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

While working as a guide between 2002 and 04 you sometimes took me to Kamloops on my free day to discuss some topics during the drive and to meet up with business and friends. One day after six days of guiding, I suggested to rest instead - you convinced me with „a change is as good as a rest“ and off we drove into an inspiring day.
Thank you Mike for being such a role model, man of the Mountains and for being a driven and inspiring entrepreneur. We will always remember you.
My condolences to your family.

To Bonnie and family.Our deepest condolences to your loss of your dear Mike. We remember Mike well from our dinners in The Bavarian House and Elenor Estate and his exciting stories about the the foundation of his Heli Skiing Resort. RIP Mike

To Bonnie, Michelle, family and friends,
I fondly remember my time guiding in Blue River. Mike’s off the charts enthusiasm for skiing and building his dream while forging countless friendships is legendary. I’m so glad to have read recently that Mike had enjoyed skiing with his grandson Charlie. Mike was always smiling - has to have been one of the happiest people on the planet! - Living his dream, being an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many. We will all miss him! “Let’s go skiing!” 😁❤️

A GOD TO VISIT THE GODS!
THANK YOU MIKE,
from your Kärnter Freind‘
RIP

After 35 years of skiing with MWHS, I so much appreciate and admire all the hard work and what was accomplished by Mike , his family and leadership team. One thing never changed with Mike. His absolute love for the mountains and skiing was as strong in my last conversation with him 2 years ago , as it was In the beginning.. He set a mark in the industry that may never be rivaled - a legacy for the ages ! And he did it with an infectious love of skiing in the mountains that we will all remember …. Forever. My sincere condolences .

Thankful for the many days I had skiing and working with Mike.
Those were shining times.
Love to Bonnie.

What a story, what a life, what an achievement of a very special man! Skiers all over the world have in the past and will in the future associate heliskiing with only one name: Mike Wiegele! We are thankful for the times we were allowed to spend together skiing and having fun in Blue River and in Tyrol. Please accept our sincere condolences for Bonnie and the Wiegele family. Ruhe in Frieden Mike. The "Ellmau/Tyrol" heliskiers

On a trip to Blue River, there was a father and son in my group. The father's brother was supposed to be on the trip, but passed. They brought his remains and Mike took them to a peak, after the ski day, where they could scatter his ashes. That is the kind of passion that Mike showed for his clients. Mark Kalisch

I have known Mike since I first met him in April of 1990. I had just gotten off the shuttle bus and had walked into than main lobby of the lodge. As I was coming through the main doors, I instantly recognized Mike, from pictures I’d seen in ski magazines and the Wiegele brochures. Mike came up to me and put his hand out to shake mine. I was impressed and felt welcome as he asked me questions about where I was from and what kind of skier I was. I went on to know Mike better and have skied many days with him. We are very good friends and I feel honored to have skied with him so many times. Mike and I would over the years spend countless hours discussing all sorts of avalanche related subjects. He eventually got me to agree that the "Considerable" avalanche danger rating is useless and confusing.
Mike was not only a world famous heliski guide, skier, businessman. He is my friend, mentor, fellow snow nerd and a lot of ways my hero. He was one of the original heliski inventors. I am so happy that he counted me as one of his good friends. It is hard to believe the millions of vertical feet of skiing Mike has skied. I can only aspire to doing a fraction of what he has accomplished and done.
My heart and deepest condolences go out to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie. I will deeply miss Mike and especially his surprise out of the blue phone calls to me. There are soo many stories and memories that center around Mike. I wish we could do it allover again.

Mike became my friend when he moved to Blue River in 1974 with his heli ski vision and amazing ideas. At the time I thought he was crazy to helicopter skiers to the mountain slopes but I was wrong! I'm older than Mike and truly saddened to lose a friend who was so wise and caring and visionary. He knew I was born in Blue River and often kidded me about that..
He never stopped looking for new runs that could be developed and if we were driving or in a helicopter he would say "Can't you log on this slope? It would make such a great run!"
He has left a legacy of a first class operation and set the highest standards of safety. He will also be remembered for his generosity to the community of Blue River. Our family was fortunate to experience his unforgettable hospitality in both summer and winter.
In June of 2020, with Covid in full swing, my wife Barbara and I took a picnic lunch to the resort and ate with Mike by Lake Eleanor. He walked around his "happy place" and still pointed to the mountains around us, talking about what a great run he could see that would be perfect for young folks. We treasure the memory of the last time we saw him.
Rest in peace above the those mountains Mike. Our hearts go out to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie and the MWHS team
Carman and Barb Smith and family, Barriere BC

Danke Mike!
Es war ein Erlebnis dich kennengelernt zu haben!

To Bonnie and Michelle It is with such sadness that we learn of Mike's passing. Our association with the Banff Quikies was from the early 80's when our kids were put into lessons at Norquay. Tina, Mike and Ania went through the ranks ..... Quikies, BAR, Alberta Team and Ania in CAST.
He will be missed. Sending you all our love from Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Barry and Marta and our kids Tina, Mike and Ania

Mike’s friendship with Ralph’s father, Hunter Fitzgerald, has had a lasting effect on Ralph and our family.
Our deepest condolences and thanks for the memories shared by the Wiegele and Fitzgerald families.

Visited the resort in 2001 and enjoyed it immensely! I knew Mike was a man of the people when he helped load suitcases into our bus upon leaving. Only brilliant leaders do that…without a second thought. Proud to have met him.

Thank You Mike for giving me my start as a ski guide I am still doing it 25 years later because of you. My sincere condolences to the family. The ski industry has suffered a huge loss.

My deepest condolences and love to Bonnie, Michelle & Charlie. I am so very sad to lose a dear friend of mine and Juris’s. ❤️. More later

Heli skied in the 70 always on my bucket list be before I leave this world back with Wiegeles Your dream is alway with you all RIP

Sorry to hear of your loss. My fondest memory of Mike was the very first time I came up to ski Blue River. We where 2 young ski bums with a credit card and dreams as we toured BC in the spring of 1991 with the Powder Magazine list of heli and snowcat ops, and we called them all looking for a deal. We arranged for a stand-by and came on up to fabulous spring powder skiing. They asked if we wanted to stay for dinner ($20/ea extra) and we agreed. They sat us at Mike's table where he regaled us with story after story and bottle after bottle of wine. Such a class act, he will be missed!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you journey down this difficult path of grief. We remember fondly the many years that Mike opened the lodge up for the pastors and delegates from the Canadian Pacific District of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. His generosity allowed these guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the lodge and area, the professional staff and wonderful meals at a time when we all needed to renew and refresh. It was our privilege and blessing to meet Mike and his staff and our prayers extend to the Wiegele family, and to the larger family who will continue his legacy.

As a ski instructor in the European Alps, I knew about an Austrian who build a heli skiing village somewhere in Canada. As off-piste skiing was my favorite, heli skiing would be the ultimate. So there was a great motivation to emigrate to Canada, in pursuit to that Austrian named Mike Wiegele, trying to get a foot in the door....as a Belgian!
Fast forward....after 4 years of Canadian guiding, avalanche and first aid courses, I got myself a spot for a practicum with the MW operation. Little did I now that I was going to tail guide with the legend himself that day. I was pumped.
We got a good connection and Mike invited me to the team.
I never looked back from there on as I knew I was in the best heli ski operation world wide. Mike attention to detail, his commitment to be the safest operation out there and his passion for skiing and guest care was a great example of how to do things right.
I learned so much from Mike, his excellent team of experienced and well trained guides and eventually became one of them.
Being out with Mike was always an adventure as he new those 'old school' lines that other guides not ventured into.

I'm so privileged to have called Mike my boss for 16 winters. I will never forget that I took Mike out for his 'end of the day Saddle mountain run" in 2020. It turned out to be one of his last heli ski outings.

Bonnie, Michelle, family and friends, as we share Mikes loss, we also celebrate his life. Remarkable.

Thanks Boss

Willy Rens

With the passing of this fine man I once knew. May he be at peace. When We lived in Palos Verdes with my step Father Warren Miller, and he stayed with us for a few days. I remember the time we went running at Torrance Beach with me way back in the early 80s. He ran a few steps and stopped and bent down and picked up a something, l couldn't tell what it was just then. He looks around and puts it in his pocket quietly, and he kept on running and stopping just like before about four more times and he comes up to me all sly like and shows me five hundred bucks! He just found while he was running off coastline in the sand. I was like, "Wow man, that like is insane Mike." Wish I had his luck. May your family find joy that you spent your life making yourself a humble legend. Rest easy, We Have the watch now!

My old hero, Mike Wiegele!
My family moved to Blue River when I was 10 years old, and I thought the absolute world of him. I remember riding around the resort on my bike as a boy, and always running into Mike as I cruised around. And every time I would stop and salute him, and he would salute me right back. I thought that was the coolest thing.
Growing up in Blue River had its advantages, like going up heli skiing with your school friends every Saturday! I still tell this story to people on occasion and nobody can believe it. It was such amazing generosity from Mike to the town locals.
After I graduated high school I entered Mike’s guide training program and became I certified Tail Guide! My dreams had come true, and I was now out in the mountains and learning alongside my hero Mike, and the other senior Guides who were also heroes of mine.
I have spent the past few days thinking of Mike and how lucky I was to have had the opportunities he gave me. I will always be grateful for that and I will never forget my amazing memories in the mountains of Blue River.
My condolences to Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie and all the rest of Mike’s extensive list of friends and family.
I salute you sir!
Peter Greenway Jr.

A legend doesn’t die, he just skis off into the sunset. Take a run for me, Mike.

Mike was in love with Snowsports and all of those who participated in it.
His influence on ski Racing, Athlete development across Canada was/is unparalleled.
His support for Canadian racers was also unparalleled.
The Canadian Snowsports Association extends its heart felt condolences to Bonnie, his family, staff and the hundreds and hundreds of friends Mike had all over the world. Mike was truly one of a kind.

I was privileged to meet Mike during my week long Blue River skiing adventure a few years back. It was the realisation of a long yearned dream after attending so many of Warren Miller’s annual ski movies down here in Australia, which showed the wonder and glamour of Heli skiing at the Mike Wiegele Blue River resort. Year after year my friends and I would discuss and explore going to Blue River, until one year I did take Warren’s advice and booked it before I became another year older 😊.
It was the best experience of my life and I also got to meet and have a photo opportunity with Mike. I showed it back here at home to Larry Adler, who recounted some of the stories and experiences the 2 had together during the early ‘romantic age’ of skiing.
My deepest sympathies to the many family and friends. He lived his dream and made many dreams and wished come true to so many of us, so for that the world and myself own him a great debt.
I hope to be back to Blue River sometime soon, and while it wont be the same knowing Mike won’t be there, I’m sure his spirit will always wonder among the trails and the trees.
Rest In Peace Mike …

"Ecki, one eight!"
"Wos?"
"An Ochta zum Helicopter, gscheada Weana!"
This was Mike and me talking on Kitchen Wall, when we the very first time tried out the Fat Boys from Atomic.
The Heli sitting deep on the Lake, Mike startet to the right, I to the left. Skiing a huge highspeedturn till we met in the middle! Mike, with a glim in his eyes thought: I am the pro, I do not brake. I thought: I am the Guest, I do not brake! So he crossed my skitails, i felt his airpreassure in my back. Down at the heli we felt in our arms....und das mach ich auch jetzt.
Mike, DANKE

It was a great year for me having worked hard, and with considerable luck also, managed to end up with enough savings to join some others on the trip of a lifetime. My skiing-partner and I joined a group of other friends and also took great interest in the avalanche science side as we are high-altitude medics ourselves.

After driving from Vancouver , staying a night in a motel where the view from our window was half a kilo-meter long 10 m wall of logged trees, where Predator was filmed, deep into the Canadian mountains, 8 hours beyond Hope, we arrived in Blue River. There are may trips to the mountains that will be felt as a great week but little detail will you ever remember. BlueRiver and Mike we will never forget.

THANK YOU MIKE and all those at Blue River.

I wish the family peace at solace at this difficult time.

JK

My deepest condolences to Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie and the MWHS team. Thank you Mike for what you created for us in Blue River. My annual pilgrimage to MWHS makes my live a huge piece more worth living. See you at the helipad someday. Xaver Obermeier, Bavaria

sorry to hear, best appreciation!

I still smile when I remember this day when my son asked me if I wanted to go with him to drop off groceries/ supplies a job he had at that time. Long story short Mike asks us to stay for lunch, have some wine (which of course my son couldn't as he was driving). Anyways Mike made us feel so welcome, was all smiles etc. With fondest memories, condolences to his wife, daughter and grandson.

In the early nineties, I sought out Mike at the ISSW for advice on my Heliski operation in Sun Valley, Idaho. I felt very honored that he took a great deal of time to listen and share his vast experience. I felt very special when he invited me to Blue River the next season. I have been blessed to be able to return many times and over the decades, Mike remained a mentor and friend. I learned that he applied his skill as a mountain guide to everything he did and all his relationships. His joy in sharing these skills was infectious, he was a true leader. He made a difference in literally thousands of lives. Golf had Arnold Palmer, and helicopter skiing had Mike Wiegele. One of the last winters I was with him, he was recovering from his latest surgery and just cross country skiing around Blue River. Very quietly he said it was all about “that feeling of gliding on snow”. I am sure that’s what he’s doing now. Glide on, Mike, we’ll miss you.

It was a tremendous privilege having been your guests at home - we will never forget it. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and the family. Pfiati Mike - Ruhe in Frieden...

In 1983, my then girlfriend and I from Calgary picked up a deal to go spring skiing in Austria. Our guides in Austria were excited to have Canadians as guests because of two things: 1) the success the Crazy Canucks had experienced at the Hahnenkamm (the regular question was do you know Ken Read…?) and, (2) have you been skiing with Mike Wiegele in Blue River? Everyone involved in these little Austrian villages had the dream of skiing the Canadian Rockies with Mike’s operation.
Some years later we met Mike’s nephew, Gord, and his group of soccer buddies. Several of Gord’s friends went out and worked summers on the lodge and other facilities at Blue River. They all came back talking about what an incredible couple Gord’s Uncle and Aunt were and how beautiful the location was for the heli operation.
Have yet to ski with the company and old knees are telling me it’s unlikely to happen soon. Just wanted to pass along our condolences and advise how far reaching and positive the influence of Mike’s life was for so many people!
Bob and Susi Greaves

Amazing legacy he has created!

Legendary would be an apt description of Mike.
When I arrived in Banff in 1980, my one year sabbatical somehow turned into seven of the most fun filled years of my life.
My first winter I worked at Mike and Bonnie's Quik Rent-a-Ski operation, processing tourists who, at the end of the day would return with two left boots, mismatched skis and poles and harrowing tales of their experiences on the bunny runs.
To this day, I don't remember laughing so hard as after one dinner with Mike and a group from the Banff Springs Tennis Club at Storm Mountain Lodge.
Mike was at the center of attention, telling stories that got better every time you heard them.
This all culminated with a game of 'Ha Ha' where everyone lay on the floor, with their head on someone's stomach and tried to control the number of times they laughed.
Mike was a natural leader who was comfortable in any situation, serious or fun, and while he might have seemed a bit quirky when you met him, he always left you with a smile and a bit of wonderment.
The world was a better place with Mike, for sure.

Dear Wiegele family,

Our condolences from Georg from Carinthia with the Shirley, Lorenz and Juluis families.
Mike will always be remembered. He was a warm person and an excellent entrepreneur.

best regards
George

It is always hard when we lose a giant like Mike. I’ve spent my entire adult life, 23 years, working in the ski and avalanche industry. It was my childhood goal to work in the mountains on skis. Mike Wiegele was a person who guided those goals, he helped lay the groundwork for industry professionals by expanding and sharing his great knowledge of working in avalanche terrain. It was dream come true when I had the chance to train and guide for a week at MWHS. When I saw Mike’s operation I was truly impressed. MWHS operates with the highest of standards in avalanche forecasting and safety. As an avalanche community we owe so much to Mike and his operation. I am saddened at his passing, but I am at ease to know that he led a productive and fruitful life and that his legacy will live on forever. Enjoy your endless powder run Mike!

Dear Bonnie, Dear Michelle and Family.
I would like to express my deep sorrow at the death of a great person and friend. I wish you much strength in these difficult days. Please continue Mike's life's work in his spirit. Stay save!

we are very sad about the priceless loss and we think of you!

I first met Mike in ‘77 while shooting for Powder Mag with editor Dave Moe. I am forever grateful for the opportunities Mike gave me with photography and I remember fondly skiing with both Mike and Norbert in the early years. Mike, you are missed and loved.

So sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He was a legend and a gentleman.
Rest In Peace.

My deepest condolences to Bonnie, Michelle, Charlie and extended family.

There have been so many beautiful stories shared about Mike by friends and family. There is one story which has not been told that I would like to shed some light on. Bonnie and Mike created a family culture at Wiegele’s amongst staff and guests. Furthermore, they were match makers, bringing together like minded individuals who found their life partners in a town of 200 residents. I met my wife Patti in Blue River, which I will be forever thankful for. My oldest son, 11 years old, still holds the moose stuffy that Bonnie gifted us!

Mike created countless memories of guests and staff’s best ski day ever. The true ripple affect that he created is the continuous passion for the love of the mountains by his match making abilities. We are still close friends with four couples that all found their life partners in Blue River!

Spent layovers in Blue as I worked for CN Rail.
Did a bit of hiking around town waiting for a connection.
Many times crossed paths with Mike on his mountain bike .
He always looked you in the eyes and said hello . We chatted a few times .
For years I thought he was one of the maintenance workers .
Have heard he spent time in P.G. working in a clothing store .
Mike left his mark on many continents .

Tschuss Mike ,

I grew up hearing of the Mike and Bonnie Banff stories and his adventure of trying out this dream in Blue River. He never forgot the people that helped him along the way just as he and Bonnie were always ready to lend a hand where needed. I remember at the Masters Finals In Whistler over 20 years ago when Bonnie was there to compete and Mike slid up to me in the start ‘ I haven’t skied on a groomed run in 15 years!’ Was his laugh as he cheered on Bonnie in her race. He did it to be there for her and he had no trouble cruising down to cheer.

So sorry for your loss. I hope these wonderful tributes and stories bring some smiles during this time. ‘Let’s go ski’

I have enjoyed Wiegele World almost every year since 1982…I will miss seeing the “Emperor of Powder”. He will forever be in my Heart!!!!!

Let’s go skiing…😎🚁

Many condolences to the extended Wiegele family. I loved how Mike would walk to the helicopter every morning with his skis over his shoulder and announce “another day at the office”! It was impossible not to smile at his enthusiasm and love of life - a real inspiration of how to live your life to the fullest!

My sincere sympathy.
Every two weeks between 2002 to 2008
Brought people in the summer time for
Stay 1 night .
RIP. Mr. Wiegele

It is with utmost sadness that I received the note of Mike's passing. Mike was -beyond being a great skier and legendary entrepreneur- a wonderful leader who could motivate and inspire the crowds. It means the world to me having been able to spend a number of years sking alongside Mike. I owe Mike a lot and will be grateful to him forever. May his legacy live on forever!
Also on behalf of the notorious "Swiss Lean Mean Ski Team" my heart goes out to Mike's family. May Mike rest in peace.
With my deepest sympathy, Steve

At the peak of my ski instructing career I was lucky enough to be invited to Mike Wiegele’s Powder 8’s World Championship in 2006. I had no idea what to expect so luckily my very experienced powder 8’s partner made sure we did a half days heli skiing the day before competition. Just as well as as I was like a kid in a candy shop. Not nervous at all, the excitement was far too great. I was in skier heaven.
We where there with friends and colleagues from all over the world in what can only be described as the most incredible skiing adventure of my life. Nina and I took home the trophy but we took home much more than that in the memories we created all thanks to Mike. Oh, and the T-shirt that goes on anytime I need inspiration at the gym.
My dearest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Shelley ❤️
Melbourne, Australia