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

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

Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain Spa welcomes the announcement of Bill Bennett as BC’s new Minister of Tourism. “Many people think of Bill Bennett as coming from a mining background but he grew up working in the tourism industry with over 20 years of experience.” says the GM of Island Lake Lodge Steve Kuijt. Kuijt went on to say “the importance of tourism in a region with a long history of resource extraction is paramount. In order to thrive and continue to be sustainable our communities need to have a good balance of both to be strong in the long run.”

A longtime leader in East Kootenay eco-tourism, Island Lake Lodge is committed to working with local and provincial governments to preserve the environment and efforts to minimize energy use in daily operations. A cornerstone of the operating philosophy, Island Lake Lodge received a 4-Key rating in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Program, and recently received the Energy and Environment Award of Excellence, also from the HAC.  Key among these initiatives is the installation and operation of 2 micro-hydro stations to generate 100% of the Lodge’s electrical needs. “We are very proud of our efforts in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly operation” says Kyle Hamilton, Building Services Manager, who was integral in reviewing the company’s environmental practices.  Island Lake Lodge is looking forward to working with the new Minister on furthering all types of tourism in the area.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and its environmental initiatives contact Steve Kuijt or visit www.islandlakeresorts.com

About Island Lake Lodge – The 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, fine dining and deluxe lodging.  Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana a 3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta, or a 1 hour drive from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook British Columbia.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge 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