Turning storytelling into a user experience

Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) is the longest standing family run helicopter skiing operation in the world. Renowned for its namesake and founder Mike Wiegele, MWHS has established itself as a leader and innovator in the heli-skiing industry. The Wiegele team came to Origin to help them capture more than just the facts and figures. They wanted a website that shared the history and innovation at the heart of their operation, while showcasing the people who embody MWHS and set their experience apart.

Creating a connection

In a world overrun by corporate vacations, travellers are looking for destinations where they can make deep, local connections. We looked to capitalize on the family-owned experience and create a website that personifies this.

We also knew that once someone stepped foot into the Wiegele lodge, connection was not an issue, Mike would do that bit for us. It was however our job to bring these stories of Mike Wiegele to life online and allow users to form a connection with the operation before ever stepping foot in Blue River. In re-writing the site, we created a distinct and recognizable brand voice that captured the ‘Wiegele Way’ and communicated those unforgettable stories. 

Clarity & Structure

Uncertainty is a huge obstacle in booking travel, especially luxury travel. To connect with potential guests, we needed to pair the ‘right’ content together, looking at the entire experience as the product rather than just the skiing.

We also looked to improve a once complex product matrix into something understandable. We reduced the product matrix down into 6 identifiable products, easily described and comparable to people with limited or no prior experience shopping for heli skiing. We also introduced an online booking concierge that lead guests through a series of questions to help them find the right package for them.