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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, May 10, 2010 – Despite rising temperatures and a quickly melting snowpack, the employees of Island Lake Lodge in Fernie B.C. are as busy as ever. This is especially true for members of the reservations department, who have been handling a large volume of requests in recent days as people rush to secure early bookings at one of British Columbia’s most prestigious resorts. Although the establishment is no stranger to this sort of phenomenon, often accepting reservations as early as a year in advance, its management has been pleasantly surprised at the unusually high level of activity that Island Lake as well as neighboring resorts have been experiencing in recent weeks.

One factor that could explain such a marked increase in demand so early on in the year, is the recent culmination of the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver earlier this year. Infrequent sporting events like these, which only take place once every four years, tend to have a motivational effect on people, sparking a renewed interest in outdoor activities among those who haven’t partaken in them for some time and prompting folks who have never had a chance to go skiing or snowboarding to take a crack at it. The more frequent and broad exposure of newer events such as freestyle skiing and half pipe boarding has also led to a surge in the popularity of these sports in recent years.

The fact that this year’s Winter Games were held in B.C. only helps add credibility to the theory that the overwhelming number of booking requests being received by local lodges such as Island Lake are a result not only of a heightened interest in winter sports, but also of the widespread exposure that the western Canadian province received due to these events. While British Colombia has long been known as a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike, there is no doubt that the recent Olympics helped generate some added interest in an already popular destination.

Although Island Lake Lodge is only one of many resorts to be experiencing a seemingly unending onslaught of winter reservations requests, it differs from other establishments both in terms of its facilities as well as the scope of the activities that are offered here. Island Lake is hands down British Columbia’s most well known and best respected Catskiing destination. The Resort, which is comprised of four separate mountain lodges as well as a full service spa, sits on roughly 7000 acres of prime backcountry ski terrain in an area known as the Cedar Valley, outside of Fernie B.C.  Island Lake has no ski lifts, but is rather, a haven for Catskiing enthusiasts, who are transported to a seemingly endless assortment of alpine ridges, private bowls, gladed forests and secluded valleys atop large vehicles known as snowcats. This method of transportation allows skiers to access runs that are beyond the reach of more traditional lifts, so that they can fully enjoy the phenomenal conditions that prevail in this area throughout the winter months.

Nevertheless, Island Lake doesn’t only operate during winter, it is also a great place to visit in summer months, offering visitors a chance to experience breathtaking natural
surroundings, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, great wine and some of the crisp, clean, rejuvenating mountain air that makes this area so special. While it is no surprise that many people are anxious to get a head start on winter bookings, others are no doubt already thinking about making reservations for summer 2011.

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

The road to Powder Cowboy is filled with more deer than I’ve seen in one place. I lost count at about one hundred.  It also passes over some really amazing river gorges and climbs you high up into a valley below some amazing peaks.

Arriving at the Bull River ranch you turn onto the property to a scene right out of a country western movie.  Small cabins with smoking chimneys, dogs running all over the place, goats and sheep making their usual sounds and horses hanging there heads over wooden fences. You wouldn’t think you were arriving at this location to ride deep southern BC powder but the misty mountain behind the ranch alluded to some kind of mountain adventure close by.

Checking into our private cabin on-site was easy and we loaded the front deck with about five different powder-specific snowboards, with claims that we would be riding a different deck every day of the trip. Just missing some chewing tobacco and a cowboy hat, I could have perched myself on the front porch and would have been the stereotypical “Powder Cowboy” with all my snowboards and the horses out front.

Early next morning we loaded into vans and made our way to the staging area where the Cat was waiting to take us up into the alpine behind the Bull River Ranch. The guides had country music playing on the van stereo. Not too sure if that’s what they do all they time, but it was fitting as we passed more countryside meadows and climbed into the misty morning mountains.

The usual beacon clinic took up the first forty minutes of the morning and had our whole group handling the avalanche equipment. Over the years I’ve heard these beacon/avalanche clinics more than a few times. I find it interesting how each guide explains them so differently and always find it amusing when they use out of context situations to help people understand. Here it was “landing a plane”.

Weather seemed to be a mixed bag of sun and cloud for the first day and we would be hunting for snow on northerly aspects. The one thing you just have to get out of your head is all that green grass down on the ranch and not a snowflake in sight. You almost passed into a different world as the Cat climbed high into the alpine and we were instantly back in winter weather on top of the mountain ridge lines. catskiing

Sitting at the top of the ridgeline you get a feeling of being in an amphitheatre with the surrounding mountains enclosing the entire terrain tenure of Powder Cowboy. Amazing gladed tree runs are what the place is known for. Nine different zones to ride in with a combined six-thousand acres means that this place does not run out of fresh terrain to ride.  We rode on the same ridge for most of the day and then hit up the Cabin Side area for the run down to the vans.  Packs of cold beer were ready for the ride back to the ranch and I could feel that amazing “powder tired” sensation about to kick in.

Arriving back to the ranch drops of rain became more and more steady and the view of the mountains became engulfed in clouds. Dinner is held in the main lodge and is nothing short of amazing after a day in the snow. The general conversation among the group was that the rain would ruin the rest of the trip. Everyone in the group but myself and Golden, BC snowboarder Chris Soper were from elsewhere in the world. We knew all to well that rain in late March meant snow in the mountains. It was just too early in the season for rain to make it that high in the Rocky Mountains of BC, Canada.

The rooster call of the very “real” kind in the morning came quick on the ranch and we wandered are way over to the main lodge to get in the vans for the transfer over to the Cats. Frosty peaks and a lower snowline made for a promising ride up into the alpine. The guides filled us in on the good news that fifteen centimetres had fallen overnight and today would be an amazing day at Powder Cowboy. It was enough snow to refresh all the terrain and not too much to load the slopes and raise the danger.

The guides set a really good pace and the runs became more and more exciting and more intense as the day went on. Lapping trees on the “Iron Side” and finding fun little jumps all over the place kept the tempo of the day really up-beat. The guides in the group, Jamie and Trevor, took turns as lead and tail guide. This made for a nice mix of run choices.

Nighttime at Powder Cowboy was pretty mellow for us. The bartender kept us entertained with stories of parties that happen there. I guess that’s the way it all breaks down… Some groups party and some just like to ride and relax. Relaxing is quite easy here though and as soon as dinner is over and you’ve headed back to your own cabin sleep comes quick. A couple logs on the fire and before you know it your hitting the alarm button and lacing your boots up for another day on the Powder Cowboy range.

The trip was consistently getting more and more fun. People were loosening up and everyone in the Cat was talking more and more. The guides were opening more and more terrain to us as well. We did some small hikes that lead us into some really awesome terrain in the “Big Cruiser Bowl” area. The gem run of the trip though was toss up between “Mr. Perfect” and the “Accelerator” bowl.  These are some of Powder Cowboys more intense areas and if you’re lucky with the right conditions and weather you’ll score these amazing pieces of mountain terrain.

We wrapped up the tour and rode more than enough fresh lines for the days we were there. A really amazing experience being on the ranch and even better was the new experience of being in this part of southern, BC. Fresh new snow on fresh new terrain is one of the best things you can experience on a board. Don’t ever let someone else’s opinion or a photo dictate on where you go snowboarding… You have to live it to know it.

More info: http://www.powdercowboy.com

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, April 11, 2010 – According to a recent article in USA Today, the 3 fatal the avalanches that recently claimed the lives of several people in British Colombia were triggered by snowmobilers in two cases and skiers in the third.  The author of that piece also stated every one of these tragic events were attributed to unstable snow conditions as well as the fact that the people involved had chosen to disregard warnings. While remote mountain areas throughout North America are home to many deadly snowslides each year, the majority of these phenomena tend to have causes similar to those cited above. Basically, they are usually due to human error on the part of of individuals who have a blatant disregard for safety and often choose to ignore obvious warning signs altogether.

But the threat of avalanches doesn’t discourage fanatical skiers and snowboarders from constantly seeking to push the envelope in search of ever more thrilling mountain rides. In fact, the popularity of backcountry activities such as catskiing and heliskiing has skyrocketed in recent years, sparking the emergence of many different companies that specialize in getting skiers into more remote mountain locations, without the use of traditional ski lifts.

Perhaps the most well known and well respected of these outfits is Mica  Heli Ski Guides, a small company, which is based just outside of Revelstoke British Columbia, on the Western Slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Each winter, Mica runs exclusive, private tours from its remote alpine lodge to dozens of pristine locations throughout its more than 178,000 acres of premium backcountry ski tenure. The company is well known in ski circles for providing quality personalized service while adhering to the strictest standards of safety.

One of the advantages of heliskiing over more traditional ski lifts is the fact that helicopters allow skiers and snowboarders to access some extremely remote, uninhabited locations, where they can lay fresh tracks and experience the thrill of downhill skiing in fresh, deep, dry powder. While traditional resorts are often overcrowded and overused, causing snow conditions to deteriorate quite quickly, the backcountry remains unspoiled, accessible only to those who have the motivation and the wherewithal necessary to get there. This makes heliskiing a far more exclusive experience, which relatively few skiers are fortunate enough take part in each year.

But backcountry heliskiing is not without its drawbacks. In fact, while the two biggest hurdles for many are the required skill level and high cost of this activity, many people also have serious safety concerns. Nevertheless, those factors need not necessarily serve as deterrents, provided that those who chose to engage in this exciting activity, do so with the aid of skilled professionals.

That is where companies such as Mica Heli Guides come in, providing the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of thrill seekers of all different ages and backgrounds. In fact, Mica has received a great deal of recognition due to the extensive experience and spotless safety record of its pilots and guides in addition to the quality of the equipment that the company uses. While Mica’s powerful, modern mountain helicopters seldom remain on the ground for more than two days each winter, extensive avalanche awareness training combined with the use of tools such as probes and transceivers, helps to ensure that skiers avoid the perils of snowslides. Mica’s professional ski guides know this country like the back of their hands and provide the guidance necessary for skiers to enjoy themselves thoroughly and stay out of harm’s way.

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 snowcat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x2002.

The winners were as follows:

•    Best Portfolio (top prize $2,000 cash) = Aaron Whitfield
•    Best Composition = Kyle Hamilton
•    Best Scenic = Aaron Whitfield
•    Best Team Performance = Matt Kunn
•    Best Athletic Performance =
1.    Andrew Mirabito
2.    Matt Kuhn
3.    Dave Best

Over $10,000 in prizes were handed out from event sponsors, which included: K2 Skis, The Northface, Spy Optics, Peak Performance, Smith Optics, Vans Shoes, Hestra Gloves, Icebreaker and Tecnica Boots.

You can see a slide show of the submitted photos at:
http://www.islandlakecatskiing.com/videos_photos

For additional information please contact:

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@deeppow.com
P: 250.423.3700 ext 3002
Toll Free: 1.888.422.8754

http://www.islandlakecatskiing.com

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, March 25, 2010 – As unbelievable as it may seem, the last few weeks have seen an incredible amount of fresh snowfall, making ski conditions in and around Revelstoke B.C. better than ever. In fact, last week alone, there were more than 40 cm of fresh powder on the ground, prompting one excited guest at Mica Heli Guides’ famed backcountry ski resort to comment “I had the jump of my life today. I’m addicted and can’t wait for more tomorrow.”

As one of British Columbia’s most well known heliskiing operations, Mica Heli Ski Guides has built a reputation for long standing excellence over the years. While inadequate equipment and questionable safety procedures have spelled disaster for other outfits in recent months, Mica’s experienced team of pilots and guides have an outstanding safety record, which remains unparalleled throughout the industry as a whole. Not only is all of Mica’s staff well trained, its team members have the skills, equipment and experience necessary to ensure that guests enjoy some of the best skiing on earth, without having to worry about coming home in one piece.

Mica’s staff uses powerful mountain helicopters to transport small groups of heliskiers and heliboarders to the farthest reaches of its vast expanse of backcountry catskiing terrain. People who travel to Mica’s remote mountain hideaway come here for one reason and one reason only: to lay fresh tracks on some of the deepest, driest powder on earth.

Part of what makes Mica’s huge tenure so special is its unique location. This enormous area, which spans more than 178,000 acres in all, is nestled between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges, on the Western Slopes of the Canadian Rockies. This spectacular region is consistently home to some of the deepest, driest champagne powder on earth, typically enjoying better than average ski conditions between December and April of each year. The terrain ranges in altitude between 1900 and 5900 feet above sea level, features eight distinct main valleys and is home to a seemingly endless assortment of exclusive, adrenaline pumping backcountry ski runs.

Every winter, as the moisture laden gusts that blow eastward from the Pacific Coast combine with cold northern winds that originate in the ice fields of the northern Canadian Rockies, powdery dry snow, often referred to as “Cold Smoke”, is produced, quickly covering the ground and creating a deep snowpack that is constantly being topped off with more fresh champagne powder as subsequent winter storms roll through.  This recurring phenomenon creates perfect conditions, which can be enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders alike, provided they have a way to access the remote backcountry locations that reap the fruits of these remarkable weather patterns.

That’s where Mica Heli Guides comes in. The company specializes in getting skiers and snowboarders into the action zone, safely, quickly and effectively. Mica’s talented pilots and guides are intimately familiar with every square inch of the company’s impressive tenure, making it easy for them to choose the right location for each particular group based on the current conditions as well as the skill level and abilities of the skiers or snowboarders themselves.

In addition to benefitting from the experience and knowledge of these qualified experts, Mica’s guests can also enjoy the comforts of Mica’s impressive back country ski lodge, which offers a host of amenities and special services, such as gourmet cuisine, outdoor hot tubs and massage therapy treatments provided by trained professionals. These unique lodging facilities in addition to the surrounding area’s consistently fantastic ski conditions are just two of the reasons that Mica’s guests keep coming back time and time again.

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 Snowcat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x2002.