Spring may be here but you would never know it at Mica Heli Guides. With over a meter of snow at -8 to -10 celcius in the last week the Guides all agree that the powder skiing is the best it’s been all year. “Our guests this first week of April are all raving that it’s the best skiing of their lives” says Paul Norrie, President and Mountain Guide at Mica Heliskiing. “The current snow pack is over 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) and we are skiing waist deep champagne powder this week”.

Mica Heliskiing is 100% small group heliskiing – operating three “semi-private” groups of four guests in one A-Star helicopter and one “private” group of four in a second Bell 407 helicopter. Only 16 people and a quarter million acres of terrain on the western slope of the BC Rockies. “When skiing, riding or touring in small groups of four, guest can access a much wider variety of terrain, tailored to what their individual group desires, intermediate to expert. No waiting, no jockeying for first tracks, we take you to the goods!” says Darryn Shewchuk, Mica Heli Guides Director of Marketing.

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 on small group heliskiing contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1.877.837.6191 x2002.

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

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!

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

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