A large avalanche closed the Klondike Highway Sunday night, and it remained closed early this afternoon.

Communications analyst Oshea Jephson of the Department of Highways and Public Works said late this morning there was still no word on when the highway is expected to open.

“It was a substantial avalanche,” he said. “And the South Klondike remains closed now.”

The highway closure stranded a group of young skiers who were attending the annual ski camp hosted by Yukon Heliski at Fraser.

Jephson said there is a section of the highway where the snow is measuring eight feet high.

The kids are scheduled to be flown out this evening from where they are staying at a ski camp.

Pete Wright, owner of Yukon Heliski, said in an interview Monday there is no emergency. The students are doing just fine – in fact, they would like to stay at the ski camp for another night, he said.

Horizon Helicopters is donating the helicopter to fly the students to just outside Carcross.

A handful of instructors were also at the weekend camp.