Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing

While most people turn their attention to hiking, biking, gardening, and golf, the leaders at Wiegele World spend part of May still fully focused on snow!       Wiegele management and guides joined industry colleagues from across Canada for three key heli-ski annual meetings – the Canadian Ski Guides Association (CSGA), Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and Helicat Canada.  These back-to-back conventions focused on industry-wide issues and challenges, shared experiences and exploring new trends that are shaping the industry. Four days dedicated to leading and learning, about various topics, comparing best practices and reviewing case studies.  This is how Wiegele leaders and guides remain focused on ‘all things snow’ before summer takes hold.

In 2023 we announced that MWHS would be acquired by Alterra Mountain Company. These kinds of transactions take time but as of today the sale is complete, and MWHS is officially Alterra’s 18th destination operation. We have complete faith that Wiegele World will endure under Alterra’s ownership. So now that the transaction is complete, we will do what we have done for 54 years and counting -- offer an unparalleled heli-ski experience to our valued guests. As Mike would say, Let’s go skiing! ⛷ 🏂

Since the 1970’s, our vision has been guided by our founder Mike’s friendship with the Simpcw First Nation, and his immense respect for the wilderness and mountain environment. We are now building on his legacy to become a world leader among heli-skiing operations through our commitment to both the land and the communities where we live, work, and play. Click the link below to learn more about our sustainability efforts!

It has been nothing short of amazing teaching yoga, stretching and recovery classes at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing. Making a positive impact on people’s lives not only through movement but also mindfulness. Next week we have created a ‘Wellness Discovery Week’ for employees to enhance a better work-life balance, assist in achieving goals, promoting healthy relationships and habits, while maintaining a positive environment. “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life” HM.

Our founder Mike Wiegele’s lifelong passion was sharing the love of the mountains and helping others enjoy them in a safe way. During one of the Simpcw Youth Snowboard camps, which we hold every year in Blue River, a discussion ensued about the young people who leave the program and continue exploring the mountains on their own. Mike insisted that we help them do that in a safe way. Earlier this month we had the privilege of carrying out Mike’s wish as we held our first Avalanche Safety Course for members of Simpcw First Nation. The two-day course provided the participants with basic knowledge of reading the mountain terrain and hazards, moving safely in avalanche country, and teaching critical rescue skills invaluable for safe mountain travel. The lessons were, of course, accompanied by some fun time in the snow and at our resort. We are proud to keep this part of Mike’s mountain legacy alive, and we are looking forward to the next joint course with our Simpcw allies.

As usual, The Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing staff are staying current and up to date with the latest mountain rescue techniques. Assistant Operations Manager and Senior Lead guide Bill Mark and our Medical Director Dr Anthony Chahal were in Bolzano, Northern Italy at the Terra X Cube which is an environmental chamber used to simulate mountain environments. Training simulations were conducted in -20°C! Next, up is the ICAR Congress (International Commission on Alpine Rescue) in Northern Italy's Dolomites at Toblach, where they are joined by Senior Lead Guide Bob Sayer.

Taking the mountains pulse 🏔   In our mountain playground, it's all about the weather. We are self-proclaimed weather watchers! Our guides Elias, Jason and Jesse set up the weather station over the weekend and ‘Wiegele Weather’ will go live on our website in early November. Stay tuned for updates to come ☃️

Bonnie Wiegele, wife of the late legendary Mike Wiegele, founder of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, says the sale of the heli-ski operation in BC to Alterra Mountain Company is a match made in the mountains! “Mike and I were always committed to an enduring future for the business. One that would honor his legacy by honoring our commitments to mountain safety and stewardship, to an exceptional powder skiing experience, to our committed guides and staff, and to the relationships we have formed with partners and guests from around the world.” Today’s announcement that Wiegele World will become part of  Alterra Mountain Company means we will keep skiing the unparalleled powder of the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains for the next 50 years. Let’s go skiing!

Big News Folks – Bonnie and Michelle Wiegele have announced today that they will be selling Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in Blue River BC to Alterra Mountain Company of Denver Colorado. Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing will become Alterra’s 18th destination operation. Alterra owns and operates recreation, hospitality, real-estate development, food and beverage and retail businesses throughout North America. Other Canadian properties include Blue Mountain in Ontario, Tremblant in Quebec, and Canadian Mountain Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures (CMH). Alterra is also owner of the Ikon Pass, unlocking access to 50 unique destinations around the world. Lots more details to share. Stay tuned for all the reasons the Wiegele Family believes this sale will ensure that Wiegele World will continue to be one of the best heli-ski operations in the world well into the future!

Our Chief Sustainability Officer, Matic Vecko, had the privilege of attending the Canadian Mountain Network Knowledge Sharing Summit in Parksville, BC, on Sept 26-27th. 🌄 The CMN is Canada’s first formal research organization dedicated to the study of mountain systems, employing a holistic approach based on Indigenous knowledge and Western science. The conference focused on the opportunities and challenges related to environmental change in mountain systems across Canada and internationally, and the necessity of integrating indigenous and Western knowledge to contribute to better decision-making.   MWHS remains committed to the vision of our founder Mike Wiegele, supporting research and continuous improvement. At the summit, we learned a lot that we will be able to apply to our future research projects, with the aim of improving the well-being of people and environment, while working together and learning from our indigenous allies.