Wiegele, Canada - BC

Mike Wiegele runs this world famous heli-skiing operation. Mike, now approaching 70, was originally from Austria and his search for the ultimate skiing conditions on the planet eventually brought him to this remote wilderness area in British Columbia. It is difficulat to argue with his choice - far enough from the Pacific to ensure that the snow is reliably cold and dry powder. Mike Wiegele, as the area is simply known, has become the largest such heli-ski operation in the world and almost uniquely offers unlimited vertical kilometers during your stay. Guests stay in an array of luxurious accomodation, enjoy fine dining, and get to choose from two major ski areas nearby covering a vast range of terrain from forested steeps to the glacier runs of the Monash Mountains. By the end of November, there is typically already 2m of powder snow between the trees and the long season begins. Ski guides and helicopter pilots are trained to the highest standard and because they return year after year, their experience means that they can generally help visitors safely explore stable snow terrain that is perfect for their ability - from novice to extreme. After offereing world renowned heli-sking to so many skiers since the 1970's, inevitably the demand has grown for a more traditional resorts and at the time of writing in 2008, eight lifts have been constructed to provide a cheaper alternative to heli-skiing in in intimate family orientated resort.

Resorts close to Wiegele include: CMH Valemount (81 km), Chatter Creek (118 km), Marmot Basin (118 km), Sun Peaks (135 km), Great Canadian HeliSki (143 km),