Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing hosted its annual Spring Junior Ski and Snowboard Camp during Spring Break. Designed for developing ski and snowboard skills, backcountry and mountain safety, wildlife awareness, teamwork and goal setting skills, this unique snowcat program ran from Mar. 18 - 22.
The program was led by fully certified ski guides and instructors and was held on Saddle Mountain near Blue River. Building interest and awareness of what Mother Nature has to offer in a safe and non-intimating environment, the camp has the benefit of teaching basic skills and practical knowledge tailored for our own region. The distinctive program has been very popular over the years, with many repeat participants. The Spring Camp ran for both three or five days with a total of eight participating kids from various parts of the Southern Interior. The camp wrapped up with a slalom race and an awards ceremony to present the annual Tiger Cup for best sportsmanship.
This year’s winner was Charlie Guinn, age six, from Blue River.
After the Spring Camp, several of the kids participated in the Nancy Greene Ski League Festival at Sun Peaks to put their newly honed skills to the test.
The MWHS season began for young people with a Christmas Junior Ski and Snowboard Camp, which was followed by the weekly ‘Saddle Up’ kids club that ran from January to March. Mike Wiegele believes such programs are invaluable.
“Above all, children’s camps foster personal development and future growth. These types of programs provide experiences to remember and build from. Over the years, I have realized that this type of learning sticks with you forever,” said Mike Wiegele.
Junior Ski Guide Course coming in April
The next kids program will be the Junior Ski Guide Introduction Course, which will take place April 12 - 15 in partnership with the Canadian Ski Guide Association. It is open to anyone 14 years and older who is interested to learn more about backcountry skills and possibly pursuing a career as a ski guide.
This camp will mark the end of the season for all the kids’ programs that are run throughout the year at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.