SAM Magazine—Blue River, British Columbia, Sept. 23, 2024— Alterra Mountain Company has promoted Elias Ortner to president and COO of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS), based in Blue River, British Columbia, effective immediately. In his new role, Ortner, who most recently served as general manager of MWHS, is responsible for all operations and the guest experience as well as for driving the growth of the destination. 

“Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is a highly-specialized operation, and Elias’ leadership was one of the exciting prospects of bringing this legendary operation into Alterra,” said Jared Smith, Alterra Mountain Company president and CEO. “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.”

Born and raised in Austria, Ortner started in the ski industry more than 25 years ago in Salzburg. He worked in ski schools for 10 years and became a certified guide before meeting Mike Wiegele. That meeting led to a 17-year career at MWHS, where Ortner worked in every aspect of the operation, from guiding to guest groupings to guiding operations manager. He worked closely with Mike Wiegele for many years, mostly recently serving as general manager of MWHS.

“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 team,” 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.”

MWHS operates up to 10 helicopters in one of the largest connected heli-skiing tenures in British Columbia as well as a 22-chalet village and the boutique Albreda Lodge.