Although Winter is Still Many Months away, the Reservations Staff at Mica Heli Guides Are Hard at Work and There is No Doubt That the Upcoming Season Will be just as Busy as Ever

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, June 2, 2010 – Summer is a welcome time of year for many weary ski resort employees, a time to rest relax, soak up the warm rays and spend time with family and loved ones. Those who have never had the opportunity to visit British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies during the warmer months, may not be aware how truly breathtaking this rugged mountain countryside can be.

Revelstoke B.C. and its surrounding area are particularly attractive during this time of year, offering not only some spectacularly striking scenery, but also providing an opportunity to engage in a broad range of activities, from traditional summer pastimes, such as hiking, fishing and canoeing to somewhat more adventurous endeavors like heli-hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, ATVing and mountain biking. For the slightly tamer at heart, there are also a host of less strenuous options, which include shopping, golfing, visiting museums or spending some time relaxing at one of the area’s two hot spring resorts.

Nevertheless, this part of B.C. is perhaps best known as a hot spot for skiing and snowboarding. In fact, during the winter months, Revelstoke is a veritable magnet for thrill seekers from all over the globe, who come here in order to live out their fantasies and experience some of the most exciting rides of their lives. While some come to for cross country or cat skiing, the most adventurous visitors seek the type of backcountry seclusion and downhill powder runs that can only be accessed by helicopter.

While Mica Hel Guides isn’t B.C.’s only heliskiing outfit, its skilled pilots and experienced guides are widely recognized as some of the best in the business. Mica is a highly exclusive operation, which caters solely to small groups of skiers and snowboarders who want to experience the thrill of powder skiing in one of the most ideal settings on the planet.

Mica’s remote mountain lodge, nestled between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges in the western part of the Canadian Rockies, is accessible only by helicopter. The facility consists of a main lodge, which sleeps up to 12 guests in addition to a chalet with four extra large, deluxe rooms that each feature a fireplace, lounge chairs and a comfortable king size bed.

Despite their limited capacity, Mica’s lodging facilities feature a broad range of amenities and services including world class cuisine, two outdoor hot tubs and a well trained staff of professional massage therapists. More importantly, the lodge, which is only open for business during the winter season (December through April), serves as the gateway to nearly 178,000 acres of pristine backcountry ski terrain. Like the accommodations themselves, most of this terrain is accessible only by helicopter.

The area’s consistently fantastic ski conditions are simply unparalleled. Because of its strategic location, the majority of Mica’s tenure is completely covered in some of the deepest, driest champagne powder on earth for nearly 6 months out of the year. Because of limited capacity, however, seats at Mica generally fill up quite quickly, as eager skiers and boarders usually book several months in advance. This year is certainly no exception. With reservations already pouring in, those who wish to get in on the action this coming winter, will need to act fast if they have any hope of booking a seat at Mica Heli Ski Guides.

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 Cat skiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1.877.837.6191 x2002.

One of B.C.’s Oldest and Most Well Respected Catski Resorts Also Offers A Host of Exciting Summer Packages and Activities.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, June 1, 2010 – When most people hear the name Island Lake, summer fun is the last thing that comes to mind. In fact, amongst most avid skiers and snowboarders, the name is synonymous with “winter wonderland”. For over 20 years now, amateur skiers and pros alike have flocked to Island Lake from all over North America, Europe and even from far off corners of the world such as Asia and other distant locations, in order to take advantage of some of the best skiing on the planet.

There are a few things that make Island Lake Lodge different from other Canadian ski resorts. First and foremost, is the fact that focus here is on cat skiing. If you’ve never heard the term before, cat skiing is essentially the same as any other type of skiing, the difference being that skiers (and/or snowboarders) are transported to various mountain ski runs atop snowcat skiing – large, rugged mountain vehicles originally designed and used to clear snow trails during winter months. These vehicles replace lifts as the primary method of transportation to and from the various runs that lie on the Island Lake property.

Two other things that make Island Lake unique are its outstanding accommodations and superb, world famous cuisine, some of the finest the Rocky Mountains have to offer. The resort, which actually consists of three lodges, houses up to 48 guests in 26 separate rooms, which provide a level of comfort and privacy that many larger ski resorts simply can’t and don’t offer. In general, people come here for one of two reasons: to take advantage of some of the finest ski conditions on the planet, or to pamper themselves, marvel at the breathtaking natural surroundings and enjoy a relaxing vacation in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural settings.

What a lot of folks don’t realize and what truly sets Island Lake apart from other British Colombian ski resorts, is the fact that the lodge is also open during the summer, offering guests a host of amenities and activities, many of which aren’t feasible during the winter months. Island Lake Lodge is one of the few facilities in B.C. that actually owns the land it sits on – over 7000 acres of pristine valleys and ridges, located in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. This terrain, which serves as a paradise for skiers during the winter, takes on a whole new light when the snow melts away, exposing a pristine and unspoiled wilderness, filled with the spectacular sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Some might even argue that summer is the best time of year to visit Island Lake. It is no doubt the only season during which it is possible to explore the surrounding countryside on foot. Hiking is without a doubt one of the favorite summer pastimes in and around the area and Island Lake offers its guests the opportunity to engage in a variety of guided nature walks, from short 30 minute strolls to intense all day adventure treks and educational tours of the surrounding forests and nearby lake.

Island Lake is also a wonderful place to host large scale events such as weddings, family gatherings or other festivities, although space is limited, so it is important to book as far in advance as possible when planning such activities. Summer guests at the lodge can also enjoy fly fishing excursions, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding.

The resort opens for the summer on June 18th. If recent years serve as an accurate indicator, it will no doubt be booked solid before the month is out.

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 Heliskiing.

Although Summer Has Not Yet Begun, Seats at  Well Known Resorts, Such as Island Lake Lodge in Fernie B.C., are Already Scarce, Leading Some To Speculate That Increased Activity Is A Direct Result of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada, May 10, 2010 – Despite rising temperatures and a quickly melting snowpack, the employees of Island Lake Lodge in Fernie B.C. are as busy as ever. This is especially true for members of the reservations department, who have been handling a large volume of requests in recent days as people rush to secure early bookings at one of British Columbia’s most prestigious resorts. Although the establishment is no stranger to this sort of phenomenon, often accepting reservations as early as a year in advance, its management has been pleasantly surprised at the unusually high level of activity that Island Lake as well as neighboring resorts have been experiencing in recent weeks.

One factor that could explain such a marked increase in demand so early on in the year, is the recent culmination of the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver earlier this year. Infrequent sporting events like these, which only take place once every four years, tend to have a motivational effect on people, sparking a renewed interest in outdoor activities among those who haven’t partaken in them for some time and prompting folks who have never had a chance to go skiing or snowboarding to take a crack at it. The more frequent and broad exposure of newer events such as freestyle skiing and half pipe boarding has also led to a surge in the popularity of these sports in recent years.

The fact that this year’s Winter Games were held in B.C. only helps add credibility to the theory that the overwhelming number of booking requests being received by local lodges such as Island Lake are a result not only of a heightened interest in winter sports, but also of the widespread exposure that the western Canadian province received due to these events. While British Colombia has long been known as a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike, there is no doubt that the recent Olympics helped generate some added interest in an already popular destination.

Although Island Lake Lodge is only one of many resorts to be experiencing a seemingly unending onslaught of winter reservations requests, it differs from other establishments both in terms of its facilities as well as the scope of the activities that are offered here. Island Lake is hands down British Columbia’s most well known and best respected Catskiing destination. The Resort, which is comprised of four separate mountain lodges as well as a full service spa, sits on roughly 7000 acres of prime backcountry ski terrain in an area known as the Cedar Valley, outside of Fernie B.C.  Island Lake has no ski lifts, but is rather, a haven for Catskiing enthusiasts, who are transported to a seemingly endless assortment of alpine ridges, private bowls, gladed forests and secluded valleys atop large vehicles known as snowcats. This method of transportation allows skiers to access runs that are beyond the reach of more traditional lifts, so that they can fully enjoy the phenomenal conditions that prevail in this area throughout the winter months.

Nevertheless, Island Lake doesn’t only operate during winter, it is also a great place to visit in summer months, offering visitors a chance to experience breathtaking natural
surroundings, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, great wine and some of the crisp, clean, rejuvenating mountain air that makes this area so special. While it is no surprise that many people are anxious to get a head start on winter bookings, others are no doubt already thinking about making reservations for summer 2011.

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 Heliskiing

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