Island Lake Lodge is a premier destination for skiing enthusiasts in British Columbia, Canada. It boasts stunning mountain views, as well as a range of amenities that make it an ideal destination for skiers of all abilities. However, the lodge has not always been under the ownership of the same team. In this article, we will be exploring who bought Island Lake Lodge and what impact this had on the resort.
The Previous Owners
Prior to its current owners, Island Lake Lodge was owned and operated by a local family who had started the resort in the 1980s. The family had turned a small backcountry skiing operation into a full-service resort with a range of facilities, including a restaurant and accommodations.
Throughout the years, the resort had built up a good reputation in the skiing community, and it attracted visitors from around the world. Despite this success, the family decided to sell the resort in the early 2000s, which marked a significant turning point for Island Lake Lodge.
The Acquisition
In April 2005, Island Lake Lodge was acquired by the owners of Mica Heli Guides in Mica Creek, British Columbia. The acquisition represented a significant expansion for the company, which had previously operated solely as a heli-skiing operation.
The acquisition made sense for the Mica Heli Guides team, as Island Lake offered a much larger operation than the previously owned heli-skiing company. By purchasing Island Lake Lodge, they were able to cater to a broader range of skiing enthusiasts and expand their services beyond just heli-skiing.
The Impact on Island Lake Lodge
The acquisition by Mica Heli Guides has had a significant impact on Island Lake Lodge in terms of its branding, offerings, and operations. The resort was rebranded as Island Lake Catskiing, which set it apart from other ski resorts in the area.
The acquisition provided the opportunity for significant development of the resort, as well. Island Lake Lodge underwent extensive renovations, and new cabins were built to host guests year-round. In addition to the physical changes, the facilities at the resort were significantly improved. The restaurant and other amenities were expanded, and new activities were introduced to keep visitors entertained throughout their stay.
Bear Grylls and Man vs Wild
One of the most memorable moments at Island Lake Lodge occurred in 2011 when Bear Grylls and his crew filmed Episode 3 of Season 7 of the popular survival television program Man vs Wild. The episode was titled “Arctic Circle,” and it featured Bear Grylls surviving in the wilds of British Columbia, which included skiing from Island Lake Lodge.
The episode became an instant hit with skiing and survival enthusiasts alike and showcased the breathtaking beauty of the Island Lake Lodge resort. The inclusion of the resort in the episode led to a significant increase in bookings, as more people wanted to visit the location featured in the show.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Island Lake Lodge by Mica Heli Guides in 2005 has had a considerable impact on the resort. The development and expansion of the resort has made it a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts worldwide. With the brand recognition and improvements made under the new ownership, Island Lake Lodge is sure to continue thriving in the future.