Powder Cowboy and Island Lake Catskiing have wrapped up their annual photo
shootout contest. The 3-day event saw 9 teams compete for $10,000 in cash and
prizes. Each team was comprised of 1 photographer and 3 athletes for a total of 36
competitors.

Mother Nature was kind to the competitors and provided 40-50 cm of fresh snow
over the 3-day event. Many of the photographers took advantage of the stormy weather
producing moody, atmospheric images that impressed the judges and crowd. An afterparty
followed each day of hard work, where prizes were awarded and a slideshow of
the photographer’s best shots were displayed. The event has given some
experience and exposure to up and coming photographers in Western Canada.
Island Lake General Manager Steve Kuijt said: “I was very impressed with the
creativity and talent shown by all of this year’s photographers…I thought I knew all the
great photo spots and angles up there, but I guess I was wrong!” Planning for next
year’s event has already begun.

Monday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Kyle Hamilton
Best Composition: Chris Messervey
Best Athletic Performance: Sam Guther (shot by Aaron Whitfield)
Tuesday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Mark Gribbon
Best Composition: Mark Gribbon
Best Athletic Performance: Mikel Witlox (shot by Ben van der Valk)
Wednesday’s winners were:
Best Scenic: Kyle Hamilton
Best Composition: Aaron Whitfield
Best Athletic Performance: Martin Gallant (shot by Mark Gribbon)
Best Overall Portfolio ($2,000) went to: Mark Gribbon
Best Overall Team Went to: Aaron Whitfield, Sam Guther, Marni Wilson and Derek Root
Sponsors for the event were: K2 Skis, The North Face, Smith Optics, Spy Optics, Peak
Performance, Hestra Gloves, Solomon and Icebreaker Clothing.

A Slideshow of the submitted images can be found at:
http://www.islandlakeresorts.com/winter/photo_video.html

Fernie, BC Canada October 30, 2008 – Island Lake Lodge is an icon in Fernie B.C. Over the last 20 years Island Lake Lodge has been recognized as one of the world’s best places to ski and snowboard. Every year the Fernie Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding local businesses and individuals with awards and this year awarded Island Lake Lodge Fernie Business of the Year.

“The Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Community and Business Awards on behalf of the community.  In the past only one award nominee in each category was announced. We decided to introduce the Top 3 Nominees in each category to shine a spotlight on, and recognize more of the wonderful individuals, volunteers and businesses who have contributed so much to their community.” says Lynn Flokstra, Manager Fernie Chamber of Commerce.

The Award Criteria for them Fernie Business of the Year, sponsored by GPI Chartered Accountants is that it is open to any Business or Industry located in the City of Fernie and surrounding area that has demonstrated good corporate citizenship, good business standards and ethics, and contributes in a meaningful way to the community.

“It was an honor to be nominated and then a thrill to be awarded with the Fernie Business of the Year award” says Steve Kuijt, General Manager of Island Lake Lodge. “We have always been supporters of local and community charities and events and are proven environmental leaders in our region.” Kuijt goes onto explain.

About Island Lake Lodge- Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain spa sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness.  In the winter it operates as a catskiing operation, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.  In the summer it is as a luxurious backcountry lodge, with an extensive hiking trail system, a full service mountain spa and acclaimed food and wine.  Located in Fernie B.C. it is an easy 1 hour drive from the new Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C. a 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana and a  3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta.

For additional information contact
Mike McPhee

Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com

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

About The Island Lake Cookbook
Published by Whitecap Books
Written by Keith Liggett
Photography by Henry Georgi
To be released Spring 2009

Book Information:
Quite literally from around the world powder skiing aficionados flock to Island Lake Lodge.  Over thirty feet of snow fall each winter and the unbroken snowfields in the 7000 wilderness acres surrounding the Lodge insure unparalleled skiing.

While the skiing initially attracts the guest, the experience of Island Lake Lodge Mountain and Hiking spa brings them back year after year.  Completely off the grid, accessible only by snow cat during the winter, the Lodge experience establishes a standard distinct from any other.  As with all active pursuits, gathering for a meal at the end of the day fosters community and the opportunity to trade tales.  At Island Lake Lodge the evening becomes far more. With a long standing reputation of hiring young innovative chefs providing them with the mandate to serve interesting and hearty meals to compliment the extensive wine cellar, dining for the thirty some guests becomes as important as the skiing.

Each winter the chefs of Island Lake Lodge create over one hundred individual menus for the just over thirty skiing guests.  Pulling from the finest in local and regional ingredients, the meals served are un-equaled in the industry.

The chefs foster relationships with suppliers, from Cinecott Farms to Hill’s specialty meat producers, to find, to prepare and to serve a meal as startling unique as the ski terrain surrounding the Lodge.

The chefs profiled–past and present–each created a flair in the Lodge cuisine and a brought passion for their craft.  Those that have moved on left a high mark for the following chefs to touch and to surpass.

The Island Lake Cookbook (Whitecap Books, Spring 2009) will celebrate this innovative tradition with a look back at the history of the Lodge, the philosophy of cooking, the thought going into each supplier relationship and the often almost whimsical approach to fine food by the chefs of the Lodge.  Whitecap is a leading Canadian publisher of cookbooks receiving four international awards at the recent London Book Fair.

Island Lake Lodge moves towards sustainability with the idea of an environmentally friendly business model.
Fernie B.C Canada - With increased pressure from all levels of government, as well as consumers, the hospitality industry has been striving to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business model. For many years Island Lake Lodge hiking and mountain spa has showcased organic local products in its cuisine and this year, in an effort to build on previous accolades as a leader in sustainable tourism, the kitchen at Island Lake Lodge is proud to take the green mindset further in an effort to reduce its environmental impact.
Starting this year Island Lake Lodge will only carry fish & seafood that is abundantly available & caught in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. Wherever possible, the kitchen uses only local & organically grown produce & free run eggs. It also sources fruit & vegetables from the local farmers market and regional growers. The restaurant serves only the highest quality organic, free run, grass & grain fed non-medicated meat & poultry from a variety of suppliers in the Western Canada region. Island Lake proudly supports the local economy thus shortening the distance our food travels which helps to reduce carbon emissions & greenhouse gases. Another highlight of the many changes that are occurring in the Island Lake Lodge kitchen is the beginning of a composting program. Previously, composting was not feasible as it would attract too much wildlife and create a safety concern to its staff and guests. Now, in cooperation with Cincott Farms, a local organic produce supplier, all of the compostable kitchen scraps will be sorted and shipped back to Cincott for use in its greenhouses.
“It is our hope that you the customer will feel as good about this conscientious style of eating as we do in preparing it” says Kelly Atwells, Island Lake Lodge’s Head Chef. “Waste has always been a concern amongst the restaurant industry, clearly this is the way that an industry which depends on a clean environment and healthy oceans must go in order to be sustainable.”
For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and its environmental initiatives contact Christa Moffat or visit www.islandlakeresorts.com

ABOUT
Island Lake Resort Group- ILRG operates Mica Heliski in Revelstoke, Powder Cowboy catskiing and Island Lake Lodge. Island Lake Lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness. In the winter it operates as a catskiing company, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats. In the summer it is a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa treatments and fine dining. Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana or 3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta.

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com
P: 250.423.3700 ext 3002
F: 250.423.4055
T: 1.888.422.8754
www.powdercowboy.com
www.islandlakecatskiing.com