Posts tagged with “Locals”

What does that 10 second countdown mean to you? The sparkly hats, the champagne popping, the kiss at midnight? Is it the end of one thing and the beginning of something else? Or perhaps it’s just an excuse to leave the past behind and make a run for the future. Whatever New Years means to you, it can’t be bad that we’re encouraged to make resolutions about how we aim to live our next 365 days. In all honesty, these self imposed pacts should be made wherever and whenever the urge occurs, at any point during the year, but if it helps to have millions of others doing the same thing as you, at the same time, then so be it.

New Years by Dave Buzzard

According to The Independent, the Top 10 most common New Years Resolutions for 2013 were:
1. Save more money
2. Get out of debt
3. Get fit/lose weight
4. Change job/career
5. Quite smoking
6. Give up alcohol
7. Spend less time working
8. Spend more time with family/friends
9. Give up chocolate
10. Move house

Living in Whistler puts a different perspective on these resolutions. Perhaps it’s the beautiful environment we live in, the relatively laid back work situations we enjoy, the constant fresh air and the adventurous nature of the inhabitants, but Whistler’s resolutions speak volumes about how awesome this place truly is.

A small snippet of 2013 New Years Resolutions from the mouths of Whistler based babes:

• Eddie Hicks: Not change a thing.
• Lyz Desjardins: Photobomb as many tourist pictures as possible! It’s a great challenge.
• Brando Hitchon: To get married to the coolest person I know!
• Jesse Millen: Slow down, appreciate, and make the most out of every day. Very cliche but times are changing and can’t let life pass you by.
• Ben Wilcox: I am having too much fun today to think about tomorrow.
• Laura Briggs: To be irresponsible with money… and get fat. I’m pretty sure thats the recipe to happiness… or at least a really good year.
• Nick Campbell: My buddy Carno has cut out plastic bottles altogether; laundry detergent, dish soap are hard to find though. Ketchup is classier in glass bottles anyway, so that one was easy.
• Mike Nixon: No more heroin. I’m making resolutions to quit things I never started in the first place. Very good for my self esteem.
• Jeff Schmuck: My New Years Resolution is the same every year…to not have a New Years Resolution. Because that way I won’t feel bad about myself when I don’t keep it, and will be able to party guilt-free on December 31st!
• Quentin Royale: Live to ride, ride to live.
• Penelope Buswell: To learn to ski!

Happy New Year everyone, and may your resolutions ring true all year long!

As I write this, I sit comfortably in my jimmy jams after an hour long jacuzzi tub and the smooth grooves of Al Green playing on the  stereophonic soundsystem.  What could be causing this sudden wave of relaxation at 7:00 p.m.,  especially on 80′s night?

Why, the powder of course – powder of the crystal variety. Starting as particles high in the atmosphere a magical process bonds them together in unique, symmetric, beautifully arranged in a phi sequence to the pattern of the Flower of Life.   Snow is the outcome, and here in Whistle city we have seen about a meter and a half of it fall from the heavens in the past week , with plenty more to come.

It’s days like these that make me realize how blessed you can be as a local in this mountain playground.  Early season in Whistler, when it’s dumping like this, just may be the best part of the season altogether.  Here are a few reasons why:

1. Nobody is here.  Tourists don’t really show up until school gets out for Christmas.  Seasonal workers are yet to discover that drinking until 2 AM every night usually means sleeping in until noon.  And for those that do get up early, they still have no clue where they are going. Even the ones who think they know where they are going have no idea about [CENSORED], at least until february, usually by the time the lower mountain is good and my friends and I can have [CENSORED], [CENSORED] and [CENSORED] all to ourselves.

2. The Alpine is closed. Yes people.  Keep that board or pair of boards attached to your feet at all times, unless going in for lunch.  Do not attempt taking them off and walking uphill for any length of time.  No matter how short the walk is, or whether it was just groomed and packed, or whether ski patrol even gave the OK.  If the lifts aren’t running, then it might as well not exist.  Ha!

Glory laps

3. Terrain features! As I was barrelling nonstop down [CENSORED], I had a moment between the 30 consecutive pillows and double cliff-to fresh-to-more-pillows line to reflect on the fact that all these terrain features are usually buried.  With the base where it is right now, coupled with such an ecstasy-inducing amount of fresh, the whole mountain is like a giant game of Mario Brothers.  I can easily hear the jumping ‘boing’ and coin ‘bling’ sound effects for every little snow sculpture smashed to obliteration.

Bounce off anything you want!

4. Friends are healthy!  The body count always rises throughout the season.  Last year, I tore my ACL on the third day up.  Another friend blew his knee yesterday – it’s started already.  By February, there is usually a good percentage of friends who are out for the count.  It’s always a bit of a bummer when a good crew member goes down.  But for the most part now, you are able to meet up with the majority of your pals.

5. Dinner deals!  Due to the lack of tourists, local restaurants are practically begging locals to grace their presence and give them some still-dead-season business. All that ends in a week, so unless you like shelling out those brown notes on a regular basis, take advantage of a deal or two.  Check the Pique for info, most places still have their deals running.  After that it might be four months before someone adresses you as “sir” or “madam” without it following, “you’re making a scene”.

So take that list and do with it what you will.  If anyone has other reasons (and there are plenty) for why it’s so great to be here right now, let us hear it in the comments below.  Here’s to a safe and healthy season, and the hope that these storm cycles don’t subside for at least a few more months.  Is that too much to ask?

Photos by Marcus Richardson (@marctographer)

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!

Tell us about yourself.

89 per cent of the time I’m thinking about what the weather’s like, boys, what I’m missing out on, how much I hate FOMO, my friends, my family, my dog, when the snow’s gunna fall, what my next Instagram will be, what time is too early to pour myself a drink…

The other 11 per cent I’m sleeping!

Tell us an interesting Whistler story.

There are so many, but this one is funny! My Dad’s nickname is Piggy, so we had a lot of excess pig memorabilia hanging around. One April Fools in the 90’s the Nicoll family headed up Whistler Mountain, hammer, nails, and wooden pigs in hand and put them all over Pig Alley, on the sign and in the trees. The pigs remain there to this day!

What makes Whistler awesome?

Have you seen the two mountains we have here??

Whistler has so much more to offer than anywhere else I have traveled to. We have those mountains, lakes, restaurants, underground bars, valley trail, bike trails, the River of Golden Dreams, hiking trails, farmers market, friendly people, friends, family, memories, the list just goes on and on!!

What is Whistler’s best kept secret?

If I tell you I would have to kill you! The first rule of Whistler is to keep the secrets SECRET! All the people, really that’s what makes Whistler, Whistler! I love this community and always will!

What do you really want to say to the world?

Be kind to one another!

Smile and pass it along, life’s too short!

Get outside and play!

DO BETTER!

http://www.facebook.com/MercedesNicollProSnowboarder

http://twitter.com/mercedesnicoll

www.mercedesnicoll.com

Anastasia Chomlack photo

Tell us about yourself.
I’m originally from Northern Ireland, but my family immigrated to Canada back when I was a kid. Thanks Mom and Dad! I’ve be skateboarding and snowboarding for most of my life and it’s because of snowboarding that I met the girl I would marry and now live in Whistler. We came out for a season back in ‘98 and 14 years, a wedding, and two kids later we’re still here! I don’t get to spend as many days shredding as I used to, but luckily my job at Tourism Whistler involves some on-hill ‘work’ related activities!

Ken Achenbach photo

Tell us an interesting Whistler story.
I worked at the Camp of Champions summer snowboard camp for a few years and one summer we were hosting a night shoot in our terrain park for the DC team. As a kid who grew up snowboarding and idolized all the riders in the magazines and videos. One of those riders was Todd Richards who was riding for DC and was at the shoot. While waiting for the shoot to start, Todd and Travis Parker were having a hand-plant session on a quarter pipe and it was going off! I was helping set up the shoot, but couldn’t resist asking if I could join them and to my surprise they said yes! The next thing I knew I was sessioning the quarter pipe with these two iconic riders, one of whom was a long time idol, and I even got some cheers from them. As cliche as it sounds, the dreams of a young grom came true that night.

Anastasia Chomlack photo

What makes Whistler Awesome?

Everything! But I think its greatest asset is its people, plus we also have a pretty rad blog to remind us what is so awesome about Whistler.

What is Whistler’s best kept secret?
Stormy powder days. The blue bird days look great in the photos, but nothing beats a stormy pow day on the mountain with your friends.

Mike Crane photo

What do you really want to say to the world? To Whistler?
Regardless of where you live or what you do, always try to squeeze a little fun in your day. Life is short to spend it all working, so make sure you make time to do thing things you love, with the people you love.

Tim Koshul is the food and beverage manager at the Whistler Hilton Resort, while his wife Maria Lundgren is a nordic ski coach in the winter with the Whistler Nordics Ski Club, and a bike coach with WORCA in the summer. This year they welcomed their daughter Ella.

Tim was the leader of the Cheakamus Crossing community group that opposed the asphalt plant located in the neighbourhood.

Photos by David Buzzard

Tell us about yourself.

I originally came to Whistler for a summer ski camp. After the week was over, I stayed. That was 20 years ago and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon. I work in the hospitality industry first and then moved into construction. After gaining years of experience working on a variety of projects, with the suggestion of some close friends, I decided to launch myself into a new venture and I have now opened my own home inspection business. Unfortunately the years of hard skiing have damaged my body but I still get out and enjoy what our “bubble” offers.

Tell us an interesting Whistler story.

If you have been in Whistler for a long time, you probably know two Slinkys: Me and Slinky, the Taxi Driver.

Turns out we have a few other things in common that could confuse people. He drove a cab, I drove limousines. He has been here for 20 ½ years; I’ve been here for 20. He worked at the now-closed Howe Sound Pub; I worked at the Howe Sound Brewing Company. Funny coincidences, eh?

So years ago, I was sitting in Merlin’s, enjoying a few beverages after my day shift behind the bar. Someone calls the bar phone asking to speak to Slinky. The bartender flags me over and I take the call. It was ICBC looking to follow up with the other Slinky. “You’ve got the wrong Slinky,” I say. “Did you work at the Howe Sound Pub? We called the Howe Sound Pub and they directed us to your new employment.”

“No!” I reply. “You called the Howe Sound Brewing Co. The Howe Sound Pub closed years ago and they are not related.” Well, you can imagine how the discussion went. These agents listen to all kind of stories and that’s a good one.

“You can’t fool us!” the agent insisted.  I say, “Call the cab company. You’ll see that I’m not bulls***ing you.” Well, they did and during my shift at Merlin’s a couple of days later, I got an apology phone call from the agent.  Two Slinkys in one small town can cause some serious confusion!

What makes Whistler awesome?

Whistler is an active, always going, not your normal life style of living. I always tell people: “I’m on vacation year round!” The fact that we can leave out our front doors and do a huge variety of amazing activities, that others have to travel here for, is what makes this place awesome. Grab my bike, off I go!  Short walk to the gondola, I am on the hill! Hot and sunny, meet me at the beach!  The fantastic quality of life here is incomparable to most other places around the world.

What is Whistler’s best kept secret?

Well, there have been many best kept secrets revealed over the years and I’m not the one to reveal them. Best kept secret one day; most popular place the next.  So what is the best kept secret you ask…. buy me a drink and I might open up.

What do you really want to say to the world? To Whistler?

To the world: Thank you for choosing Whistler for your vacations or quick getaway. Without you, many of us wouldn’t be able to work and make a living here. You give us this great opportunity to live in this awesome place. Keep coming back with your positive attitude.

To Whistler: I know it can be annoying at times when our playground gets busy. Remember what your mom and dad taught you in the sand box when you were a kid: Share your toys!

Cheers! Slinky

1. Tell us about yourself.

I like to laugh. I like to be around other people that laugh…even if they are laughing at me (which isn’t always the initial desired effect)! Small towns and being part of a community has always been my life. I want to put in more than I take out of the system. I love people and helping make their day awesome (it means I get to be happy all the time out the deal too). Free hugs anytime!

2. Tell us an interesting Whistler story.

I pick up hitchhikers.  Sometimes I regret the stinky ones, but keeping the world a friendly place is worth it, and usually amazing conversations happen regardless of how long they may have worked for the circus. My first birthday in town, which had been random and fun, ended with picking up what I thought were four dudes in the cold November rain at 2am. Turned out to be four rad chicks that wanted to take me to an all night DJ bonfire party a block from home! I live by the rule that doing good comes back tenfold. Everyone should try it!

3. What makes Whistler awesome?

The ability to participate in nearly every summer and winter activity whether you are a rank beginner or a total ripper, and to feel good trying it all whatever your level. Take golfing at the Whistler Golf Club for instance – amazing right!? There’s my shameless plug for my glorious employer!  I do love golf, but also love all the other outdoor pursuits here.

4. What is Whistler’s best kept secret?

Rhinoceros!  Ok, maybe not much of a secret if you’ve been to one of my BBQs or birthday (suit) parties… another reference to total ripper! (Editors note: ask him for invite next time you see him to learn more!) Also, my brain works in mysterious ways, even to me, so be careful of what you say around me or I may just try and spin it, or ride it for a good time. That’s what she said…Oops!

5. What do you really want to say to the world? To Whistler?

The world is an amazing place to explore (I make sure to discover more every year) and Whistler is an amazing place to call home. I know it every morning when I wake up, and every night as I fall asleep, along with all the minutes in between. When the rest of the world finds out where I live, they make sure to let me know how awesome it is too, which confirms the choices I’ve made to settle here for the last decade. The Caddy Shack (name of my home) guest room seldom has vacancies, so that must be a good sign my network of family and friends love this place as much as I do! Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!

She can shred hard, too!

Created by Whistler locals, Kevani Macdonald and Kyle Graham, Playful Photo Parties is a “fun and empowering new experience for females living in, or visiting Whistler.”

Whistler women are no different to visiting tourists; we may run a tight ship by day, at the office, with a family and on the hill, but the chance to whip out the heels and curling iron can sometimes be a welcome change to the old routine.

A private photo-shoot with a professional photographer is a great reason to get all your ladies together for a girl’s night, whilst coming away with some amazing memories, created and documented. Kevani notes that PPP is “Perfect for stagettes, birthdays, bridal parties, leaving parties or simply for to celebrate being girls!”

Designed to create a comfortable and entertaining environment for “all females interested in unleashing (or meeting for the first time) their inner goddess” the parties are truly a celebration of femininity, in an otherwise male-dominated community. This is a chance to truly be ‘women’, in all the senses of the word, and a place where you can finally rock the cute knickers, corset, high heels, or dress that you thought you’d never get the opportunity to. Femininity includes freedom of choice and expression, so you are encouraged to be yourself and wear exactly what you want, as little or as much as you’d like.

A gift for the hubby-to-be, perhaps?

In-keeping with the sometimes forcibly frugal lifestyle of Whistler women, the cost is staggeringly appropriate, and prices for groups of 4-8 ladies start at $145 each (no added tax applies). This option suits groups who want individual shining moments, and includes a party where each guest has a 20 minute private shoot and receives their 5 best photos as print quality digital files within 72hrs. For larger groups of 8+, the focus tends more towards the guest of honour. Perfect for bridal or birthday parties, the woman of the moment will get a 20 minute private shoot plus time for each of the guests to join her in a variety of group shots. Additionally, each guest receives a mini 5 minute private shoot, letting all the wonderful women in your life have their 5 minutes of fame. Prices for this service start at $75 each. Additionally, for only $50CAD extra each, a professional hair and make-up artist will primp and pamper you to perfection; just a little icing on the already delicious cake.

The benefit of working with this local company, and wonderful directors, is that they know everyone who’s anyone in Whistler. Kevani says that “through our relationships with all the best party services in Whistler, we can also customize your party with other extras such as an in-suite pole dancing lesson, manicures and lots more. Just let us know what you would like to do and we’ll do our best to make it happen for you.” Now, there’s an option you can’t refuse!

All that’s required from you and your girls is an appropriate location on the Sea-to-Sky, and the required minimum space for a party is simply 2 rooms. Your green room for prep and hanging out, and preferably a bedroom, or similar, for the mobile photography studio to be set up.

Special offer for Sea-to-Sky residents – for all Playful Photo Parties held before 1 June 2012, each guest will save $50 off a $145 package.

Come meet the Playful Photo Party team at the Pink Taco Party in the GLC on March 21st for some more great giveaways and discounts.

Check out http://www.playfulphotoparties.com for more info.

Email Kevani at info@playfulphotoparties.com to request a call back and start your party planning.

Local action sports and lifestyle photographer Jeff Boyce is offering a workshop this spring through the Whistler Arts Council that covers camera functions focusing on the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Composition, basic flash techniques, digital editing, printing, organizational behaviour and photo techniques like panning and blurring will also be covered. Three in-field assignments will round off the two day workshop, finishing with a peer to peer critique session.

A graduate of Loyalist College Photojournalism program, Boyce’s services have been commissioned by the Vancouver Sun, Whistler-Blackcomb, The National Post, SBCSkier.com to list a few. Currently in his fifth semester instructing the FIN723 Photojournalism course at North Island College, Boyce is eager to share his experiences and knowledge with fellow Whistler local amateur and emerging photographers. Calling Whistler home for the past 10 years Boyce has a true passion for the outdoors and capturing it in a still image.

Please visit Stop Motion Photo for in depth details about the workshop.

Registration details are available on the Whistler Arts Council website.