powder cat

Island Lake Catskiing is a world-renowned backcountry skiing destination located just outside of Fernie, British Columbia. While their terrain is spectacular, and the skiing is phenomenal, that perfection can come at a cost to the local wildlife and wilderness. All outdoor activities impact nature in some way, but through careful planning and education, the impact can be minimized. This prevents the destruction of the very thing that keeps visitors returning to Island Lake for year after year.

Island Lake Catskiing is one of the premier catskiing destinations in Canada and the world. It is also one of the oldest, having been in the business for more than 20 years. That kind of longevity can only be achieved by having the best service and terrain available. One of the services Island Lake provides is specialty catskiing tours. The first tour is designed for families. Normally skiers and snowboards who visit Island Lake must be of 19 years or older.

Fernie, British Columbia is one of the many mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies that draw visitors looking for great powder each year. At first glance, Fernie may seem like any other town, with a quaint center and an impressive mountain backdrop. That is, however, where the similarities end. This is because Fernie has incomparable back-country skiing, thanks to operators like Island Lake and Powder Cowboy. The terrain that these two companies offer is truly one of a kind, combine that with their service and amenities, and you have the perfect catskiing vacation.

Island Lake Catskiing is one of the premier catskiing operations in all of British Columbia, and a prime destination within B.C. is the area around Fernie. 95% of the world's heliskiing and catskiing takes place in B.C. every season, and it's no wonder with all the great snow that naturally piles itself up here during the winter. The snow that falls here is some of the driest, most fluffy snow that falls anywhere in the world, making for a perfect visit to the backcountry just about any day of the season.

Fernie, British Columbia is located in the idyllic Canadian Rockies near the Lizard Range. One of the reasons that Fernie is a popular outdoor vacation spot in both the summer and the winter is the extensive network of trails that crisscross the area. These trails exist in large part due to the work and advocacy of the Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club. What started off as a friendly group of skiers in the 1970's has turned into one of the more important community organizations in Fernie.

As August slowly marches on, the day that every skier and snowboarder awaits continues to draw closer. That exciting day when the snow has stacked up, there's a decent base and that first blue-sky powder day arrives. If you’re addicted to that delicate formation of frozen water we call champagne powder, nothing can soothe your thirst like a trip into the backcountry here in Fernie, British Columbia. The best way to get to Fernie's backcountry is in a snow cat.