Browsing “Ski – Winter”

Nadia Samer photo courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Dirt in the valley and snow on the mountain tops sets the stage for Whistler Blackcomb’s annual Crud 2 Mud Downhill, a “transition season” event that combines the end of the ski and snowboard season with the start of the downhill mountain bike season.

Those brave enough to tackle the Crud 2 Mud course can do so on their own or in teams. The fun begins when the athletes strap into bindings at the top of Whistler Mountain and race their skis or boards down to where the snow meets the mud.  At this point, quad muscles already burning, winter gear gets swapped for summer gear and competitors jump on their bikes and race down the Whistler Mountain Bike Park trails to Whistler Village.

“Spring time in Whistler means we get the best of both worlds; we can ski and bike in the same day,” says Whistler Blackcomb Events Supervisor Sebastien Fremont.  “The Crud 2 Mud course is shaping up perfectly with all of the hot weather we have seen and is definitely going to put Whistler’s best multi-sport athletes to the test.”

Registration for the Crud 2 Mud Downhill is open until 2pm on Saturday, May 25, and is available online, in person at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Services, or by calling 1.800.766.0449. The event is recommended for strong intermediate to expert skiers/snowboarders and mountain bikers. The event is open to males and females ages 13+ and is $55 for individuals or $80 for teams of two. Whistler Mountain Bike Park lift tickets are not included in the registration cost but can be purchased at a special rate for the event of $31 (Adults) or $28 (Youth/Senior) at Guest Services. Read more

Building on the popularity and feedback from the last three years, Whistler Outdoor Photography Workshops is pleased to announce the dates for a Fall Whistler Outdoor Photography Summit, September 26-29, 2013. This year’s summit is in conjunction with the Whistler Arts Council and Out of Bounds Backcountry Photo Contest, a premier photo exhibition with a $1,000 cash prize.

“Photography in Whistler and the outdoor activities that we love go hand and hand just like the athletes and the equipment they use on the mountain. Documenting and sharing our adventures with others inspires us to be out in the mountains even more.” – Director Blake Jorgenson

Details:

• Full Advanced Course: 3 days of shooting and instruction, 6 evening lectures/presentations over 3 evenings – $900 (includes breakfast)
• Full Intermediate Course: 3 days of shooting and instruction, 6 evening lectures/presentations over 3 evenings, – $750 (includes breakfast)
• Evening lectures x 2: $10 per lecture, $15 for both or $50 for all 3 nights.

Instructors:

• Blake Jorgenson
• Jordan Manley
• Scott Serfas
• Paul Morrison
• Eric Berger
• Guest industry speakers TBA Read more

There are many prominent figures from our valley’s history whose names recur often on this blog and elsewhere: Myrtle & Alex Philip, Franz Wilhelmsen, Stefan Ples, Eldon Beck, Hugh Smythe, Florence Petersen, Nancy Greene & Al Raine, just to name a few. But one name which has not received its due is Jack Bright.

Jack Bright was the first General Manager of Whistler Mountain, and was a pivotal figure in the nascent ski resort’s quick rise as Canada’s premier ski resort. Sadly, we recently received word that Jack Bright passed away last week in Vancouver.

Franz Wilhelmsen hired Jack to run Whistler Mountain at the ripe old age of 28, a decision that turned out to be a resounding success. Considering Jack’s previous work experience was 5 years managing the tiny (and now-defunct) Pigeon Mountain ski area near Canmore, Alberta, Jack must have given a pretty good interview!

In any case, Jack turned out to be a marketing and management savant. Recognizing the power of celebrity and the draw of larger-than-life personalities, he managed to snag skiing superstar “Diamond” Jim McConkey to run the resort’s ski school, rental & retail operations.

A few years later in March 1971, at the height of “Trudeaumania” then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his bride Margaret honeymooned at Whistler. Clearly, such esteemed guests required “above-and-beyond” service, so Jack and Jim McConkey served as the newly-weds personal ski instructors during their stay. Trudeau, a strong skier, returned to Whistler often, and Jack or Jim were always prepared to accompany him.

The publicity from such high-profile associations is hard to overstate, and foreshadows the prolific use of celebrity and athlete “ambassadors” that is common practice throughout the ski industry today. For more recent local examples, think Dave Murray ski camps, Mike Douglas “Embedded,” and local Olympic champions Ashleigh McIvor & Maelle Ricker, to name just a few.

Jack was also instrumental in arranging countless ski races, spring skiing parties, and other events to attract skiers and raise the resort’s profile, another example of his forward-thinking marketing mind. During his tenure, Jack oversaw Whistler Mountain’s quick ascent to the biggest and most renowned ski resort in the province.

One look at the Creekside Gondola line-up from the early 1970s is testament to Jack’s success at growing the resort. It was also Jack’s decision to institute a boarding-pass system, lift tickets that included a pre-scheduled up-load time, to take some of the sting off what could easily be a two or three-hour wait for the lifts.

More than just a promotions guru, Jack  also built and managed the Whistler Inn, one of the valley’s first hotels, was the inaugural president of the Canada WEst Ski Areas Association, he helped found the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, the Canada Day Parade and was the chair of Whistler’s first bank, the North Shore Credit Union.

He stopped working for Whistler Mountain in the mid-1970s, but stayed in town for some time, continuing to manage his hotel and various other community interests. He eventually moved to Vancouver where he remained an active and respected businessman, though he remained connected to the Whistler community and came back to ski and visit frequently.

Franz Wilhelmsen, an unidentified man, and Jack Bright (from l to r), overlooking their kingdom. early 1980s (after Jack had stopped working for Whistler Mountain).

In light of the recent Canucks disappointment, and as the great man said; “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” -Wayne Gretzky. Without the courage, and perhaps insanity, to try something without a guarantee that it will be a successful endeavor, we can never really know for sure what we can achieve.

We all know what we gave up and what we gained from moving to Whistler. At some point 90% of us relocated here, whether for 6 months, 6 years or eternity, and never looked back. Well, some of them did, but that’s another story. Whistler has so much to offer in terms of work/life balance, opportunities in many industries, amazing culture (après included), and a year round ‘fantasy land’ reputation. Those of us fortunate enough to call this place home are surely in the 1% in terms of life happiness.

Sometimes, things come into our lives that shake it up a bit; a job opportunity, a lover, the travel bug, to name a few. These things should not just be ignored because of complacent satisfaction in the current situation, for as the age old saying goes, You Live Only Once.

Ladies, showing the world how Spring skiing is done, Whistler style

There will be opportunities, there will be changes, and I advise you, even if it seems tough, to seize them. Try something different, travel somewhere new, love someone else, work in a different country, because I guarantee it will solidify your relationship with Whistler and help you to recognize what made you fall in love with this place in the first instance.

Not saying at everyone feels like that, there’s thousands of people that are 100% happy and satisfied all the time here, and that’s not only frickin’ amazing but a testament to the awesome surroundings. However, some people may be more inclined to want for change, and when it comes, don’t be scared to take it, to run with it, to try it, to succeed or to fail at it. It’s all part of life, and learning and perhaps eventually, that road and journey will lead right back to where you started form.. Here.

Absolute perfection

After almost 7 years in Whistler, from boot fitting at Can-Ski, Wine Directing at the Chophouse and 3 years at the best company in town, Watermark Communications, I am heading south to try something new. I’ve always been a bit of a travel fiend, having grown up moving around, and love a new adventure, so San Francisco seems to have my name all over it. Why not head to a country where getting a work visa is tougher than the Canucks getting into the Stanley Cup finals (ouch, too soon?), where the economy is crashing faster than a Aussie on a 4-day bender, and where yearly rent, food, and living expenses are more than the National Debt. Why not? Because its an adventure, because I want to see where Kerouac was inspired, discover the Napa Valley, trail run Marin Headlands, walk the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog, listen to amazing live music, attend dance classes, try a new job in a booming industry, surf in Santa Cruz on my weekends, foster a new relationship, and so much more. I want to try, because if I don’t try at all then I’ll never know if I can succeed.

New beginnings

I’ve had absolutely the Time of My Life here in Whistler and it will ALWAYS be home, and I know I’ll be back (multiple times.. You can’t get rid of me that easily) but I just want to thank the Whistler Is Awesome crew, especially Michelle Leroux and Jeremy Postal for giving me the opportunity to be Miss Whis and spew words all over your computer screen, and for believing in me despite my connection to Australia. Cheers mates!

I want to thank Mountain Life Mag, namely FEET BANKS and Todd Lawson for also giving me a chance and supporting my mediocre writing skills. You’ve been not only great editors and mentors but great friends. I hope to keep working with you guys in the future!

A big Froning sized bear hug to my family at Crossfit Whistler. I know I’m loud, I know I dance at inappropriate times, I know I’m not the best, the worst, or the favourite, but you guys have all made me feel very appreciated and pushed me to do my absolute best during my 2 years at Crossfit, and I hope to bring a bit of Whistler to the San Fran box. You know, show ‘em how it’s done..

Huge ups to coaches Jordan, Jayde and Rob; thanks for all your support and perseverance. I am amazed at my improvement and it’s all because of you guys.

Cheers to my amazing team at Watermark, to Sue and Jasmine, JJ and Amy, Rob and Jaime, Kevani and Mei, Esther and Lilli; you guys have been my family and my mentors for the past 3 years. Being in your presence and working on the World Ski and Snowboard Festival and Cornucopia has taught me more than I could imagine and you’ve become unquestionably the best team and the best job I will probably ever have. This isn’t the end..

Watermark crew on the closing day of WSSF 2013

Last but not least, all my FRIENDS. You know who you are, and you’ve made the reasons why I’ve stayed in Whistler so pertinent. You guys have been the rocks on which we’ve all built lives here and I promise I’ll be back, more often than you’d like probably.

If anyone’s in San Francisco, please look me up, I’ll probably still be unemployed and have a bunch of time on my hands so we can hang out!

Peace Whistler, it’s been an absolutely pleasure. Jess Xox

“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

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.

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Highlights So Far Include: World Skiing Invitational Big Air and Slopestyle, Free Outdoor Concert Featuring Nas, and Whistler’s Black Diamond Betties Victory At Vengeance In The Valley

 The first half of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in Whistler, BC has been an adrenaline-fueled and action-packed, five days; but that was only the beginning. There are still five more days of sport, art, music and fashion to come at WSSF, with the action continuing day and night right through to Sunday, April 21.

Looking ahead to what is still in store at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival:

• The Shred Show, presented by Monster Energy, will take place April 18 to 20. Snowboarding events include the Boarderstyle on Blackcomb Mountain Thursday, April 18; the Slopestyle on Blackcomb Mountain Friday, April 19; and the Big Air in Skiers Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain on Saturday April 20. Both the Slopestyle and Big Air contests will be World Snowboard Tour 5 Star Events. Live scoring and results will be available online at http://live.eim-solutions.com/shredshow2013.
• The OLYMPUS Pro Photographer Showdown will take place on Thursday, April 18 in the Whistler Conference Centre. This year’s competitors who will be competing for $10,000 include: Andy Wright, Bryan Ralph, Chris Burkard, Darcy Bacha, and Oskar Enander.
• Intersection, presented by Bromley Baseboards will take place in the Whistler Conference Centre on Friday, April 19. The four competing teams have had seven days to shoot, edit and produce a five to seven minute action sports film. The teams competing for the $15,000 grand prize this year include Heart Films, Leo Zuckerman, Nuulife Cinema and Voleurz.
• The WSSF late night party circuit will wrap up with The END at the Whistler Conference Centre on Saturday, April 20. Featuring performances from The Funk Hunters, Luke McKeehan, SkiiTour and Neighbour, doors to The END will open at 10pm and the party will continue until 4am, Sunday morning. Tickets to The END are still available at the Whistler Activity Centre.
• The Outdoor Concert Series will also continue throughout the rest of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, with free shows from K-OS, Swollen Members, Arkells and more. For the full schedule of events still to come at WSSF and for information on how to purchase tickets, visit www.wssf.com. Read more

The World Skiing Invitational/Association of Freeskiing Professionals World Championship Slopestyle Finals took place today in the Highest Level park on Blackcomb during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. 30 male athletes made it to eliminations rounds today from yesterdays qualifiers, and 10 moved on to finals this afternoon with last years overall AFP title winner Gus Kenworthy taking the win. On the ladies side, 10 athletes skied during finals which saw some very impressive runs and a phenomenal performance by 14 year old Maggie Voisin who finished first.

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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

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Whistler Parks are awesome. Behold, here is Robjn Taylor’s edit for Whistler Blackcomb’s spring terrain parks, Shakespeare In The Park, Again.

Crispin Cannon photo, courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Warmer temperatures, longer days, sun-soaked patios, soft corn snow, and pristine terrain parks are just part of what makes spring such an amazing time at Whistler Blackcomb. While Whistler Mountain closes on April 21, the good times continue with Blackcomb Mountain extending skiing and riding until May 27.

“Whistler Blackcomb is lucky to boast one of the longest ski seasons in North America,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “Whether it is skiing freshly groomed corn snow, or enjoying an après beverage while listening to live music on the patio of Merlin’s, we want to make sure guests have the best possible spring experience. These tips will help everyone have an incredible time at Whistler Blackcomb.”

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