Monday, February 7, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Island Lake Catskiing, Mica Heliskiing and The North Face Announce Partnership.


Island Lake Catskiing, Mica Heliskiing and The North Face have formed a partnership to leverage their respective brands.  All Island Lake and Mica staff will be outfitted in TNF uniforms.  “We are stoked to be working with a great company like The North Face - they understand our mountain culture and are willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs” said Mica Heliskiing Marketing Director - Darryn Shewchuk.  “We work and live in an intense mountain environment and need the best gear possible” added Shewchuk. The 3 companies will cooperate on various marketing initiatives including a new movie from Island Lake and Mica as well as Sherpa Cinema’s upcoming 2-year project titled ALL.I.CAN.  

Island Lake Catskiing in Fernie B.C. has been a backcountry ski industry leader for over 20 years.

Mica Heliskiing near Revelstoke has recently been named The Best Heliskiing in Canada by SKIING Magazine.

The North Face, founded in 1968 in Berkeley, California, is a leader in technical outerwear and a proud supporter of mountain culture.

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For Further Information, contact:           

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
P: 250.423.3700  ext 3002
Toll Free: 1.888.422.8754

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Fernie BC - 2nd most livable city in Canada!!!

We knew this was a great place and Fernie has finally been recognized.  Some of the best Skiing and Snowboarding in the winter and amazing Fly Fishing, hiking and Biking in the summer.  We Love Fernie!!
Read More about Fernie's Ranking

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Blake the Avalanche Dog gets re-certified .

Blake our resident avalanche dog at Island Lake Catskiing has recently been re-certified.   He passed his CARDA (Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association) exam with flying Colours.  Congratulations to Blake and his faithful companion human Nikki.

 It's time you experienced catskiing in BC

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Snow Snow and more Powder Snow

It really has been an unbelievable couple of weeks here in Fernie BC.  Up at Island Lake Catskiing we had over a metre (3.3 feet) of dry powder snow last week and it is still snowing heavily.  The forecast is calling for another 50 cms before the weekend...wow.   This light low-density snow is of course the best type.  Over the head blower pow as the kids say.   You should probably get down here soon...
catskiing in BC is the best!

Monday, January 10, 2011

More Sherpa Catski Filming

Well - seven days of filming with Sherpas Cinema has come to an end.  During the week-long shoot we had 94 cms of snowfall...wow!  Though it made for some great turns, that much snow did limit the terrain we could go into.  Hence we spent a lot of time in the trees.  Good thing Island Lake Catskiing has a ton of perfectly gladed trees.   The Sherpas worked their magic on the much anticipated wire cam line.  Though logistically challenging in every way, the wire produced some stunning imagery.   Some of the highlights were Kye Petersen boosting some tech tricks of a roadside jump, Matty "the crazy Acadian" Richards unique sense of humor and endless enthusiasm, Callum Pettits 21st birthday... Eric Hjorleifson with a big air off the stump on Stump Fluff and big Ian McIntosh busting through powder poppers.
Check out the photos on our facebook page


Catskiing in BC
Sherpas Cinema

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Filming with the Sherpas

The boys from Sherpa Cinema are here at Island Lake Catskiing on a week long film shoot for their up coming movie All.I.Can.  The skiers include Callum Pettit, Ian Macintosh, Kye Petersen, Matty Richard and Eric Hjorleifson.   The first couple of days have been snowy indeed.  We have been trying to get some group shots, which is no easy task with 5 fast pro skiers.  We also have a cable cam set up and the fist test run when well yesterday.  Dave Mossop was the man on the wire filming from a moving harness.   Here are a few photos of the action.  Stay tuned for more in the next few days.Check out the gallery on our facebook page

- Island Lake Catskiing