Mike is the editor-in-chief and head of content at Snowplaza and one of the leading winter sports experts. With a career spanning more than two decades, from certified ski instructor to co-owner of the Spalder Media Group (the parent company of Snowplaza and Skiinformatie.nl), Mike lives and breathes winter sports. His deep-rooted passion for the mountains only began at the age of 18, when a gap year as a ski instructor in Austria defined his life. But since then, he has racked up more ski weeks than most 90-year-olds.
From ski instructor to authority
The foundation of Mike's expertise was laid in the Austrian Alps. From 2006 to 2014, he was a fixture as a ski instructor in Hinterglemm, during which time he successfully completed multiple Austrian ski instructor certifications. His technical knowledge and teaching skills extended so far that he also trained aspiring ski instructors himself, preparing them for their certification. This practical, on-piste experience forms the core of his authority. He understands not only how to ski, but why certain techniques, materials, or weather conditions have an impact.
The face behind the biggest platforms
Around 2010, his path crossed with Frank, the founder of the then-fledgling Skiinformatie.nl. Mike brought in his official ski expertise, and together they transformed a website with just a few visitors a day into one of the largest winter sports platforms in the Netherlands, drawing millions of visitors. A crucial step followed in 2015: the collaboration with the Spalder Media Group, the founders of Snowplaza and publishers of the iconic 'Skiatlas' (Ski Atlas). Today, Mike, along with his partners Frank and Joeri, is the owner of this group. In his role as head of content, he holds final responsibility for all articles, videos, and social media content across the platforms.
Unparalleled experience in the Alps (and beyond)
Mike doesn't just write about winter sports; he lives it. From 2006 to 2020, he lived entire winters in the Alps, where he also managed countless video productions, both in front of and behind the camera. His search for the best stories and images took him throughout the entire Alps: from Italy and France to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. He has personally visited and analyzed more ski resorts than most people will see in their lifetime. His expertise doesn't stop at the Alps, however; he has also explored the ski resorts of Norway, Sweden, and even the United States.
An all-round expert
Today, Mike combines his role as a content strategist with fatherhood. As a father of two young skiers, he has also become an expert in family winter sports, testing ski resorts for their suitability for all generations. His knowledge is encyclopedic and includes:
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Destinations: In-depth knowledge of hundreds of ski resorts.
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Technique & Gear: Drawing from his background as a ski instructor-trainer and many, many hours on skis.
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Video Production: Experienced in creating engaging ski content.
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Market Knowledge: A large network and insight into the winter sports market.
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Language: Fluent in German (with a Dutch accent), which is essential for communication in the core countries of skiing. And, like most Dutch people, he is perfectly happy to answer you in English as well.
When you read an article by Mike, you are reading content written with the authority of a media owner, the experience of a mountain resident, and the passion of a lifelong skier.