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.

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

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.

As Expected, Several Storms Have Hit the Canadian Rockies During the Month of   March, Producing Substantial Snowfall as well as Some Truly Phenomenal Ski Conditions .

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, March 26, 2010 – Piles of white gold cover the mountains of British Columbia’s Lizard Range as Powder Cowboy’s lucky guests continue to “saddle up” each day  in preparation for some of the most exciting rides of their lives. March has been quite a month in the Canadian Rockies, as a rapid succession of winter storms have produced some incredible ski conditions, particularly in the area surrounding Fernie, B.C. Skiers at Powder Cowboy Catskiing, one of western Canada’s top catskiing resorts, continue to enjoy the benefits of these fantastic weather patterns, even as the end of the long winter ski season slowly draws nearer.

Although Spring is in full swing throughout many lower latitude locations, fresh powder continues to fall over the more than 6000 acres that comprise Powder Cowboy’s impressive terrain, keeping the resort’s grateful guests smiling as they enjoy day after day of adrenaline pumping action amidst some of the best backcountry ski country on earth. There seems to be no end to this impressive torrent and with a snowpack of more than two and a half meters still covering the ground, conditions continue to remain favorable, even this late into the season.

Nevertheless, these conditions come as no surprise to members of Powder Cowboy’s experienced staff, who are well aware that March is often the best time of the year to take advantage of the vast assortment of exciting ski runs that the Lizard Range has to offer. In fact, March and April often see some of the biggest storms of the season and fresh powder is by no means uncommon during these months.

It is the promise of such conditions that keeps skiers and snowboarders coming back to Powder Cowboy Catskiing year after year, in search of the type of thrills that only the Canadian Rockies can provide. The impressive resort is a great place to experience various backcountry ski environments, including some of the best gladed tree runs on the planet in addition to a large collection of steep chutes and bowls that are enough to get even the most experienced downhill skier’s blood pumping. Guests are transported to these slopes atop powerful snowcat skiing, large, rugged winter vehicles that can take skiers and snowboarders to many locations where traditional ski lifts simply do not yet exist.

In addition to being known as a great place to enjoy the outdoors, Powder Cowboy is also home to an impressive, western themed lodge, whose rustic, yet modern facilities offer a level of comfort that is above and beyond what many similarly priced resorts have to offer. The Bull Horn Guest Ranch features a total of 10 cozy log cabins, 8 of which are set up to accommodate guests. Each of these lodging facilities is equipped with in-floor heating as well as a fireplace and can comfortably sleep between 2 and 4 guests.

There is also a hot tub/sauna cabin that houses two showers, a spacious cedar sauna, and two outdoor hot tubs on a covered deck. Guests can enjoy their meals in the Big Horn Saloon, which contains a dining area, bar, kitchen and massage rooms. A large covered deck with an outdoor fireplace is a great place to enjoy a drink, swap stories, or wind down after a long day of skiing.

During the summer months, Powder Cowboy doubles as a dude ranch. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.

ABOUT:

Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Heli Ski 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.

One of British Columbia’s most well known Catskiing Resorts offers Skiers the Opportunity to Sample Some of Its Most Thrilling Slopes for A Day At Amazingly Low Prices.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, March 26, 2010 – Everybody skier wants to experience the thrill of laying fresh tracks in deep, dry powder as often as possible, which is something the folks at Island Lake Resort, located just outside of Fernie British Columbia, know and understand well. As a pioneer in the sport of Catskiing, this Rocky Mountain ski resort was one of the first operations of its type; it set quite a precedent years ago, by becoming the first resort ever to own its own ski terrain.

While many British Columbian resorts operate on Crown Land and make use of broad expanses of publicly owned property known as tenures to carry out their activities, very few actually hold deeds to their own land. Island Lake Resort, on the other hand, does not fall under this category, but sits instead on over 7000 acres of premium, privately owned back country ski terrain. Located in the heart of the Lizard Range section of the Western Canadian Rockies, in an area known as the Cedar Valley, Island Lake Lodge is one of Canada’s most swell known ski destinations and was recently named one of the top places to stay on the planet by none other than National Geographic Traveler, arguably the world’s most well respected travel publication.

The main reason for Island Lake’s popularity, however, stems not from its proud history as a pioneer in the world of Catskiing, nor from the fact that lodge’s owners also hold a deed to the land the resort sits on, but is instead a result of the copious amounts of dry powdery snow that grace the slopes of the Lizard Range each year, making Island Lake one of the best places to ski on the planet. The resort offers its guests the opportunity to experience a wide variety thrilling ski runs that vary substantially in intensity, length, altitude and type. The lodge’s vast terrain offers a great many options for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. Simply put, there is something for everybody at Island Lake, which is why so many skiers and snowboarders from around the globe flock here each year in search of an outdoor experience that only the breathtakingly gorgeous, snow covered slopes of the Canadian Rockies are capable of providing.

Aside from a seemingly endless assortment of steep ridge lines, gladed tree runs and open bowls to shred, the location also offers skiers a chance to experience lavish accommodations and gourmet dining in a spectacular natural setting. In fact, Island Lake serves up some of Western Canada’s finest cuisine and the resort’s four luxury lodges provide guests with an opportunity to relax in style after a long, exciting day of snowcat skiing.

But a trip to Island Lake doesn’t come cheap. In fact, even during the low season, a 2 day stay at one of the resort’s posh winter lodges can cost as much as $1,500 or more per person. And that’s if you can even get a room. Due to its limited capacity and immense popularity, Island Lake is usually booked solid at least one year in advance.

While some people go out of their way to save up enough cash to make an Island Lake vacation a reality, others simply can afford it. That’s why Island lake is now offering day catskiing packages for under $300 per person. These convenient packages are meant to give avid skiers and snowboarders with more modest budgets a chance to enjoy the same great skiing that guests who sleep at the resort do, without having to spring for accommodations and as well. The deal  also targets local skiers, who live relatively close to the resort, and yearn for an opportunity to explore its extensive terrain. This special is just one of many deals and promotions currently being offered by Island Lake Lodge. More information about these offers is available at: www.islandlakecatskiing.com/packages.

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 Heli Ski.