For the first time in the 10-year history of Fernie hosting the TransRockies, a stage finish will be hosted at Island Lake Lodge. Fernie is the only community to have hosted each of the TransRockies events. Stage 3, which will start in downtown Fernie on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 – will highlight many of the most popular trails in and around Fernie. Passing through Mount Fernie Provincial Park, the race will finish at the spectacular Island Lake Lodge – home to Island Lake Catskiing in winter.
Island Lake Lodge is situated in the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 10 km from Fernie, BC and has twice been named one of the Best Hotels in Canada by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The property boasts 7,000 acres of catskiing in the winter and in the summer is open daily for hiking, spa and fine dining. “We’re looking forward to hosting TransRockies for the first time,” said Doug Feely, CEO of Island Lake Resorts. “Having such a prestigious event at the Lodge is a great way to showcase our facilities and the incredible recreational opportunities that we offer.”
TransRockies – North America’s original epic mountain-bike stage race and Canada’s best mountain bike adventure, runs from Fernie to Canmore over 7 days through the spectacular Canadian Rockies. While Fernie has long been either a start or finish host community for TransRockies, 2011 will be the first time the event made a stop at Island Lake. The spectacular stage 3 finish will be a highlight for all riders, especially those completing the 3-day solo TR3 on stage 3. “We are thrilled to be finishing stage 3 at Island Lake,” said Aaron McConnell, president of TransRockies Inc. “The spectacular setting at Island Lake epitomizes TransRockies – complete participant support in the midst of a beautiful natural setting.”
The stage finish will be positioned directly in front of the lodges at Island Lake and supported by two full-service restaurants, accommodation and spa packages. TransRockies participants, friends and family can stay in luxury at Island Lake Lodge any time from August 7-10 for a special price of $129 per night. Spa packages (reservations required) are the perfect way to relax after three epic days of mountain biking. For accommodation or spa reservations, call 1-(250)-423-3700 or email info@islandlakeresorts.com. Parking is limited on-site, and shuttles from lower parking lots will be in place when the lodge parking is full.
