Microclimate
Rainbow is located in a micro-climate environment; a unique feature generated by its south west facing position which captures the sun ALL day.
Microclimates are affected by such factors as temperature, humidity, wind and turbulence, dew, frost, heat balance, evaporation, the nature of the soil and vegetation, the local topography, latitude, elevation, and season. Weather and climate are sometimes influenced by microclimatic conditions, especially by variations in surface characteristics
A number factors have brought about Rainbow’s microclimate including its local atmospheric zone, the close proximity of Green Lake, the south-facing slopes that are exposed to more direct sunlight and are therefore warmer for longer and we may find that the severity of winter is reduced. In fact, we do know from our experience this past winter (2008/2009) that the snow melted at Rainbow almost a month prior to the rest of Whistler Resort. In addition, the more southern side of the bowl of Rainbow receives about 30 minutes less sun than the most northern side.
