About Whitewater - Ymir

This page shows the current backcountry snow report, avalanche forecast, and weather conditions for Whitewater - Ymir. Check the danger rating, field observations, and Doctor's Orders summary above before heading out.

The backcountry surrounding Whitewater Ski Area is defined by high-alpine complexity and rapid transitions from lift-accessed ridges to deep wilderness basins. The terrain moves quickly from the managed forest of the ski area into Complex alpine environments characterized by massive planar slopes, technical chutes, and significant overhead hazard. Access is primarily gained via the Summit Chair or by skinning from the Yankee Girl pass, offering a "mental map" that fans out from the central hub of Ymir Peak into the secluded Kututle and Five Mile drainages. Ymir Peak & Bowl This sub-zone is the crown jewel of the area, featuring a massive alpine cirque and the technical summit of Ymir Peak. The terrain transitions from scenic ridgetops like Blasters Ridge to 1,500-foot vertical drops. The summit approach requires careful maneuvering on steep East-facing rock and snow. Named Run Inventory Goat’s Slide / Half Dome: High-elevation alpine ramps located on the looker's left of the bowl; planar and aggressive. Scob’s Knob: A localized, treed knob within the bowl offering slightly more definition in flat light. Kuba Chute: A narrow, aggressive technical line dropping from the ridge near the summit. Pencil Chute / Dogs Leg / First Choice: A series of steep, north-aligned technical chutes requiring high stability. West Ymir / Prospector’s Bowl: Aggressive, steep lines situated at the western boundary, transitioning back toward the ski area. Complexity & Hazard The bowl is a massive catchment area. Ymir Bowl should only be entered under high-stability conditions due to its exposure and potential for large-scale propagation. Cookie Cliffs and the Kututle Notch present significant rocky hazards and terrain traps. Five Mile & The Queens Accessed via the Yankee Girl pass, this area transitions from a narrow, scenic ridge into deep basin skiing. It offers a distinct contrast between the solar-affected West faces and the cold, preserved powder of the North-facing glades. Named Run Inventory Five Mile Basin: Features perfect NW-facing powder on the far side of the bowl with steep, sustained pitches. White Queen: Steep West-facing slopes that drop directly toward the ski area access road. Black Queen (Backside of White Queen): N and NE facing slopes widely considered the premier tree skiing in the region due to cold snow preservation. Evening Ridge Located 2km before the resort at KM 10.5, this zone offers a wilderness feel with a 1,700-foot vertical gain. The approach follows Apex Creek through Hummingbird Pass before ascending through open timber to gain the ridge. Named Run Inventory Whale’s Back (Run C): A prominent feature that is often wind-affected at the summit and solar-affected on the lower reaches; requires precise timing for corn or cold snow. East Face Lines: Technical descents involving major avalanche paths and very steep pitches. Blaster’s Ridge & Prospector’s A high-value sub-zone accessed via a single-ride lift ticket. The terrain follows a flat, cliff-lined ridge to the South before dropping into aggressive glades and hidden valleys. Named Run Inventory Garbage Chutes: Steep, exciting tree glades immediately adjacent to the ascent route. Sherpa Valley: A small, secluded bowl located 500 meters along the south ridge. Mama & Papa Bear Chutes: Low-elevation technical chutes that terminate near KM 7 on the access road. High-Hazard & Storm Day Options Safe Zones (Storm Days): Blasters Ridge is the primary safe-ascent route used by patrol; stick to the ridge spine. Black Queen provides excellent visibility and lower-angle tree skiing when the alpine is socked in or unstable. Garbage Chutes offers protected glades for moderate hazard days. No-Go Zones (High Hazard): Avoid Ymir Bowl and the East Face of Evening Ridge entirely during storm cycles or high-wind events. These areas are complex, planar, and feature significant overhead cornices and terrain traps. The Grads & Black Queen (White Queen Backside) Located on the reverse side of the White Queen, this area is a local favorite for its "cold smoke" powder preservation and high-quality tree spacing. Terrain Character & Transitions Transitioning from the narrow White Queen ridge, the slope style shifts into steep, North and North-East facing glades known as "The Grads." This is consistent, planar tree skiing with 1,500 feet of vertical. Named Run Inventory The Grads: Named for the steepness and technicality; these N-facing slopes hold the best snow in the Whitewater area. Black Queen Backside: NE-facing deep timber; offers a protected descent route when the White Queen's West face is solar-affected. High-Hazard & Storm Options High-Hazard/Storm (Safe): Black Queen and The Grads provide excellent visibility and wind protection during storms. The Huckleberry Hut glades are also a reliable option for low-light days due to the high-density timber.

Terrain within this zone includes: Whitewater Ski Resort, Ymir, Nelson, Glory Basin, Hummingbird Ridge.