fresh snow + catskiing = :)

Hey kids, it has indeed been snowing up here at Island Lake Catskiing!  We had over 20 cms last night and about 35 cms in the last 48 hours.  The forecast is for another few storms to hit us over the next 4-5 days.  It should be a very deep beginning to the new year!

snowcat skiing

Early season snow - cat ski

 Looking around North America it seems like there is very little snow at most resorts.  Here at Island Lake Catskiing we have had over 200 cms of snow fall and currently have 130 cm compacted base.  Here are some photos from yesterday.

snowcat skiing in BC

Catski Deals

Island Lake Catskiing has been setting the standard for backcountry lodges for 24 years.  With a great early season snowpack, we are off to another superb year.  There are still some seats available in Dec and January.
Dec 26 – 28 – Call now for a special offer
Jan 8-12 – Call now for a special offer
1-888-422-8754

cat ski in BC 

Opening Day Catski Video

Former shareholder and long time friend of Island Lake - Mark Gallup made this great little opening day video.  Check it out!  Give us a call to book your catski adventure.

http://vimeo.com/33229991

Catski in Fernie BC

The first catskiing of the season

Yesterday, Dec 3rd we ran the first cat of the season.  The terrain was more filled in then usual for this time of year and the snow was smooth like butter! This was a couple weeks earlier then we had planned on catskiing and a great time was had by all.  The ski season is off to a great start.  Give us a call and book your catski trip.
Here are a few photos from yesterday.

Catski in Canada

New Deep Pow cat and heli e-magazine

Sorry, but we had to make a slight revision to the magazine.  Here it is again!  Check out some deep powder photos and information about heli and catskiing in B.C.

snowcat skiing and heliskiing in the BC Rockies

Ready to catski?

Fernie Alpine Resort opened this past weekend with great snow.  The Island Lake Catskiing terrain is looking real good as well.  Though our first mulitday trips start on Dec 18th, we will try to get some dayskiing going in early Dec.  Make sure you join our dayski and standby list: http://www.islandlakecatskiing.com/deals

Here are a few photos from a couple days ago.

snowcat skiing in Fernie B.C.

The skiing is great...Get the cats ready!

Our guide Rick did some product testing yesterday and says the skiing is fantastic.  We have had over 120 cms in the last week and there is 160 cms of accumulation at 2,000 metres.  Are ready for some catskiing?


snowcat skiing

Early season ski deals

Take advantage of our early season snowfall and come catskiing.  It is currently snowing about 25 cms / day and our catski terrain is looking great!
Call and ask about our early season ski deals.  Toll Free North America - 1.888.422.8754

Island lake catskiing

Family Ski Trips

The holidays are coming fast and so is the snow!  With a metre of snow already accumulated, it is looking like another great early ski season.  What could be better then a holiday ski trip with the family to Island Lake Catskiing.  A stunning backcountry lodge, warm fireplace and all the holiday trappings.  Give us a call to discuss the most memorable family ski experience you will have.  1-888-422-8754.

family ski trip

Ullar loves catskiing!!

Ullar (the god of snow) certainly has been making himself known recently.  We have had 50 cms of snow up at Island Lake Catskiing this past week and the forecast is calling for more!!  The next 3 days should see a significant snowfall on the Lizard Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Yes - bring it on!

Webcam

Catskiing in Fernie B.C.

Boston Ski Show

Hey there East Coasters.  Mike from Island Lake Catskiing and Darryn from Mica Heliskiing will be at the Boston Ski Show Nov 10-13.  Come by the booth and get a free copy of the new movie and a calendar.  Ask Mike for the "Show Special" and receive a deal...

Also, ALL.I.CAN the new feature movie from Sherpas Cinema is playing on Thursday the 10th at "The Greatest Bar" in Boston, make sure you check out this spectacular ski movie that features both Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing.

Catskiing in BC
Heliskiing in BC

Catski and Heliski video

In case you missed it, Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing made a cool ski movie with Sherpas Cinema this past winter.  The show has amazing cinematography and many shots from the Sherpas feature length ski movie ALL.I.CAN.  If you have not checked out the full version - you can here:

catskiing
Heliskiing

Gladding Catski Terrain and Runs

The latest news from the side hill. So since our last report there has been a few new catski terrain projects completed.

We spent almost 20 days in the Woody area, this has been our biggest project yet this year. We started by widening the road to hopefully gain access to this zone earlier in the season. Then we started in on the Little Woody line proper, which consisted of smaller gladded tubes. Gone now are the tubes which should allow for at least 2-3 more passes by catski groups. While we were in the Woody zone we decided to attack the last remaining ungladded line in the Big Woody, SWEET!
Then we realized that the ski season was just around the corner and decided it was time to work on our conditioning and we headed for the long walk to the 3 Bears area. We only spent a week there for a little fine tuning. This zone had not been visited since the Monashee Tree expedition of (circa) 2001.
With the weather deteriorating we have now started working closer to the lodge area.
The Enchanted Forest line off of Baldy West is were we are working now. Clusters of large standing dead trees are being removed for your storm skiing pleasure.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and we get a few more runs cut.  All this new work will make our catskiing terrain better then ever.

Here are a few photos:

 The best catsking in B.C.

Family and Ladies Catski tours

Island Lake Catskiing Announces Special Christmas Family Tours and Ladies Only Tours.

Fernie, BC Canada October 19^th 2011 – Island Lake Catskiing has announced a few special tours for the 2011 – 2012 ski season. Family Christmas tours will take place between December 24^th - 28^th and will include an extra guide in the cat, turkey dinner and a festive, decked out lodge. Children under the age of 18 will receive 10% off the tour price.

Ladies Only catski tours will take place March 11^th - 14^th and March 27^th - 29^th.  The tours will have all female guides and cat drivers.  The guides will provide powder skiing tips.  Ladies will also receive a complimentary treatment in our luxurious full spa.

Island Lake Catskiing is located in the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains - 10 km from Fernie B.C.  Island Lake has been offering catskiing for 23 years and is considered by many to be one of the preeminent luxury lodge experiences in North America.

Catskiing 

Catski and Heliski movie

Hey folks,  You can now watch the full length version of our ski and snowboard movie The Balance of Powder.  Filmed entirely at Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing by Sherpas Cinema.
Either check out our website
or watch on youtube


catskiing

Catskiing Canada movie interview

Check out this interview we did with Catskiing Canada regarding the making of our new movie.

http://catskiing.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/interview-island-lake-lodge-mike-mcphee/

Island Lake Catskiing

Tickets for ALL.I.CAN

Hey everyone, we have tickets for the Fernie premiere of ALL.I.CAN - the latest spectacular movie from Sherpas Cinema.  Oct 27th at the Vogue Theater in Fernie.  Afterparty at The Central - Shred Kelly is playing.  You can win a catski trip at Island Lake catskiing and everyone will get a free copy of our new movie The Balance of Powder, which was also made by Sherpas Cinema. 

Come to the Island Lake downtwon office to buy tickets - $12.  All proceeds go to Fernie Search and Rescue.

Island lake Catskiing

What is catskiing?

We often get asked - what is cat skiing? While skiers in Western North America seem to be familiar with the concept, folks from out East and especially other parts of the worlds are not.  To catski we use a large tracked machine (cat) that is usually used to groom slopes at resorts.  We then put an enclosed box with comfortable seats on the back.  This enables us to drive up mountains and access fresh powder and great terrain.  Our Cats at Island Lake Catskiing are some of the most comfortable in the industry.  Heated, hot drinks, food, sound system and plenty of room make a great ski or snowboard experience.

Here is a photo of one of our Piston Bully Cats

island lake catskiing

Catski booking season

After such a great summer it's hard to think about winter, but is right around the corner.  Last year was a LaNina year and we had over 12 metres of snowfall!!!  Long range forecasts are calling for another La Nina snow year in B.C.  Our catski seats are being booked everyday and if you want to get in the action you better call quickly...

Here is a photo from last March to get you stoked!

Island Lake Catskiing

New Trailer for ALL.I.CAN

The new trailer for ALL.I.CAN from Sherpas Cinema has dropped...and it is spectacular.  The movie was partially filmed at Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing.  check it out

catski
heliski

Our summer season is now closed. Next - Catskiing!

What a great summer it has been.  Though we started with a cool wet spring, July, August and September have been sunny and hot.  The wild flower displays were exceptional, the hiking trails were in great shape and we had some awesome weddings at the lodge.  Al in all a superb summer.
We are filling up fast for catskiing...you had better call and reserve your seat for some of the best catskiing in BC.

island lake catskiing

ALL.I.CAN Sherpas Cinema and Island Lake Catskiing

The world premiere of ALL.I.CAN - the new movie from Sherpa Cinema is Friday Sept 23, 2011.  It is sure to be a stellar event.  Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing will be in attendance giving away copies of our new movie The Balance of Powder, which was also made by the Sherpas.  Their is an all day event, live bands and then the movie itself.  Come on by if you are in the area.  More info

Island Lake Catskiing
Mica Heliskiing

Making perfect cat ski runs

Glader’s Report

The Glading crew is back in action this summer up on the sidehill at Island Lake Catskiing.  We’re down a man reducing our crew to only two while Corrie recovers from knee surgery.  Big Steve and Ryan have been out battling to make the world a better place to ski one tree at a time.  So far the boys have faced dense bush in the ‘Secret Sorefoot’, thunderstorms and bugs on ‘The Nose’, and are currently moving their way up, blowing out the ‘Little Woody’.   Future endeavors include the long trip into ‘The Bears’ and more work in the ‘Geisha’.  All in all it’s going to make for more amazing Island Lake powder skiing.  Stay tuned for more updates…

Island Lake Catskiing

Teaser from Island lake Catskiing and Mica heliskiing

After about a year in the works our new movie is finished.  It was filmed exclusively at Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing by Sherpas Cinema. The movie is called the Balance of Powder and the full meal deal will be out in early Oct 2011.  ENJOY!

Catski
Heliski

Another great Fernie hike at Island Lake Lodge

Wow - we went up Big White Peak a couple days ago and it was truly spectacular.  Wildflowers, mountain goats, eagles and panoramic views.  Big White is one of the more challenging hikes at Island Lake near Fernie BC and a guide is highly recommended.  It takes about 6 hours roundtrip and has an elevation gain of 2,800 feet.  Here are some photos.

 
hiking in bc

Island lake, Fernie BC Hiking Trail Update

Trail Conditions August 5, 2011

SPECIAL MESSAGE:  Heiko’s Trail, the Rocky Road Trail as well as some off trail guided hikes are now in great hiking condition!!!  Treat yourself and hire a guide to take you there!  Guided hike, shuttle and dinner packages are available.

Rail Trail

The Rail Trail will host a section of the Trans Rockies bike race Tuesday August 9^th!  Beautiful sights and sounds next to Lizard Creek with good views of the “Three Bears” peaks half way up the trail.  Grass trimming along the trail has recently been completed.

Old Growth Trail

Beat the heat!  Shady old growth cedars, and lush interior rainforest plants make this trail a local favorite.  Stay bear aware.  Some black bear families have been enjoying the old growth forest this summer.

Lake Trail

The forest around the lake is looking lush and vibrant.  Devil’s Club and Cow Parsnip are reaching new heights, but it looks like the thimbleberries and huckleberries are a couple weeks away yet.   A momma moose with two newborn calves have been hanging out around the lake.  Give them a wide birth and keep pets on a leash.

Fir Trail

Big cedar, towering larch, and majestic Douglas fir trees make this trail worth a visit.  Check out the viewpoint looking up Hunter’s Bowl and plan your ski lines for a catskiing adventure with Island Lake next winter!

Tamarack Trail

Wildflowers at all the viewpoints promise to put a smile on your face!  Paint brush, penstemon, columbine, anemone and scorpion weed to name just a few.  If you make it up to the Five Star summit to “Aiden’s Bench”, you will be rewarded with views towards Heiko’s Trail and the Three Sisters as well as the Island Lake property.

Baldy Loop

Check out the views over the backside of Baldy Mountain while you are at ridge top.  Descending west Baldy provides great vistas of “the Wolverine”, a steep rocky bowl in the Lizard Range.  If the pink and yellow monkey flowers don’t make you smile at the creek crossings…well, you might not be the plant geek that I amJ

Spineback Trail

If you are observant, you will see many horn coral fossils on display in the limestone of the Spineback trail, especially two thirds of the way up.  A sweet array of wildflower in the alpine right now.   Envision your self riding the alpine bowls in winter as you hike through some epic Island Lake Catskiing terrain!

Mountain weddings - Fernie B.C.

Everyone loves a summer wedding in the mountains.  Wildflowers and dramatic mountain backdrops make a wedding day even more spectacular.  Island Lake lodge near Fernie B.C. has become one of the favorite locations for "the big day".  Accommodating up to 90 people for dinner, Island Lake offers gourmet food, a full spa and the magical setting of "I Do Point" right on the lake.  Here are a few photos

Fernie BC weddings
island lake lodge

Hiking around Fernie BC

Well summer is in full swing now.  The heat has arrived and the wildflowers are in full bloom.  There is still a bit of snow at the top of the Spineback trail, but everything is good to go.  Remember Island Lake has some of the best maintained trails in the Elk Valley.  We also have hiking guides that are great for learning about the flora and fauna of the area.

Hiking around Fernie BC
Island Lake Lodge

Dog friendly Hotel - Island Lake Lodge.

Did you know that Island Lake is pet friendly? Not only do we have one of the most spectacular places to visit in the Rocky Mountains, you can bring fido!  We will even provide a dog bed for your buddy. We have been officially recognized by petscanstay.com as a designated pet friendly hotel...or lodge in our case.

island lake lodge

Ski & snowboard movie filming - Mica Heliskiing

Our last movie shoot of the ski season happened at the the end of March at our sister operation Mica Heliskiing.  The Sherpas rented a ciniflex camera and we headed up to Mica Heliskiing.  The lineup included Rory Bushfield, Callum Pettit, Kye Petersen, JP Auclair, snowboarder Adam Chuntz and Lynsey Dyer.  The team got some great shots on the ciniflex and a great time was had by all.  You will be able to see the footage in the Sherpas movie ALL.I.CAN and Mica Heli & Island Lake Catskiings movie - The Balance of Powder.  Both will be coming out in Sept, 2011.  Here are a few images from the shoot by Mike McPhee.

Island Lake Catskiing
Mica Heliskiing
Sherpa Cinema