Hiking in the Rockies around Fernie BC

It might seem like a weird time of year to think of this, but I was going through some summer photos yesterday and remembering some of the great hiking we did last summer.  Though Island Lake is best know for powder skiing and snowboarding, the summer time is also spectacular.  We have some of the best hiking trails in the Fernie area right here around the lodge and some of the best hiking in the Rocky Mountains

Here are a few hiking photos from Island Lake Lodge

hiking in fernie bc
bc hiking

More powder snow for you!!

Down here at Island Lake Catskiing have had about 50 cms of the good ol powder snow in the last 3 days.  This on top of a consolidated base of about 350 cms means super good conditions!!  I am looking out my office window (someone has to work in the office) and it is currently snowing about 3 cms an hour.  The Fernie effect is on!!!
You probably need to go catskiing in BC one of these days...

Rocky Mountain Wedding

Island Lake is not just a great catskiing destination, we are also an amazing destination for a Rocky Mountain Wedding.  The Lizard Range of the Rocky Mountains provides a stunning backdrop.  On Island Lake itself we have "I Do Point" where ceremonies take place.  Gourmet food and accommodation in our log lodges rounds out the perfect wedding destination.  We are just ourside Fernie BC, which is 3 hours from Calgary.

Here are a couple photos from last summer

Rocky Mountain Weddings
Weddings in Fernie BC
Calgary Weddings

Fernie Powderhounds Wanted Contest Winner Announced!

Fernie, British Columbia – A very lucky and very happy resident of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada was the confirmed winner by Tourism Fernie of the sought after Powderhounds wanted contest. The contest, that offered a week long Fernie ski holiday for two featuring a 3-day catskiing and lodging package at Island Lake Lodge, 3 days of skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort, and 4 nights accommodation at Lizard Creek Lodge, was promoted since October in partnership with Ski Canada Magazine. The prize package is valued at over $6,300.

Winner Tom Purtell was just recently contacted about his big win and was at first skeptical…

“When I was first found out I was the winner I thought is was too good to be true! I never win anything and I thought there must be a catch. But it was all true and I was super thrilled as I’ve never skied in Fernie before,” exclaimed Tom.

Tom Purtell resides in Owen Sound, Ontario with his wife Chrissy and newborn daughter Lillianna, where he works for a beverage company. Tom is an active member with the Canadian Ski Patrol at Beaver Valley Ski Club in Markdale.  He has been an avid skier for many years and was excited about the Powderhounds opportunity; it’s been many years since his last trip out west.

Congratulations Tom!

For over 20 years, Island Lake Lodge has set the standard for snowcat skiing. Boasting 7000-acres of private ski terrain riddled with untouched powder runs and set amongst a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks, Island Lake has always been labeled a must-do experience. The lodge itself features lavish accommodation, hot tubs, a full spa, and exemplary fine dining with an extensive wine library.

Fernie Alpine Resort is regularly declared one of the top ski resorts in North America, with over 2,500 skiable acres, five alpine bowls, 113 runs, countless glades and over 9 metres (29 feet) of average annual snowfall.  Fernie Alpine Resort offers the full resort experience with on-mountain dining, activities and lodging, including the luxurious Lizard Creek Lodge. A 4½ star ski-in ski-out lodge, Lizard Creek features a great room with a four-sided fireplace, heated outdoor pool and 3 hot tubs overlooking the slopes, fitness centre and spa, and on-site casual and fine dining.