Our Value Advantages

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Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing has been in operation since 1970.  For 40 years,  we have been creating and establishing the benchmark in heliskiing.  Our dedication to powder skiing and boarding, customer service, safety and resort quality establishes us as the leader in the industry.  Often copied but never duplicated, there is only one Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.

Location, Location, Location

• Conveniently located on a major Trans-Canada highway that is constantly maintained. Arriving & departing is effortless regardless of winter conditions; only 214 km from Kamloops in a complimentary shuttle bus.  Blue River also has an airstrip that caters to private jets and the Powder Express; a 1.5hr charter from Vancouver ...more...
• In the heart of the Cariboos & Monashees;  home to more than 10 meters of reliable, consistent perfect powder each year. ...more...
• The vast terrain of 1.2 million acres offers the best alpine & tree skiing in the world.  If you were to compare ski-able terrain, Whistler Blackcomb would fit into the MWHS ski-able terrain 96 times! ...more...
• 3 remote weather stations - strategically located providing real time data assisting  guides find the best powder conditions everyday. 
• Limited "down days" - utilizing weather data and departing from our 2 bases (Albreda & Blue River), MWHS is leading the industry with over a 95% fly rate.  In the 2008/2009 season, there were only 6 down days out of 20 weeks.

Safety First

•  All guides have CSIA & CSGA certification - 26 guides have minimum level 3. Additional 2 weeks annual training provided within the Wiegele World terrain utilizing the Grizzly Hut - a remote training & rescue facility. ...more...
• Guides have extensive knowledge & experience of the Wiegele World terrain - 6 guides with over 20yrs, 5 guides with over 10yrs, 10 guides with over 5 years and guides train as a tail guides before coming lead guides. 
• Many guides speak multiple languages - German, French, & Spanish. 
• MWHS pioneered the Tailguide position - instead of selling the 11^th seat in a Bell 212, we fill it with a qualified guide. Their role is to sweep last, assist fallen skiers, provide ski instruction, and respond as 2^nd qualified first aider providing security and peace of mind. ...more...
• Partnered with Vancouver Island Helicopters (VIH) -  in operation over 52 years providing reliability and security.  The  mountain-trained pilots receive additional on-site training in the Wiegele World terrain.  The helicopters are extensively maintained daily in a heated hanger by qualified engineers – not outside subject to winter conditions and consequently shortcuts.  ...more...
• Medical Clinic and on-site Physician. Both the Blue River Resort and the Albreda Lodge are equipped with AEDs and the doctor skis with a third AED in the mountains. ...more...
• Qualified and trained rescue is only minutes away - should an emergency rescue situation develop, multiple helicopters & guides respond to rescue call.    

The Ski Experience

•  MWHS pioneered Unlimited Vertical. This means you pay the package rate only – unlike other operations, there are no additional charges for skiing more vertical. ...more...
• Flexibility - more program options to meet all needs and abilities. ...more...
• 2 guides per group of 10 in the Deluxe package offering security and safety ...more...
• All necessary equipment provided - skis/boards, transceivers, shovel packs, probe ...more
• Cohesive grouping is essential. With multiple helicopters and programs, skiers are matched by abilities - grouping is flexible and can be adjusted with ease. 

 Hospitality and Service

• Family owned and operated - dedicated to powder skiing, a pioneer in the heliski industry and in the development of Atomic powder skis. You are never a number - you are always treated as a family member.  MWHS guests consist of over an 80% return ratio.  ...more...    
• First Class Accommodation, Service & Facilities - handcrafted log chalets, fine dining offered with special care taken to dietary & special requests, and award winning wine cellar...more...
• Powder skis & snowboards rentals provided at no extra charge - delivered/collected daily from the helipads plus waxed/tuned nightly. ...more...