Although Winter is Still Many Months away, the Reservations Staff at Mica Heli Guides Are Hard at Work and There is No Doubt That the Upcoming Season Will be just as Busy as Ever

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, June 2, 2010 – Summer is a welcome time of year for many weary ski resort employees, a time to rest relax, soak up the warm rays and spend time with family and loved ones. Those who have never had the opportunity to visit British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies during the warmer months, may not be aware how truly breathtaking this rugged mountain countryside can be.

Revelstoke B.C. and its surrounding area are particularly attractive during this time of year, offering not only some spectacularly striking scenery, but also providing an opportunity to engage in a broad range of activities, from traditional summer pastimes, such as hiking, fishing and canoeing to somewhat more adventurous endeavors like heli-hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, ATVing and mountain biking. For the slightly tamer at heart, there are also a host of less strenuous options, which include shopping, golfing, visiting museums or spending some time relaxing at one of the area’s two hot spring resorts.

Nevertheless, this part of B.C. is perhaps best known as a hot spot for skiing and snowboarding. In fact, during the winter months, Revelstoke is a veritable magnet for thrill seekers from all over the globe, who come here in order to live out their fantasies and experience some of the most exciting rides of their lives. While some come to for cross country or cat skiing, the most adventurous visitors seek the type of backcountry seclusion and downhill powder runs that can only be accessed by helicopter.

While Mica Hel Guides isn’t B.C.’s only heliskiing outfit, its skilled pilots and experienced guides are widely recognized as some of the best in the business. Mica is a highly exclusive operation, which caters solely to small groups of skiers and snowboarders who want to experience the thrill of powder skiing in one of the most ideal settings on the planet.

Mica’s remote mountain lodge, nestled between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges in the western part of the Canadian Rockies, is accessible only by helicopter. The facility consists of a main lodge, which sleeps up to 12 guests in addition to a chalet with four extra large, deluxe rooms that each feature a fireplace, lounge chairs and a comfortable king size bed.

Despite their limited capacity, Mica’s lodging facilities feature a broad range of amenities and services including world class cuisine, two outdoor hot tubs and a well trained staff of professional massage therapists. More importantly, the lodge, which is only open for business during the winter season (December through April), serves as the gateway to nearly 178,000 acres of pristine backcountry ski terrain. Like the accommodations themselves, most of this terrain is accessible only by helicopter.

The area’s consistently fantastic ski conditions are simply unparalleled. Because of its strategic location, the majority of Mica’s tenure is completely covered in some of the deepest, driest champagne powder on earth for nearly 6 months out of the year. Because of limited capacity, however, seats at Mica generally fill up quite quickly, as eager skiers and boarders usually book several months in advance. This year is certainly no exception. With reservations already pouring in, those who wish to get in on the action this coming winter, will need to act fast if they have any hope of booking a seat at Mica Heli Ski Guides.

ABOUT:

Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. specializes in small group heli-skiing. It is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group, the others being Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1.877.837.6191 x2002.

Set in the Canadian Rockies, Amidst Some of The Most Beautiful Natural Scenery on The Planet, Powder Cowboy is Not Only An Impressive Catskiing Resort During The Winter, But Also A Great Place To Spend the Summer.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, June 1, 2010 – What could be a more perfect setting for a Western themed lodge than the Rocky Mountains? Home to green pastures, ancient, aromatic forests of cedar and pine, not to mention a plethora of wildlife species and a vast assortment of pristine lakes, rivers and streams, the Canadian Rockies are truly a place of beauty and wonder. And what better ways to experience such natural beauty than on a peaceful hike along a mountain trail, the cool mountain breezes blowing through your hair, or mounted atop a sturdy steed, with a loved one riding alongside you.

For those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, retreat to a natural setting and step back in time to a period when things were simpler than they are today, Powder Cowboy offers a perfect escape. What’s more, visitors to this lovely mountain getaway needn’t sacrifice any of the creature comforts that make modern life so attractive. The resort’s Bull River Guest Ranch offers comfortable log cabins that feature in-floor heating, wood burning fire places and private bathrooms. The down home hospitality of the staff added to the charming, rustic architecture give visitors the feeling of being in the Wild West. Nevertheless, although the experience is quite authentic, you won’t find any spittoons or outhouses here. In fact one of the 10 cabins houses several hot tubs as well as a sauna, perfect for relaxing after a long hike or mountain bike ride.

Another attraction is the Big Horn Saloon, which serves up a wide assortment of fine liquors and wines, not to mention some mighty tasty vittles! This is a comfortable space, where visitors can congregate, swap stories and enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal prepared by the famous “Chuck Wagon Posse”.

Powder Cowboy is perhaps best known as an ideal destination for snowcat skiing. The resort’s vast tenure consists of more than 6000 acres of open bowls, deep valleys, super fun tree runs and steep fall lines. With so many great ski environments to choose from, this territory truly has something for everyone. Furthermore, Powder Cowboy offers very competitive rates and special packages, which are far cheaper than other resorts such as Island Lake Lodge ( Powder Cowboy’s slightly more upscale sister operation) and similarly priced facilities. In addition, Powder Cowboy is one of only a handful of similar theme resorts and offers an unparalleled level of service and quality.

Another differentiator is the fact that Powder Cowboy’s Bull River Guest Ranch doubles as an old fashioned style dude ranch in the summer months. This is a great time of year to enjoy outdoor activities that are not feasible during the winter months. As the snow subsides, the scenic beauty of the Rockies is truly unveiled.

Located in the breathtaking Columbia Valley, the Bull River Guest Ranch is a wonderful place to enjoy this beauty. The peaks of the Lizard Range are truly a dazzling backdrop and for those who really want to explore the area, there are plenty of options to choose from, including guided walks and horseback rides as well as bike rentals and a variety of day trips and excursions into nearby Fernie. When all is said and done, Powder Cowboy is just as nice a place to spend the summer as it is to spend the winter.

ABOUT:

Powder Cowboy Catskiing near Fernie B.C. boasts 6000 acres of big bowls, steep chutes and is famous for world class gladed tree skiing. The white gold on the Western Rockies is legendary for quality and quantity, with over 10 meters (over 30 feet!) of dry champagne powder falling every season.

One of B.C.’s Oldest and Most Well Respected Catski Resorts Also Offers A Host of Exciting Summer Packages and Activities.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, June 1, 2010 – When most people hear the name Island Lake, summer fun is the last thing that comes to mind. In fact, amongst most avid skiers and snowboarders, the name is synonymous with “winter wonderland”. For over 20 years now, amateur skiers and pros alike have flocked to Island Lake from all over North America, Europe and even from far off corners of the world such as Asia and other distant locations, in order to take advantage of some of the best skiing on the planet.

There are a few things that make Island Lake Lodge different from other Canadian ski resorts. First and foremost, is the fact that focus here is on cat skiing. If you’ve never heard the term before, cat skiing is essentially the same as any other type of skiing, the difference being that skiers (and/or snowboarders) are transported to various mountain ski runs atop snowcat skiing – large, rugged mountain vehicles originally designed and used to clear snow trails during winter months. These vehicles replace lifts as the primary method of transportation to and from the various runs that lie on the Island Lake property.

Two other things that make Island Lake unique are its outstanding accommodations and superb, world famous cuisine, some of the finest the Rocky Mountains have to offer. The resort, which actually consists of three lodges, houses up to 48 guests in 26 separate rooms, which provide a level of comfort and privacy that many larger ski resorts simply can’t and don’t offer. In general, people come here for one of two reasons: to take advantage of some of the finest ski conditions on the planet, or to pamper themselves, marvel at the breathtaking natural surroundings and enjoy a relaxing vacation in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural settings.

What a lot of folks don’t realize and what truly sets Island Lake apart from other British Colombian ski resorts, is the fact that the lodge is also open during the summer, offering guests a host of amenities and activities, many of which aren’t feasible during the winter months. Island Lake Lodge is one of the few facilities in B.C. that actually owns the land it sits on – over 7000 acres of pristine valleys and ridges, located in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. This terrain, which serves as a paradise for skiers during the winter, takes on a whole new light when the snow melts away, exposing a pristine and unspoiled wilderness, filled with the spectacular sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Some might even argue that summer is the best time of year to visit Island Lake. It is no doubt the only season during which it is possible to explore the surrounding countryside on foot. Hiking is without a doubt one of the favorite summer pastimes in and around the area and Island Lake offers its guests the opportunity to engage in a variety of guided nature walks, from short 30 minute strolls to intense all day adventure treks and educational tours of the surrounding forests and nearby lake.

Island Lake is also a wonderful place to host large scale events such as weddings, family gatherings or other festivities, although space is limited, so it is important to book as far in advance as possible when planning such activities. Summer guests at the lodge can also enjoy fly fishing excursions, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding.

The resort opens for the summer on June 18th. If recent years serve as an accurate indicator, it will no doubt be booked solid before the month is out.

ABOUT:

Island Lake Lodge is a back country resort located on 7,000 acres of mountainous terrain near Fernie B.C. Canada, just beyond the Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Island Lake Resorts consist of Island Lake Catskiing in addition to Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing.

Despite Increasingly Warmer Weather, Well Known Spots at Heliskiing Companies such as Mica Heli Guides (Revelstoke B.C.) Are Quickly  Filling Up For Next Winter, Many Months in Advance.
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Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, May 9, 2010 – With summer just around the corner and most people happily shedding their heavy winter gear for lighter, less restrictive garmets, those who live for the thrill of cold weather action sports can’t seem to wait for King Frost’s next visit. It seems that this penchant for chilly weather is a virus of sorts, brought on, more often than not, by the heart-stopping thrill of racing down remote backcountry slopes during peak season, surrounded only by the sounds of nature and accompanied by no more than two or three close companions.  The illness appears to be highly contagious, striking without warning and causing irreversible effects, for which there doesn’t yet seem to be any known cure to speak of.

No population seems more susceptible to this malady than the inhabitants of British Columbia, whose endless pursuit of adrenaline has even led them to take to the skies in pursuit of ever higher heights and greater levels of excitement than ever before experienced by their lift-bound predecessors.  After climbing aboard mountain helicopters, these die hard thrill seekers are transported to difficult to reach, pristine locations, where the powder abounds and people are scarce. Here they can let their disease run rampant, taking over completely as they indulge in a feast of the senses, grinning from ear to ear as they carve their way through a seemingly endless alpine playground, leaving all their cares to the wind.

What is most alarming about this condition is that it is quickly becoming a pandemic, spreading from the local population and infecting visitors from around the world in recent years. The rate of contagion is so high that it has led to the need to create facilities, known as lodges, to house those who have been affected, many of whom flock to B.C. each winter in search of an outlet for the madness that many call “heli-fever”. In fact groups of well meaning locals, who have, following years of exposure, become immune to the more startling symptoms ( i.e.  spontaneous bouts of laughter, chronic euphoria and an inability to stop smiling), have banded together in a humanitarian effort to provide relief to these more recently infected individuals, by facilitating the only known form of therapy known to be effective, namely: heliskiing.

One such relief organization is known as Mica Heli Guides, a group of talented guides, pilots and hospitality professionals who have taken it upon themselves to provide access to an environment that caters to the needs of incurable heli-skiers from around the globe. The organization operates a remote backcountry lodge that offers all the creature comforts as well as access to Mica’s vast ski terrain, which features an endless assortment of alpine ridges, tree runs and open bowls, perfect for laying fresh tracks in deep, dry powder during the winter months.

Despite its rather remote location ( outside of Revelstoke B.C.), Mica’s impressive tenure is visited by hundreds each year, who flock here in search of the best ski conditions, pilots and guides on the planet. Due to heavy demand and because of the fact that the company caters exclusively to small groups of skiers, reservations must be made many months in advance.

In fact, Mica is almost fully booked for next season (December 2010-Apri 2011), so if you suffer from “heli-fever” or are willing to risk becoming infected with it, don’t delay, reserve a seat today. One thing is for sure, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and insatiable urge to come back for more the following year.

ABOUT:

Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. specializes in small group heli ski. It is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group, the others being Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x2002.

Even As the Weather Warms Up, Powder Cowboy Catskiing Offers Its Guests a Great Place to Enjoy the Beautiful Canadian Rockies in Style and Comfort.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, May 10, 2010 – As the snowpack melts away and the sun’s warm rays replace the dry powdery snow that falls over this area throughout the winter months, the landscape surrounding Fernie British Columbia is utterly transformed into a breathtaking mountain paradise. The scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is best appreciated during this time of the year, as the cold subsides and the countryside that lies covered for most of the year is truly revealed.

While most visitors flock to Fernie in the winter months, in search of the adrenaline pumping excitement that the area’s excellent ski conditions offer both amateur enthusiasts and professional athletes alike, far fewer are fortunate enough to have a chance to explore the delicate beauty of this majestic location in the off season. It almost seems as if the plethora of attractions that the area has to offer are well kept secrets; but perhaps this is better in some ways, as the less crowded summer months provide a perfect opportunity for those lucky enough to come to Fernie during this time of year to escape from the hustle and bustle of there every day lives and commune with nature.

As the ice and snow slowly disappear, they reveal the fertile landscape below and life once again springs from the soil. The smell of pine and cedar fills the air and the lively sounds of summer are all around. Birds chirp in the trees and the earth comes alive as many species of native wildlife emerge from their winter haunts in search of nourishment.

A variety of activities become possible as the cold weather gives way and the countryside becomes fully accessible. Summer pastimes such as horseback riding and hiking once again capture the fancy of visitors. Nevertheless, many come here simply to relax, enjoy the scenery and languish in the creature comforts offered by mountain lodges like Powder Cowboy, Fernie’s premier western themed catskiing resort and guest ranch.

This attractive mountain hideaway is part of the Island lake resort group, which also owns and operates the well known Island Lake Lodge as well as Mica Heli Ski Guides, outside of Revelstoke B.C. Unlike its sister resorts, Powder Cowboy is known for its extremely accessible rates and its rustic western feel. The facilities consist of 10 log cabins, known collectively as the Bull River Guest Ranch. 8 of these cabins are designed to accommodate guests while the Ranch’s remaining two structures house the Big Horn Saloon, as well as the Hot Tub and Sauna lodge, where guests can enjoy a relaxing soak or sit in the steam room after a long hike.

Bull River is located below the snow line. Nevertheless, it is within close proximity of some the region’s finest ski terrain, which is accessible by means of snowcat skiing. These large, rugged vehicles are used to transport guests to the slopes during the winter months. During the summer, on the other hand, the Powder Cowboy facilities double as a dude ranch, which offers visitors a chance to go back in time and be transported to a not so distant era in which cowboys roamed the slopes of the Rockies, in constant search of greener grazing grounds.

Powder Cowboy’s comfortable facilities, laid back atmosphere, friendly local staff and splendid natural surroundings make it a perfect travel destination year round. While the winter months offer a chance to enjoy some great skiing, summer is also a great time of year to take advantage the resort’s comfortable accommodations.

ABOUT:

Powder Cowboy Catskiing near Fernie B.C. boasts 6000 acres of big bowls, steep chutes and is famous for world class gladed tree skiing. The white gold on the Western Rockies is legendary for quality and quantity, with over 10 meters (over 30 feet!) of dry champagne powder falling every season.