Hello, I’m happy you found Alpenglow.
Michelle Ratcliffe
Sustainable Tourism Strategist + Storyteller. Arts Advocate. Ski Bum.
Michelle is a sustainable tourism champion, known for her ability to integrate sustainability into corporate strategy and capacity building for the tourism sector. Her company, Alpenglow Strategies is making tourism a force for good. She relocated to the Okanagan in 2022, bringing with her a passion for community along with a strong background in tourism, strategic planning, and business development. As general manager of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Michelle drove strategy and collaboration that elevated the resort economy and fostered business resilience. In 2020 Michelle earned a certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, deepening her ability to bring a triple bottom line lens to both the visitor economy and the broader business community.
Before joining the chamber world, Michelle studied communications and culture at the University of Calgary and began her career working on the bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She then worked with world class hospitality brands including Predator Ridge Resort, OPUS Hotels, The Dorchester Hotel in London, England and Pinnacle International. Michelle is an enthusiastic writer, penning a bi-weekly business column, THE BIG IDEA, for the Whistler Question newspaper for many years. She currently serves as past chair of the board for Arts Whistler, an inspired organisation that integrates arts into the fabric of the Whistler community. When not writing and championing regenerative tourism, she can be found enjoying the great outdoors, usually on her paddleboard or skis, depending if the season brings sun or snow.
Michelle studied communications and culture at the University of Calgary and began her career working on the bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She has worked with world class hospitality brands including Predator Ridge Resort, OPUS Hotels, The Dorchester Hotel in London, England and Pinnacle International. Michelle spent several years as chair of the board for Arts Whistler, currently sits on the board of the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society, and is an enthusiastic writer, previously penning a longstanding bi-weekly business column, THE BIG IDEA, for the Whistler Question newspaper. When not writing and championing responsible tourism, she can be found enjoying the great outdoors, usually on her paddleboard or skis, depending if the season brings sun or snow.
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Thank you for being such a fantastic emcee, we couldn’t have done it without you! You added the right amount of humour, balanced with keeping us on time throughout the 2.5 days. It was such a pleasure working with you.
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— BC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Michelle is a value-driven person who knows how to balance deep strategy with timely execution (...the X-Factor in my experience). But the fact that she's a highly creative person who knows how to influence networks is often eclipsed by the fact that she's just an incredibly fun person to work with. I will forever be a fan.
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— VAL LITWIN
Business & community leader. Advisor.
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Michelle was always that friendly smile you’d be stoked to see when walking into work. Words cannot describe how amazing she is. Thanks for all the great shoots we did together!
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— JEREMY ALLEN
Photo, video, words @ The Full Time Hobby
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Michelle was incredible to work with. I have never gone through the strategic planning process before and she made it so simple and enjoyable. Our board enjoyed their sessions with her as well! The plan is well thought out and structured. I highly recommend working with Michelle and Alpenglow Strategies.
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— CHRISTINE JONTZ-BARBOUR
Executive Director, Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce
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Michelle demonstrated an exceptional ability to analyze our data, identify key trends, and developed innovative strategies that aligned perfectly with our goals. Michelle listened to our concerns, provided valuable feedback that encouraged open dialogue & creative problem solving. She had us thinking outside the box and helped us to realize we celebrate all the wins, even the small ones!
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— DARLENE THORNTON
Executive Director, Peachland Chamber of Commerce
“
Michelle's dynamic delivery style, deep industry knowledge, and ability to connect with diverse audiences made her an invaluable asset to the [Whistler Experience] program. She is highly focused and attentive, ensuring that every participant feels heard and valued..
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— MELISSA PACE
Former CEO, Whistler Chamber of Commerce
