In early Jan The Ride Guide TV show came to Island Lake Catskiing to film and episode for their internationally known show. Salomon skiers Mike Henetiuk, Megan Gunning and Brandon Kelly ripped some awesome lines in the thigh deep fresh powder. Watch for the episode next season on various channels.

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 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.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and the Photo Shoot Out contact
Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
www.islandlakeresorts.com

Back by popular demand, Island Lake Lodge organizes specially designed day hikes throughout the summer.

Anyone who has ever visited or who lives in Fernie will agree that it is a beautiful valley framed by stunning peaks. From the iconic Three Sisters, to the folded layers of geological history of Mt Hosmer, to the lush heavily vegetated slopes of Mt. Fernie, there are many exciting places to discover and explore.

Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge are pleased to present specially designed day hikes for this summer’s Hiking Series. Back by popular demand – and in its 6th summer – the Hiking Series runs a number of group hikes throughout the summer. These are fully guided educational hikes offering everything the Elk Valley has to offer from vibrant alpine wildflowers to incredible mountain views.

Every season Mountain Pursuits puts on a Hiking Series to encourage locals and those visiting to become a little more intimate with our mountain environment. They do this by offering group hikes with local guides and experts taking you to neighboring peaks and points of interest.

Jennifer Coulter, guide and hiking program manager of Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge explains “This series has something for every one. From summiting Fernie’s rugged peaks, to a casual hike exploring the flora and fauna of the alpine environment, there is an adventure for all ability levels. Joining a guided hiking series hike is a great way to get off the beaten path and let our guides lead you to places you may not have visited on your own. ”

For more information about Hiking and Mountain Spa in Fernie, check out the Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge websites:
Mountainpursuits.com
Islandlakeresorts.com

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com
(250) 423 3700 ext 3002
christa@islandlakeresorts.com
www.islandlakelodge.com