Browsing “Miss Whis”

Winter is here in full force and with its arrival came A LOT of snow, and likely (hopefully) the snowfall will continue.  Snow can make many of us lose our minds – our judgment stops, we suddenly hate our jobs and will do literally anything to get a few deep turns.  When the powder runs out, many of us head to the backcountry, whether it’s off Whistler or Blackcomb, or way back into the Duffy; the hunt for fresh turns continues.

I’m just going to cut to the chase here,  now is a better time then ever to register for an Avalanche Skills Training course.  Many of you think if a slide happens, you will calmly pull out your beacon, find your friend, and dig them out in no time… but this likely isn’t the case. Avy courses are running all over Whistler and will teach you how to assess terrain, snow conditions, and make emergency rescues, leaving you a little more prepared (probably not fully prepared- this takes practice) to avoid danger or possibly save a life.

(*Added bonus: your friends who are already experienced in the backcountry may actually want to take you with them now, as you will be a little more useful in an emergency!)

photo: Mel Saarinen

Here is a rundown on many of the courses happening in the Whistler area.  I highly recommend trying one out, even if you are not frequenting the backcountry or have zero avalanche skills experience.  The courses are fun, highly educational and will leave you with skills ready to impress any mountain babe (male or female).  Trust me, this is money well spent! Last year I walked into my AST 1, face swollen from a root canal, unable to speak clearly, and loaded up on T3’s, and still loved it! (minus all of the eyes staring at my ridiculous, swollen face).

The two basic courses are AST 1 (avalanche skills training) and AST 2.  AST 1 runs over two and a half days and is great for those just getting introduced to the backcountry (one evening, two days), the AST 2 courses are over four days and get into more technical snow science and decision making.

Some great programs being run in Whistler are with:

Whistler Alpine Guides

Coast Mountain Guides

Pacific Alpine Institute

Canadian Adventures (offers snowmobile based courses)

Altus Mountain Guides

(Most of the companies provide equipment rentals or will send you to a local shop to rent backcountry equipment at a discount)

Not ready to drop the $$? Then stay out of the backcountry for now and check out the free avalanche awareness tours offered by the Whistler Blackcomb ski patrol.  These are full day tours, run off both mountains and well… they’re free so why not!?

I’ll leave the rest up to you.  Check out these courses and be smart about what you are doing out of bounds! Snow science is cool, get educated, don’t be a fool!

My relationship status with the terrain park is complicated.  It’s a bit like that boy you had a crush on in high school even though you knew he was also a complete ass.  As addictive as the terrain park can be, and as cool as I would feel to be able to throw, well…anything, most of the time the park scares the shit out of me.  A slew of baggy-clothed bros flying over jumps and snaking the lines for rails, the boy to girl ratio can often leave a gal feeling pretty intimidated.  Give me the option of skiing around the mountain or hitting a park jump and I easily will take the former…but then just once and a while, I get this strange desire to try to slide an ice cold rail or (knowing me) land on the knuckle of a hard jump.  I’m going to safely assume more then a few of you ladies in Whistler know what I’m talking about.

Usually the moment the word ‘park’ is uttered, my stomach drops, legs immediately shake, and my bindings start to feel like they are moving around. Suddenly I get the feeling every mysterious face-masked dude in the park is some hot pro skier and that I could very well be today’s entertainment for the ride up Catskinner. However, if I find myself lucky enough to have bit of girl support next to me, I get a boost of confidence and am a little less embarrassed to take a huge bail.

Sometimes all it takes is a little girl power in a sea full of dudes to make your muscles stronger and the evil thoughts in your mind disappear.  As rare is it may be, Whistler has a few girls who are brave enough to get into the park every day, shred around with the boys and get a couple bruises.  Thankfully, most of the ladies regularly shredding the WB parks are pretty rad, and on the odd day I want to scare myself, they are willing to give me few tips or just chase me over jumps and rails.  Because it is the season of giving, I thought it would be nice if a couple of the regulars could share some of the love, and maybe all you gals out there tempted to hit a jump will feel a bit more welcome the next time you slide into the park.

Casey Ratcliffe- doing better then most of the boys

Snowboarder Kea Mowat and skier Cassandra Ratcliffe are in Whistler Blackcomb parks more often then not.  They push themselves everyday and are not afraid to keep up with the boys. It also sounds like they would love to have more girls to ride with, so get out there! Read more

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) the worst life events imaginable can often stem the growth of the most positive projects in our community. I guess the mountains just inspire people to do amazing things. My friends Izzy Lynch and Jeff Scott followed through with one of these amazing ideas after a brutal crash Jeff had during spring riding at Revelstoke. Boosting too far off an innocent roller left Jeff as a quadriplegic with a fractured and dislocated C5 vertebrae. Jeff and Izzy moved to Whistler where assistance was more accessible to wheelchair users, and began to discover what was possible for people with life-changing spinal cord injuries.

Unfortunately, many people who share our love for the mountains  have had to deal with the consequences the mountains can punish us with. Izzy and Jeff started being inspired by mountain lovers who didn’t let their injuries deny them of the freedom of exploring the great outdoors. Enter The Live it Love it Foundation, a program promoting adaptive outdoor adventure and striving to make sport available to anyone with a disability. If you have ever been in Whistler and seen someone in a wheelchair bungee jumping, kayaking or doing double back flips on sit skis, you have probably spotted this amazing group of athletes; pushing the boundaries of adaptive sport and inspiring literally everyone around them.

Freewheel Adventure Camp (photo: Zoya Lynch)

To add to the list of wonderful things Live it! Love it! does for our mountain community, I would like to add the fact they know how to throw one music blastin’, boot stompin’, drink slammin’ party and one just went down at the GLC last week.  There really isn’t anything like celebrating life with such an inspiring group of people as those involved in the foundation; the dance floor always gets wild, there are awesome silent auction items to be drunkenly bid on (last year a few glasses of wine bought me a sweet deal on Surefoot footbeds– my feet thank me now!); and tons of huge prizes are given out. Don’t fret, you may have missed this party but be sure to expect another one in the springtime. Check out The Live it! Love it! on Facebook to stay up to date on all of their gatherings. 

If you want to find out what the whole bungee jumping thing is about, ask Izzy or Jeff about their Freewheel Adventure camps held in Whistler each summer. Volunteers and support are always welcome for this week-long camp, and I can guarantee you it will leave you with a new appreciation for the wonderful lives we live, and the incredible people in them.

Party People! (photo: Zoya Lynch)

The thing about alternative lifestyle, medicine and healing is that it’s a little confusing. The words hippy, crystals and zen-like meditative state come to mind, all with positive connotations of course, but it can all be a little perplexing to the uninitiated. Well, fret no more grasshoppers, for the wheelers and dealers of the calming world have banded together to bring you an all-encompassing journey for the mind, body and soul with the Just U Health & Wellness Fair - December 1st, 10am-6pm and 2nd, 10am-4pm in the Sea to Sky hotel in Squamish, hosted by Gwen Sloan of  Just U Reflexology ~ 604-815-9640 or justureflexology@shaw.ca

The Fair is an amalgamation of inner and outer wellbeing and health products, services and lifestyles, alongside inspirational speakers from a realm of alternative perspectives, as well as music concerts, meditation and creative healing sessions. You do not have to have previously partaken in any aspects of these otherworldly experiences; or you could be one step away from eternal bliss, happiness and Japhy Ryder-like Zen-Buddhism existence; you will certainly be able to find a new aspect of health and wellness that inspires and speaks to you.

The Fair boasts 35 booths of amazing healing Products and healers promoting health and wellness and an incredible panel of speakers:

Saturday December 1st , 2012: Read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be singing and dancing and drinking and prancing and drinking and skiing and drinking and laughter and drinking… Oooh, It’s the MOST wonderful time of the Year! Happy Holidays Y’all!

Ninety-nine per cent of people love the holidays, the other one per cent are liars (or they actually really don’t like family/presents/turkey/snow/run’n’eggnog, in which case, I’m sorry.) Christmas means many things to many people, but here in Whistler there’s a universal understanding that life goes on, regardless of Santa’s appearance – or lack thereof – and a typical family-oriented Christmas Day is usually not on the cards.

More likely, you’ll wake up with a raging hangover, and head to your place of work for a phenomenal eight hours of joyous customer service, or, with any luck, strap on your plank(s) and get some Christmas Day turns in before the turkey dinner with housemates (which evidently turns into an impromptu houseparty). Read more

It’s all about embracing your inner goddess. You know, the one that can handle her wine, winks at the cute guy in the grocery aisle, and do a backwards walk-over in a corset. She can be romantic, fiery, a vixen, adorable and confident, all at once or one at a time. She doesn’t always come out to play, so when she does, you really want to document it. Enter; the Boudoir Marathon on November 17^th.

Nadia Fabbro, girlfriend of crooner Colin Bullock, and general hairstylist extraordinaire, along with Photographer Andrea Gurniak and Makeup Artist Kaitlyn Hargreaves are the brainchildren  behind the Boudoir Marathon.

I chatted with Nadia about their concept, what it entails, who can participate, all the juicy details; culminating in my own inner goddess batting her plumped-up eyelashes in anticipation of a personal Boudoir lingerie shoot. Steady, girl.

Miss Whis: What inspired you to start the Boudoir Marathon?

Nadia Fabbro: This Boudoir Marathon is being put on by 3 professional creative artists. Myself, Nadia Fabbro (www.nadiafabbro.com) will be doing a glamorous up do, big sexy hair or whatever the client chooses. Photographer Andrea Gurniak (www.andreagurniakphotography.com) will be capturing the moments and Makeup Artist Kaitlyn Hargreaves will be turning our models into porcelain dolls.

What inspired us most to put on this Boudoir shoot is with the love and passion we have for our profession, and the feeling we get when we see our clients sparkle because they feel SO amazing! Especially after seeing the shots; it is an amazing feeling to see yourself so glamorous, a huge confidence boost and a perfect gift to yourself and maybe a loved one.

MW: What background do you personally, and the other ladies involved, have in hair, makeup, fashion and photo-shoots?

NF: I started hairstyling at 16 and have loved every moment of it. I recently spent a year in Europe where I was working as a hairstylist in the French Riviera; this experience was unexplainable.  Models, Singers, Actors, Athletes, Monarchy and Fashion Designers were the norm clientele. Having Paris Fashion Week and Cannes Film Festival at my fingertips were a few places I gained inspiration from. Born and raised in Vancouver, I try to get involved with as many events as I can, Vancouver Fashion Week, ‘Miss Italia Canada’ Pageant,  Music Video’s and Independent Films just to name a few.

Kaitlin Hargreaves has been doing makeup professionally for many years having worked for MAC, Shiseido and Christian Dior. She recently took charge of a group for Vancouver Fashion Week. She worked on a music video for upcoming singer ‘Mackenzie Porter’. Kaitlin also works a lot in Theatre, Film and TV, having done makeup for ‘TUTS’ and is currently working with Jillian Harris on ‘Love It or List It’ Vancouver.

Andrea Gurniak graduated with a Professional Photography Diploma in 2008. Andrea keeps busy working on local Vancouver Fashion lookbooks, events and as a portfolio builder for up and coming models with Vancouver Talent Agencies as well as a numerous boudoir and wedding shoots.

MW: What is the most important thing for a participant to bring to the shoot?

NF: The most important things a model can bring to the shoot is herself, a smile and a positive attitude! Everything else will come naturally. Andrea will help direct and demonstrate and is a master of making someone feel super comfortable. Models do need to bring their own lingerie (for hygienic reasons) and we recommend bringing a few outfits along and we can help you decide if needed.

MW: What kind of shoots do you do, and do you provide advice to participants on what theme they should go with, what to wear, how to act?

NF: Boudoir Photography is super popular and SO much fun to participate in.  Boudoir is to take variations of candid and posed photographs of the subject partially-clothed or in lingerie. Commercially the genre is often (though not exclusively) derived from a market for brides to surprise their future husbands by gifting the images on or before their wedding day. Other motivations or inspiration for boudoir photography shoots include anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, weight loss regimes, maternity and other form of body change or alteration. Who wouldn’t love to look and feel like a superstar and capture the moments forever!

We are professional artists who have done many boudoir shoots, we will assist with making you feel most comfortable while adding our help with recommended poses and direction. If you are nervous or shy we completely understand, once you meet us, get your hair and makeup done, enjoy a glass of complimentary Champagne we guarantee you will feel comfortable.  We recommend to bring and wear anything you feel comfortable with, boudoir is normally shot in lingerie however if you feel more comfortable in something more covered you’re more than welcome to wear that. We’re here to make YOU feel amazing, comfortable and that Victoria’s Secret model you can be! We encourage all sizes and any age, above 19.

MW: What’s your favourite part of doing these shoots?

NF: I love the whole experience in doing these photo shoots. Meeting new people, getting them all ‘glammed up’ and aside from making their hair gorgeous, my favorite part is seeing their energy and reaction when they see the photos of themselves. Their face, and sometimes tears, are priceless.

MW: How can someone get involved with doing a shoot, and where can they contact you?

NF: You can contact myself at any time if you have any questions or need further details at nadiafabbro@gmail.com

For Bookings please call Andrea at 604-839-2643. We recommend to book asap as there are only a few spots available. 

“FlyOver Canada is a new major destination visitor attraction opening on Vancouver’s waterfront at Canada Place in Spring 2013. Guests will soar from coast to coast on a breathtaking aerial journey taking in the excitement and grandeur of Canada through the latest in virtual flight ride technology. The experience, a first of its kind in Canada, will appeal to locals and visitors of all ages who wish to see Canada like never before.

Groups of up to 60 guests at a time will strap in and be lifted in front of a large custom spherical screen where they will move in concert to a film with the most stunning vistas of Canada shown from the air. The immersive effect will be complete with the addition of wind, scents, mist and sound.” FlyOverCanada.com

Our very own Sherpas Cinema, of All.I.Can. fame, have spent that last few months soaring across our majestic nation, capturing every angle, aspect and point of view possible to completely capture the authentic nature of Canada. Available to experience in Spring of 2013, the Sherpas have been slaving away in their Function Junction studio to create a mind-blowing sensory adventure to completely view Canada in a way never thought possible. Don’t miss out on their months of hard work and passionate filming; be sure to get to Canada Place next year for the complete journey across the Great North.

The Sherpas came blowing onto the scene with their ski film The Fine Line in 2009, winning a number of awards from “Best Director” (X-Dance 2009), “Best FILM” (Livino Mtn Film Festival 2009, Cold Smoke Awards 2009, and Fernie Mtn Film Festival 2009), “Best Concept” (Powder Awards 2009), “Best Cinematography” (Cold Smoke Awards), to “Official World Tour Selection” (Banff Mountain Film Festival). In 2011 they completed their most incredible feature ski film yet, All.I.Can., premiering to a sold out audience at Whistler’s Conference Centre, and winning an unprecedented number of awards upon release.

Don’t miss out on this exceptional experience, from some of the most talented filmers and editors in the business.

Wow. Seriously. What were they thinking?! Like, you’ve got to be kidding me! There’s literally TOO much to choose from.

So, I’m meant to go to a wine seminar, a Viking stage, a winery dinner, Crush AND an after party..?! What do they think this is.. Whistler?!!

On second thoughts, maybe they’re onto something. Maybe this is a town that celebrates even when it’s not a pow day. Maybe this is the place that doctors, lawyers, bankers and civil engineers go to become line chefs, bartenders and restaurant managers just so they can enjoy the rest of life too. Maybe this is the place where we revel in good food, good wines and great company. So maybe, just maybe, those Tourism Whistler and Cornucopia peeps are right.

I may be biased, but I think they know that early November would be a pretty dismal time without our little wine soaked shin dig. Snow on the peaks but no chairlift open. Rain somedays and the promise of cooling temperatures but not just yet. So, what better time to join your fellow foodies, wine lovers, party animals, professional or enthusiast, and kick up your heels a bit before the season really kicks in. Ours bars and restaurants need just as much support to pull through the ‘dead season’ as we all individually do, so this is a chance to show your support but donning your party finery, and indulging in some delicious eats and drinks in a variety of incredible locations. Sounds tough? Ah, I think you’ve got it in you..

Cornucopia has a plethora of options this year, from an insane amount of incredible Winery Dinners, perfect to start of your night right, to educational and entertaining wine seminars where it’s encouraged to swallow, not spit, after-parties to take you past the witching hour, cooking demos with wine pairings, an Asian Night Market, luncheons, brunches and more! With the openings left by Casino Royale and Masquerave, the Fairmont and Four Seasons have stepped up to the plate and you can get your party fix at the High Rollers casino themed affair on Friday November 9th; 10pm-2am or at the Eau du Vie Party at 5280 Bar the same evening, 9.30pm-1am. Araxi has their ever-popular and utterly delicious Bubbles + Oceans event to round out your Saturday night from 10pm. Don’t miss these lavish affairs where you can party with the best of them, dance, eat and drink the night away! There’s no pumpkins at midnight for these party princesses!

Tickets are selling like champagne soaked hot cakes and we recommend snapping up your favourite ASAP. Visit www.whistlercornucopia.com/schedule for the full line up, and get your itinerary planned and tickets booked. And remember, now is as good a time as any to try something new and delicious!

“Lean back. Like, really far, with your head on my shoulder and making an arch with your back. Hook your legs under the landing bar, and breathe deeply. Ready? Ok, let’s jump!” And with that, we’re out the door. We flip forward to a full somersault, and come around facing down to the ground, which essentially looks like Google Earth does when you zoom in really fast. The wind smooshes my face into an entirely unattractive perma-grin and as the tap on my right shoulder comes, I release my hands from the harness and throw them out next to my head in right angles. Result; the classic skydiving pose. Feeling; pure ecstatic exhilaration.

Free falling for a good 30 seconds before the chute is pulled, I absorb all the overwhelming feelings of floating above our world, such as giddy joy, wonderment, adrenaline and open-mouthed stoke. This is far beyond what my wee brain had ever deemed possible. The feeling of being alive is 100 x stronger when you’re 10,000ft above solid ground.

Whistler Skydive is only 30 minutes north of Whistler, which is ample time to psyche yourself in or out of your impending fate, whilst taking in the gorgeous surrounds and appreciating how lucky you’ve been in life.

Sign in is easy, I recommend not reading the waiver* as it holds such gems as: “Please remember that Whistler Skydive staff, pilots & instructors are human beings and capable of making mistakes”. Ok, cool, hopefully no mistakes whilst I’m strapped to you and plummeting toward the earth.

Turns out, these guys are professional. Professional, intelligent and trustworthy; all attributes that I appreciate in someone who holds my life in their hands. And I’ll tell you, it was so worth it. The gradual climb to 10,000ft takes you over the beautiful Mt Currie mountain range, past sparkling Lillooet Lake, over Wedding Lake, with Mt. Baker visible on the horizon. It’s easy to see why people spend hundreds of dollars on sightseeing flights alone.

Once we reached the required height, the instructor gives you another rundown of what he requires from you, the pilot opens the door and a deafening roar from the atmosphere consumes you. It’s breathtaking. Literally; remember to keep breathing. The next few minutes will be some of the most exhilarating of your life so remember to smile whilst the instructor snaps 150 photos of your adventure, and take in the incredible views all around you. Skydiving truly is a life affirming experience, and with only a few weeks left to get out and try it for yourself, I leave you with something that a wise old man once told me; YOLO my friends. YOLO.**

*Whistler skydive recommends the opposite.

**it means You only live once. Seriously

Rimrock Cafe photo

It’s that time of year again! No, not Fall, or ‘down season’, or even ‘the time after summer and before the snow flies’; it’s ‘Specials Season’!

That magical time of year when the colours just seem brighter, the birds chirp a little clearer, the air has a crispness, and your wallet feels a little lighter.

Thankfully, for the latter, ‘Specials Season’ brings wonderment, elation and a full belly in the form of discounted menus across the town. From the all-you-can-eat special at Nagomi Sushi, the $19 menu at Sushi Village, the $29 menu at Alta Bistro to the incredible $49 menu at everyone’s favourite (when someone else is buying..) RimRock Cafe in Whistler’s Creekside.

But wait, there’s more! As if a $49 three-course special at Whistler’s best restaurant (especially in this scribe’s eyes) wasn’t enough, Bob and the team have taken it one step further and are offering 25 per cent off that price between Monday and Thursday. Perfect for a birthday event, first date, second date, any date, roommate bonding, the ubiquitous farewell, and so much more.

When weekends are reserved for party-rocking and tourist watching, Monday to Thursday is the ideal time for locals to seize the fantastic specials on offer and enjoy the restaurants that can sometimes be a little beyond our means.

In the name of research, I, along with my roommates, and the rest of Whistler, descended upon the RimRock Cafe last night to check out what this inordinately awesome deal was all about.

The three-course menu on offer varies slightly from their year-round menu, but the classic favourites are still on offer; from the Beef Carpaccio to the Oysters, the Seafood Trio and the unbelievable RimRock Mixed Grill; offering Venison, Lamb and Tenderloin, all on the same plate!

The portions are huge, incredible fresh, inspired ingredient combinations, and are more than satisfying for not only your belly, but your shrinking wallet.

I would highly recommend the Mussels; these morsel of delicious sea-dwelling perfection were bathed in a white wine, tomato, garlic and basil sauce with sumptuous chunks of chorizo sausage and accompanied by a never ending bread bowl brimming with fresh baguette.

The Seafood Antipasto is a new addition, or I’ve just never had it before, and God knows why not?! It’s amazing. There’s at least eight bite size samples of oyster, ahi tuna, smoked salmon, tartare, and more; all prepared intricately, lovingly and uniquely. Topping off the dinner was the RimRock Mixed Grill, offering generous portions of sweetly gamey and mouthwatering Venison, rustic lambchop and fresh basil beurre blanc topped tenderloin, all cooked to order.

I literally took two bites and asked for it to go. My food baby was already wailing in my stomach, and the concept of RimRock Mixed Grill for lunch at work the next day was too tempting pass up. I can’t say enough about this place, the understated decor, alluring atmosphere, charming staff, impeccable food, and casual-highend dining experience, is second to none.

I would recommend getting your butt here asap, and with the special on right now, you really have no excuse. Make sure you make a reservation and, my friends, good luck.