The skiing

At Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing the number of drops is determined by weather conditions and the ability of the skiers, but you can expect to average 8–10 trails per day and as many as 15 trails per day is possible. The skiing is done at elevations between 3,400–11,600 feet (1,036–3,535 m) and the average landing is at around 8,000 feet (2,438 m). Wide Atomic powder skis make skiing deep snow much easier and a broad range of skis is available for guests.

Mike Wiegele's guides make every effort to select skiing routes that suit your ability and comfort level. Weather conditions permitting, your group will start on open, moderate glacier trails or gentle runs through trees, and as the week progresses so will you, advancing to steeper slopes and faster skiing. After the third day of powder skiing it’s common to feel slightly tired, but this feeling usually passes quite quickly as you rise to the challenge of the fourth day. After that your confidence is increasing and you’ll find yourself on nonstop runs linking 50 to 100 consecutive turns.

For many, high alpine glaciers provide the most exciting skiing experience as you carve your way down a blanket of powder surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The higher the elevation, the longer the run and 300 to 600 consecutive turns is common here so you also need to be fit.

Unrivalled tree skiing
For many élite skiers the trees are the ultimate experience and because the loose powder is protected from the wind and sun the very highest quality of powder is found in the trees. You will ski trails like Steinbock, Mike’s Warm Up, Lempriere, Lower Most Magnificent, Redmond, Screwball, Freefall, and Jimmy’s Preserve, all in the Cariboos. In the Monashees you have trails like Saddle Mountain, Ptarmigan, Finn Creek, Rusty Nail, Salmon Lake, Erich Ridge, and Elk Run. These are legendary trails and unmatched anywhere.

Snowboarders
Snowboarders, monoskiers and telemarkers are welcome at Mike Wiegele, but you should have a strong and confident technique and may need to traverse or climb uphill to reach some destinations. April is a great time for snowboarding. At this time of year, the deep slab stability is good and it should be possible to ride the higher peaks.

Professional photographers are on hand to record your progress and proofs are usually available for viewing and purchase each evening.