Author Archive

When the Monster Energy Shred Show rolls into town promising free energy drinks and 50,000 bucks, a gauarnteed who’s who of dirt-bagging couch-surfing Pabst-drinking snowboarders line-up to cash in. Add a 65+ foot big air jump to the mix, a notorious hip-hop crew, and an ominious date like April 20^th and the table is set for a night of Whistler proportions.

The Shred Show, in it’s third year in Whistler and second as a TTR 5-star event, closed out the World Ski & Snowboard Festival with a big air jump in Skiers Plaza and showcased the current flip-spin-win formula of snowboarding trickery. The list of heavy-hitting shreds throwing down was deep and riders were pulling out the mandatory double-corks and 1260’s just to make the finals.  Read more

Mike Douglas is such a hipster. If you didn’t already know this or didn’t see it coming, we have pictures to prove it and 2000 of Whistler’s finest crowd to back up our claim. From his shoes to his scarf to his Instagram how-to, host Mike made any late arriving Whistler-loc ask the same thing: “What the hell is Mike Douglas wearing?”

Ahh, but I digress before we begin. So here’s the rundown on the 16th annual Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

Read more

Among the leading ladies to really influence the world of women’s snowboarding through snowboarding’s metoric rise to popularity is Squamish local Megan Pischke, mother of two adorable children, and wife to YES Snowboards’ David Carrier-Porcheron (DCP). An innovator and among the first female rider’s to turn heads with her riding style, Megan’s passion for life goes far beyond her snowboard career.

As a long-time ambassador of Boarding For Breast Cancer, Megan has been an inspiration and advocate for women battling breast cancer and has been forefront in leading B4BC’s Re:Treat Yourself wellness retreats for survivors of breast cancer. Last year Megan was also diagnosed with breast cancer and entered into her own journey of recovery. Through it all, Megan’s approach to life is as infectious as ever and her story an inspiration.

On Wednesday, April 17 at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival friends, industry heads, artists, musicians, and supporters are gathering for a fundraiser dubbed “B4BC4Megs” in a show of solidarity for Megan and her family. We caught up with Megs to chat about the fundraiser, life after diagnosis, and what inspires her. Here’s her interview.

Photo by Rebecca Amber

Read more

Jonny Fleet has lived in Whistler for 8 years but originally is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He came to Vancouver for film school then made his way to Whistler and never found a way to escape. He began his show business career on stage before moving to film because he found it more creative. The 72 Hour Filmmakers Showdown was something he tried after graduating from school; at the time it was the biggest thing in the world. He and his crew have all grown so much together each year as filmmakers. “We kept trying to get better and challenge ourselves more and more, and it paid off. Plus, you can’t beat that audience!”

                                                                                                            -Jonny

WIA: Jonny, you’ve won the Filmmaker Showdown before. What are you feeling moments before your film premiers in front of 2000 people?

JF: Nerves ha ha! Nerves, sweaty palms, and constant bathroom visits. Wondering whether the jokes will work, if the dvd burned properly, if the crowd will like it. It’s all about the audience for me. If we won the whole thing, but got booed, I would consider that a failure.

How developed is your film concept going into the 72-hours of filming & production and how close does the finished film look to what you imagined?

We always have a script going into it. It doesn’t always help, but I think that also depends on what type of film you want to make. If the script requires music, we will try and make whatever we can before we shoot. Not a lot of people know that, but you are allowed to produce music beforehand as well. The finished product is never exactly how you imagine it but the closer the better.

Read more

A huge crowd of spectators made their way into the village for last nights’ Association of Freeskiing Professionals big air event, a platinum level event on par with events like the Dew Tour and the X-Games. A who’s who of freeskiing’s elite paid homage to WSSF’s 70-foot kicker and in the end it was Canadian Vincent Gagnier who walked away with the prize money and a promise to uphold the 10% rule. Rounding out the podium was last year’s AFP World Tour overall champion Gus Kenworthy in second and Henrik Harlaut placed third. Missing the podium but never losing, there was also an astronaut in the mix of jumpers, because nothing beats an astronaut.

Check out some of the action from WIA photographers Michael Overbeck and Nadia Samer.

Photo: Nadia Samer

Read more

Winter is alive and well here in Whistler. Trust me. Today’s Flute Bowl laps were as fun as they get so please, stop jogging, biking, and playing tennis. There are better things to do.

Read more

My first April in Whistler is officially when I fell in love with this funny little town. The ’98 Westbeach Classic big air was the scene, Kevin Sansalone took home the oversized novelty check for best hucky-spinny-thing (b/s rodeo 7’s if I remember right), go-go dancers were hula-hooping on the jump, and Pennywise played a killer show while dodging a storm of snowballs and fireworks someone eventually started shooting into the crowd.

I remember some nudity as well, but I’m trying to block that out.

To that point in my life it was the best night of my life and, as spring-after-spring has proven since, April in Whistler is not to be missed. And by “April” I mean the season ender party of parties, The World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

The WSSF is 10 days of party, shred, and art and, while the punk rock has been traded in for hip-hop, I guarantee your April will never be the same. Here are the Top 5 WSSF events I’m looking forward to this year:

1. Nas

I’m a closet gangster, I freestyle in the shower, and I used to rock a doo-rag during the Forum 8 days. I’m actually pretty amped to see this show and I’m curious what will happen if anyone throws a snowball at the stage. My guess is Nas shows the unlucky snowballer which block he’s from.

2. Yuca

I’ve seen Yuca perform a few times and they’re really good. The best part though, the lead singer looks like Axle Rose and this alone is worth the price of admission. Check out the entire sched of free concerts here.

3. Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown

If you can win tickets to this event, bribe a friend to sell you theirs, or in someway or another figure out a way into this SOLD OUT event, do it. Pro photogs put together a short slide show choosing from their entire body of work and then let us ohhh, ahhh, and cheer through some of the most stunning action-sports photos you’ve ever seen. Read more

Whistler is Awesome Welcomes Mommy Blogger Magda Kwaterska to the team!

A young girl when she moved with her family to Oakville, Ontario from Poland, Magda’s big smile and laugh made the transition easy, even without having mastered the English language.

After high school Magda was drawn to the West Coast lifestyle, and one season in Whistler quickly turned into two spending her summers serving on the sunny patios before returning to Guelph University to complete her BA.

The call of the West, the ocean and the mountains didn’t quiet and upon graduating University Magda was back in Whistler ready to embark on her career in Marketing & Communications; with a graduate certificate in Public Relations rounding out her education. Her career over the last ten years has taken her through varied industries from communication agencies to luxury spa and arts and culture.

Happiest traveling, dancing (living rooms will do!) or sipping wine and eating good food with friends, Magda is inspired and happy. Squamish is now home and this year is a big one with a wedding in August, newborn daughter Adelaide almost ready to crawl and a Whistler marathon registration in the back of her head reminding her that spring is here, to get outside and hit the trails.

- Liza Walli 

1. You’ve been around Whistler for about a decade but now call Squamish home, what keeps you connected to Whistler? 

I’m connected to Whistler’s community, good friends I’ve made here and the abundance of activities offered. Where else could you spend your lunch hour skating, skate skiing or running? Not to mention dining at many of the tasteful local restaurants.

2. How do you like being a new mom? Can you introduce us to your family?

Motherhood is amazing but it’s not all sunshine and roses. I’ve been faced with constant influx of diapers, saying words I had never before verbalized to strangers (swaddle? nipples? plagiocephaly?), and counting poops, all of this of course on minimal sleep and my occasional breakdowns.  There is so much about motherhood no one told me about, or maybe I didn’t want to hear. It’s not until I had Adelaide (now five months old) that I found myself with stitches in places I didn’t know I had, hormones crashing down around me and my breasts growing at an alarming rate! The first few months seemed like 100-hour days blended together with every day being a journey and a miracle. Each day continues to be an experience and I’m lucky to share it with my supportive fiancé Evan, and our charming Olde English Bulldogge, Truman.

3. What has been the most surprising thing about being a mom? 

The most surprising thing about being a mom is how much it changes your perspective on life. Prior to having Addie I always thought that I would be the “working mom”, one that raises a family and works full time covered in baby vomit. I now realize that I’m setting myself up for an 80 hour work week and as I start to evaluate other moms, I’m not sure which mom I am.

There is the above-mentioned “working mom”, for whom I have a new found respect and admiration. Those moms work two full time jobs and make it seem easy as they attend board meetings and parent – teacher interviews.  There is the “yummy mommy”, who’s flawless bodies and healthy eating habits inspire me to want to be more like them as I indulge in wine, breads and an assortment of cheeses! There is the “natural mom”, who was born to have babies, those moms love pregnancies, they breast feed for 15 months, they know why their babies are crying and never forget to bring a change of clothes! I wish I was more like those moms.

I’m now not sure which mom I am, I’d like to think that I could be all of them. I do know that my five month old, blue eyed, two feet tall munchkin has made me question my perspective on the road ahead. I do believe and will aim to maintain a balance of work, play, love and life.

4. How has Truman adapted to life with Addie? 

Truman is a true gentleman. Even though he’s only two years old, he has a temperament of an 80-year-old man. He is kind and gentle and more interested in his chicken flavoured bone than the soft skin baby who’s stolen his thunder.

5. We’ve never run a Mommy Blog at WIA before, what kinds of things can we expect you to write about? 

I want to share my experiences of being a new mom in Whistler and the Sea to Sky. I will write about things I’ve done with Addie, such as workout classes, mom and baby group meetings, stroller accessible trails and walks, swimming classes, cross country skiing, and wedding planning with a five month old (four months away! yikes!). I hope the blog will act as a guide of things to do with babies around town and as a forum for local moms to share their experiences and guide me towards interesting activities, mom groups, etc.

Welcome to the team Magda! 

For the afternoon crowd who lurk around these parts you should know that, with a small amount of extra discipline, you can make first chair and log way more pow laps in a day (or get crisp groomers, if that’s your schtick). I know everyone has their excuses as to why they can’t get to the mountain when the gondola cracks, but the reality is that unless you have kids your excuses don’t matter.

Rule of thumb: for every child in your care you’re aloud to be 30 minutes late for anything – no questions asked. So, unless you’re a parent with a legit excuse, get to the lifts early or feel the wrath of eternally tracked powder.

To help you out, here are ten tips & tricks to help you get to the lifts before the crack of noon.

1. Watch the Forecast

If you wake up late to a foot of fresh and this surprises you, I have no sympathy for you. Everyone in Whistler is an amateur weather forecaster so if you want to fit in here get in on that fad. Also, if you really want to know what’s gonna happen with the snow – learn to interpret the surf forecast.

2. Wake Up When You’re Supposed To

There is a setting on your phone called an “alarm clock.” Productivity hack #1.

3. Remember How Your Favorite Powder Stash Looks Untracked

Like a college freshman – young, eager, and ready to change the world – was your first month in Whistler. You were up early, got after the snow bright and early, and laughed at your good fortune in snaking first tracks down some long-time local’s favorite spot. Remember that feeling. The local didn’t mind you snaking his spot because he still get’s it most days while you’re still sleeping.

4. Organize Your Gear The Night Before

Sounds simple, right? Productivity hack #2.

5. Don’t be an Optimist

Everything takes longer than you think, so give yourself more time. A missed bus, a passed out housemate in the bathroom, a forgotten pass, or a broken bootlace are not excuses – they’re what you get when you see the glass half-full and you don’t leave yourself enough time.

6. Don’t Stop For Coffee

Harder done than said. Productivity hack #3.

7. Last Call, First Chair is a Myth

Show me anyone who can hit last call and first chair for seven days straight and your après is on me. This is a limited time offer subject to change.

8. Powder Days Are Better With Friends, Get First Chair Friends

“No Friends on a Powder Day” might be a worthwhile saying if you live in Colorado and your per/annum powder days are marginally better than my per/annum birthday days. However, if you live in Whistler powder days are plentiful and – even when the snow year is sparse – good snow is still readily available. And this is true: pow days are always more fun with a good crew which means that your crew should be just as committed to first chair as you are.

9. Spend Money on Being Early aka Drop $$$ and Hit Fresh Tracks Breakfast

I’ve never done the Fresh Tracks breakfast though I hear it’s pretty amazing (bring a ziplock for your lunch). What I do know is this: if you spend your hard earned green on being up the mountain early for breaky, you’ll be there early.

10. Spring Shred

Somewhere along the way the afternoon shred shift actually will work in your favor and the freeze-thaw cycle makes rolling into the park sometime after brunch feel like a good start to the day. I guess there is always a silver lining to everything and, with spring right around the corner, I’ll see ya right around noon.

-Jer

Every good story needs an inciting incident, the act or event plunging the story’s main character into tension and forces them to change or die. The inciting incident is never what the story is actually about but it’s always about what get’s the story rolling. It’s a starting point, a tipping point maybe, and a real shit disturber that always – for the making of a good story – requires character transformation.

At the Whistler Museum this week on Wednesday, we’re going to be examining one of these inciting incidents. However, the story being told isn’t far away and somewhere else or in some novel but is actually a story being lived out right here and right now, in our world and right here in Whistler. The inciting incident we’ll explore has something to do with Open Source thinking, the inevitable change it is bringing to our communities, and the revolution waiting in it’s wings.

Part of the Whistler Museum Speaker Series, this month’s presenter is freelance writer, creative consultant, and storyteller Steve Andrews. If you’ve ever sat for coffee with Steve you know his mind is continually exploring and challenging the edges of conventional wisdom, he’s unafraid of chasing down questions that matter, and he actually cares about the things he believes in. I cornered Steve with a few questions to give us preview of what to expect Wednesday at the Museum; this is what he said:

1. I assume you’re a fan of open source technology. What is it, exactly?

Open Source is essentially the antithesis of control.  It’s applications are limitless.  For technology it refers to ‘opening’ the source code, which is basically an application’s DNA, to the masses.  The previous model relied on secrecy and protection of intellectual property.  A good comparison to make is between the Linux and Microsoft operating systems.     Linux is better on so many levels, and is free.  Microsoft is full of bugs and costs millions, probably billions, of dollars for a small team of people to develop.

2. Open source is so much bigger than tech, though. Can you give us a preview of how you think the open source paradigm is shifting the cultural landscape?

Open Source Ecology is a really cool project.  People collaborate to engineer machines that can build whole neighbourhoods.  Currently they have developed and tested a machine that turns ordinary mud into bricks, a tractor, a bulldozer, and a “powercube” which is a removable power device that can be removed and placed in any of the machines.  All of the plans and materials list are available online, for free.  The only costs are for the material and the time to put it together, which is usually around 10% the cost of it’s traditionally-produced equivalent.

3. Top-down leadership models have worked to varying degrees for a long time, why change it?

Just because something works does not mean that there is a better alternative.  Our world is full of disharmony and suffering, and things do not have to be this way.  Human creativity is limitless.  If problem solving were opened to the entire population, we would be tapping into an infinite field of potential.  There still exists a need for leadership and people who make the final say.  But when the floodgates of control are released, the flow of ideas and solutions can develop at a much more rapid rate.

4. What are the most important elements of this conversation that Whistler needs to hear and who needs to hear it?

I would say that it is the fact that for the first time in our history, humanity is interconnected.  The implications of this can boil down to our very own community, by tapping into the collective mind of the people to make decisions that affect us all.  I think everyone needs to hear it, and especially understand what it means.  Most of the younger generation gets it.  But I’d say our parent’s generation is having trouble adapting, and understanding the significance of this idea’s merits.

5. I’m pretty curious as to why you want us to bring WIFI enabled devices to your presentation. What’s the deal?

Well, the open source concept is not about one person speaking to the masses.  It’s about collaborating to collectively find a solution.

6. Finally, if you met Open Source at the bar, what drink would you buy it and why?

Probably a pomegranate juice.  It helps you grow

The 411

When: Wednesday, February 20^th; Doors at 6pm, show 7pm-9pm
Where: Whistler Museum
Who: 19+
Cost: $7 regular price, $5 for museum members

To purchase tickets (seating is limited), call the Whistler Museum at 604.932.2019, or visit us at 4333 Main Street, just behind the library.

There will be a cash bar featuring the Whistler Brewing Company and Jackson Triggs Wines, as well as complimentary coffee served courtesy of the Whistler Roasting Company.

About Whistler Museum’s Speaker Series: More than mere repositories of old stuff, museums are institutions of ideas, venues where communities share, debate, and explore their thoughts on the world at large. To that end the Whistler Museum hosts regular Speaker Series events featuring presentations on a diversity of subjects: from the usual suspects of mountain culture and adventure travel, to the environment, design, current events, and beyond. These events are hosted on the third Wednesday of the month, October through April (minus December), and present the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to encounter compelling stories in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. All Speaker Series events have a cash bar and are 19+.