Tributes Continue After Death of Heliski Pioneer Mike Wiegele

17th July 2021

Last modified on July 19th, 2021

Legend is an overused word, but in the case of Mike Wiegele, an Austrian by birth, it is an accurate description of the man and his legacy.

He was a  humble farm boy from Austria who emigrated to Canada in 1959 to follow his ski dreams.

He arrived unable to speak English and was first was employed as a carpenter-builder.

After working as a ski instructor at Mont Tremblant and Sugar Bowl he went to work at Lake Louise in Alberta.

He was soon the director of skiing at the Lake Louise Ski School.

It was there he met and, in 1967, married Bonnie Shubin, who would be pivotal in building their future enterprise.

At the heart of it all was a love for skiing.

Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing was founded in Blue River, British Columbia, near Jasper National Park in early 1970s.

The following decades saw heliskiing spread in North America, often with a remote ski lodge used as a base for the heliskiers.

In 1978 Mike Wiegele staged Canada’s first ever Powder 8 World Championships as a way of promoting powder skiing and his helicopter ski business.

It caught the attention of the rich and adventurous skiers.

“Mike’s close and enduring relationships stretched to a broad community of colleagues, guests and friends from all walks of life, whose kinships were regularly forged on skis, on bikes, and on hikes up mountain trails,” said his company in a statement.

“Wiegele “had an unparalleled passion for skiing, was a fearless entrepreneur and was a tireless and innovative advocate for safety in the mountains.”

Heliskiing in British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

He leaves behind his  wife Bonnie, their daughter Michelle and their grandson Charlie.

Here is the full tribute from his colleagues at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing:

July 15, 2021
Blue River, British Columbia

Mike Wiegele, whose passion and gritty determination both created and fulfilled the world’s heliskiing dreams for more than 50 years, has died aged 82.

The entire team of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) extend their deepest sympathies to the Wiegele family, most notably Mike’s wife Bonnie, their daughter Michelle and their grandson Charlie.

Mike’s close and enduring relationships stretched to a broad community of colleagues, guests and friends from all walks of life, whose kinships were regularly forged on skis, on bikes, and on hikes up mountain trails.

On behalf of the entire staff of MWHS, we extend condolences to all those connected to Mike across Canada and around the world.

A humble farm boy from Austria, Mike emigrated to Canada in 1959 to chase his ski dreams.

Arriving with no English, he first was employed as a carpenter-builder, a harbinger of things to come.

After working as a ski instructor at Mont Tremblant and Sugar Bowl, with ski racing and “real mountains” in his DNA, he soon moved West.

Mike went from instructor to director of Lake Louise Ski School at lightning speed.

It was there he met and, in 1967, married Bonnie Shubin, an accomplished athlete and astute businesswoman who would be pivotal in building their future enterprise.

At the heart of it all was a visceral love for skiing.

In 1976, Bonnie and Mike started the Banff Quikies which evolved into Banff Alpine Racers, growing from seven young racers to 500 over the first five years.

His coaching at Lake Louise Ski Club produced six National Team athletes.

This enthusiasm for all things skiing was at the core of Mike’s long life.

“When I raced in Austria and later in Canada, I always went skiing after the race was done,” he relayed to one those students, World Cup and Olympic medalist Ken Read, on receipt of the Honoured Lifetime Builder Award from the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame.

“At the end of the season, my friends would call me to come to the year-end banquets where I would receive all these trophies, because I had missed the awards ceremonies as I was out skiing after every race. I just loved it so much!”

His passion for life on skis, combined with being a fearless entrepreneur, led Mike to the mountains of British Columbia—the perfect place for the new sport of helicopter skiing.

In 1970, Mike offered his first heli-skiing trip in Valemount, BC: despite attracting no guests, he remained undeterred.

“I thought he was a little bit cuckoo,” said Bonnie of his early plans. “He was always a bit of a dreamer, and it was his dream to ski in these mountains.”

Mike would soon establish Blue River, BC as base for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, an enterprise which, over five decades, he marshalled into an industry leading, internationally renowned resort.

In 1978, he launched the Powder 8 World Championships and a decade later was instrumental in bringing fat ski technology to the people.

His drive and innovation established many of the foundations the heliski industry, and his commitment to safety led to the establishment of many industry standards and an important avalanche research programme in conjunction with University of Calgary.

In 1990, he established the Canadian Ski Guides Association, opening the door for Canadians to train as heliski guides.

Among numerous commendations awarded him:

• The Bravery Award from the Governor General of Canada;
• The Marshall Award for Excellence from Canada West Ski Areas Association for outstanding contribution to the betterment of the ski industry;
• the Honour Roll of Canadian Skiing for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of skiing in Canada;
• Hall of Fame from the Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance; Banff Sports Hall of Fame;
• Austria’s prestigious Goldenes Verdienstzeichen Gold Medal.
• In 2019, Thompson Rivers University awarded Mike an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree.

In 2019, under Mike’s leadership, MWHS celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In advance of this milestone, Mike hand-picked and trained a management team to lead the company into the next 50 years, ensuring his dream, his passion for safety and his high standard for customer service would continue.

Competitor, coach, pioneer, entrepreneur, husband, father, and man of the mountains.

We remember the motto by which Mike lived his life, and we carry it with us in our hearts and into the mountains.

“Let’s Go Skiing”

A book of condolences has been opened on the Mike Wiegele heliscopter skiing web site,  and here are just a sample:

Submitted by GEORGE ABOUD on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 20:55

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 …

Submitted by Dave Pym on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 20:15

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.

Submitted by Bailey Wood on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 19:10

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

Submitted by Peter Greenway Jr on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 18:12

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.

Submitted by Hugh Mac Faden on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 17:58

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!

Submitted by Willy Rens on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 17:02

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

Submitted by Harvey and Lil Fehr on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 16:42

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.

Submitted by Daniel Plonsker on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 16:30

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!

Submitted by Mike Meltzer on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 16:29

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

Submitted by Margo & Markus… on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 15:57

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

Submitted by Don Steedman on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 15:56

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.

Submitted by Jim Voss on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 15:16

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.

Submitted by Ralph & Stepha… on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 12:51

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.

Submitted by Marta and Barr… on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 11:53

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

Submitted by Andi Seifter on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 11:11

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

Submitted by Carman Smith on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 10:47

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

Submitted by Halsted “Hacks… on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 10:27

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.

Submitted by Mark Kalisch on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 10:01

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

Submitted by Hannes Winkler on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 08:55

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

Submitted by Bill Harrison on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 08:08

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

Submitted by Mark Shambaugh on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 07:49

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 .

Submitted by Jackson on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 05:34

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

Submitted by Craig Chiasson on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 05:31

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!” 😁❤️

Submitted by Markus and Ilo… on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 04:32

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

Submitted by Norbert Hoelzl on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 03:44

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.

Submitted by Ferdinand Brandis on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 02:47

So sad to hear that Mike is no longer with us. Our great condolences and sympathy to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie.
We will always remember Mike fondly as the one who made it possible for us to experience the most beautiful ski runs.
Even though we only met every two or three years, Mike was a great and loyal friend to us for over 30 years.
But what stays with us most of all are many wonderful memories of powder runs we did together in the Monashee’s and Caribous and wonderful evenings we spent in Blue River.
His enthusiasm for skiing has inspired all of us and every deep snow turn in the future will remind us of him and make him unforgettable for us.

Liebe Wiegele Familie und an Alle in Blue River wir wünschen euch viel Kraft und Zuversicht für die Zukunft
Euer Ferdinand Brandis und Familie

Submitted by Santiago Raventós on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 01:10

A message of solidarity and condolence to all the family and to all the MW team. There are lots of things to learn from Mike, he was a kind man.

Santi Raventós, Barcelona, Spain

Submitted by Simbert Greppmair on Sat, 07/17/2021 – 00:58

It should be a once in a lifetime trip…skiing with the legendary Mike Wiegele in the Bluezone. I will never forget when I saw Mike for the first time in January 1990. Something hit me, I almost went down on my knees and I knew that I found a second home in Canada. It was Mike’s charisma were I got trapped.
There are too many memories to share them all on here, but my personal highlights always have been the four eye talks with Mike sometimes til late in the night. Whether in the Silver Buckle, Mike’s house or in the Legion, time was flying while talking about politics, business, family, skiing or just nonsens ;). Sometimes Mike told me stories about his childhood and youth and started singing an old Carinthian song which he loved, with tears in his eyes. Not to forget his favourite Chablis and delicious Austrian bacon…
Mike IS a great soul
Farewell from Bavaria

Submitted by Hans Lercher on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 23:48

I send heartfelt condolences to the family from Carinthia/Austria

Submitted by Eliza beaudry on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 23:27

I had the privilege of taking part in the kids program on Saturdays in Blue River as my dad was a ski guide for many years. Mike spoiled the guides’ kids with gifts at Christmas and Easter and free heli skiing on weekends! Thank you for your generosity and passion Mike <

Submitted by Fiona Pinnell on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 22:44

To Bonnie and Michelle (and your extended family),
Back in the 1980s, Mike was very generous and kind to me (and to all of Mark’s friends that traipsed through your Banff home). May I extend my heartfelt condolences to you both, as well as raise a toast to a life well lived.

Submitted by Sharon Carefoo… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 22:35

Bonnie, and family. Our deepest sympathy, & our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Cherish all the wonderful memories, take care. So sorry for your loss.

Submitted by Doug Perry on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 21:55

Your towering legend will be remembered always! Your generosity will be remembered even more. Thank you, Mike.

Submitted by Ann & Jerry Jo… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 21:33

Dear Bonnie: we are so sad for your loss of your dear Mike. He was a very good friend for many years and it was always so nice to see both of you the times we did. Our sincere Condolences to you, Michelle and Charlie.

Submitted by Curt Rayner on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 21:13

My heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and Michele on your loss. I remember Mike well from my childhood as he was a wonderful ski coach and kind to us kids in Banff.
Rest In Peace Mike

Submitted by Steve & Trish Young on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 20:22

Mike was a good friend of our late son, Marcus. When Marcus passed away, Mike donated helicopter time for our family members and friends, to take everyone up to the place where Marcus loved to ski. There, his ashes were scattered over the runs that he would once descend, loving every moment of it, through the powder and under the blue sky. Thanks Mike, for all that you did for so many people, like our Marcus.
To your family, our deepest condolences….he was a “man of many mountains” and his memory will live on for many years to come.

Submitted by Katherine Seleski on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 20:10

One of the highlights of my industry career was speaking with Mike briefly at a conference. He introduced himself as Mike, from Blue River. He also said the snow was pretty good there.

My condolences to the Wiegele family, such a legend will be greatly missed by many.

Submitted by CJ on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 19:46

Thanks for 25 years of the best skiing experiences of my life. God bless your family and staff.

Submitted by Sue Pearce nee… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 19:43

I met Mike back in the sixties when I first learned to ski with my friend Bonnie. I have a great memory of Mike climbing up and skiing down at Bow Summit, yodeling all the way. RIP Mike

Submitted by Bill and Steph… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 19:33

Dear Bonnie please know that you have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Take comfort in the memory of the many wonderful years that you and Mike shared.

Submitted by Julian Brayman on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 19:21

Condolences to the entire team and family.

Submitted by Alex Rugolo on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 19:12

Thoughts and prayers to the family and everyone that knew Mike as a friend. He was a great story teller and excellent company whenever we visited the resort.

Submitted by Jessica Cran on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 18:53

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have spent my winter weekends as a kid in the Mike Wiegele Ski School at Lake Louise. Mike’s enthusiasm for skiing and adventure was contagious. It set me up for a lifelong love of skiing and adventure in the outdoors. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and Michelle through this sad time.

Submitted by Mike Sadan – W… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 18:12

Mike was willing to challenge existing paradigms, took thoughtful risks to disrupt old ways of thinking and left his mark. Well done! RIP…

Submitted by RIDER on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 17:46

Such an amazing team you have in Blue River, our sympathies for the entire industry. I can’t wait to return soon and continue to support Mike’s dream. Riding with Mike for 3 out of 5 days was a dream come true. It was my 41st birthday, I even have a picture of Mike and Eric stopping by at dinner to sing happy birthday to me. Mike was 76 years old at the time still ripping everyday in waist deep powder with guests from all over the world. This is a dream only a few of us will ever get to see as we all get older. Such an awesome life to be celebrated with amazing accomplishments and awards. Can’t wait to see Eric and the rest of the crew once again and keep Mike’s spirit alive in the powder. THE RIDER (Luke M Lyons)

Submitted by Rick Thevenard… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 17:29

I met Mike in Banff in 1973 when I worked at Norquay – He was very kind to a young Kiwi boy looking for adventure in the mountains of the world. His enthusiasm for skiing had a profound effect on my life and I will remember fondly those special times. Rest in peace Mike. Our condolences go to Bonnie, Michelle and Charlie all the way from New Zealand

Submitted by David and Tric… on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 17:12

As life long skiers this is sad news. Condolences and all our best in this difficult time. I feel he was the embodiment of someone with a total love of skiing and everything it entails.

Submitted by Rodrigo Mujica on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 17:08

My deepest condolences to Mike and his family. Admiration and respect comes to my mind when thinking of MWHS.
A pioneer, a dreamer an innovator.
He lives an amazing legacy behind

Submitted by Craig Dundas on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 16:50

these are the ones to be proud of in our first nations communities, no miss treatment of our people or bad words and went above all he’s awesome. condolences to his family. from the dundas family

Submitted by Roger Griffiths on Fri, 07/16/2021 – 16:46

I worked for Mike when he ran the ski school at Lake Louise back in the late 60’s. I was sorry to read of his death, he was quite to go-getter & a part of Canada’s ski history.