a price reduction of 10 percent. Skiing with friends, aside from the better price has other advantages as well. Lots of negative influences won’t exist as the group travels as its own entity. The decision to fly back to the lodge can be made anytime, skiing can last as long as the group desires – as long as everyone agrees. Groups can request to ski to together, but it is not required. Changes can also be done during the day. Nothing is impossible. For example, a group of friends consists of 2 sporty skiers, 2 relaxed skiers and one guest with a limited budget, it is then our responsibility to satisfy all of the members of this jointly booked group, i.e. assign them to the appropriate group. That is our job, and when we say our good-byes at the airport at the end of the week, we hope that it is to a guest that is 100% satisfied.
How does the CAD currency affect my price at this point in time?
Please click
here for the currency exchange.
Klondike Heliskiing offers a unique skiing experience and with the highest standard. How is it possible that KHS is able to keep the price lower than other heliski companies and yet offer a better or at least equal ski program?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
KHS offers an unparalleled skiing experience in a breath taking area with small groups, A Star helicopters, 7 days of heliskiing and the best ski equipment including the ABS airbag. Naturally we have to think economically and keep the success of our company in mind. These are the reasons why we are able to offer such a first class experience at an attractive price:
- As mentioned before under the topic ‘helicopter’ due to our low elevation we are able to accommodate 5 guests instead of 4 in our A Star helicopter.
- We live and breathe skiing and snow boarding and therefore we have placed our focus on the perfect skiing experience. The accommodation in Atlin with its special flair is comfortable, however, in favour of keeping the price reasonable we decided to pass on luxury and 5 Star status.
- The transport of groups 2 and 3 to and from the ski area with the Hoovercraft or fixed wing airplane and our fuel storage near most of the runs, enable us to utilize the entire area while operating economically and efficiently.
What kind of services and what price does KHS offer compared with other competitors?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
It is always important to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges.
- It is impossible to compare a Russian MI8 with a Bell212/205/204 or with an AStar. Smaller helicopters offer the pilot more options for landing – helicopters with larger capacities can be operated more efficiently due to the larger number of passengers.
- It is impossible to compare heliskiing in snow poor areas and in southern countries with heliskiing in Canada. Check out the weather map and draw your own conclusions. If you prefer to be a guinea pig, I recommend you try the Atlas mountain range. Heliskiing is possible on every mountain which has snow. The chance to get your desired dream holiday for which you paid a high price is left up to your imagination. In case you already had a bad experience, please come to us and we will turn it around for you. We have managed to do just that for many ‘damaged’ heliski guests.
- It is impossible to compare a 25 year old rookie from a big city who loves skiing with an experienced 35+ year old mountain guide or, as the case may be, ski instructor/guide who grew up in the mountains and is one with the mountain.
- It is impossible to compare a heliski company which started its operation 3 years ago with heliski companies that have been operating for decades. Even though we started our heliski operation in Atlin with immense previous knowledge, it still took 7 – 8 years until we figured everything out and became proficient at utilizing the weather and snow conditions to our guests’ utmost enjoyment. Each area is different and it takes a long time to understand its complexity. Snow and weather conditions are different in every area of the world. Since the year 2003 we have dialed everything in and our heliski operation runs very smoothly.
- It is impossible to compare a group of 5 with a group of 9–11 guests. It is a similar situation as with the helicopters. One guide for 10 guests is more efficient than one guide for 4 -5 guests. However – a group is only as good as its weakest link – and the chance to have a relaxed skier (which is certainly not a bad thing) is much higher in a group of 10 guests. It is much simpler to unite 5 relaxed skiers in a group than 10. I am sure you get the gist.
Weighing these comparisons will help you make a decision and what’s left are a few minor options. I hope you will opt for us so we can show you what a content guest looks like at the end of the week, who says: “this operation has found the right balance between price and performance”.
GUIDES
Trusting a guide’s qualifications and experience is a crucial factor for the success of a heliski week. What can I expect from the guides at KHS?
Leo Steiner Sr., KHS founder, mountain and ski guide:
Every reputable heliski operator in Canada complies with the legal requirements and guarantees that only certified guides will be leading you. We are, however, of the opinion that, in addition to the best training, experience does play an important role. Each and every guide at KHS has at least 10 years of experience in guiding groups in alpine areas and are, at the very least, certified ski guides with a ski instructor license.
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
It is not only your safety that depends on the experience and performance of our guides but they also contribute to our success. There is no doubt that your safety is our main concern, however, factors like your satisfaction as well as our economical well being plays a role when choosing our guides. This is the reason why we only employ the most educated mountain and ski guides or CSGA guides with extensive experience and a pronounced sense for safety issues.
What kind of safety equipment is KHS using?
Leo Steiner, founder KHS, 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. Klondike 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 KHS 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.
TRAVEL
Leo Steiner, President KHS:
At Klondike Heliskiing everything is geared for skiing as this is what it’s all about: to enjoy as much powder on as many days as possible. Your arrival in Whitehorse Friday afternoon or evening and subsequent arrival in Atlin Friday evening or Saturday morning ensures that your heliski week consists of 7 possible skiing days. This is a huge advantage which makes our package especially interesting compared to other companies which in some cases include a rest day in their packages. Aside from that, our guides and myself are not willing to miss even one powder day.
How do I make my travel arrangements including flights and can KHS assist me in planning and booking my holiday?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
TRAVEL: In order to assist you with your travel arrangements, it is important to know whether you prefer to travel directly to Atlin or whether you would prefer to spend a couple of days in Vancouver or Calgary. Following are four different travel scenarios:
For your direct travel to Whitehorse we can offer you 2 options:
- Without an overnight stay: early morning departure from London with Lufthansa or Air Canada to Edmonton Alberta (Arrival 13:10), connecting to the Air North flight departing at 15:35 (arrival in Whitehorse at 17:00). Whether we can pick you up that afternoon in Whitehorse or the next morning depends entirely on the availability of rooms at our hotel in Atlin and will only be decided a few days/week before your departure. The overnight stay from Friday to Saturday is included in your package and it doesn’t matter whether that is in Whitehorse or Atlin. Travel time to Atlin is about 2 hours.
- With an overnight stay in Whitehorse: Departure Friday morning from any of the larger airport in Europe that offer a direct rate (Air Canada or Lufthansa) to Whitehorse. Arrival in Whitehorse at 01:06 AM Saturday. A shuttle service will take you to the Westmark Hotel Whitehorse. Pick-up will be Saturday morning at 7:30 AM at the hotel. After the 2-hour transfer and check-in at the Atlin Hotel you will be attending the transceiver, ABS, helicopter etc. orientation. Your first take-off into powder paradise will be around midday.
For travel including sightseeing some of the larger cities:
- Including one or several overnight stays in Vancouver: departure on a weekday arriving from Europe with Lufthansa, KLM, Delta, British Airways for several days in Vancouver to see the sights or to take a side trip to ski in Whistler. Connecting flight with Air North, departure in Vancouver at 11:30 AM and arrival in Whitehorse at 13:55 PM. Afternoon flights are also available with Air Canada / Jazz Sightseeing Whitehorse.
- Including one or several overnight stays in Calgary; departure on a weekday from one of the larger airports in Europe, one or more days in Calgary to visit the sights or ski in Banff or Lake Louise. Generally speaking one day in Calgary is enough for sightseeing. Connecting flight with Air North at 14:10 PM, arrival in Whitehorse at 17:00 AM.
Whether we can pick you up that afternoon in Whitehorse or the next morning depends entirely on the availability of rooms at our hotel in Atlin and will only be decided a few days before your departure from Europe. The travel time to Atlin takes approximately 2 hours.
RETURN TRIP: the return trip depends on the direct rate from Whitehorse to Europe with Air Canada and Lufthansa or whether you fly first with Air North to Vancouver and then from Vancouver to Europe. In both cases we will take you Saturday morning to the airport in Whitehorse.
The price difference between option 1, 2 and a, b, is about 200-300 Euro (approximate estimate only!!!). The price primarily depends on the different booking rates and available seats. We work with a trusted travel agency which will be pleased to assist you when booking the flights. We ask that you let us know the departure and arrival times before you make your final booking. Please note that the time difference between central Europe and Canada is 8 or 9 hours depending on when Canada changes to its summer time (different from Europe). The departure and arrival dates are ALWAYS listed as the respective local times.
What happens if my luggage doesn’t arrive?
Even though that happens very rarely, we do ask that you pack your ski boots in your carry-on luggage. We will be able to deal with all other lost items.
Which ski areas does KHS recommend as a pre heliski warm-up, and will KHS be able to advise me on the booking?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
There are several interesting ski areas in the Rocky Mountains. Outstanding are the areas west of Calgary such as Banff (100km) or Lake Louise (150km). Air North offers a good connection from Calgary to Whitehorse. Another nice option is to stay a few days in Vancouver, get to know the city and build on your ski conditioning at the nearby Whistler Resort.
How are the arrival and departure days organized?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
The trip to Atlin depends on whether there are rooms available at the hotel in Atlin. That said we will pick you up in Whitehorse either on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. During the 2 hour drive to Atlin you will be immersed into the spectacular landscape of the Yukon for the first time. Upon arrival on Saturday morning you will leave your luggage in your hotel room and proceed immediately to the briefing regarding the handling of the transceiver, ABS backpack and behavior around the helicopter. By the time midday arrives you will already be flying to your first powder runs. If you arrive Friday afternoon you will be in Atlin around 8:00 PM and dinner will be waiting for you. After breakfast on Saturday you will attend the safety orientation and lay down your first tracks around midday. Departure is always on Saturday morning. We take you to the airport in Whitehorse very early in the morning. Due to the time difference you will ‘loose’ 8 or 9 hours (depending on the month) upon your arrival in Europe, i.e. you will be home either Sunday afternoon or evening. We do not recommend a departure from Atlin Friday afternoon as you will miss several powder runs.
OTHER BUSINESS
How do we book and pay the deposit?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
First you register
online. After we receive your personal info we will send you an invoice. You may then pay the deposit or the full amount in case you would like to take advantage of the early bird price.
What are the cancellation conditions in case I can’t start the trip or have to depart early?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
Your deposit is only refundable in exceptional cases. For the time between paying in full and starting your trip you are covered with the trip cancellation insurance. Should you be in Atlin already and are unable to continue heliskiing you are covered with the trip interruption insurance. As KHS cannot compensate you for these costs, we recommend that you take out both these insurance policies and make sure you are covered for the correct amount. Your seat is reserved in the helicopter which will fly with or without you.
Basic travel insurance incl. cancellation insurance
Trip interruption insurance for an interruption during the week.
Which additional insurance will I need in Canada and how will I be taken care of in case of sickness?
Uschi Scherer, travel arrangements and booking:
A well equipped hospital is located approx. 40 flying minutes from Atlin. A small local clinic is available for non emergencies. Some credit cards, AAA, etc. include regular accident insurance and should cover these costs.
What is the process for billing the vertical metres and what costs can I expect for additional vertical metres and is there a refund for vertical metres not skied?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
After reaching the included 32000 vertical metres you may purchase additional VM (see current price list) or relax in Atlin for the remaining part of your holidays. Due to the reasonable price for additional vertical metres – and because powder skiing is very addictive – the majority of our guests go for the first option. In case you haven’t reached the guaranteed 25000 vertical metres, we refund you in cash (no vouchers!). This only occurs if for instance we skied 4 days with only 5000 vertical metres. Please read the extensive topic on weather which will explain why this is almost impossible.
Why do I have to sign the waiver and what does it entail?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
This is how it is done in North America. Due to the changed legal situation in North America, many companies, and certainly all heliski companies, protect themselves from lawsuits by informing the clients about the dangers in alpine terrain and requesting a signature confirming that the clients have read the waiver. If we have a mountain guide as a client he too must sign this waiver even though he is aware of the danger. Every heliski company is required to carry liability insurance otherwise the government would not issue a license. In addition, it is impossible to get insured unless the client signs the waiver. However, the waiver does not protect the company from gross negligence.
Do I need cash in Atlin? Or traveler checks? Or credit card?
At the end of the week your private expenses will be tallied. You may pay your bill with Euro, US-Dollar, CAD-Dollar, or with credit card. You can get CAD-dollars with your bank card at the bank machine in the hotel. We do not recommend traveler checks as no one in Atlin will cash them.
What is NOT included in the package? Or rather what additional costs can I expect during my stay in Atlin?
Not included in the KHS price are the following services:
- The flight to Whitehorse. Please note the different travel option in section 6 – TRAVEL. Depending on the travel option, time of booking and availability of seats the prices vary between EUR 900.- to 1300.-
- Dinner in Whitehorse Friday night.
- Tips
- Additional vertical metres (see current price list)
- Local taxes, please check website
- Additional optional recreation activities and excursions. We can arrange a variety of additional programs such as excursion to the surrounding region, dog-sledding, skidooing, etc.
- Alcoholic beverages and your consumption at the hotel bar
EQUIPMENT
What personal articles will I need in Atlin?
Günter Burgsteiner, KHS Guide:
When choosing your clothes for skiing keep in mind that even though our temperatures are low the dry cold feels much better, and not as chilly as the damp winter cold you experience in Europe. A layering system has worked well here, i.e. several thin layers of functional clothing which you can interchange. Protecting your skin and lips with a high UV factor sun screen is very important as the sun is not only directly on your skin but also reflects off the snow. Be careful with water proof products: at very low temperatures combined with wind the hydrogen could freeze on the skin. Please take your ski boots with you in your carry-on luggage.
Do we need a helmet?
Günter Burgsteiner, KHS Guide:
Even though a helmet is mostly recommended for skiing on piste it is an added safety feature when skiing the open slopes as there too you can fall and a ski may hit your head. An additional bonus is that it will keep you warm.
What temperatures can I expect?
Michael Carter, KHS Guide:
The
average daily temperatures are around -15 degrees Celsius in January, -10 degrees Celsius in February, -5 degrees Celsius in March and around 0 degrees Celsius in April. At night it can get really cold especially when combined with a strong high pressure system. Since it is a dry cold it feels about 10 degrees warmer than it would in the Alps.
What equipment does KHS provide?
Hörb Stadler, Guide KHS:
Safety comes first at KHS! Saturday morning we hold an intensive safety orientation which includes the introduction of the transceivers and Avalanche Airbag. While the helicopter pilot explains proper behavior around the helicopter, the bindings on the powder skis are being adjusted to your ski boots.
PRODUCT
What is the difference between the classic and private program?
Leo Steiner, President KHS:
With our classic program the vertical metres skied are calculated whereas with the private program the flying hours are being calculated. Eight flying hours equals approx. 40000 – 45000 vertical metres. As the guest you have more control when decisions are made when there is only 1 group (private heli) or 2 groups (semi private heli) per helicopter. The price also includes single rooms. The group discount does not apply to private bookings.
What level skier do I need to be in order to enjoy my heliski holiday?
Leo Steiner, President of KHS:
Generally people overestimate the level of skiing. However, you should be comfortable on skis. Skiers who have difficulties with black runs or have never skied powder should look for 3-4 similar skiers. We will then form a special group and teach you how to ski powder. At the end of the week you too will be able to admire your powder turns. Good conditioning is beneficial but not required. We make adjustments according to your physical and technical abilities. You are on holidays at KHS and not in a boot camp. We try to coordinate our groups accordingly and as early as at the time of booking. This way we prevent 99% of the time that the ‘wild ones’ will be put in the same group as the ‘rookies’. If you book as a group this won’t be a problem as you will be skiing together anyway, if this is what you decided.
How does the arrangement of the groups work?
Leo Steiner, President KHS:
Friends and colleagues that booked as a group and would like to ski together (see group discount) stay together. All other skiers will be put into groups according to their skill level or language. This allocation can and will change during the week as well as during the day. Heliskiing is a group experience with friends and like minded skiers. The love for the mountains and skiing makes us all equal.
HOTEL
How does it work with the accommodation and what comfort level can I expect?
Leo Steiner, President KHS:
Our guests will be accommodated in a cozy 3 Star hotel situated on the shores of Atlin Lake. The
Atlin Inn offers single and double rooms with bathrooms and showers in the rooms. You may also want to consider our cozy
Kirkwood Log Cabins. Of course there is a sauna, massage and whirlpool for your relaxation after skiing. The hotel has a restaurant as well as the cozy
Gold Rush Lounge, which is also a favorite amongst the locals. The accommodation is clean and quiet – you can here the wolves howl at night. Generally we cannot compete with a 5 Star hotel, however, if you can live without a marble sink, elevator and swimming pool you have come to the right place.
How accessible is the resort, and is there cell phone coverage and internet access?
Leo Steiner, President KHS:
There is no cell phone coverage in Atlin. All rooms have WLAN-Internet for your laptop. You may also use our computer stations in the Lobby. The rooms are equipped with telephones and TV.
What about lunch while skiing and what can I expect from dinner?
In the morning you will be treated to a hearty breakfast which includes home made bread, cake or Danish pastry, Müsli, eggs, various spreads, a variety of cold cuts and cheeses as well as fruit. In order to personalize your lunch you can put your lunch together during breakfast.
A varied diet is especially good during sports. With this in mind we prepare our internationally inspired 3 course evening menu. Of course we won’t deny you the famous local salmon!
Do you offer meal choices for people with allergies or special diets?
Our cook prepares very versatile meals; even the main course includes a variety of main and side dishes. Therefore all the different dietary needs should be covered. In case you have certain allergies we ask that you advice us at the beginning of the week in order for our cook to make the necessary adjustments.
What is the nightlife and Après Ski like in Atlin?
The authentic Gold Rush Lounge is perfectly suited to quench your thirst after skiing or to get to know to the locals and their stories later on in the evening. Those who still have some energy left after skiing can put it to use at the pool or foosball table. Before dinner you may visit the sauna and whirlpool or stroll through the quiet lakeside village of Atlin.
Do all guides speak english as well?
Yes because they have to communicate also with the pilots - and they speak englisch because they are Canadia.
