Industry News
Denver, Colorado, September 23, 2024 – Alterra Mountain Company announced today that Elias Ortner has been named President & COO of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) based in Blue River, British Columbia, Canada, effective immediately. Elias, a MWHS veteran of 17 years, is responsible for all operations as well as driving growth of this premier destination while consistently improving the legendary MWHS guest experience.
MWHS is unique in the helicopter skiing industry, operating up to 10 helicopters in one of the largest connected heli-skiing tenures in BC, offering an outstanding experience in its 22-chalet village and the exclusive Albreda Lodge.
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“Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a highly-specialized operation and Elias’ leadership was one of the exciting prospects of bringing this legendary operation into Alterra,” said Jared Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company. “Elias was trained by one of the pioneers of heli-skiing and we are fortunate to have someone with such incredible passion and knowledge at the helm of such a beloved experience.”
Elias started in the ski industry over 25 years ago in Austria, discovering the beauty of exploring the backcountry at a young age. He worked in ski schools for 10 years and became a certified guide before meeting Mike Wiegele. That meeting turned into a 17-year career at MWHS, working every aspect from guiding guests to the grouping office to Operations Manager, working closely with Mike Wiegele for many years.
“I feel incredibly fortunate and honored that I was trained by Mike Wiegele and worked alongside him, his wife Bonnie, daughter Michelle and many long-term members of the Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing team,” said Elias Ortner, President & COO, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing. “I quickly realized what an extraordinary operation I was a part of and I am delighted to still be part of this outstanding team and continue to work together to offer the world-class helicopter skiing experience that our valued guests and friends expect.”
About MWHS
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) was founded in 1970 by Mike Wiegele. Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is located in Blue River, BC in the heart of the Cariboo and Monashee Mountains and is one of the world’s most productive regions for high quality, reliable powder snow. With more than 1.5 million acres and over 1,000 peaks, MWHS’ ski terrain offers world class skiing and boarding. Over its 54 years of operation, the resort has been an industry leader in safety procedures and protocol, guide training, and rescue response planning, actively participating in setting industry safety standards and continuously researching and improving accident loss prevention and safety programs. With over 50 years of knowledge and experience, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing takes every measure possible to place safety as the #1 focus for all guests and staff. For more information, please visit www.wiegele.com .
