Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Blue River/Mike Wiegele
Total result: 3.2 out of 5 stars
Mike Wiegele - one of the mordernst Heliski-Resorts of the world. Blue River a little dreamy village in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, about 2 hours drive from Kamloops, BC or Jasper, AB. Here, the guest spend unforgettable holidays in rustic, luxurious and very comfortable log cabins. Before you leave the ground you get an exact introduction in the course of events and safety precaution. There is a film shown and the use of avalanche-beepers is explained. The helicopters are checked every morning before they start. The maintenance area is approx. 3 km fom the lodge and there is also a short runway for small aircrafts. The helicopters are A-Stars for 1 pilot, 1 guide and 4 guests for the normal groups, for larger groups they use the twin-engine 212 Bell helicoper for 10 passengers, 2 guides and 1 pilot. The helicopters start directly in front of the log cabins every morning around 8:30 and fly according to weather- and snow-conditions to the Cariboos and Monashees Mountains. On one day you fly about 10-15 times uphill and glide downhill over fresh and untouched powder-runs.
Safety is a very importent point at Mike Wiegele and you get exact instructions before the flight, information about the helicopeter and the avalanche transceivers. During the day the guide shows you hazards, e.g. tree-holes, mushrooms on the spot. The avalanche situation is checked daily and you ski or ride only safe slopes. There is a list in the lodge with all the information about avalanches.
Around 1 pm you have a meal in the marvellous mountains with Sandwiches, Soup, Tea and Beverages. After this fortifying the heli gets you up to the summit immediatelly…
At approx. 4:30 pm the helis fly back to the lodge. Now you have time to prepare for dinner, having a work-out in the fitness studio, getting a massage or just lying in the hot tub.
In the evening a delicious dinner with buffet, soup and main course is served. After the desert you can have a cozy evening at the open fireplace or at the bar. The next morning you get back up to the snowy mountains after a great breakfast, a really unforgettable experience.