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June 11, 2019 Mike's Message - Thank You For Your Support

Mike Wiegele in the Mountains at Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing Resort

On June 7,  I was honoured by Thompson Rivers University (TRU) with the prestigious Doctor of Laws degree at the 2019 TRU Convocation Ceremonies in Kamloops, BC. I feel incredibly grateful for this special tribute to my passion of backcountry ski tourism growth and providing an avenue at MWHS for more research and professional development of backcountry risk management.

Mike and Bonnie Wiegele of Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing Resort in Blue River, Canada

Mike offering his speech with Bonnie Wiegele. Photo by John Schwirlich Photography



In 1989, I founded the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA) and following in the 1990’s, the connection was made with TRU to integrate its Adventure Studies programs with us in Blue River. There was a mutual desire for TRU and MWHS to support each other and Ross Cloutier and Ian Stewart-Patterson were key in activating the relationship with the university.

Mike Wiegele of Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing Resort in Blue River, Canada

According to Mike, the information created throughout the years is for everyone.



My goal with this program has been to connect what we have been doing successfully in the industry, with the academics. Over the years we exchanged ideas… and I feel it was a strong connection that was made in the education segment. Since that time, I have felt very privileged that I was included with the education program.

The top reasons why I am very supportive of the integration of TRU’s programs at MWHS is because a large portion of the course work is focused on practical segments for safety and for enjoying backcountry winter sports. Safety and fun, has been my formula over the last 50 years. It’s been a pleasure to work with the faculty and I hope we can continue generating more professional growth for the industry for many years to come. Over the last three-decades, several TRU grads have been able to start their professional guiding careers at MWHS and our partnership has remained strong with TRU’s team.

Mike & Bonnie Wiegele of Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing Resort in Blue River, Canada

TRU Chancellor Nathan Matthew, Bonnie Wiegele, Michelle Wiegele and Mike.



This honour certainly motivates me to continue to do more with our research and academic partnerships. Throughout the decades we’ve also supported avalanche research with the University of Calgary (U of C) and Simon Frasor University, as well as wildlife research with U of C and TRU. We’ve certainly felt the benefits of these programs for the industry and all its users.

Wiegele team of Mike Wiegele Heli-skiing Resort

Mike and the Wiegele family, co-workers and friends, in attendance at the TRU Convocation Ceremony.



I would like to thank all of those who have been a part of the developments in the industry and the academic community in Canada. These achievements in research for adventure tourism are to provide more information, so that everyone can enjoy the backcountry safety.

Lets go skiing!

Mike Wiegele

Owner, Founder and Guide

Deep Tree Skiing
Apr 28, 2025