Fernie, BC Canada October 30, 2008 – Island Lake Lodge is an icon in Fernie B.C. Over the last 20 years Island Lake Lodge has been recognized as one of the world’s best places to ski and snowboard. Every year the Fernie Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding local businesses and individuals with awards and this year awarded Island Lake Lodge Fernie Business of the Year.

“The Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Community and Business Awards on behalf of the community.  In the past only one award nominee in each category was announced. We decided to introduce the Top 3 Nominees in each category to shine a spotlight on, and recognize more of the wonderful individuals, volunteers and businesses who have contributed so much to their community.” says Lynn Flokstra, Manager Fernie Chamber of Commerce.

The Award Criteria for them Fernie Business of the Year, sponsored by GPI Chartered Accountants is that it is open to any Business or Industry located in the City of Fernie and surrounding area that has demonstrated good corporate citizenship, good business standards and ethics, and contributes in a meaningful way to the community.

“It was an honor to be nominated and then a thrill to be awarded with the Fernie Business of the Year award” says Steve Kuijt, General Manager of Island Lake Lodge. “We have always been supporters of local and community charities and events and are proven environmental leaders in our region.” Kuijt goes onto explain.

About Island Lake Lodge- Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain spa sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness.  In the winter it operates as a catskiing operation, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.  In the summer it is as a luxurious backcountry lodge, with an extensive hiking trail system, a full service mountain spa and acclaimed food and wine.  Located in Fernie B.C. it is an easy 1 hour drive from the new Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C. a 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana and a  3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat
christa@islandlakeresorts.com 1-888-422-8754 x 3002
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Island Lake Resort Group
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.islandlakeresorts.com
Phone– 250-423-3700
Fax – 250-423-4055
Info@islandlakeresorts.com

Revelstoke, BC Canada Oct 15, 2008 – Mica Heliskiing announced today a new Private heliskiing program utilizing the Bell 407 helicopter. “After a very successful first season of our new Private Program, we’ve made the ultimate ski experience even better! The Bell 407 has one more seat than the A-Star, which allows room for a second guide, giving our private groups the ability to safely explore the far reaches of our terrain. This helicopter has incredible power and excellent fuel capacity which means more time skiing!” says Paul Norrie Mica Heli Guides President.

Private tours include:
–Private Bell 407 Helicopter
–Unlimited Vertical
–2 hours/day heli time
–Greater discretion over your ski program
–Single occupancy hotel accommodation pre/post heli trip (Kelowna or Revelstoke)
–Airport shuttle service in Kelowna
–Ground transport from Kelowna to Revelstoke
–Heli transfer from Revelstoke to/from Mica Lodge
–Optional Heli transfer from Calgary or Kelowna
–Single occupancy rooming in Mica Chalet (large room, King bed, fireplace)
–Gourmet meals
–Use of our K2 powder skis and safety equipment (ABS airbag, digital transceiver, shovel & probe).
–Two guides with groups of 1-4 skiers.

Although Mica Heli has quickly become known for consistent weather and quality snow, on those rare days when the snow is deep, but flying isn’t a safe option; we have an exciting new alternative! As I write this we are putting the finishing touches on a new trail for our Pisten Bully Snow Cat. This will allow us to access the tree skiing directly above the lodge while we wait for the flying conditions to improve.

Mica Heliskiing has been a buzz all summer with many projects. Most importantly we’ve opened more new ski terrain! In total we’ve cut nine new helicopter landings in Molson, Harvey, Dawson and the Wood Arm drainages. These new landings will add a wide variety of new ski terrain, including some beautiful, steep, north facing tree runs in Harvey! “I’m definitely looking forward to the first turns ever on the “Drive Thru”, only a two minute flight from the lodge!” says Darryn Shewchuk - Mica Heli Guides Director of Sales and Marketing.
Returning guests will be sure to notice the renovations made to Mica Lodge including a full kitchen renovation (complete with new appliances and a wine cooler) fresh paint, new furniture and creature comforts. The next thing you’ll notice is the brand new beds and linens – if the skiing wasn’t so amazing you might not want to get out of bed!

Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Island Lake Lodge Cat skiing near Fernie B.C., For more information contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1-877-837-6191 x2002.

Mica Heliskiing 
PO Box 1250,
207 Mackenzie Ave
Revelstoke BC Canada V0E 2SO
www.micaheli.com
Phone– 250-837-6191
Fax – 250-837-6199

Info@micaheli.com
Contact: Darryn Shewchuk
Office: 250-837-6191 x2002
Mobile: 250-814-1950

Fernie, BC Canada September 10, 2008 – Island Lake Lodge has announced a March Seat Sale. For a limited time you can book a tour for after March 15th at the world renowned backcountry Cat skiing resort and receive 15% off the regular rates.

“March 2007 and 2008 were epic snow months in the Canadian Rockies and we are enticing people to come back or to try cat skiing for the first time. Typically March can be our biggest snow month of the whole season” explains Steve Kuijt, Operations Manager/ guide at Island Lake Lodge and long time resident of Fernie BC. “Last March we experienced some of our most epic days of the whole year on the mountain and we have the pictures to prove it.” Kuijt goes onto explain. Last March saw 24 out of 30 days with fresh snow in the skiing terrain. Also in March Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain spa hosted the 1st annual Photo Shoot Out - a photography contest where six photographers hand picked three athletes to shoot over the 3 days. A panel of judges decided on the best photographs of the day, in the categories of best action, best overall athlete of the day and best scenic/abstract. Over $10,000 worth of prizing was awarded throughout the event. The Photo Shoot Out was a huge success mainly due to the amazing snow the mountains received prior to and during the event.

Cat skiing tours include the use of powder skis or snowboards, deluxe lodge accommodation, stretch class, gourmet food and all the powder skiing one can manage in a day! Island Lake Lodge has a world class full service spa, a 3,000 bottle wine library and an eclectic wine list, and outdoor hot tubs. All Catskiing Tours are guided by ACMG certified guides.
Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being Powder Cowboy Cat skiing near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heli Heli skiing near Revelstoke B.C. Island Lake Lodge, Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Please visit our website www.islandlakecatskiing.com for other specialty Catskiing tours or call 1-888-422-8754.
For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat
christa@islandlakeresorts.com 1.888.422.8754 x 3002
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Island Lake Resort Group
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.islandlakeresorts.com
Phone– 250-423-3700
Fax – 250-423-4055
Info@islandlakeresorts.com

Fernie, B.C. March 3, 2008-The Island Lake Lodge is proud to announce its nomination as the winner of the 2007 Hall of Fame Award of Excellence in the Energy and Environment category from the Hotel Association of Canada.  This award recognizes Island Lake Lodge’s commitment to preserving the environment and efforts to minimize energy use in its daily operations.  Key among these initiatives is the installation and operation of 2 micro-hydro stations to generate 100% of the Lodge’s electrical needs.
“We are very proud of our efforts in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly operation.  The recognition of being a leader in the hospitality industry is appreciated and we will continue to do our utmost to improve our environmental programs and initiatives,” says Kyle Hamilton, Building Services Manager, who was integral in reviewing the company’s environmental practices.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and its environmental initiatives contact Christa Moffat or visit www.islandlakeresorts.com
About Island Lake Resort Group- ILRG operates Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.  Island Lake Lodge Hiking and mountain spa sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness.  In the winter it operates as a cat skiing operation, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.  In the summer it is as a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa and fine dining.  Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana or 3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta.

About the Hotel Association of Canada Hall of Fame Awards program- The Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) Hall of Fame Awards are awarded annually in three categories.  The Energy and Environment Award recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture towards integrating environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations.

CONTACT:
Christa Moffat
Island Lake Resort Group
(250) 423-3700 ext. 3002
(250) 423-4055
Email Address: christa@islandlakeresorts.com
www.islandlakeresorts.com

The Island Lake Resort Group (ILRG) consists of three back country ski operations, Island Lake Catskiing, Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Mica Heli Guides Heli skiing with summer programs running at Island Lake Lodge. The ILRG is the world’s largest cat ski operation and the second largest backcountry operator with up to 76 guests in the backcountry every day over the winter season Dec through April.

Island Lake Catskiing is the premier high end cat ski destination in the world. Operating 3 cats, 36 guests ski 7000 acres of privately owned land in the Lizard range of the Rocky Mountains near Fernie BC Canada. Island Lake Lodge has been in operation for nearly 20 years making it one of the most established Cat operations in Canada. Legendary dry powder, luxury mountain lodging and fine dining make Island Lake the premium cat-ski destination on the planet.
Island Lake Lodge Mountain and hiking spa is open during the summer months for spectacular hiking, fine dining with a luxurious 3000 square foot spa featuring six treatment rooms, a wellness room with a deep Japanese soaking tub, retail boutique, change rooms and relaxation rooms.
Island Lake Lodge is a spectacular mountain retreat for weddings or for couples and business people looking for the ultimate place to refresh, recharge and rejuvenate!

Powder Cowboy Cat skiing is a unique Western themed cat ski experience famous for its friendly staff and western style hospitality. For over 8 years Powder Cowboy has been operating out of the Bull River Ranch - a “Dude Ranch” in the summer. Powder Cowboy runs 2 cats and 24 guests in a 6000 acre tenure on the West side of the Lizard Range behind Island Lake Lodge near Fernie BC Canada. Competitively priced with a beautiful new lodge, outdoor fireplace, cozy individual cabins for guests, massage and hot tubs for relaxing after an incredible day in the deep dry powder. Powder Cowboy is world renowned for its naturally gladded tree skiing and big bowls. The snow quality and terrain makes Powder Cowboy a truly unique and exhilarating cat ski experience.

Mica Heli Guides is the most progressive small group heli skiing and heli-assisted touring experience in the world. Mica heliskiing uses the A-Star helicopter for the semi-private ski program (3 groups of 4 guests each with one guide) and a Bell 407 for the private program (4 guests with 2 guides). Mica Heli Guides also offer heli-assisted touring packages, a perfect combination of traditional ski touring equipment and an A-Star Helicopter. Mica Heli Guides operates on a quarter million acre tenure on the North Western slope of the Rocky Mountains near Revelstoke BC Canada. Mica Lodge and Chalet are backcountry heli access only with a capacity for 12-16 guests seeking to experience individually tailored heliskiing in intermediate to advanced terrain. Mica Heliskiing has the reputation of being the ultimate ski trip of a lifetime.

Island Lake Catskiing, Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.
Please visit our website www.DeepPow.com or call 1-888-228-4354.

The Island Lake Resort Group
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.islandlakeresorts.com
Phone– 250-423-3700
Fax – 250-423-4055
Info@islandlakeresorts.com
Contact: Darryn Shewchuk booth #818
mobile: 1-250-814-1950
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Fernie, BC Canada August 5, 2008 – As more families are looking to experience outdoor adventures together, Island Lake Lodge and Powder Cowboy Cat skiing are filling that demand by offering 7 Family Ski Tours this winter.

“Cat skiing at Island Lake or Powder Cowboy is the perfect adventure holiday for families who love to ski” explains Corrie Wright, long time guide at Island Lake Lodge and father of two. “With the great camaraderie and friendly interaction you get in a snowcat, paired with attentive guides and amazing powder skiing Family-Ski Tours offer for an incredible and memorable experience for the whole family.”
Tours just for families were developed by the Island Lake Resort Group in order to accommodate a growing demand by their long term guests to bring their children along and experience the legendary powder of the Canadian Rockies. . “So many of our clients are repeat customers and as they get older, so do their children. We started to get so many requests to have them bring their children that we decided to dedicate whole tours to this kind of business” said Steve Kuijt, operations manager and guide at Island Lake Lodge.
Family-Ski tours include the use of powder skis or snowboards, deluxe lodge accommodation, stretch class, gourmet food and all the powder skiing one can manage in a day! Both operations also offer spa treatments, an eclectic wine list, and outdoor hot tubs.  Family Ski Tours are run by ACMG certified guides.
Please visit our website www.islandlakeresorts.com for Girl-Ski and other specialty Cat skiing tours or call 1-888-422-8754.

Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being Powder Cowboy Cat skiing near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heli skiing near Revelstoke B.C.  Island Lake Lodge Mountain and Hiking Spa , Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Mica Heli skiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat
christa@islandlakeresorts.com 1.888.422.8754 x 3002
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Island Lake Resort Group
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.islandlakeresorts.com
Contact: Christa Moffat
Phone– 250-423-3700
Fax – 250-423-4055
Info@islandlakeresorts.com

Fernie, BC August 5 2008 – With the growing demand for women specific opportunities, the Island Lake Resort Group is offering their popular Girlski Tours at both Island Lake Lodge and Powder Cowboy Cat skiing this winter season.

Fresh dry powder, deluxe accommodation, and amazing food and wine shared amongst a few close friends have always been the draw of Cat skiing at these resorts in the Canadian Rockies. “After rave reviews from last year’s sold out Girlski Tours, we are excited to be offering three Girlski tours this winter” said Kirsten Knechtel, lead guide and operations manger at Powder Cowboy Catskiing.

Girlski tours were developed by the Island Lake Resort Group to entice more women into the sport of back country powder skiing. “90% of our clients are men, and when I go out there and ski with them it’s great, but I can’t help but wonder why more women don’t come out and do this? It is incredibly fun and really exciting, and you don’t have to be an expert” said Powder Cowboy’s lodge manager Sandra DaCosta.

These all inclusive tours include the use of women specific powder skis or snowboards, deluxe accommodation, yoga, gourmet food and all the powder skiing one can manage in a day! Both operations also offer spa treatments, an eclectic wine list, and outdoor hot tubs.   Girlski tours are run by female ACMG certified guides, and female cat drivers which helps to foster a supportive, non competitive and fun environment for the guests.

Please visit our website www.islandlakeresorts.com for family and other specialty Cat skiing tours or call 1-888-422-8754

Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being  Powder Cowboy Catskiing near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heliskiing near Revelstoke B.C.  Island Lake,  Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat
christa@islandlakeresorts.com 1.888.422.8754 x 3002
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!
Powder Cowboy Catskiing
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.powdercowboy.com
Phone– 250.423.3700
Fax – 250.423.4055
Info@powdercowboy.com

Fernie, BC Canada July 7, 2008 – Powder Cowboy Catskiing completed testing of new Bio Diesel for the 2008 season. Powder Cowboy Cat skiing used 3075 Li of B20, 20% biodiesel 80% diesel.  This test resulted in just over 1 tonne of GHG reduction (525 Litres is a one tonne reduction).

About Biodiesel:
Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly alternative diesel fuel.  It requires no modification to a diesel engine or fuel system, just pour it in and go. Biodiesel is currently made from vegetable oils, animal tallow and used restaurant fryer oil; however there is great promise with using algae as the raw material. “Biodiesel reduces CO2 by 78%” says Gary Tomlinson of Agri-Green Biodiesel Inc. It has a 3 to 1 energy balance, meaning for every unit of energy input, there are three units created. This is far better than gasoline, petroleum diesel, and ethanol which are all about one to one. Biodiesel has higher Cetane and Lubricity resulting in longer engine life and more complete combustion of the petroleum side of the fuel mix that Powder Cowboy used. Most users experience better fuel economy.” According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) 1% of the worlds agricultural land is being used for biofuels. For more information on Biodiesel please visit www.agri-greenbiodiesel.com.

About Powder Cowboy Catskiing:
Powder Cowboy Cat skiing is famous for “world class” gladed tree skiing / riding in the Canadian Rockies. With 6000 acres of steep chutes and ridge lines, big bowls, epic tree skiing powder Cowboy Catskiing has perfect terrain for intermediate to expert skiers or boarders. Powder Cowboy guests stay in cozy log cabins with a true western feel. Après skiing or riding amenities include massage service, outdoor hot tub, a sauna and an outdoor fireplace. Family tours and all female tours are available for specific tour dates. Combine the epic terrain of the Lizard range with the legendary dry powder of the BC Rockies, reserve it all for only 24 guests and the results are an unforgettable skiing or boarding experience at an affordable price. Powder Cowboy Catskiing is a member of HeliCat Canada and is also a member of the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heliskiing near Revelstoke B.C. For more information contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1.877.837.6191 x2002.

Powder Cowboy Catskiing
Darryn Shewchuk
Office: 250-837-6191 x2002
Mobile: 250-200-0488
PO Box 602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
Phone– 250-423-3700
Fax – 250-423-4055
Info@powdercowboy.com
www.powdercowboy.com

Event: Writer’s Conference
Place: Island Lake Lodge, Fernie B.C.
Time: September 28 – Oct 3 2008

Conference Information:
The Fernie Writers Conference recently announced Mark Nykanen, four time Emmy Award winning journalist and author of three critically acclaimed thrillers, will lead a novel workshop and retreat at Island Lake Lodge (Hiking and Mountain Spa) September 28 to October 3, 2008. The retreat will be limited to 10 participants and will focus on crafting a thriller. The workshop will be a mix of discussion and re-working of material presented and critiques by the group as whole.

About Mark Nykanen

Known for his gripping psychological thrillers, HUSH, The Bone Parade, and Search Angel, you have to wonder what sort of mind develops the tense gripping page-turning plots. His books have been translated into five languages — French, German, Russian, Italian, and Dutch. The Bone Parade was a bestseller in Germany.

In an earlier life, Mark worked first as an investigative reporter for newspapers and then at 28 was hired by NBC. At the time, he was the youngest NBC correspondent. As an investigative TV journalist for NBC, he received four Emmy Awards. Searching for something more, in 1987 he left broadcasting. Since that time his work has centered on peace and environmental activism. Four and a half years ago Mark moved to Nelson BC where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Mark brings a fine and practiced eye to the Retreat and the ability to critically cut to the core of an issue. His plotting sense is impeccable and the weaving of character traits to create plot depth stands as a hallmark of his work.

The Retreat is all-inclusive—Dinner Sunday September evening to the closing lunch on Friday afternoon, lodging and all workshop sessions.
$1725.00. based on single occupancy.
Double occupancy $2175.00. Applicable to participants who wish to bring a guest to share the week at the Lodge.
GST and a 15% gratuity on dining is not included.

Christa Moffat
Island Lake Resort Group
(250) 423 3700 ext 3002
christa@islandlakeresorts.com
www.islandlakeresorts.com

Event:    4th Annual Women’s Wellness Retreat
Place:    Island Lake Lodge, Fernie B.C.
Time:     September 25-28, 2008

Balance, rejuvenation, and relaxation in nature have always been a part of the unique experience at Island Lake Lodge situated in an “Old Growth” forest in southeastern British Columbia, making it an ideal location for a women’s wellness retreat.

This unique Hiking and Mountain Spa getaway includes 3 nights’ deluxe lodge accommodation, gourmet meals, all workshops, lectures and activities. Headlining the event this year is Brenda Eastwood, RNCP and Women’s Health Specialist with more than 25 years of experience working with thousands of women through private practice, seminars, workshops, audio programs, radio, TV and a unique on-line support system. Brenda is a knowledgeable, gifted and high-energy speaker who has her audiences shaking with laughter as she discusses subjects that aren’t normally discussed in public … and in a fun yet totally professional manner.

Other contributors include local women who are passionate about the area and who apply their knowledge to honoring women’s health while offering interactive workshops, yoga, guided interpretive walks and adventure hikes.

“Having local women as contributors have always been a big part of the event” explains Sandra DaCosta, events coordinator at Island Lake Lodge “Our guests really appreciate being surrounded by women who live and work in the mountains, sharing their local knowledge while relating it to women’s health.

Secluded in the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Island Lake Lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, 20 minutes from Fernie, B.C. It is easily reached in a 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana, or a leisurely three-hour drive from the Calgary International Airport in Alberta.  Island Lake offers fantastic hiking through an 800 year-old “Old Growth” forest and to the summits of surrounding mountains. Relax in the 3,000 square foot full service spa offering a diverse array of treatments, esthetics and body care treatments.  Experience acclaimed food showcasing local, organic and seasonal ingredients, while enjoying a bottle of wine from the 3000 bottle wine library.

The Women’s Wellness package starts at $997.00 per person and space is limited to 30.
Please visit our website (www.islandlodge.com) for two and three-day summer packages, anniversary getaways, and couples retreats, or call 1-888-422-8754.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat.
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Christa Moffat
Island Lake Resort Group
(250) 423 3700 ext 3002
christa@islandlakeresorts.com
www.islandlakelodge.com