The 2009 Cat and Heli Ski season has come to a close and WOW did it ever go out with a bang! All through March, Mother nature dumped deep dry powder on the BC Rockies – conditions were epic!

All three operations had a safe season, seats were full, the skiing and boarding were fantastic and our guests were stoked with their experience!

The main message from our guest comment cards was that Island Lake Resort Group (Mica Heli, Powder Cowboy and Island Lake) have the best staff in the industry offering great guiding, fantastic food and top shelf service.

We are happy to report that the pricing for Catski and Classic Heliski tours has not increased for 2010 however the value continues to improve on our tour packages. US guests have the added bonus of 20% on current exchange rates!

Another positive note is that bookings are already stong for 2010. Our Catskiing deposits have been lowered for 2010 and early booking specials are in effect.

Mica Heli Guides has added a new Premium tour so guests now have the option of skiing in one, two or three groups of four per helicopter.

There are still some prime seats available so give us a call toll free, send us an email or visit our websites to reserve your spot for 2010.

From all the staff here “thank you for skiing or boarding with us!” We welcome you back for some more deep dry powder next season.

Now Booking 2010

US residents save 20% with current exchange rates!

Catsking 1-888-4CATSKI (422-8754) info@islandlakeresorts.com
Helisking 1-(877 or 250)-837-6191 info@micaheli.com

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

The Island Lake Resort Group (ILRG) consists of three back country ski operations, Island Lake Catskiing, Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Mica Heli Guides Heli skiing with summer programs running at Island Lake Lodge. The ILRG is the world’s largest cat ski operation and the second largest backcountry operator with up to 76 guests in the backcountry every day over the winter season Dec through April.

Island Lake Catskiing is the premier high end cat ski destination in the world. Operating 3 cats, 36 guests ski 7000 acres of privately owned land in the Lizard range of the Rocky Mountains near Fernie BC Canada. Island Lake Lodge has been in operation for nearly 20 years making it one of the most established Cat operations in Canada. Legendary dry powder, luxury mountain lodging and fine dining make Island Lake the premium cat-ski destination on the planet.
Island Lake Lodge Mountain and hiking spa is open during the summer months for spectacular hiking, fine dining with a luxurious 3000 square foot spa featuring six treatment rooms, a wellness room with a deep Japanese soaking tub, retail boutique, change rooms and relaxation rooms.
Island Lake Lodge is a spectacular mountain retreat for weddings or for couples and business people looking for the ultimate place to refresh, recharge and rejuvenate!

Powder Cowboy Cat skiing is a unique Western themed cat ski experience famous for its friendly staff and western style hospitality. For over 8 years Powder Cowboy has been operating out of the Bull River Ranch – a “Dude Ranch” in the summer. Powder Cowboy runs 2 cats and 24 guests in a 6000 acre tenure on the West side of the Lizard Range behind Island Lake Lodge near Fernie BC Canada. Competitively priced with a beautiful new lodge, outdoor fireplace, cozy individual cabins for guests, massage and hot tubs for relaxing after an incredible day in the deep dry powder. Powder Cowboy is world renowned for its naturally gladded tree skiing and big bowls. The snow quality and terrain makes Powder Cowboy a truly unique and exhilarating cat ski experience.

Mica Heli Guides is the most progressive small group heli skiing and heli-assisted touring experience in the world. Mica heliskiing uses the A-Star helicopter for the semi-private ski program (3 groups of 4 guests each with one guide) and a Bell 407 for the private program (4 guests with 2 guides). Mica Heli Guides also offer heli-assisted touring packages, a perfect combination of traditional ski touring equipment and an A-Star Helicopter. Mica Heli Guides operates on a quarter million acre tenure on the North Western slope of the Rocky Mountains near Revelstoke BC Canada. Mica Lodge and Chalet are backcountry heli access only with a capacity for 12-16 guests seeking to experience individually tailored heliskiing in intermediate to advanced terrain. Mica Heliskiing has the reputation of being the ultimate ski trip of a lifetime.

Island Lake Catskiing, Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.
Please visit our website www.DeepPow.com or call 1-888-228-4354.

The 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
Contact: Darryn Shewchuk booth #818
mobile: 1-250-814-1950
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Fernie, BC Canada August 5, 2008 – As more families are looking to experience outdoor adventures together, Island Lake Lodge and Powder Cowboy Cat skiing are filling that demand by offering 7 Family Ski Tours this winter.

“Cat skiing at Island Lake or Powder Cowboy is the perfect adventure holiday for families who love to ski” explains Corrie Wright, long time guide at Island Lake Lodge and father of two. “With the great camaraderie and friendly interaction you get in a snowcat, paired with attentive guides and amazing powder skiing Family-Ski Tours offer for an incredible and memorable experience for the whole family.”
Tours just for families were developed by the Island Lake Resort Group in order to accommodate a growing demand by their long term guests to bring their children along and experience the legendary powder of the Canadian Rockies. . “So many of our clients are repeat customers and as they get older, so do their children. We started to get so many requests to have them bring their children that we decided to dedicate whole tours to this kind of business” said Steve Kuijt, operations manager and guide at Island Lake Lodge.
Family-Ski tours include the use of powder skis or snowboards, deluxe lodge accommodation, stretch class, gourmet food and all the powder skiing one can manage in a day! Both operations also offer spa treatments, an eclectic wine list, and outdoor hot tubs.  Family Ski Tours are run by ACMG certified guides.
Please visit our website www.islandlakeresorts.com for Girl-Ski and other specialty Cat skiing tours or call 1-888-422-8754.

Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being Powder Cowboy Cat skiing near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heli skiing near Revelstoke B.C.  Island Lake Lodge Mountain and Hiking Spa , Powder Cowboy Cat skiing and Mica Heli skiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Christa Moffat
christa@islandlakeresorts.com 1.888.422.8754 x 3002
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Island Lake Resort Group
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.islandlakeresorts.com
Contact: Darryn Shewchuk booth #818
mobile: 1-250-814-1950
Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!

Fernie, BC August 5 2008 – With the growing demand for women specific opportunities, the Island Lake Resort Group is offering their popular Girlski Tours at both Island Lake Lodge and Powder Cowboy Cat skiing this winter season.

Fresh dry powder, deluxe accommodation, and amazing food and wine shared amongst a few close friends have always been the draw of Cat skiing at these resorts in the Canadian Rockies. “After rave reviews from last year’s sold out Girlski Tours, we are excited to be offering three Girlski tours this winter” said Kirsten Knechtel, lead guide and operations manger at Powder Cowboy Catskiing.

Girlski tours were developed by the Island Lake Resort Group to entice more women into the sport of back country powder skiing. “90% of our clients are men, and when I go out there and ski with them it’s great, but I can’t help but wonder why more women don’t come out and do this? It is incredibly fun and really exciting, and you don’t have to be an expert” said Powder Cowboy’s lodge manager Sandra DaCosta.

These all inclusive tours include the use of women specific powder skis or snowboards, deluxe accommodation, yoga, gourmet food and all the powder skiing one can manage in a day! Both operations also offer spa treatments, an eclectic wine list, and outdoor hot tubs.   Girlski tours are run by female ACMG certified guides, and female cat drivers which helps to foster a supportive, non competitive and fun environment for the guests.

Please visit our website www.islandlakeresorts.com for family and other specialty Cat skiing tours or call 1-888-422-8754

Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie, B.C. is one of three operations in The Island Lake Resort Group; the others being  Powder Cowboy Catskiing near Fernie B.C., and Mica Heliskiing near Revelstoke B.C.  Island Lake,  Powder Cowboy Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing are all members of HeliCat Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

For press inquires or media visits please contact Darryn Shewchuk booth #818
mobile: 1-250-814-1950

Journalists on assignment are welcome to visit!
Powder Cowboy Catskiing
602a, 2nd Ave Fernie BC Canada V0B 1MO
www.powdercowboy.com
Phone– 250.423.3700
Fax – 250.423.4055
Info@powdercowboy.com