Safety & Risk Awareness
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Lessons
Do I need poles if I’m a beginner skier?
No, beginners should not use poles as they can hinder skill development, according to ski instructors.
Do you rent ski goggles?
No, we don’t rent ski goggles, but we do sell them.
Do you have lockers?
Yes, we do! Lockers are located in the cafeteria, next to the bathrooms. Please bring coins
Will I receive a refund if I don’t show up for my lesson?
Refunds will not be issued for no-shows. Refunds are only offered under extenuating circumstances. Please stay home if you are not feeling well and we will reschedule your lesson. Click here for information on our Cancellation Policy.
When do I pay for my lesson?
All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking. Lessons can be paid for over the phone with a credit card or in-person at Mt Sima during operating hours.
What should I wear?
All students are required to wear a helmet.
The secret to winter fun is dressing properly for the weather. To ensure you (or your child) has a great time on the slopes, it is essential to be warm, dry and comfortable on the snow.
Layering your clothing is the best strategy for staying warm on the slopes. Generally, layering is divided into three areas:
- Inner layer = Wicking layer (polypropylene underwear – top and bottoms): “wicks,” or moves, moisture away from your skin and dries quickly
- Mid layer = Insulating layer (wool, fleece, sweater): keeps heat in and cold out
- Outer layer = Weather Protection – Repels water from snow and blocks the wind while letting perspiration evaporate (both jacket and pants). Choose a garment that is made of waterproof, breathable material. There are several synthetic materials on the market and available at outdoor sports stores. When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant.
We also recommend wearing waterproff mitts/gloves, and goggles (necessary for windy snowy days)
You can rent skis/board, boots and helmets from the rental shop at Mt Sima.
Where do I meet my instructor?
After checking in at the Snow School desk, you will meet your instructor by the “Snow School” sign close to the bottom of the bunny hill. Ski and Snowboard instructors will be wearing orange Sima jackets.
Where do I go when I arrive at Mount Sima?
If you have already paid for your lesson, you can meet your Instructor at the base of the Bunny Hill by the Snow School Sign. Instructors will be wearing a bright Orange Sima jacket.
If you require rentals, you will check in for rentals after you check in at the Snow School desk.
The Snow School desk has relocated and will be based inside the rental shop.
If you have not paid for your lesson, please go to the Snow School desk, located in the main lodge right near the Rental shop.
How early should I arrive for my lesson?
If you require rentals and a lift ticket, we recommend arriving 45 min to1 hour before the start of your lesson to allow time to find parking, pick up your rentals and ticket.
Please note, the rental shop opens at 10:30am (Dec to mid-Feb), and at 9:30am (Feb 16th to April).
If you have a pass and gear, we recommending arriving 20 minutes before your lesson to enable time to find parking and put on your gear.
Adaptive Lessons
Behaviour Policy
- Please advise the Snow School Manager of any behaviour concerns or challenges that may impact the lessons being positive and safe for all involved, as well as strategies that are helpful for the participant.
- Instructors are not able to address significant behaviour challenges such as self-injurious behaviour, physical and verbal abuse of others, inappropriate sexual behaviour, violence, profanity or a consistent unwillingness to participate.
- Caregiver accompaniment may be requested. Unfortunately, in extreme situations, a participant may not be able to continue in the lessons.
Medication and personal care
Our instructors are not able to administer medication or cater to specific personal toileting needs. If you need help with these areas please arrange to have a family member or caregiver meet you as required.
Sit Ski Weight Limit
The weight limit for our sit ski equipment is a maximum of 200lbs.
Sit Ski Cold Weather Policy
If the temperature at Mt Sima is -15 degrees celsius or below, Mt Sima will cancel Sit-Ski lessons and reschedule to another date.
What are outriggers?
Outriggers are a type of adaptive snowsport equipment for individuals with disabilities of the lower extremities who walk with a cane or crutches. Outriggers help the skier or snowboarder to balance while acting as canes with short ski tips on the ends.
For more information Click Here.
What is a Sit Ski?
The Sit Ski is for individuals who ski in a sitting position. This may include individuals with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Mount Sima purchased a bi ski, a type of sit ski that has two skis on the bottom to provides a wider base than the mono ski and greater stability.
For more information Click Here.
Are the lessons all private? Do you offer group lessons?
Generally lessons will be 2 instructors to 1 student, or 1 instructor to 1 student. If there are 2 instructors: the lead instructor will be a certified CADS instructor and the second may be a volunteer.
If two individuals, of similar abilities, want to take a lesson together, we will then require that a friend/family member/support worker, who is already a skier/snowboarder, join the lesson to assist the instructor.
We welcome groups and organizations to book lessons as well. In this case instead of a group lesson, each individual would have their own instructor or we would pair up individuals of similar abilities with an instructor and support worker.
Are the beginner lessons on the bunny hill and on Green runs (Hailey’s and Pokeys)?
At this time, as we are a new program with newly certified instructors we will only be offering beginner ski and snowboard lessons on the Bunny hill.
For sit skiers who are tethered to an instructor, we will offer lessons on green runs after practice on the rope tow area.
Are parents/friends/support workers able to join the lessons?
A friend, family member or support worker, who is an experienced skier/snowboarder, is welcome to join for all lessons.
If two individuals, of similar abilities, want to take a lesson together, we will then require that a friend/family member/support worker, who is already a skier/snowboarder, join the lesson to assist the instructor.
Who are adaptive lessons for?
For neurodiverse individuals, and individuals living with a physical and/or visual disability impairments. For example, neurodiverse individuals (e.g., autism, down syndrome, learning challenges, etc.) and individuals living with visual impairments, and/or physical impairments (e.g., vision loss, blurred vision, glaucoma, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, individuals with spinal cord injuries, etc.).
As a new program, we are only offering adaptive lessons for individuals who have never ever skied or snowboarded or have a few times but are still developing their skills on the Bunny Hill/rope tow area.
Alpine Escape
What is Glamping?
Glamping, a stylish fusion of outdoor comfort and adventure, is revolutionizing the traditional camping experience. Immerse yourself in the world of glamping, where glamorous camping comes to life in the heart of nature. A luxurious dome surrounded by surrounding mountains provides exceptional refuge, creating a memorable escape from everyday life.
At the heart of this exceptional glamping experience are thoughtfully designed accommodations, from a spacious dome to well-appointed tents. Each glamping stay promises luxurious comfort, with plush beds, outhouse access, and an outdoor kitchen for an outdoor dining experience.
Where do I go when I arrive at Mount Sima?
The self-check-in kiosk is under the large wooden arch facing the parking lot. You will find instructions, keys, and a map to hike up the hill and to the glamping site.
How do we access the site?
Access to the site is via a walking trail. Guests can walk for 15 minutes on easy terrain trails that are clearly marked and provided on trail maps.
For guests that want to add to their luxury experience and arrive at the campsite via side-by-side and have their luggage taken up can do so for only $10 per person. The same service is available upon checkout. If you would like transportation outside of 9am-5pm, it will be a special request and will need to be arranged no later than 24hrs in advance.
Do I need to bring any equipment?
Luxurious camping, or glamping, provides an unmatched experience without forcing campers to carry their own gear. Glamping relieves you of these logistical burdens, in contrast to traditional camping, which frequently calls for meticulous planning and the transportation of heavy gear. Glamping locations have completely furnished lodging, so you don’t need to pack more.
What should I bring?
- A sense of adventure
- Clothing and outerwear as necessary.
- Any food to prepare meals in our fully equipped outdoor kitchen.
- S’mores to enjoy around your personal fire pit. Should you forget them, we have some for purchase.
- Towels, unless you are staying in the Aurora dome where towels are provided.
Is breakfast included in my reservation?
We do not offer food or beverages at this time, but we are happy to provide menus and information about restaurants and stores in the area!
What months of the year are you open?
for the 2024 season we are open until the end of September. We will reopen the sites in June/July depending on weather with the hopes to offer year round glamping experiences very soon!
Will I receive a refund if we need to cancel?
Guests get a full refund if they cancel up to 5 days before check-in.
In addition to the above, we offer a non-refundable option—guests pay 10% less at the time of booking; however, this option is non-refundable.
Is there WiFi?
The glampsite does not have WiFi.
Cell phone service is available from most providers.
We have guest WiFi available at our base and around the main lodge.
We encourage guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Can I book your whole Glampsite for a Special Event?
We would be delighted to host your special event at Alpine Escape, provided the location has availability. Please reach out to us directly to discuss availability and rates, along with any special requests or requirements.
Can children stay?
Absolutely! Bring the whole crew!
Can I bring my pet?
If you have brought your pet(s), you must bring a bed for your pet, and a crate. The animal(s) must not be allowed on any of the furniture in the tent unless they are very clean as any dirt or stains will be considered damage, and must never be left unattended inside the tent. Summer season is TICK and dirt season for dogs – you agree to ensure your pets do not bring these into the tent, and especially, onto the furniture. There is a fee of $20 per pet per stay.
Are the Glampsites accessible?
Due to the nature of our accommodations, we are unable to offer a truly barrier-free or fully accessible experience. Our canvas tents and domes have a lip on entry and have a step to the platform that hosts the tents. The interior of most sites does not offer the space necessary for a motorized or manual chair, and we are unable to offer fully-accessible washrooms. We are working to ensure that in the future a portion of our sites at each location offer a ramp for some mobility assistance. We continuously seek out additional ways to increase accessibility wherever possible.
Mountain Information
Before your Trip
What is the emergency numbers in the Yukon?
Call 911 when there is:
- a life-threatening emergency or medical situation;
- a crime in progress;
- a fire;
- a serious accident; or
- an exposure to, inhalation of or swallowing of a poisonous substance.
Yukon has basic 911 service throughout the territory. 911 will connect you to the RCMP, fire department or emergency medical services (EMS).
You will be asked “Which community are you calling from?” and “Do you need police, fire or EMS?”
If you need Fire or EMS, your call will be forwarded to a secondary call taker for dispatch. Volunteer fire departments may not answer all calls. If that happens, call 911 again and ask the call taker to try the next closest department.
Answer all the questions to help first responders get to you. Don’t hang up until you are told to. EMS dispatchers might provide pre-arrival medical care by telephone instruction.
Do you rent winter jackets and/or pants?
No, we don’t rent winter clothes.
Do you have lockers?
Is there a shuttle from Whitehorse to Mt. Sima?
Currently, there are no shuttle services from Whitehorse to Mt. Sima. You will need to travel by car which you can rent or take a taxi.
