For a little perspective we dug into our archives and consulted a copy of the 1993 publication “The Whistler Handbook.” In an article titled  ”The Trails Are World Class But Few Know About It – Yet” local artist, sign-maker, and former editor of the Whistler Answer Charlie Doyle had this to say about the local mountain biking scene in 1993:

“Mountain biking in Whistler today is like skiing was twenty years ago. In those days the skiing was every bit as astounding as it is currently, but it hadn’t been dubbed “World Class” yet… All we had was the best skiing in the world and hardly anyone outside the Lower Mainland knew or cared anything about it.” Just to be clear, Charlie wasn’t complaining about this lack of recognition.

The article describes how Whistler decommissioned logging roads formed the backbone of the local trail network, frequently re-cleared by rogue bike enthusiasts to provide smooth climbs and trunk roads servicing an ever-expanding network of single track routes.

Newcomers to the sport will be surprised to learn how many of these trails had already been built in 1993. Some of Whistler’s bike trails might even  be older than most of the people riding today!

Among Charlie’s suggestions were now-classic trails such as Cut Yer Bars (“offers a truckload of technical drops, obstacles, climbs and slalom descents”), Northwest Passage (“runs like a roller coaster across creeks and big sweeping corners”), the Black Tusk climb (“not to be missed for those who love gut-wrenching climbs”) and a few Westside favourites like A River Runs Through It (“you may never want to leave”).

A poster from an early Loonie Race (late 1980s). These weekly summer rides still run to this day (although inflation forced them to be re-branded “Toonie Rides” a few years back) are now massive social events, often with hundreds of participants.

As an aside, Charlie noted that “the municipal government has yet to be convinced that the bike scene can provide sufficient retail kickback to jump on the bandwagon.” Since that assessment the RMOW has clearly seen the light, as it is widely considered a case study in the positive impacts that follow from local government support for mountain bike trail networks. Interestingly, the first place Charlie suggested for prospective riders was Lost Lake Park, which is now a municipally-operated bike park.

Fast forward 20 years and Whistler’s biking scene is firmly in the situated in the mainstream.  As the trail network expanded, all the accompanying markers of “world class” status Charlie referred to are here as well: overseas visitors, global media recognition, dozens of dedicated bike shops, and media blitzes that are as calculated and labour intensive as the trails themselves.

For more info on the history of local trail-building, check out WORCA’s trail history article, and “Quest for the Holy Trail” run in the Pique last summer.

And for fun, we’ll re-post this classic clip from our archives, showing some sweet mtb action from 1988:

For more photos & stories from Whistler’s past, check out the Whistler Museum’s blog.

The Photos

01  I have skied since I was 2 and most likely wouldn’t live in Whistler if this hadn’t been the case.  This is where I always want to be and despite a fractured tibia, multiple torn ligaments and tendons I had to get a turn in for this shot.
02  My personal studio and workshop in Alta.
03  Off The Wall Kids x Coldsmoke.
04  I came across this living fawn while filming in Merritt, at this young age they are still in the midst of learning how to walk and are taught to lay still and blend with their surroundings. While I snapped photos the mother was trying to bait us away from her young.
05  Surfing in Sombrio with the homies!  Thanks Sauterlee Surfboards for the custom design!
06  Gainer off the tree platform at loggers lake, definitely one of my favourite haunts in Whistler.  I am really against the municipality cutting down all the ropeswings that locals have spent so much time setting up just because people got hurt.  Everyone swings knowing a massive risk is involved, if someone is hurt on a cliff on the mountain are they going to remove that too?
07  Sample of my art.  Message me for custom orders or details.
08  Representing Whistler Alternative Lifestyle magazine Features/Webisodes- http://www.coldsmokeco.com/features/

The Questions

What neighbourhood do you live in?
Alta Vista.

What do you do and where?
I work for myself as a photographer, cinematographer and artist.

What are you working on?
I am currently putting my focus into a video magazine style project dropping as webisodes.  Along with Anna Lengstrand, we are featuring Whistlers Alternative Lifestyle and the people that make it up.  Each video mag will feature an artist, athlete and entrepreneur while portraying them in a unique light.  Our goal is to promote talented individuals and businesses while showing a side of Whistler a weekend warrior or seasonal traveler may never see.

Under the label, Off The Wall Kids, we want to give the people of Whistler a fresh voice.  Off The Wall Kids represent the youthful and young at heart. Anyone who aims to inspire, create and dream is OTWK.  Anyone pushing the limits, making changes in the right directions and never taking anything at face value is OTWK.  With Whistler Alternative Lifestyle video mags we will bring these Off The Wall Kids into the spotlight and share their stories.

Where can we find your work?
Off The Wall Kids trailer and future video mags can be found at http://www.coldsmokeco.com/otwk/

We chose to work with Coldsmoke since they represent everything we are about.  (If you’ve ever heard of Powder Mountain Heli/Cat Skiing you have already heard of them).  Coldsmoke Co. is a lifestyle company based out of Venice, CA with a really sick clothing line of military influenced fashion meets function approach that perfectly suits the environment we surround ourselves with in Whistler.
My personal work/blog- http://www.ericbeckstead.com

OTWK on vimeo: https- //vimeo.com/offthewallkids

To say anticipation is running high for the opening day of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park would be an understatement and this week, the wait is finally over. On Friday, May 17 the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open for summer operations with much of the lower park open and buffed.

In contrast with the past two spring seasons where cool spring temperatures and a deep mid-mountain snowpack made clearing trails a difficult task, this spring has been much more forgiving. The month of May has already seen a number of days with temperatures in the high 20C and even 30C range, meaning much of the snow on the lower slopes of the bike park has been melting on its own.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager Brian Finestone says, “The ultimate goal is to have Dirt Merchant open for day one. The snow has been removed from the trail, allowing the dirt to settle and dry out nicely. If it continues to be warm, and mostly dry, we should be able to make Dirt Merchant accessible to riders, setting a record for its earliest opening ever.”

The official list of trails to open on May 17 will be confirmed the day before opening, but riders can expect to shred A-Line, B-Line, Crank-it-Up, Ninja Cougar, Karate Monkey, and even Crabapple Hits. Opening day terrain in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is recommended for at least intermediate to advanced riders. The bike park crew will continue to work hard to open more beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails as this season gets off to a quick start.

Marck McKay photo. Athletes Tristan Merrick and Peter Matthews

Beginning May 17, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be open daily from 10am – 5pm. Access will be available via the Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift. Upload via the Whistler Village Gondola will begin Saturday, May 25 when summer sightseeing operations commence. Extended Play hours 10am – 8pm kick off June 15 and will run through August 18.

Get information on Early Bird Bike Park Season Passes (available until May 16 for $599 CAN), Twilight Passes and Triple Play Cards HERE. Guests can purchase all passes and cards online at whistlerblackcomb.com, in person at Village Guest Relations, or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

For guests looking to rent bikes and gear, Garbanzo Rentals in the Whistler Gondola building will be carrying a selection of GIANT full suspension downhill mountain bikes including the Glory and Reign, Kali full-face helmets and Alpinestars body armour. Garbanzo Bike and Bean will be open from 10am – 6pm for rental and repair services, and features a retail section filled with top-end mountain bikes, clothing, bike gear, and a cappuccino bar.

Riders can also practice indoors in the Air Dome starting May 18. The Air Dome is an 8,400 square foot covered indoor bike training facility with various jumps, wooden ramps and a foam pit.  Full details can be found online at www.whistlerbike.com/information.

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).

Alexander Falls is located a short drive south on Hwy 99 and a few km up Callaghan Valley Rd.

Brandywine Falls is a short 10-15min walk from the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park parking lot located off of Hwy 99 10min south of Whistler. Exposed columnar basalt lava flows give this waterfall a unique look.

Nairn Falls is just south of Pemberton and takes a 15min walk to get to and has a character all of its own with its canyon like walls funneling the water into the final falls.

Snapped this shot on the way to our next destination on Pemberton Creek.

Locals call it Pemberton Falls, requiring a bit of a scramble and we lost the trail a couple times but follow Pemberton Creek near town up and you will be rewarded.

Other waterfalls in the area include Rainbow Falls, just off the Rainbow Lake trail and one of my favourites Shannon Falls located in Squamish.

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

If you are spring cleaning these 15 guys and one girl are in need of clothing, shoes, and personal items like cell phones, laptops, backpacks, toiletries, items for their new place when they secure a new place to live, etc. If you can help, please drop off your donation to Aava’s front desk.

Living in Whistler has also allowed me to continually work on my photography, given the valley can provide an endless list of vistas and subjects to shoot! Though much of my shooting history has been surrounding sport, I have more recently been trying to hone my eye for fine art shots, as well as ridding my shyness in shooting portraits.  At the moment,  I am focusing on getting more involved as event photographer for larger promoters… Nothing like being up front an in the middle of the action during a high-energy concert!

Feel free to check out my work, and am always open to people contacting me about photo-related questions and/ or requests!

The Photos

01  Home sweet home!
02  Home view from home!
03  Play toys inside of home!
04  The hummingbirds that come to visit my home!
05  Where I have my morning coffee while at home!
06  Where I seem to spend half my time when at home…! :-p
07  My wolf and my canoe when getting away from home
08  Nothing to do with my home, just one of my favourite shots and one the more fun shoots from this past winter!

The Questions

What neighbourhood do you live in?
I live on Alta Lake Rd, near Rainbow Park. Best view in town!

What do you do and where?
I work as an Ice Maker and Refrigeration Operator at the Whistler Sliding Centre (bobsleigh track).

What are you working on?
Getting my website, facebook page, Flickr and SmugMug accounts more streamlined and comprehensive image-wise.  Also working on my digital workflow, utilizing wi-fi, Bluetooth, tablets and such to be able to shoot, edit and send files remotely, real-time on location.  Might be the new wave in event coverage and photojournalism!

Where can we find your work?
www.adamtaberphotography.ca
www.facebook.com/pages/Adam-Taber-Photography/108763509157318?ref=hl
www.flickr.com/photos/adamtaber/

Regardless of your level of awareness, the election is happening May 14th, and it matters. Want proof? Well if it weren’t for some very heavy involvement by our provincial government three decades ago, Whistler as we know it simply would not exist.

By 1980 the highway from Vancouver had finally been paved, the RMOW had been formed, a recently opened Blackcomb Mountain was shaking up the global ski scene, and construction was well underway turning Eldon Beck’s vision for Whistler Village into reality.

But what should have been a time to rejoice was quickly turning into a nightmare scenario.

A major recession hit North America in late 1981. The economy was failing, real estate sales plummetted, interest rates were in the %20-%25 range, and the Whistler Village Land Company (the provincial crown corporation set up to oversee the development of Whistler Village) was on the verge of bankruptcy. As long-time Whistlerite and ski-resort-management guru Peter Alder recalls, the mood was so pessimistic that a common catchphrase around town was “Last person leaving Whistler, please turn out the lights.”

At this point much of the original village (which spans from Skier’s Plaza to the pedestrian bridge over Village Gate boulevard) had been built, but several buildings remained in varying states of construction: exposed re-bar, concrete foundations, and boarded-up windows were everywhere. There was a serious risk that the original plan for the village would be abandoned, undeveloped lots would be sold off to recover debts, and these properties would then be developed without any over-arching design.

Thankfully, the provincial government, then led by Bill Bennett Jr.’s Social Credit Party, began investigations to see whether saving Whistler was worthwhile. Satisfied that Whistler wasn’t a lost cause, accomplished and well-connected BC businessman Chester Johnson was put in charge of a restructured Whistler Land Company, with $21 million of provincial funds to kickstart the reboot.

Mr. Johnson’s determined leadership was just what the doctor ordered. He oversaw the reconstruction of the conference centre so that it better suited the resort’s needs, fought off calls to bring in a casino, while respecting the architectural sensibilities of the original Whistler Village design. By 1984 some normalcy was returning to the situation, and Whistler was once again set upon a successful bearing.

It’s hard to say what exactly would have happened had the BC government chosen not to intervene (a politically expedient decision at the time; recall the wide-ranging calls for austerity following the 2008 recession) is impossible to predict, but it was clear at the time, and perhaps even moreso in hindsight, that the decision would have a huge influence on Whistler’s future.

All that to say: those who think that provincial politics have no impact inside our cozy little Whistler bubble… you’re wrong. There are many more examples than the above story, but probably none so dramatic.

From bitumen pipelines, natural gas plants, and IPP hydro facilities, to tourism promotion, post-secondary education, healthcare funding, our rising deficit, arts & culture and more, there are many contentious issues at play in the upcoming election. Make sure to come out to Monday’s all-candidates meeting at the Whistler Public Library, where you’ll have a chance to ask pointed questions and get informed on the issues that matter most to you.

Then make sure you’re registered, and show up to vote on May 14th at the Whistler Conference Center, courtesy of Chester Johnson.

For more stories from Whistler’s past check the Whistler Museum’s blog!

It has been an incredible journey. As to where I am now in my life, I have been shaped into who I am through my friends, family and all the activities that I enjoy.

Most of my wood cutting is inspired by my lovely girlfriend Chantelle Pellerin (Artist and outdoor enthusiast). Also I have had help and guidance from my good friend Tom Eddie. In the beginning there has been some trial and error, but it has become natural over a short time.

Although I do like some solitude I mostly enjoy sharing adventures with my lady and with our friends. Even though I usually keep my excitement inside, I’m always having a good time and am thrilled to share our experiences.

The Photos
01  Silas, man of the woods.  From the Greek name Silvanus, which means ‘forest’ or ‘woods’.
Leroy, king of the house. of the French origin Le Roi, meaning ‘king’.
02  ‘The Family’.  Chantelle, Lola, Leroy and myself make quite the good looking foursome.
03  Of course I prefer long pow laps with my friends, but I also enjoy landing on my feet in the terrain parks.
04  Biking with friends is very entertaining and most enjoyable.
05  Concentration is key.
06  I do my best to manipulate these instruments in order to create items that everyone can enjoy.
07  Some examples of frames, shelves and Chantiliers.
08  Like many other talented people in this town I enjoy taking photos.  I call this one ‘Chantilope from Heaven’.

The Questions
What neighborhood do you live in?
I reside in a nice quiet Alpine neighborhood.  Actually it is quite a creative and artist neighborhood as I live doors down from the talented Love Jules Leather team, as well as the artistic Joan Baron.

What do you do and where?
I cook at the Rimrock Cafe, cut wood at my place, bike on the many trails in our valley and snowboard on the majestic mountains I call home.

What are you working on?
I have just finished a collaborative project for the ‘State of the Art’ show and am due for a short break.  A spring cleaning is probably in order.

Where can we find your work?
I have collaborative work up now at the ‘State of the Art’ show in the Whistler Conference Center, Farfalla Salon, and in the homes of friends and clients.

info@chantellepellerin.com for collaboration pieces.

Instagram: @sileeto