Alterra Mountain Company announced today that, effective immediately, Elias Ortner has been named president and chief operating officer of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) based in Blue River, BC, Canada. Elias, a 17-year MWHS veteran, is responsible for all operations, driving growth and improving the guest experience.
MWHS operates up to ten helicopters in one of BC’s largest connected heli-skiing companies for the 22-chalet village and the Albreda Lodge.
“Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a highly specialized operation, and Elias’ leadership was one of the exciting prospects for bringing this legendary operation into Alterra,” said Jared Smith, president and chief executive officer at 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.”
Ortner started in the ski industry over 25 years ago in Austria. He worked in ski schools for ten years and became a certified guide before meeting Mike Wiegele, who passed away in 2021, which became a career. Alterra Mountain Company reported in a media release that Ortner has worked for MWHS in “every aspect of the company, from guiding guests to the grouping office to operations manager, working closely with 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, said Ortner. “I quickly realized what an extraordinary operation I was a part of, and I am thrilled 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.”
Images courtesy Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
