Island Lake Lodge

A Powder Skiing Oasis In BC

Just outside Fernie, British Columbia, deep in the Kootenay Range sits a privately owned cat skiing operation that provides some of the best cat skiing in the world . In 1988, Island Lake Lodge was born, and since then their guides have been leading professional athletes, skiers and snowboarders into their 7,000-acre playground. With some of their guides possessing more than 30 years of experience at the lodge, they have an intimate knowledge of the best places to make pow turns, which among other things leads to a 90-percent client return rate.

The property’s numerous lodges have a homely feel and the customer service on property is unmatched. Each lodge features its own outdoor sauna, while the main spa on property has everything you could ever need. After a long day of skiing, Island Lake Lodge’s head chef carefully crafts a three-course meal comprised of locally sourced ingredients with wine pairings from their 3,000-bottle cellar.

The Whole Kit and Kootboodle

If you’re a powder addict, chances are you’ve dreamt of cat skiing at Island Lake Lodge. Images of the storied outfitter’s ridiculously deep snow and blower powder dominated films and magazine covers in the 90s, convincing many-a-skier to quit their job and move to Fernie, British Columbia. A lucky handful, like Brenda Wright, scored guiding gigs and decades later, remain the soul of the operation.