Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, founded in 1970 in Blue River, British Columbia, operates a luxury heli-skiing resort across 1.5 million acres of terrain. It serves advanced skiers, families, and luxury travelers through six premium package tiers, and is owned by Alterra Mountain Company following its April 2024 acquisition.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersBlue River, Canada
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing does
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a Canadian heli-skiing resort operator founded in 1970 by Austrian immigrant Mike Wiegele, headquartered in Blue River, British Columbia. The company operates across 1.5 million acres (6,070 km²) of terrain spanning the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains, with 1,155 peaks, 867 named runs, and a typical annual snowfall exceeding 10 meters. It serves advanced-to-expert skiers and snowboarders, intermediate first-timers, families and groups, and luxury destination travelers through six core heli-skiing packages (Deluxe, Elite A-Star, Super Elite 212, Semi-Private, Private, and Intro to Off-Piste), differentiated by helicopter type, group size, departure location, and exclusivity. The underlying operation relies on Bell 212 and A-Star helicopters flown by partner Yellowhead Helicopters, supported by on-site medical infrastructure, a heated maintenance hangar, certified guides, and weather/avalanche monitoring systems.
The business generates revenue through upfront multi-day heli-ski package pricing (with unlimited vertical included in most tiers), summer chalet and estate accommodation, the Saddle Mountain Restaurant, the tiered Summit Vows wedding program, ancillary services (massage, retail, bar), and premium partner equipment sponsorships (Atomic, Hestra, Smith Optics, Arc'teryx, Icebreaker, Burton). Go-to-market combines a high-touch booking concierge (North America toll-free and international phone lines plus online inquiry forms) with an international travel partner network across Europe, New Zealand, and Mexico, and an Ikon Pass perks program under parent company Alterra Mountain Company, which completed its acquisition of MWHS in April 2024. The company employs 51-100 staff across its Blue River Heli Village (22,000 sq ft main lodge, 22 guest chalets, Bavarian Estate, Guides Haus) and Albreda Lodge 45 km north, and operates year-round to leverage summer and event revenue alongside the core winter season.
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
- Legal name
- Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
- Website
- https://wiegele.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, founded in 1970 in Blue River, British Columbia, operates a luxury heli-skiing resort across 1.5 million acres of terrain. It serves advanced skiers, families, and luxury travelers through six premium package tiers, and is owned by Alterra Mountain Company following its April 2024 acquisition.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Heli-Skiing Resort & Adventure Tourism
- NAICS
- Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Skiing Facilities (71392)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Guided Backcountry & Off-Piste Services (Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Heli/Cat Skiing) (THAAAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing (TLAFABAH), Mountain & Ski Luxury Resorts (THAGACAB), Helicopter Sightseeing & Scenic Tours (TLAFACAD)
Keywords
Where Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Blue River
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Heli-Skiing Packages: Core revenue from multi-day heli-skiing packages ranging from 3 to 7 days. Packages include helicopter access to terrain, professional guiding, equipment, accommodation, and gourmet meals. Package tiers include Deluxe (Bell 212), Elite A-Star, Super Elite 212, Semi-Private, Private, and Intro to Off-Piste. Revenue model is primarily upfront package pricing with unlimited vertical included in most packages.
- Summer Accommodation: Year-round resort generating revenue from summer lodging. Deluxe Chalets ($289 first room, $145 additional rooms), Luxury Chalets ($365 first room, $150 additional rooms), and Bavarian House ($5000 for two-night stay). Additional revenue from Saddle Mountain Restaurant and summer activities including weddings (Summit Vows package).
- On-site Services: Ancillary revenue from massage therapy services ($96-$155), retail shopping at Bonnie's Boutique and Sport Shop, and bar services. Massage appointments available in Main Lodge with 25, 50, and 90-minute sessions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Deluxe Chalet Summer Accommodation - $289/night first room, $145/night additional rooms |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Luxury Chalet Summer Accommodation - $365/night first room, $150/night additional rooms |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Bavarian House - $5,000 for two-night stay |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Massage Services - $96-$155 per session |
| Subscription | Annual | Ikon Pass Heli Credits - Up to $2,000 CAD per trip |
| Subscription | Annual | Summer Ikon Pass Discount - 30% off chalets + 10% restaurant bonus |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing operates a heli-skiing resort offering multi-day vacation packages (3 to 7 days) that provide helicopter access to 1.5 million acres of backcountry powder terrain in British Columbia's Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains. Packages include Bell 212 or A-Star helicopter flights, professional certified guiding, ski/snowboard equipment, luxury log chalet accommodation, gourmet meals, and safety infrastructure including avalanche forecasting. The resort also operates year-round summer accommodation, fine dining, and destination wedding services.
Product overview
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a heli-skiing resort operator offering a portfolio of six distinct heli-skiing packages centered around helicopter-accessed powder skiing across 1.5 million acres of terrain in British Columbia's Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains. The core product lineup consists of Deluxe, Elite A-Star, Super Elite 212, Semi-Private, Private, and Intro to Off-Piste packages, each differentiated by helicopter type (Bell 212 or A-Star), group size, departure location (Blue River or Albreda Lodge), and level of exclusivity. Supporting the heli-skiing experience, the company operates two primary properties: Blue River Resort featuring the main lodge, 22 guest chalets, and resort amenities, and Albreda Lodge 45 km north offering a more intimate 20-person venue. Accommodations range from Deluxe and Luxury chalets with full kitchens and fireplaces to premium estates (Bavarian Estate & Cabana, Eleanor Lake Estate). Additional services include Saddle Mountain Restaurant for year-round dining and Summit Vows, a tiered wedding package combining alpine helicopter ceremonies with resort celebrations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Deluxe Package
- Elite A-Star Package
- Super Elite 212 Package
- Semi-Private Package
- Private Package
- Intro to Off-Piste Package
- Blue River Resort
- Albreda Lodge
- Deluxe Chalets
- Luxury Chalets Premium chalets with Jacuzzi tubs, two double beds or a king bed, full kitchen, dining and living area with open wood-burning fireplace. Priced at $365/night first room, $150/night additional rooms.
- Bavarian Estate & Cabana
- Eleanor Lake Estate
- Saddle Mountain Restaurant
- Summit Vows Wedding Package
Quantifiable outcome
- 8-15 runs per day, approximately 15,000-25,000 vertical feet
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, gold, silver and minor.
- Yellowhead HelicopterscoreYellowhead Helicopters provide experienced pilots specifically trained for mountain terrain. The partnership provides the helicopter fleet (Bell 212 and A-Star helicopters) essential for heli-skiing operations.
- AtomicgoldGold level partner providing ski equipment. Wide selection of Atomic skis available for guest use, perfectly suited to powder terrain.
- HestragoldGold level partner supplying gloves and hand protection for guests. Hestra is a premium ski glove manufacturer.
- Smith OpticsgoldGold level partner providing eyewear and goggles. Premium optics suited for harsh mountain conditions.
- Sun Peaks ResortgoldGold level partner ski resort. Located near Heffley Creek, Sun Peaks is part of the regional partnership network. MWHS offers shuttle pickup near Sun Peaks Resort.
- IcebreakergoldGold level partner providing merino wool base layers and clothing. Natural fiber technology suited for mountain activities.
- Arc'teryxgoldGold level partner providing premium outdoor apparel and equipment. Technical outerwear suited for extreme conditions.
- Marmot BasingoldGold level partner ski resort in Jasper, Alberta. Regional partnership within the Canadian ski community.
- Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA)silverMike Wiegele established the CSGA in 1990, opening the door for Canadians to train as heli-ski guides. Core industry partnership for training standards.
- Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA)silverSilver level partner. MWHS maintains industry-leading avalanche safety standards in partnership with CAA.
- Burton SnowboardssilverSilver level partner. Wide selection of Burton snowboards available for guests, perfectly suited to powder terrain.
- Bergland SoldengoldGold level partner from Austria. International travel partner promoting MWHS to European skiers.
- AeroskisilverSilver level partner. European travel partner promoting MWHS heliskiing trips to German-speaking markets.
- CM Reisen HamburgsilverSilver level partner. German travel partner specializing in ski travel to North America.
- Ski Travel SpecialistssilverSilver level partner. New Zealand-based travel partner for MWHS bookings in the Oceania market.
- Hagen Alpin TourssilverSilver level partner. German Alpine tour operator promoting heli-skiing experiences.
- Club Reisen StumboecksilverSilver level partner. German ski travel specialist.
- Ski MadnesssilverSilver level partner. Mexican travel partner for Latin American market.
- Waha Premium TravelsilverSilver level partner. Swiss premium travel partner for European markets.
- Walter MuraltersilverSilver level partner. European ski travel specialist promoting MWHS.
- TravelzonesilverSilver level partner. Swiss travel partner for European market.
- Southern Lakes HeliskisilverSilver level partner. New Zealand heli-skiing operator partnership for Southern Hemisphere market.
- The Bruderschaft Friends Blue River SocietyminorCharitable organization founded in March 1996, inspired by the Brüderschaft in St. Christoph, Austria. Monies collected through membership assist those in need and fund worthy projects in the Blue River community.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH Heli-Skiing): CMH is the largest and most direct competitor to Mike Wiegele, operating multi-day helicopter and cat-skiing packages across BC and Alberta with comparable premium pricing and the same target customer of advanced-to-expert powder skiers.
- Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing: BC-based heli-ski operator with small-group packages and luxury lodge accommodation, competing for the same high-end heli-skiing guest as MWHS out of Revelstoke.
- Bella Coola Heli Sports: Long-established BC heli-ski operator offering multi-day packages with lodge accommodation, directly comparable to Wiegele's Deluxe and Super Elite product tiers in customer profile and pricing.
- Last Frontier Heliskiing: Catered and guided heli-skiing operator in northern BC serving expert powder skiers with multi-day packages — a near-substitute for MWHS product for guests prioritizing remote, deep-powder terrain.
- HeliCat Canada: Represents the BC heli-ski industry collectively and operates joint safety and marketing programs; individual member operators compete directly with MWHS for the same North American and international powder-skier demand.
Broad incumbents
- Whistler Blackcomb (Alterra sister resort): Sister property under Alterra Mountain Company/Ikon Pass with massive lift-served terrain; competes with MWHS only at the upper end of the price ladder but provides brand and cross-promotional reach within the same corporate family.
Emerging players
- Alpine Heliski (Switzerland): European heli-ski operator with comparable multi-day package structure and international guest base; less scale than MWHS but pursues the same luxury powder-skier segment in a different geography.
Regional players
- Southern Lakes Heliski (New Zealand): New Zealand Southern Hemisphere heli-ski operator that doubles as an MWHS international travel partner; serves the same customer segment in geography/season, extending the addressable market rather than directly competing in BC.
- Sun Peaks Resort: Large lift-served BC ski resort and Gold-level partner of MWHS offering shuttle pickup; serves an overlapping guest profile but a fundamentally different (lift-served vs. helicopter-accessed) product, making it complementary rather than directly competitive.
Others
- Adventure Travel Trade Association: Industry trade body that connects luxury adventure operators (including MWHS) with international travel agents and partners; functions as an ecosystem enabler in the same channel the company already uses to source European and Oceanic bookings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing social profiles
Digital presenceMike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
What does Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing do?
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing operates a heli-skiing resort offering multi-day vacation packages (3 to 7 days) that provide helicopter access to 1.5 million acres of backcountry powder terrain in British Columbia's Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains. Packages include Bell 212 or A-Star helicopter flights, professional certified guiding, ski/snowboard equipment, luxury log chalet accommodation, gourmet meals, and safety infrastructure including avalanche forecasting. The resort also operates year-round summer accommodation, fine dining, and destination wedding services.
Is Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing a public or private company?
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing founded?
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing was founded in 1970. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing based?
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is headquartered in Blue River, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Heli-Skiing Packages are the primary driver. The others are summer Accommodation and on-site Services.
Who are Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH Heli-Skiing), Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, Bella Coola Heli Sports, Last Frontier Heliskiing and HeliCat Canada. Whistler Blackcomb (Alterra sister resort) is listed as a broad incumbent. Alpine Heliski (Switzerland) is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Southern Lakes Heliski (New Zealand) and Sun Peaks Resort. Adventure Travel Trade Association is listed as an others.
Does Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.
What industry is Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in?
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing's product category is Heli-Skiing Resort & Adventure Tourism. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAJAD, Guided Backcountry & Off-Piste Services (Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Heli/Cat Skiing), with a secondary code of TLAFABAH, Helicopter Charter & Sightseeing. Its NAICS code is 481219 and its SIC code is 4522.