Although Summer Has Not Yet Begun, Seats at Well Known Resorts, Such as Island Lake Lodge in Fernie B.C., are Already Scarce, Leading Some To Speculate That Increased Activity Is A Direct Result of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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 best part about riding a new place is that very word: “new”. New terrain and an entirely unknown piece of the planet for you to snowboard on is one of the best situations you can put yourself into. This next place I was headed to would yield one of the most different scenarios I’ve seen yet. The Bull River Ranch in southern British Columbia was my destination. We pulled into the Fort Steele, BC, gas station. It had your typical fare of small town BC rest stops: fireworks, beef jerky, ice cream and other trinkets that I would love to know who actually buys fill the shelves. I asked the clerk behind the counter if the cat-skiing ranch was down this road and pointed out the window. She looked up from scooping ice-cream and said “Yeah… Powder Cowboy is down that way.”
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.
Despite Recent Reports of Fatal Avalanches, Heliskiing Remains A Popular Winter Pastime For Many Thrill Seekers. B.C. Companies Like Mica Heli Guides Specialize in Getting Skiers To The Best Spots While Adhering To the Strictest Safety Standards
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 3rd annual Photo Shootout at Island Lake Lodge Catskiing finished up on Wednesday March 31st. Six photographers were given the opportunity to hand pick athletes and shoot on Island Lake’s famous ski terrain for 3 days. The photographers were: Aaron Whitfield, Dave Best, Kyle Hamilton, Matt Kuhn, Andrew Mirabito and David Mattson.
Weather during the event was a mixed bag of snow, fog, sleet and a little bit of sunshine, challenging the photographers to produce images in “real world“ conditions.
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.
While Many Ski Resorts Have Already Shut Down for The Year, Mica’s Guests Continue To Enjoy Deep Piles of Fresh Powder.
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.
The Island Lake Group offers some of the world's most exciting private heli ski tours and untouched powder snowcat skiing, CatSkiing. Visit Island Lake Lodge today for a perfect hiking & mountain spa getaway!
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