Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain Spa welcomes the announcement of Bill Bennett as BC’s new Minister of Tourism. “Many people think of Bill Bennett as coming from a mining background but he grew up working in the tourism industry with over 20 years of experience.” says the GM of Island Lake Lodge Steve Kuijt. Kuijt went on to say “the importance of tourism in a region with a long history of resource extraction is paramount. In order to thrive and continue to be sustainable our communities need to have a good balance of both to be strong in the long run.”

A longtime leader in East Kootenay eco-tourism, Island Lake Lodge is committed to working with local and provincial governments to preserve the environment and efforts to minimize energy use in daily operations. A cornerstone of the operating philosophy, Island Lake Lodge received a 4-Key rating in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Program, and recently received the Energy and Environment Award of Excellence, also from the HAC.  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” says Kyle Hamilton, Building Services Manager, who was integral in reviewing the company’s environmental practices.  Island Lake Lodge is looking forward to working with the new Minister on furthering all types of tourism in the area.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and its environmental initiatives contact Steve Kuijt or visit www.islandlakeresorts.com

About Island Lake Lodge – The lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness.  In the winter it operates as a catskiing company, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.  In the summer it is a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa, fine dining and deluxe lodging.  Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana a 3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta, or a 1 hour drive from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook British Columbia.

Revelstoke, BC Canada June 18, 2008 – Mica Heliskiing completed a full season (December 2007 to April 2008) using the new ABS Freeride Airbag and the new Barryvox ‘Pulse’ Avalanche Transceiver.

At Mica Heli skiing, a safe and enjoyable experience is our No. 1 priority. Our professionally trained and certified guides make every effort to reduce the risks associated with back country skiing. The new ABS Airbags and Barryvox Digital Transceivers are state of the art avalanche safety equipment and have added another level of safety at Mica Heliskiing.

ABS Packs: Each of our guests is now provided with an ABS backpack to wear during the ski day. The ABS Freeride is a lightweight dual balloon pack with room inside for an avalanche probe and shovel. In the event of an avalanche, the ABS pack helps a person stay on the surface of a moving avalanche, thereby dramatically decreasing the likelihood of becoming buried.

Barryvox ‘Pulse’ Avalanche Transceivers: Mica Heliskiing upgraded to a fleet of the new Barryvox ‘Pulse’ Avalanche Transceivers for our guests to use while skiing last season. The Barryvox ‘Pulse’ is at the leading edge of avalanche transceiver technology. Our guests were extremely pleased with these new units, which are without question, one of the fastest and easiest transceivers on the market to use!

Mica Helskiing Safety Program: Mica Heliskiing minimizes the risks associated with backcountry skiing in several different ways. On the first morning of your stay, each guest is required to take part in a formal Helicopter Safety Briefing and a Backcountry Safety School. These sessions include the use of standard avalanche safety equipment, including ABS Packs and avalanche transceivers. All groups are lead by professionally trained and certified guides. Each of our guides meets or exceeds the requirements of ‘a guide’ as set by the Helicat Canada guidelines and have been trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or are members of the International Federation of Mountain Guides. Throughout the day your guide will work to choose terrain deemed appropriate for the current mountain conditions and the ability level of your group.

Mica Heli is a member of HeliCat Canada. HeliCat sets strict safety standards for operating a Helicopter and/or SnowCat Skiing area and as part of our membership we are required to have our safety systems and procedures reviewed on a regular basis. Mica Heliskiing is also a member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and subscribes to the Canadian Avalanche Association’s INFOEX. The ‘INFOEX’ is a daily information exchange between professional avalanche industry stakeholders and allows us to compare our mountain conditions and observations with those of our neighbors.

If you would like to learn more about our safety procedures, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to provide you with further detail.

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 near Fernie B.C., For more information contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x200

About The Island Lake Cookbook
Published by Whitecap Books
Written by Keith Liggett
Photography by Henry Georgi
To be released Spring 2009

Book Information:
Quite literally from around the world powder skiing aficionados flock to Island Lake Lodge.  Over thirty feet of snow fall each winter and the unbroken snowfields in the 7000 wilderness acres surrounding the Lodge insure unparalleled skiing.

While the skiing initially attracts the guest, the experience of Island Lake Lodge Mountain and Hiking spa brings them back year after year.  Completely off the grid, accessible only by snow cat during the winter, the Lodge experience establishes a standard distinct from any other.  As with all active pursuits, gathering for a meal at the end of the day fosters community and the opportunity to trade tales.  At Island Lake Lodge the evening becomes far more. With a long standing reputation of hiring young innovative chefs providing them with the mandate to serve interesting and hearty meals to compliment the extensive wine cellar, dining for the thirty some guests becomes as important as the skiing.

Each winter the chefs of Island Lake Lodge create over one hundred individual menus for the just over thirty skiing guests.  Pulling from the finest in local and regional ingredients, the meals served are un-equaled in the industry.

The chefs foster relationships with suppliers, from Cinecott Farms to Hill’s specialty meat producers, to find, to prepare and to serve a meal as startling unique as the ski terrain surrounding the Lodge.

The chefs profiled–past and present–each created a flair in the Lodge cuisine and a brought passion for their craft.  Those that have moved on left a high mark for the following chefs to touch and to surpass.

The Island Lake Cookbook (Whitecap Books, Spring 2009) will celebrate this innovative tradition with a look back at the history of the Lodge, the philosophy of cooking, the thought going into each supplier relationship and the often almost whimsical approach to fine food by the chefs of the Lodge.  Whitecap is a leading Canadian publisher of cookbooks receiving four international awards at the recent London Book Fair.

Island Lake Lodge moves towards sustainability with the idea of an environmentally friendly business model.
Fernie B.C Canada - With increased pressure from all levels of government, as well as consumers, the hospitality industry has been striving to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business model. For many years Island Lake Lodge hiking and mountain spa has showcased organic local products in its cuisine and this year, in an effort to build on previous accolades as a leader in sustainable tourism, the kitchen at Island Lake Lodge is proud to take the green mindset further in an effort to reduce its environmental impact.
Starting this year Island Lake Lodge will only carry fish & seafood that is abundantly available & caught in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. Wherever possible, the kitchen uses only local & organically grown produce & free run eggs. It also sources fruit & vegetables from the local farmers market and regional growers. The restaurant serves only the highest quality organic, free run, grass & grain fed non-medicated meat & poultry from a variety of suppliers in the Western Canada region. Island Lake proudly supports the local economy thus shortening the distance our food travels which helps to reduce carbon emissions & greenhouse gases. Another highlight of the many changes that are occurring in the Island Lake Lodge kitchen is the beginning of a composting program. Previously, composting was not feasible as it would attract too much wildlife and create a safety concern to its staff and guests. Now, in cooperation with Cincott Farms, a local organic produce supplier, all of the compostable kitchen scraps will be sorted and shipped back to Cincott for use in its greenhouses.
“It is our hope that you the customer will feel as good about this conscientious style of eating as we do in preparing it” says Kelly Atwells, Island Lake Lodge’s Head Chef. “Waste has always been a concern amongst the restaurant industry, clearly this is the way that an industry which depends on a clean environment and healthy oceans must go in order to be sustainable.”
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 Heliski in Revelstoke, Powder Cowboy catskiing and Island Lake Lodge. Island Lake Lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness. In the winter it operates as a catskiing company, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats. In the summer it is a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa treatments 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.

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

Island Lake Lodge launches their summer season with their Solstice Celebration, scheduled to start June 21st

Fernie, B.C. Canada — The name Solstices is derived from the Latin word sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the solstices, the Sun stands still in its apparent movement north and south.  The summer solstice therefore represents the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has been celebrated for centuries by many cultures around the world. At Island Lake Hiking and Mountain Spa we have been celebrating the Solstice since our summer operation began 10 years ago.

“Summer Solstice Celebration is a great and entertaining event for us to showcase our new summer menus as well as our hiking and spa programs to locals and visitors alike.” explains Jen McEvenue, Lodge Manager.

The day includes the launch of the newest trail in the already extensive trail system, The Rail Trail. The hike will be hosted by Steve Kuijt, local guide and operations manager of Island Lake Lodge. The trail completes the loop from the lower property, through the Cedar Valley and up into the Old Growth Trail finishing at the lodge. Lunch and chef inspired drink specials will then be offered on the Bear Bistro Deck. The Spa at Island Lake will be showcasing the new summer spa menu and offering teepee spa treatments in the meadow between the Red Eagle and Bear Lodges. Live music in the Ancient Timbers Dining Room will complete the day. Spa and room specials will entice guests to relax, enjoy themselves and stay the night!

Secluded in the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Island Lake Lodge sits above a beautiful mountain lake on 7,000 acres of privately owned property. Island Lake offers guided or non guided hiking to mountain tops and through 800 year old Cedars in an Old Growth Forest. Relax in the 3,000 square foot full service spa offering a diverse array of treatments, aesthetics 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.

ABOUT:
Secluded in the peaks of Canada’s Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an Old Growth Forest. Visit www.islandlakelodge.com for more information.

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

Island Lake Lodge launches the newest addition to their extensive trail system the “Rail Trail.” Saturday June 21, 2008.

Fernie, B.C. Canada — At the turn of the century railroads stitched the region together transporting passengers, coal and timber. Evidence of this can be found in the Elk Valley near Island Lake Lodge where a new trail - The Rail Trail follows one ancient railway. Utilizing an 80 year old abandoned logging railway, hiking the Rail Trail you will discover old rail tracks, spikes and former mill sites. The trail offers incredible views of the rocky summits like the 3 Bears, the landmark precipices of the Lizard Range.

Steve Kuijt, guide and general manager of Hiking and Mountain Spa Island Lake Lodge explains “This trail completes the link from Mount Fernie Provincial Park, through the valley into the Old Growth Forest to our remote mountain lodge. Our goal at Island Lake is to preserve this unique, natural and historical place for people to walk with their kids, for special times well beyond ours” emphasizing why this trail is a great addition to the continually growing trail network at Island Lake.

Nestled in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge stands out as the premier hiking and spa resort destination in the region. Island Lake Lodge opens for its summer season on June 13, 2008. The annual Summer Solstice Celebration will be held on Saturday June 21st and will be highlighted by the launch of its newest trail, the historic Rail Trail. This trail is a unique addition to the already extensive trail network found at Island Lake Lodge, connecting the Elk River valley to the alpine through the Old Growth Trail offering visitors an attractive alternative to accessing the lodge and its surrounding terrain.

Join prominent members of the community and press as they explore the Rail Trail and Old Growth Forest through these distinctive trails up to the lodge. Lunch specials in the Bear Bistro, along with other specials to launch our summer season will be offered throughout the day.

ABOUT:
Secluded in the peaks of Canada’s Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an Old Growth Forest. Visit www.islandlakelodge.com for more information.

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