Despite The Heat Wave That Had Organizers of the Winter Games Literally Trucking in Snow and Competitors Complaining of Less Than Ideal Conditions, The People at Mica Heli Guides in Revelstoke  B.C. Are Still Enjoying Mountains of Fresh Powder.

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, March 6, 2010 – Many a sigh of relief was heard in Vancouver as this year’s Winter Games came to a close last weekend. Organizers finally had a chance to relax after weeks of trucking in loads of snow in order to try to maintain some semblance of winter at what will long be remembered by many sports fans as the warmest Winter Olympics in decades. While many fans poked fun at  an event that  has been widely been referred to as a complete fiasco, one competitor even went so far as to display one of her perforated skis during an interview on a well known national television news channel, confirming that it had been damaged before she even reached the starting line, by a rock that was jutting out from beneath the surface of the thin layer of slippery slush.

Meanwhile, the locals chuckled and did their best to refrain from shouting “we told you so” as they found humor in the fact that while temperatures as high as fifty degrees Fahrenheit seemed to come as a complete shock to international fans and members of the Olympic Committee, that sort of weather is actually quite common in Vancouver during this time of the year. So, while some of the world’s top athletes battled it out on inches of slippery slush, many more savvy skiers and snowboarders took to the hills in search of several feet of powder.

Those who visited Mica this season managed to find what they were looking for, and some of them are still getting the rides of their lives at one of British Columbia’s premier heliskiing destinations. In fact, conditions at Mica’s vast backcountry tenure remain so good that the company’s powerful mountain helicopters haven’t seen much downtime since late last November, as people continue to flock here in search of a ski experience that is simply unrivaled.

Nestled on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies near Revelstoke British Columbia, Mica Heli Ski impressive tenure consists of nearly 180,000 acres of some of the backcountry ski terrain on the planet. Because of its strategic location, this area is consistently home to some of the deepest driest champagne powder in the world, perfect for living out even the wildest of skiing or snowboarding fantasies.

Known as one of the best in the business, Mica Heli Guides uses A-Star and Bell 407 helicopters to speedily transport its guests to some amazing backcountry locations, where they get a chance to lay fresh tracks in heaps of dry champagne powder as they enjoy  run after run of adrenaline pumping Canadian heliskiing. Mica specializes exclusively in small groups  and has a well established reputation for employing only the most skilled and experienced helicopter pilots and ski guides in all of North America.

While other operations have already shut down for the season, Mica’s dedicated staff is still hard at work as excellent ski conditions persist with a snowpack of over two hundred and fifty centimeters and some fresh snowfall in the last week. One thing that makes Mica’s terrain so special is that it is strategically situated between the Monashee and Selkirk ranges, in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. This is an area known for producing exceptionally deep, dry powder, which is a result of moist storms from the west colliding with cold arctic air that blows in from northern Alberta. The ski season here typically lasts through early May and  snowfall often exceeds 60 feet per year.

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 catskiing near Fernie B.C.. For more information, contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x2002.

Canada’s Number One Sports Network Broadcasts an in Depth Feature On British Columbia’s Top Heliskiing Outfit.

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, February 18, 2010 – SporstNet Viewers were treated to an extra dose of adrenaline last week as the network aired the latest edition of GMC World of Skiing, which featured exciting footage of some premier BC heliskiing action, courtesy of the world famous Mica Heli Guides. This well known group of talented helicopter pilots and guides has a reputation for being the best in the business. When it comes to heliskiing, these guys are at the top of the food chain.

Mica Heliskiing is based near Revelstoke British Columbia and specializes in flying small groups of skiers and snowboarders into the some of the best backcountry ski runs on the planet. The company uses Powerful A-Star and Bell 107 helicopters to access nearly a quarter of a million acres of prime British Columbian ski terrain, in the very heart of Canadian Rockies. Mica’s select group of clients stay at a remote mountain lodge and chalet located some 1140 meters above Lake Kinbasket. This remarkable facility, with room for 12, offers spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky, Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges and provides easy access to some of the most fantastic alpine locations on earth. Mica’s tenure is known for its consistently deep, dry champagne powder and is considered by many too be the best place in the world for backcountry skiing.

In the latest episode of GMC World of Skiing, one of Canada’s most popular ski shows, the program’s celebrity host and former Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST) member Edith Rozsa goes straight to heli-heaven, courtesy of Mica Heli Guides. Mrs. Rozsa proves to be the perfect host for this exciting episode. After all, who better than a 9 time North American Slalom and Giant Slalom champion to show the folks at home just how awesome an experience heliskiing in British Columbia can truly be?

Rozsa, who came to GMC World of Skiing after years of skiing at the World Cup Level, is, without a doubt, one of the show’s most popular hosts. She consistently keeps viewers coming back for more as she explores some of the most fabulous catskiing locations on earth. With years of professional skiing experience behind her and a talent for broadcast journalism, Rozsa is not only entertaining and informative, but also impressive to watch as she takes to the slopes and gets knee deep into fresh powder.

GMC World of Skiing, which began as Ski Base TV show in 1978, is now a nationally syndicated program, broadcast on over 30 different television stations throughout Canada. The show features in depth coverage and impressive footage of a different exciting ski location each week and boasts a combined viewership of over 100,000 loyal fans.

GMC World of Skiing is broadcast nationwide by one of Canada’s top television networks: Rogers SportsNet. SportsNet is an English speaking Canadian sports channel launched by CTV in 1998 and subsequently purchased by Rogers Media in 2001. The network operates four regional standard definition feeds, each with a corresponding high definition simulcast. SportsNet services the Ontario, East, West and Pacific regions, respectively.

Not only is SportsNet Canada’s premier sports television network, it is also one of the country’s most well known sources of sports information on the web. Sportsnet.ca, the online version of SportsNet TV, features up to date scores and headlines as well as opinions, videos, RSS feeds and a full listing of the network’s TV broadcast schedule. Sportsnet.ca is also a great place to sign up for different fantasy games and contests including Hockey, Soccer and NFL Football; the site also has an online community, where fans get together to talk about their favorite teams and exchange information or opinions.

ABOUT:

Mica Heli Ski 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.

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

Revelstoke, B.C. Canada Feb 21, 2009 Mica Heli ski guides won the Ski Canada award for “Best Half & Half” for their helicopter assisted touring package.

Heli assisted touring is a combination of heliskiing and ski touring. “For someone who likes to climb but also wants to bang off the turns, Mica Heli Guides is a dream come true! Every morning the chopper provides virtually instant access to magnificent terrain and stunning scenery. Can it get any better than starting your day with a 3500 foot dream descent, then slowing it down by skinning back up, taking another run and then calling in the chopper to do it all again? The Mica experience uniquely combines the rush of powder skiing with the serenity and awe of touring”, says Steve Greenburg a return heli touring guest at Mica Heli Guides.

Mica Heli Guides introduced a heli-assisted touring program in December 2007. Demand grew quickly for what has become the ultimate ski touring experience and the program is now a regular part of the exclusive small group programs offered at Mica Heli Guides. “We are excited that Ski Canada has recognized this new and unique program” says Paul Norrie, Mountain Guide and President of Mica Heli Guides. “For just over half the price of heli-skiing our heli-touring guests have quick and easy access to the best snow and world class ski terrain daily, without requiring a long approach or exit at the beginning and end of the day. After touring, with tired and happy legs, the heli takes you back to the luxurious Mica lodge where a hot tub, a massage and a gourmet meal awaits. ”

Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. is one of three operations in the Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C. For more information on heli assisted touring or small group heliskiing contact Darryn Shewchuk at 1.877.837.6191 x2002.

Mica Heli Guides hosted Joe Lammers and Daryl Palmer Jan 1st to 3rd 2009 to shoot a new episode for Canada’s most popular television ski show – Pontiac World of Skiing (PWOS).

PWOS first filmed at Mica Heli Ski Guides in 2006 when Mike Douglas was hosting the show and stated “The best heli-ski trip of my life – you gotta come see this place it will blow your mind”. Since then Mica Heli Guides has added many improvements to their programs including a new Bell 407 Private package and heli-assisted touring package. “Capturing the world’s best skiing in only three days is a challenging task” says Darryn Shewchuk, Mica Heli Guide’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “It’s great to have PWOS up to film at Mica Heli Guides, they are a very professional crew and do a fantastic job of showcasing the ‘Mica Magic’ on television”.

PWOS has been playing in Canada for nearly 30 years and now boasts over 100,000 weekly viewers. In addition, PWOS is distributed internationally under the title Skier’s World and is sold around the world. Skier’s World currently airs on cable and digital channels in the USA, Caribbean, Great Britain (Travel Channel UK in Europe), Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Greece, Israel and Finland.

A short version of the full episode can be seen on PWOS website http://www.pontiacworldofskiing.com/videoplayer/index.php?video_id=166&pagno=1 the full version will be on www.micaheli.com this spring.

Mica Heli Skiing near Revelstoke, B.C. is one of three operations in the Island Lake Resort Group; the others being Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C. For more information contact Darryn Shewchuk at  1.877.837.6191 x2002.