The trail system at Island Lake lodge is in superb shape. The trail crew has been working hard all summer and it shows. You can experience giant old growth cedar trees, alpine wildflowers and spectacular outlooks all on the same trail. Trails like Tamarack, Spine back Ridge, The Old Growth and the Rail Trail offer something for all ability levels. A cold beer awaits on the deck of the Lodge after your done… Come and check out some of the best hiking in the Rocky Mountains.

Fernie, BC Canada June 1st 2009 – The international acclaimed travel magazine National Geographic Traveler recently published their Stay List 2009 Guide”, an elite list of 129 hotels around the globe with a transcendent vision that goes beyond traditional hotel-keeping.

Island Lake Lodge was first on the list of only 13 in Canada.

“It really is great being recognized by such an outstanding magazine” says Steve Kujit, Island Lake’s General Manager.

“We also received a letter from the Honorable Diane Ablonzy, Federal Minister of State Small Business and Tourism, saying she had read the article and thanking us for our outstanding contribution to the Tourism Industry” added Kujit.

Read more here:
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/04/stay-list/canada-text

The 2009 Cat and Heli Ski season has come to a close and WOW did it ever go out with a bang! All through March, Mother nature dumped deep dry powder on the BC Rockies – conditions were epic!

All three operations had a safe season, seats were full, the skiing and boarding were fantastic and our guests were stoked with their experience!

The main message from our guest comment cards was that Island Lake Resort Group (Mica Heli, Powder Cowboy and Island Lake) have the best staff in the industry offering great guiding, fantastic food and top shelf service.

We are happy to report that the pricing for Catski and Classic Heliski tours has not increased for 2010 however the value continues to improve on our tour packages. US guests have the added bonus of 20% on current exchange rates!

Another positive note is that bookings are already stong for 2010. Our Catskiing deposits have been lowered for 2010 and early booking specials are in effect.

Mica Heli Guides has added a new Premium tour so guests now have the option of skiing in one, two or three groups of four per helicopter.

There are still some prime seats available so give us a call toll free, send us an email or visit our websites to reserve your spot for 2010.

From all the staff here “thank you for skiing or boarding with us!” We welcome you back for some more deep dry powder next season.

Now Booking 2010

US residents save 20% with current exchange rates!

Catsking 1-888-4CATSKI (422-8754) info@islandlakeresorts.com
Helisking 1-(877 or 250)-837-6191 info@micaheli.com

Rip Curl, Oakley South Pacific, DC and Billibong athletes; Chris Booth, Andrea Berchtold, Jordan Houghton, Ryan Tiene, Mitch Allen & Robbie Walker traveled around the globe to shred the Legendary Island Lake Lodge.   The guys had an epic trip, got some great lines and rode some sweet powder.

Pro photographers Tony Harrington (who’s photos you see here) and Johnny McCormack took photos for feature articles coming later this year in Australia’s Transfer Snowboard Magazine & ChillFactor Skiing Magazine.

Look for the gallery feature extension on www.Transfersnowboard.com & on www.Chillfactor.com websites. BC cinematographer Clayton Larson was there to capture some live action for Sandbox Films and www.Mountainwatch.com.

The Island Lake Group offers some of the world’s most exciting private heli ski tours and untouched powder snowcat skiing in Canada. Visit Island Lake Lodge today for a perfect hiking & mountain spa getaway!

Powder Cowboy and Island Lake Catskiing have wrapped up their annual photo
shootout contest. The 3-day event saw 9 teams compete for $10,000 in cash and
prizes. Each team was comprised of 1 photographer and 3 athletes for a total of 36
competitors.

Mother Nature was kind to the competitors and provided 40-50 cm of fresh snow
over the 3-day event. Many of the photographers took advantage of the stormy weather
producing moody, atmospheric images that impressed the judges and crowd. An afterparty
followed each day of hard work, where prizes were awarded and a slideshow of
the photographer’s best shots were displayed. The event has given some
experience and exposure to up and coming photographers in Western Canada.
Island Lake General Manager Steve Kuijt said: “I was very impressed with the
creativity and talent shown by all of this year’s photographers…I thought I knew all the
great photo spots and angles up there, but I guess I was wrong!” Planning for next
year’s event has already begun.

Monday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Kyle Hamilton
Best Composition: Chris Messervey
Best Athletic Performance: Sam Guther (shot by Aaron Whitfield)
Tuesday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Mark Gribbon
Best Composition: Mark Gribbon
Best Athletic Performance: Mikel Witlox (shot by Ben van der Valk)
Wednesday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Kyle Hamilton
Best Composition: Aaron Whitfield
Best Athletic Performance: Martin Gallant (shot by Mark Gribbon)
Best Overall Portfolio ($2,000) went to: Mark Gribbon
Best Overall Team Went to: Aaron Whitfield, Sam Guther, Marni Wilson and Derek Root
Sponsors for the event were: K2 Skis, The North Face, Smith Optics, Spy Optics, Peak
Performance, Hestra Gloves, Solomon and Icebreaker Clothing.

A Slideshow of the submitted images can be found at:
http://www.islandlakeresorts.com/winter/photo_video.html