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 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

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

Island Lake Lodge launches the newest addition to their extensive trail system the “Rail Trail.” Saturday June 21, 2008.

Fernie, B.C. Canada — At the turn of the century railroads stitched the region together transporting passengers, coal and timber. Evidence of this can be found in the Elk Valley near Island Lake Lodge where a new trail – The Rail Trail follows one ancient railway. Utilizing an 80 year old abandoned logging railway, hiking the Rail Trail you will discover old rail tracks, spikes and former mill sites. The trail offers incredible views of the rocky summits like the 3 Bears, the landmark precipices of the Lizard Range.

Steve Kuijt, guide and general manager of Hiking and Mountain Spa Island Lake Lodge explains “This trail completes the link from Mount Fernie Provincial Park, through the valley into the Old Growth Forest to our remote mountain lodge. Our goal at Island Lake is to preserve this unique, natural and historical place for people to walk with their kids, for special times well beyond ours” emphasizing why this trail is a great addition to the continually growing trail network at Island Lake.

Nestled in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge stands out as the premier hiking and spa resort destination in the region. Island Lake Lodge opens for its summer season on June 13, 2008. The annual Summer Solstice Celebration will be held on Saturday June 21st and will be highlighted by the launch of its newest trail, the historic Rail Trail. This trail is a unique addition to the already extensive trail network found at Island Lake Lodge, connecting the Elk River valley to the alpine through the Old Growth Trail offering visitors an attractive alternative to accessing the lodge and its surrounding terrain.

Join prominent members of the community and press as they explore the Rail Trail and Old Growth Forest through these distinctive trails up to the lodge. Lunch specials in the Bear Bistro, along with other specials to launch our summer season will be offered throughout the day.

ABOUT:
Secluded in the peaks of Canada’s Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an Old Growth Forest. Visit www.islandlakelodge.com for more information.

CONTACT:
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