Island Lake Lodge is nestled in the Canadian Rockies, near Fernie, British Columbia. The closest airports are: Cranbrook, B.C. (1.5 hours west), Kalispell, Montana (2.5 hours south) and Calgary International Airport, Alberta (3.5 hours northeast). Car rentals are available at all three airports.
Accommodation
The Main Lodge has 3 people per room with shared bathrooms. The Red Eagle is double occupancy with ensuite bathrooms.
Amenities
Massage services, a hot tub with a covered deck, a steam room and a small workout and stretching area which will be available to all guests.
Meal plan
Packages include all meals with dinner the first night that you arrive.
Getting there
Kalispell, Montana is 2 hours away. Calgary, Alberta is three to four hours away. Consider flying all the way to Cranbrook in British Columbia. Only one hour from Island Lake, it is the preferred choice for some. You can get to Cranbrook by connecting through either the Calgary or Vancouver airports.
Arriving in fernie
You can rent a vehicle from Kalispel, Cranbrook and Calgary or let them book coach transportation for you from any of the above airports. Island Lake strongly recommends that our guests arrive a day in advance to avoid any possible delays.
The day
The lodge is at the elevation of 4600 ft. The skiing starts as high as 7000 ft. The Island Lake experience could include breathtaking bowls, exciting tree runs or gentle rolling slopes with a variety of aspects and pitches. The ski day generally consists of 8-12 runs, approx. 12,000-15,000 vertical feet, depending on the level of each group. A normal ski/snowboarding day runs from 9:00-4:00.
Weather / snow conditions
Skiing/Riding at Island Lake is good to excellent most of the time, but nothing is perfect! Conditions in the mountains can change dramatically overnight. Do not despair if you hear discouraging reports shortly before your trip. It often changes favourably at the snap of a finger.
Equipment & clothing
Ski/Snowboard Gear; Ski/Snowboard Boots; Warm Clothing; Day Pack; Camera; Sunglasses; Goggles; Slippers; Bathing Suit; Snow boots, Sunscreen.
Powder skis / snowboards
Island Lake carries a full fleet of equipment for your skiing and riding pleasure.
Groups
Island Lake runs 3 cats, each cat holds twelve skiers/riders. A full group of 12 insures that you may choose your own level of skiing/riding.
Ability levels
Island Lake adventures should be strong intermediate to advanced level skiers/snowboarders in good physical condition. All guests should be aware that slopes are not groomed. They have powder skis available that make the transition into backcountry skiing easy and enjoyable.
Guiding & safety
Cats operate with two guides in each cat of 12 guests. Both guides are fully qualified as either a guide or a tail guide as defined by the BC Helicopter and Snowcat Association. Once you arrive to the lodge the guiding staff will introduce you to avalanche transceivers and search techniques. Each guest is supplied with an avalanche transceiver to wear on the mountain.
Photographer / videographer
Island Lake is now offering complete photo and video services performed by our two onsite specialists.
When to book
Island Lake gets great snow from December through April.
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