For nearly two decades Island Lake Catskiing near Fernie BC has been at the top of the list of must ski destinations for every serious skier or boarder. Vast, spectacular terrain topped with snow quality and quantity that consistently makes for the best skiing in the world. Island Lake Resort is the ultimate destination for luxury Catskiing; Spacious rooms with soaker tubs, five star cuisine, full service Spa and guest service second to none. There is good reason as to why it's challenging to get a booking at this world class resort.

A typical day is 10-14 runs, approximately 15,000 vertical feet starting at 9AM until approximately 4PM

Island Lake gets great snow from December through early April. Each of these months are different, but not necessarily better than the other. We can a big storm in any of these months.

We go Catskiing or boarding! If you decide not to ski there are options like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, curl up by the fire with a book or visit our full service Spa. Skiing/Riding at Island Lake is good to excellent most of the time. Conditions in the mountains can change dramatically overnight so do not despair if you hear discouraging reports shortly before your trip.

Island Lake Catskiing is in the Lizard Range which is the Western slope of the Rocky Mountains in South Eastern BC Canada.

This zone of the western slope of B.C.'s Rocky Mountains is a powder-making machine! The typical snowfall in our area is 900-1,200 cm (30-40 feet) per winter season. This results in a snow-pack of 300-400 cm depth in most of the valleys for most of the season. Island Lake Catskiing is located where the moist storms from the Pacific Ocean collide with the cooler Arctic air from northern Alberta. The result is consistent, deep dry powder from December to April which provides the ultimate experience to skiers interested in Canadian powder skiing.

Typical winter temperatures are usually -5º C to -15º C (23º to 5º Fahrenheit), but in mid-winter they can drop as low as -25º C (13º below Fahrenheit). These lower temperatures are what give us the super light, dry Rocky Mountains powder - the best powder skiing in BC. Our typically lower humidity makes the temperature feel slightly higher than the same level at higher humidity.

While there's some opportunity to warm up in the snowcat after each run, be prepared to dress as if you'll be out in the elements all day long. Bring multiple layers of warm, non-restrictive, breathable and water-resistant clothing, including long underwear. BC's powder skiing requires a jacket with a "powder-skirt" and some good-quality powder gloves. High-quality, well-vented goggles and good sunglasses are a must. If wearing a helmet, use one with a low profile or 3/4 coverage shell with removable ear guards so you will be able to hear your guide. The key is: function over form. For evenings, casual wear (jeans or chinos) are normal. And remember your swimming trunks for the hot tubs, your camera, snowboots and sunscreen.  You can bring a backpack for extras in the cat as well.

Island Lake Resort is 4600 ft and skiing goes as high as 7200 feet.

Intermediate, advanced or expert, Island Lake Catskiing has a diverse range of terrain for strong intermediate and above level of skier or snowboarder. Your Catskiing experience could include high alpine, expert-level steep chutes and spines, breathtaking bowls, exciting tree runs or gentle rolling slopes with a variety of aspects and pitches. First-time catskiers or catboarders do not need to be experts to visit Island Lake but we recommend it for strong intermediates or better. Private snowcats are available for groups who want skiing or boarding tailored to their ability.

You are welcome to skip a run or two, have a hot coffee or tee tea in the warm snow cat – the driver always likes to have some company.

To maximize your first BC powder-skiing/boarding experience, we'll attempt to place you with a group of similar ability. However we run 12 guests per snowcat and three snowcats so you should try, if possible, to travel in a group of similar ability or book a private snowcat.

You can bring your own skis, especially if they're a wide or fat ski. If you don't own fat skis, we highly recommend you use Island Lake's fat powder skis -  We carry K2 Pontoon's (limited) K2 Gotbacks, K2 Sidestash, K2 MissDemeaner, K2 Sidestash, K2 Darkside and Burton Malolo Snowboards - which we provide free. We also have poles available for your use. You will need to bring your own ski boots. We do not supply boots and because checked baggage often is delayed or lost, DON'T FORGET TO CARRY ON YOUR SKI BOOTS FOR YOUR FLIGHT. We have a few K2 Tele skis with Linken bindings. There are snow shoes and cross country skis at the lodge available upon request as well as a variety of other things that you may need, (or have forgotten) at the lodge store.  NOTE: OUR SKI BINDINGS DO NOT WORK WITH ALPINE TOURING BOOTS.

For riding deep light powder a longer, backcountry board is an asset. Guests must bring their snowboard boots Most guests prefer their own bindings as well, with a stance set to the farthest-back setting. We have a good selection of Burton Malolo boards at the lodge; again many people still prefer to bring their own. For guaranteed fit and comfort, it is recommended that guests bring their own snowboard bindings in good working order. There is a limited selection of bindings at the lodges.

There is wireless internet in all the buildings personal laptop use. The lodge also has one guest computer is the Bear Lodge. In addition 2 phones for guests are available for outgoing calls. Please have any incoming calls go through the Island Lake Resort Group at (250) 423-3700. Messages will be directed to guests at the lodge.

Island Lake Catskiing is located in the south eastern corner of British Columbia, 15 km from the town of Fernie. When traveling to Fernie be prepared for winter driving conditions. Maps and travel directions are available on this site under “Directions and Map” and are also provided in our confirmation packages. Daily road condition updates are available on the net. You can rent a vehicle or let us book transportation from the Calgary, Cranbrook and Kalispell airports. Please call for more information and reservations.

Island Lake Catskiing guests have three great choices. If coming from the USA and looking for reasonable flights, you might want to consider Kalispell, Montana. From the airport, you will reach Island Lake in approximately 2 hours by car. Alternately, you can now fly into the newly expanded Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook B.C. Only 60 minutes from Island Lake, it is the preferred choice for some. You can also get to Cranbrook by connecting through either Calgary or Vancouver airports. Another option would be to fly into Calgary, Alberta 3.5 - 4 hours away. The beautiful drive south through the foothills of the Canadian Rockies is well worth the trip. Please visit our directions and map page or contact our reservations team for additional information.  NOTE: YOU NEED TO BE AT OUR PARKING BY 5 PM ON YOUR ARRIVAL DAY.

Fernie Alpine Resort is a world class ski resort in the town of Fernie BC Canada only minutes away from Island Lake Catskiing.

Tipping at Island Lake Catskiing is completely discretionary. Tips can be given to the general tipping pool or to an individual. On average tips are approximately 15% of your package price. Guests should be aware that cash is not available at the lodge. Catdrivers, Guides, Massage, Photo and Videographer staff are not included in the general pool.

We strongly recommend trip cancellation, trip interruption and/or emergency evacuation insurance. We also recommend that all guests purchase travel or accident insurance. Your insurance broker can advise you about what other types of personal insurance you may require, such as disability insurance and life insurance.

Island Lake Catskiing is pleased to recommend a Non-Medical Insurance Package and a Visitor's Medical Insurance package offered through RBC Insurance (www.rbcinsurance.com/travel/packages.html). Uniglobe Travel, email revelstoke@uniglobespecialty.com *Please note insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. Island Lake Catskiing reserves the right to cancel, at any time, without notice. Under no circumstances is the company responsible for the guest's inconvenience or travel expense in this situation.

Travelers arriving from the US:

By Air
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or other approved travel document when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens can present a passport, NEXUS card at airports with NEXUS kiosks, U.S. military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when on official business.
As of January 1, 2008 a passport will be required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
By Land
U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license. See the complete list of WHTI-compliant documents www.getyouhome.gov


If you are planning on visiting Island Lake after the dates listed above, you will need a valid passport. For information on obtaining a passport, visit http://www.travel.state.gov or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PPT.

For more information on rule and regulation changes, go to the US Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

From Other Countries:
People arriving from Europe do not need a visa to enter Canada, but do need a valid passport. If you are arriving from another country, you may need a visa to legally enter Canada. Check online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html to see your particular requirements.