Alterra To Acquire Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Alterra Mountain Company has announced its intention to purchase Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) in Blue River, British Columbia, Canada. Upon closing, the legendary heli-skiing operation will further expand the company’s premium heli-skiing portfolio, complementing CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures.
The choice of Alterra to continue building on the Wiegele legacy was guided by the Wiegele family’s immense respect for the wilderness and mountain environment. Together, the entities share a commitment to environmental sustainability, capital improvement, and making mountain sports more accessible. In addition, Alterra recognizes that MWHS lies within the territory of the Simpcw First Nation and intends to consult and work with the Nation throughout the ownership process. “Mike Wiegele was a pioneer in the heli-ski world, and we are excited to add another premier heli-skiing operation to the Alterra family,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of Alterra Mountain Company. “In many ways, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing helped set the standard for extraordinary guest and employee experiences that prioritized safety and quality, which directly aligns with our values at Alterra.”
Established in 1970, MWHS is located in the heart of the magnificent Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountains ranges. This unique area of British Columbia is renowned as one of the world’s most productive regions for high-quality, reliable powder snow. The 1.5-million-acre ski terrain and its 1,000 peaks offer varied terrain that appeals to all levels of snow enthusiasts. The operation consists of 22 handcrafted log chalets, a 20,000-square-foot main lodge, the exclusive Albreda Lodge, and a full-service sports shop. MWHS is known for its deeply experienced and committed guides, exceptional culinary offerings, extraordinary service, and premier amenities.
“Alterra Mountain Company is the ideal partner to celebrate and preserve the legacy that Mike Wiegele left behind,” said Elias Ortner, General Manager of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing. “Becoming a part of the Alterra family will propel this operation to new heights, allowing us to enhance the guest experience further and deepen our existing community and loyal guest partnerships.”
The storied heli-skiing operation is the brainchild of Mike Wiegele, a ski-obsessed Austrian who translated a lifetime of innovation into a legendary reputation. He became one of the most influential ski pioneers in Canada. With MWHS, he set the standard for avalanche safety, influenced groundbreaking changes in ski technology, and inspired future generations of skiers, snowboarders, and guides. “Mike and I were always committed to an enduring future for the business. A future that would honor our commitments to mountain safety and stewardship, to an exceptional powder skiing experience, to our committed guides and staff, and to the relationships we have formed with partners and guests from around the world. The sale to Alterra ensures MWHS will continue to be one of the world's most unique powder skiing experiences for the next 50 years,” said Bonnie Wiegele, owner of Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2023 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. More details will be released once the transaction has been completed.
Alterra Mountain Company’s destinations offer premium ski, snowboard, and all-season activities for those who seek adventure, freedom, and fun in the great outdoors. Alterra Mountain Company destinations are spread throughout seven states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Sugarbush and Stratton in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia.
Alterra Mountain Company was created when affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and affiliates of Henry Crown and Company initially purchased Intrawest, Mammoth Resorts, and Deer Valley Resort in 2017. At each destination, Alterra Mountain Company leaders are empowered to be decisive, creative, and bold to retain each mountain’s authentic character. Recognizing the innate value of the unique culture found in each mountain community, Alterra’s goal is to preserve, sustain, and support its two most important resources: the mountains and the people who live and play in them.
