The Passing of MWHS Founder and Ski Industry Legend Mike Wiegele 1938-2021

Love and Hugs to Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie, all the Shubins, Browns, extended family, MWHS family, and Blue River community. Mike touched so many lives with his dream, I feel so privileged to have been a part of this operation with him at the helm. As mentioned here multiple times, his deep love for the mountains, snow, skiing, and just mountain life drove his whole life. But I will also remember his impeccable standard for safety. It was even more important to him than chasing the best powder. He always, always had the safety of guests, guides, and staff at the forefront of all his decisions and teaching of all of us. He created the MWHS doctor program, which has allowed me to participate in this amazing world! That precise standard of safety will continue, as his high expectations have created the most skilled and diligent team on the planet. The next time you are experiencing perfect, unbelievable powder, think to yourself, "Mike Wiegele created this opportunity for me, and he would love this run!" Thanks, Mike. We miss you. Enjoy those puffy cloud moguls in powder heaven. :)

Dear Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie, and the entire MW family
It is with great sadness that I am hearing about Mike’s passing. But within the sadness, I am simply in awe about what Mike has accomplished and how many people he has touched, both directly and indirectly. His passion for the mountains and powder skiing were infectious, and his dedication to improving avalanche safety was exemplary. His vision for how researchers and practitioners can benefit from each other and his support of Bruce Jamieson’s avalanche research program at the University of Calgary were critical for making Canada a world leader in avalanche safety. I felt very honored and fortunate that Mike decided to support our new avalanche risk management research program at Simon Fraser University. His endorsement and financial support were crucial for getting our program off the ground. It would simply not have been possible without him. The creation of the Mike Wiegele Avalanche Association Fund seems the perfect fit for honoring Mike’s passion and continuing his vision of enabling everybody to experience and enjoy the wonderful mountains in a safe manner.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope that the countless amazing memories and the love and support you have from the extended Mike Wiegele family is giving everybody the support they need during this difficult time.
Pascal Haegeli

Of my 6 or 8 trips to Blue River, I have one vivid memory of Mike. About 10 years ago, I was just entering the checkin chalet when this beautiful woman was exiting and behind her also exiting was Mike. He stopped me and exclaimed that he had done a good job of hiring his social chairman as he said I didn't even notice him!! Many fond memories.

What a sad day- July 15th 2021– Mike has passed, but I know he is in a better place without the pain of disease and is at peace with his creator. My only regret is that during his illness because of my cancer treatment & COVID 19 I was unable to meet with him in Canmore or Cochrane but I rest that I know Mike is at peace now.
He was a wonderful true 50 year friend. He was the first person I met when moving to Calgary from Toronto in 1971 & he gave me chance to become a ski instructor in the Mike Wiegele Ski Instructor organization, what a blessing. Mike was ever patient & as I got to know him better I realized what drove him was his love of skiing, which he successfully passed on to whoever would listen. He was a visionary for the resort 50 years ago. I remember that time well when he called me & said “come & see what I have bought” & I rushed to Blue River. To my amazement I said to Mike “you bought a gravel pit” Then Mike proceeded to describe to me exactly what you see today, he had it in his mind to every detail.
I could write many stories of the times together from great sadness with the passing of his brother Norbert to great time of gratitude when he asked me be the MC at his 25th company Anniversary.
I trust that Bonnie, Michelle, & Charlie will be OK continuing on Mike’s vision & legacy in Blue River as I know his management team are keen to keep his legacy alive with the finest skiing in the world.
One item I will never forget was one breakfast meeting we had in Banff we were setting up a conference & he turned to me in horror, to say where is my large day timer? I said you didn’t have it with you when you came into the restaurant. We both ran outside & down the street & behold there was the day timer on the roof of his car covered with 8 inches of beautiful powder snow, so fitting.
Bless you Mike for all your kindness & education over the years I will never forget you as a dear friend & collogue. Until we meet again- Hunter

My condolences to all of the family on Mike's passing. My son Heath 'Heater' had the pleasure of working for the company for 22 years, until his recent passing. May they be having a beer together and reminiscing. God bless all.

All the past and present members of Banff Alpine Racers and Bow Valley Quikies would like to send their condolences to Bonnie, Michelle and Wiegele family.
Thousands of athletes’ lives have changed since the founding of Banff Quikies.  Mike was a kind and passionate man who just wanted everyone to experience skiing through his eyes.  We look forward to dedicating our best run each season to Mike Wiegele and the legacy he has left behind.

Bonnie so sorry to hear about Mike. Gene and I speak of him often. A great friend who had a wonderful , colourful life.
We love you and will be having a drink this evening to salute you both.

Words cannot describe the feelings in the memories Mike and his extraordinary family made for and with so many thousands of people. Staff and clients alike. A towering ikon of belief in self, Mike always made it happen no matter how big or unlikely the dream. The mountains themselves will shed tears of snow. Ski buddies around the world will get together not just to lament his passing but to share the stories of the best ski moments of our lives that he helped us create. That will always remain and drive us to create more, dream big and believe in yourself. RIP

Ruhe in Frieden. 🇦🇹 🎿

Though he’s no longer with us, I know Warren would be with me in telling you, Bonnie and Michelle, how very sorry we are for your loss. Many incredible memories since I first met you, Bonnie and Mike, in 1967. I’m just sorry we didn’t have more time together. Warren had huge respect and affection for you both, as well.
And what an inspiration Mike was for my son, Colin, when he met him at age 7...now 49! That will continue for all his life.
What a great family you are!
Laurie Miller

My deepest condolences to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie, as well as his entire team at Mike Wiegele Heliskiing. Mike’s passing is indeed sad but we celebrate a wonderful life. I joined Mike’s staff in Blue River in 2012 and it was a good change in my life. I would be “head down” working away on my accounting duties and Mike would come along and say ‘let’s go skiing”. Down went the pencil and up in the heli we would go to the top of Saddle Mountain. We would say, we can see Paradise from here. Then after skiing down in the fluffy powder, out of breath, we would say with delight, the vertical drop is 10 times more than Ontario’s Blue Mountain.
It was a great joy skiing and working with Mike. I learned a lot from the great man. May he rest in peace.
Bill Folliott
alias $Bill

Bonnie, I can only imagine the loss and grief for you, your family and the entire crew in Blue River. Denver's “Blue River Blues” will have a new sad meaning for me and all those who had the wonderful privilege of knowing and working with Mike. His dream fulfilled, Mike has given a lasting legacy and contribution to this, his chosen country.
Peggy (Windle) Weddell.

Sixty years ago I ran many gates with Mike, Competed against him in many races and argued with him about how he, a poor ski instructor, was going to ever be able to raise enough capital to realize his impressive dreams. He always believed in himself and his dreams and through tireless work and devotion he reached his pinnacle. He was a good friend and we have all lost a wonderful man.

My condolences to Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie and the MW family. He was a great man with a big heart and he will glide through the snowflakes forever.

Rest in peace Mike! My condolences to the Wiegele family's and friends
schuss ;-)

Bonnie and all of Mike's family, I am so sorry for your loss. The great memories I had with Mike and all the Weigele team are so great. He was a great person and I always looked forward to going heliskiing at Mike's place. I miss him and all those great runs.
DR. George Yellich

It is with great sadness to learn of Mike's passing. By deepest condolence to Bonnie, Michelle and Charley. After many years of skiing with Mike, it is clear to me that his legacy is the greatest ever in heliskiing, as his priority for snow safety for guests, guides and staff and ability to implement safe procedures transformed the industry. The Mike Wiegele Avalanche Association fund is a fitting and most deserving way to honor Mike and foster his passion to do the right thing rather than the expedient thing.

My deepest condolences to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie and the Wiegele World - Back in 1969, Mike gave me my first job and a heartfelt welcome to Canada. My whole ski teaching career is based on what I learnt from Mike. Beyond Mike's major focus on developing his world famous heliski business he was a relentless educator. Even back in his Lake Louise Ski School days he devoted a lot of time and attention to his junior racing program and later in Banff to the famous "Quickies". Many world cup skier's roots are imbedded in these programs. Mike's gigantic legacy in the skiing industry will endure time, no doubt. Now it is sad to have to say good bye to a dear friend and mentor.
With eternal gratitude.
Andre

What a sad day today to hear of Mike's passing. Our deepest condolences to you Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie. Over the years spent with you in Blue River we became good friend and have many happy memories. Although we don't get to Blue River very often we still think of you and the happy times we spent together. Never forgotten Mike.

A amazing person Mike was, had the good fortune to go Heli fishing with Mike at McDougall Lake in Wells Gray Park when I was living in Blue River, Mike would always remember your name . (Go Rest High On That mountain Mike) My condolences to Bonnie, Michelle and the entire Wiegele family

Skiing is the best way to spend your life time. So let's go skiing!
RIP, Mike!!

Best wishes from Bavaria to BC
Stefan

I knew of Mike growing up in Clearwater and was always amazed with how he cultivated his passion into what it is today. I eventually ended up working for Sun Peaks and we would often go to Blue River for retreats. The last time I saw Mike he invited us to his house for drinks and appetizers and arranged for an impromptu helicopter tour. How about that for hospitality! Every time I think of Blue River I'll think of Mike. He was a legend and will be missed by many.

On behalf of my late father, "Whitey" Kelsey, and myself, thank you for some great Heli Skiing memories. It was the ultimate skiing experience!! What a skiing legacy!! Deepest sympathies to his wife, Bonnie and family.

My deepest love, aloha and condolences to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie. The powder riders community from around the world will forever be indebt for Mikes contributions to what we all seek every winter and for everyone who has been blessed to know your Wiegele family over the years my heart filled blessing go out to all of you. I will never forget all the times I've been blessed to spend with your family in Blue River and in Maui. May god bless you all and mahalo Mr. Wiegele for your friendship over the many years. Your legacy will live on forever.
Warmest Aloha, Michael Botelho From Hawaii

Dear Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie and all the Mike Wiegele team, family and friends. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
I worked as photographer at Wiegele's for Don Harvey during the 90's. Mike was truly a mentor to me and his love for the mountains was undeniable. Mikes passion for skiing and his love for life rubbed off on us all. I will cherish every "cold smoke" turn that I feel fortunate to have made with him. He will be dearly missed and we are all fortunate for the legacy he built.
Lorne Green

I worked for Mike when he ran the ski school at Lake Louise back in the late 60's. I was sorry to read of his death, he was quite to go-getter & a part of Canada's ski history.

these are the ones to be proud of in our first nations communities, no miss treatment of our people or bad words and went above all he’s awesome. condolences to his family. from the dundas family

My deepest condolences to Mike and his family. Admiration and respect comes to my mind when thinking of MWHS.
A pioneer, a dreamer an innovator.
He lives an amazing legacy behind

As life long skiers this is sad news. Condolences and all our best in this difficult time. I feel he was the embodiment of someone with a total love of skiing and everything it entails.

I met Mike in Banff in 1973 when I worked at Norquay - He was very kind to a young Kiwi boy looking for adventure in the mountains of the world. His enthusiasm for skiing had a profound effect on my life and I will remember fondly those special times. Rest in peace Mike. Our condolences go to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie all the way from New Zealand

Such an amazing team you have in Blue River, our sympathies for the entire industry. I can’t wait to return soon and continue to support Mike’s dream. Riding with Mike for 3 out of 5 days was a dream come true. It was my 41st birthday, I even have a picture of Mike and Eric stopping by at dinner to sing happy birthday to me. Mike was 76 years old at the time still ripping everyday in waist deep powder with guests from all over the world. This is a dream only a few of us will ever get to see as we all get older. Such an awesome life to be celebrated with amazing accomplishments and awards. Can’t wait to see Eric and the rest of the crew once again and keep Mike’s spirit alive in the powder. THE RIDER (Luke M Lyons)

Mike was willing to challenge existing paradigms, took thoughtful risks to disrupt old ways of thinking and left his mark. Well done! RIP...

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have spent my winter weekends as a kid in the Mike Wiegele Ski School at Lake Louise. Mike's enthusiasm for skiing and adventure was contagious. It set me up for a lifelong love of skiing and adventure in the outdoors. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and Michelle through this sad time.

Thoughts and prayers to the family and everyone that knew Mike as a friend. He was a great story teller and excellent company whenever we visited the resort.

Condolences to the entire team and family.

Dear Bonnie please know that you have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Take comfort in the memory of the many wonderful years that you and Mike shared.

I met Mike back in the sixties when I first learned to ski with my friend Bonnie. I have a great memory of Mike climbing up and skiing down at Bow Summit, yodeling all the way. RIP Mike

Thanks for 25 years of the best skiing experiences of my life. God bless your family and staff.

One of the highlights of my industry career was speaking with Mike briefly at a conference. He introduced himself as Mike, from Blue River. He also said the snow was pretty good there.

My condolences to the Wiegele family, such a legend will be greatly missed by many.

Mike was a good friend of our late son, Marcus. When Marcus passed away, Mike donated helicopter time for our family members and friends, to take everyone up to the place where Marcus loved to ski. There, his ashes were scattered over the runs that he would once descend, loving every moment of it, through the powder and under the blue sky. Thanks Mike, for all that you did for so many people, like our Marcus.
To your family, our deepest condolences....he was a "man of many mountains" and his memory will live on for many years to come.

My heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and Michele on your loss. I remember Mike well from my childhood as he was a wonderful ski coach and kind to us kids in Banff.
Rest In Peace Mike

Dear Bonnie: we are so sad for your loss of your dear Mike. He was a very good friend for many years and it was always so nice to see both of you the times we did. Our sincere Condolences to you, Michelle and Charlie.

Your towering legend will be remembered always! Your generosity will be remembered even more. Thank you, Mike.

Bonnie, and family. Our deepest sympathy, & our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Cherish all the wonderful memories, take care. So sorry for your loss.

To Bonnie and Michelle (and your extended family),
Back in the 1980s, Mike was very generous and kind to me (and to all of Mark's friends that traipsed through your Banff home). May I extend my heartfelt condolences to you both, as well as raise a toast to a life well lived.

I had the privilege of taking part in the kids program on Saturdays in Blue River as my dad was a ski guide for many years. Mike spoiled the guides’ kids with gifts at Christmas and Easter and free heli skiing on weekends! Thank you for your generosity and passion Mike <3

I send heartfelt condolences to the family from Carinthia/Austria

It should be a once in a lifetime trip…skiing with the legendary Mike Wiegele in the Bluezone. I will never forget when I saw Mike for the first time in January 1990. Something hit me, I almost went down on my knees and I knew that I found a second home in Canada. It was Mike’s charisma were I got trapped.
There are too many memories to share them all on here, but my personal highlights always have been the four eye talks with Mike sometimes til late in the night. Whether in the Silver Buckle, Mike’s house or in the Legion, time was flying while talking about politics, business, family, skiing or just nonsens ;). Sometimes Mike told me stories about his childhood and youth and started singing an old Carinthian song which he loved, with tears in his eyes. Not to forget his favourite Chablis and delicious Austrian bacon…
Mike IS a great soul
Farewell from Bavaria

A message of solidarity and condolence to all the family and to all the MW team. There are lots of things to learn from Mike, he was a kind man.

Santi Raventós, Barcelona, Spain

So sad to hear that Mike is no longer with us. Our great condolences and sympathy to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie.
We will always remember Mike fondly as the one who made it possible for us to experience the most beautiful ski runs.
Even though we only met every two or three years, Mike was a great and loyal friend to us for over 30 years.
But what stays with us most of all are many wonderful memories of powder runs we did together in the Monashee's and Caribous and wonderful evenings we spent in Blue River.
His enthusiasm for skiing has inspired all of us and every deep snow turn in the future will remind us of him and make him unforgettable for us.

Liebe Wiegele Familie und an Alle in Blue River wir wünschen euch viel Kraft und Zuversicht für die Zukunft
Euer Ferdinand Brandis und Familie