Bay Street Bull Magazine

VOL.8 NO.5

BEST OF THE WEST

$7.95

THEBAYSTREETBULL.CA

Supernatural Places to Ski

COLLINGWOOD REGION Ontario’s Premier Winter Destination

IN THE ISSUE:

fe a t u re s

COLLINGWOOD REGION 26 The Ontario Winter Games.

departments

8

UP FRONT 6 Mercedes-Benz Christmas Collection, Chanel, Learjet.

WINE+SPIRITS 54

10

EAGLE PASS HELISKIING The Best New Heliskiing in Canada.

14

WHISTLER Canada’s Winter Playground.

16

WHISTLER HELISKIING 31 Years of Epic Powder.

20

SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT The Best Kept Secret in North America.

22

STYLE+FASHION Burton 2012 Outerwear.

28

BLUE MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES Events and Attractions.

32

AUTO REVIEW Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit.

34

INVESTING IN A LIFESTYLE Collingwood Real Estate Guide.

42

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Après Ski Dining – Relax and Unwind.

47

GEORGIAN HILLS VINEYARDS A Labour of Love.

52

SKI & SNOWBOARD CROSS Take Blue Mountain by Storm.

55

SKI MOVIE REVIEW Warren Miller’s, Like There’s No Tomorrow.

58

ON THE SHELF Winter Books.

Collingwood Canadian Whisky.

TECH TOYS 56

BIG WHITE RESORT Big Powder in the Heart of Wine Country.

Cover photo courtesy Sean Hannah/Eagle Pass Heliskiing

Back to the Future Photo Credits on page 58.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 3

B AY S T R E E T P U B L I S H I N G

Vol. 8, No. 5

SENIOR EDITOR Sean Litteljohn ART DIRECTOR Mark Tzerelshtein CONTRIBUTORS Simone Johnson Jude Wayland Julie Card Alan Lande Desmond Von Teichman Michael Collins Mark Stevens Malcolm Spencer DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING SALES Bill Percy | advertising@thebaystreetbull.ca COLLINGWOOD REGION MANAGER Julie Card ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS Jordan Sanders Mark Waxer Bryan Dearsley (Muskoka) Gail Stewart HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT Mark Waxer ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christophe Boilley COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATOR David Rees The Bay Street Bull is published six times annually and is distributed directly to Toronto’s Financial and Business Executives.

Distribution by: Roltek International Inc. Subscriptions: $24 annually.

To order please e-mail: service@roltek.com Bay Street Publishing, 305 Evans Ave. Etobicoke, Ontario M8Z 1K2 WWW.THEBAYSTREETBULL.CA

Photo: Ruslan Sarkisian

VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLISHER Fred Sanders | publisher@thebaystreetbull.ca

I

t’s that time of year again, the leaves have fallen, the geese have flown and frost is forming on your windshield. That morning coffee is all important and your day-dreams have shifted from the cottage to the ski hill.

Instead of lounging on the dock with a shandy, you’ll be sitting around the fire with a whisky or a fine Ontario winter wine. Welcome to winter and welcome to our annual Ski Issue.

This issue offers something for everyone: Whether you prefer a family excursion or a backcountry heliskiing adventure. Our focus is on the premier destinations in Canada: Whistler, the BC Interior and of course our own stomping grounds, Collingwood, Ontario.

We have gone in-depth (and deep in the powder) to uncover the top destinations, 5-star dining, finest libations, best shopping, most opulent spas and special events to keep you entertained all winter long.

As always we offer our most popular features: Real estate investment advice, this time a “lifestyle investment” piece from Desmond Von Teichman and Alan Lande, ski health tips from the world famous Cleveland Clinic, in addition we provide you a guide to private ski clubs and a run-down on the Ontario Winter Games, Snowcross at Blue Mountain and new Apres possibilities at Whistler/Blackcomb.

Jump-start your Christmas shopping list with tips in our UpFront Section, test drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, SUV of The Year, which is guaranteed to get you to the slopes safely, stay warm with our Burton Clothing Feature or a review of the exciting new Collingwood Whisky and renowned Georgian Hills Vineyards. Enjoy our top tech picks and a handful of books to keep you occupied while relaxing by the fire.

I think you will agree this is our best ski issue yet and will get you dusting off your gear and heading for the hills, if not at least you’ll be pulling out your old Warren Miller movies, but hopefully not that old one-piece ski suit.

We always enjoy hearing what you think about the magazine. If you’d like to send us a letter about this issue, or have an idea you think we should explore in the magazine, please address your letter to The Publisher, The Bay Street Bull, 305 Evans Avenue, Etobicoke, Ontario, M8Z 1K2, or e-mail me at publisher@thebaystreetbull.ca.

Fred Sanders, Publisher 4 | THE BAY STREET BULL

UPFRONT

2011 Mercedes-Benz Christmas Collection This famous luxury brand offers up a wide variety of gift giving options this Christmas.

It’s the best of the best, only from MercedesBenz: Italian calfskin men’s travel wallets, a beautiful signature ball point pen adorned with the Mercedes star, a leather and diamond stitched organizer or handcrafted 100% silk tie. The list is endless. Other options include Swarovski decorated wristwatches for either sex or even peddle cars of their famous SL and AMG models for little ones ages 3-5 years. emercedesbenz.com

Chanel Jersey Fragrance As light and liberating as the name suggests, Jersey is the new masterpiece from Chanel Master Perfumer Jacques Polge. Evocative of a meadow lush filled with lavender, a scent borrowed from menswear by Coco Chanel herself, Jersey leaves a tender trail of Vanilla and Musk. With a nod to femininity and a light and alluring potpourri, a rare and sophisticated new scent has been born. It indeed lives up to the words of Coco, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” chanel.com

Base Camp X The Base Camp X brand is Toronto’s own axe company, founded by Graeme Cameron in 2010. The Co-founder of NYC’s Best Made Co. went out on his own to establish a Canadian brand based on legacy and superior quality handmade goods. The “Colossus” Titanis is 5 Lbs of high carbon hybrid tooling steel mated with 30 inches of hand selected Tenessee Hickory. Made to order, each axe is unique and built to last for generations. The Titanis is one of 5 axe styles available in an assortment of designs at basecampx.com

Linley Limited Edition Wine Cabinets Linley has collaborated with The Antique Wine Company to create a limited edition series of handcrafted wine cases. Any serious wine connoisseurs know how important it is to keep your vintages well preserved, as well as to showcase them in style. They need to look no further, Linley offers these handcrafted, beautiful and rare wine cases to properly store your most cherished wine. These fine cabinets were commissioned to house Bordeaux’s first five growths and promise to be hugely in-demand. grand-chateau-series.antique-wine.com

6 | THE BAY STREET BULL

Flexjet Offers First Learjet 85 Fractional Ownership Flexjet are the first buyers of the much anticipated Bombardier-built Learjet 85, arriving in 2013. They recently announced their program of fractional jet ownership for this impressive business jet. The very first four Learjet 85 models will be offered at “competitive prices” by this privateaviation firm. Bombardier’s new business class jet promises to be the most comfortable and spacious in it’s class. It also leads the industry in safety with a FAR Part 25-certification. Flexjet offers guaranteed availability to the “elite fractional ownership fleet” for patrons who join the program. flexjet.com

Ecoluxury. When something doesn’t exist, you invent it.

Introducing the all-new S350 BlueTEC 4MATICTM Leaders know how to make a change. The all-new S-Class provides unmatched eco-friendlier luxury. Whether it’s the new S 350 BlueTEC 4MATICTM with the only diesel in its class or the first Lithium Ion Hybrid production sedan, you’ll be a leader.

Or choose our powerful new V8, with even more horsepower and 20% greater fuel economy than our previous generation. Either way, you will become an Eco CEO.

© 2011 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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BIG WHITE esort

BIG POWDER IN THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY

R

BY SIMONE JOHNSON

T

he Okanagan Valley is one of the most picturesque areas in Canada, it is also home to Big White Resort.

Known for its wines and beautiful weather, this region also produces some of the finest powder snow in all of Canada. Blessed with sunny weather, dry “champagne” powder and mild average temperatures (usually around 5 C) this a top destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.

118 marked runs descend from the mountain’s summit and 16 chairlifts service 2,565 skiable acres of deep powder bowls.

Well spaced glades and fall-line cruising make it a very enjoyable ride. With over 24 feet of powder falling annually, Big White is truly a world class destination to consider.

In fact the international travel magazine, Condé Nast, named Big White “The Best Snow in North America” in 2008.

This promises to be a great snow year and the mountain is offering many programs to celebrate, including: Private VIP Chairlift Access, (available February through March), offering eager skiers exclusive use of the “Bullet of Black Forest 8 | THE BAY STREET BULL

Chair” for a private hour of skiing first thing in the morning. This package includes a one-hour private lesson for two people, with the slopes completely to themselves, an all day lift pass and hot coffee.

The price is $550 and worth every penny, especially on a “powder day”.

A visit to the Okanagan Valley without savouring the wines of the region would be criminal. This is why Big White is celebrating their 4th Annual Red Wine Festival this season. On December 10th, Big White will be pouring this year’s Big Reds and honoring the wines that have made the region a favourite amongst connoisseurs. This unique region, perfect for growing grapes, produces fabulous Bordeaux-style wines and guests will be treated to wines from over 30 of the award-winning wineries, including the popular: La Frenz, Ex Nihilo and Road 13.

Another one-of-a-kind Big White program includes the “Downhill Divas”. If you are looking to get away with the girls, this is your ticket. Stunning accommodation, a 2day ski/board camp, luxurious massage, yoga or “bootcamp” class, plus a lovely

A LOCAL’S PERSPECTIVE

BY SEAN LITTELJOHN

welcome basket, and private shopping experience await. The 2-night package is priced at $660 per person and you can bring 6 of your closest girlfriends.

For guys, the Hockey 101 package might be your thing. This is designed for those looking to discover our nation’s most beloved sport. Take lessons from a Big White Hockey Pro, ride in a private limousine to a Kelowna Rockets Hockey Game and receive a one-of-a-kind monogrammed Big White hockey jersey. Teach the whole family to play. The price is $940 for four with jerseys or $580 without.

How about some more adventure? Challenge yourself on Big White’s thrilling Ice Climbing Tower. This has become an attraction of choice and at over 60 feet is truly awe inspiring. Climb this 3 foot thick tower of blue ice, whether you are a beginner or more advanced climber, there are routes available for every skill level. It’s challenging and will definitely satisfy your quest for fun.

Test your own skills or watch others as they attempt to reach the top.

Not everyone is an adventurer and some

prefer life beyond the slopes. For these people, Distinctly Kelowna Tours and Big White Resort offer the popular Sip & Savour package, a tour that takes guests on a fun and informative jaunt around the East Okanagan. This includes a tasting and tour at the Summer Hill Pyramid Winery (Canada’s Largest Organic Vineyard) Cedar Creek Estate Winery or Colona Winery.

The package is $285 per person, including a two-day lift ticket and of course the well loved winery tour.

Children are always welcome at Big White Resort. The “Mom, Dad and Me Program” is a fun and creative way for young children to learn to ski with their parents. Kids ages, 3-6 are invited, especially those who are anxious at being away from their Mom and Dad for too long.

Two hours of semi-private lessons with both child and parent introduce children to skiing and provide parents with tips on how to teach kids to ski safely, while having fun.

If your kids aren’t really kids anymore, the Teen Spirit media program will teach them some useful skills on how to film their friends and make a great video in the Telus Park. This program develops skills both on and off the slopes and provides a nice souvenir and memories that they will cherish for years to come.

Big White cares for your entire family.

They have created rotating Family/Senior Skiing and Snowboard Zones on the mountain. Three runs are selected per day and additional signage, gated entry and extra slope watchers are employed to watch speed and enforce safe ski/riding practises. This thoughtful feature ensures that senior guests and families with small children can safely explore the mountain and not just be limited to green runs.

Also for those that love a great deal, Big White is offering a number of early season promotions if you book now, including: free lift tickets, free accommodation for children and complimentary passes when you stay at their select properties.

Big White offers a unique experience for everyone in your family and as the name suggests they have some of the best snow in Canada. Big White definitely should not be missed. bigwhite.com 

Flynn Seddon is an institution at Big White Resort. He is Director of Terrain Parks and Events and has worked at the mountain since 1995, a self proclaimed “3rd generation south Kelowna hillbilly”.

I’ve known Flynn for 15 years and I know he lives for his mountain. I had the pleasure of asking Flynn why he is still there after 16 years and why he loves it so much.

What is new at Big White this season?

We just spent $10,000 on our new rail features in the fun park and we partnered with local shops, Island Snow and DV8. In addition we did a lot of summer grooming and slope-work on our snow cross course and continued glade and tree thinning to offer more to our customers.

What kind of winter are you expecting at Big White?

It’s going to be a big winter, an epic season, at least that’s the buzz.

I know Big White is known for a “special” kind of snow.

That’s right, we get light, dry, interior champagne powder and over 24 feet of accumulation per season.

What makes Big White different from other resorts?

We are a big resort with a small comfortable feel. We are under two hours from Kelowna International Airport and we have packages where you can fly from Toronto, get a free lift ticket and be on the lifts by 10:30 am the same day.

Anything else?

Our village is ski-in/ski-out, you don’t have to drive anywhere. We are less crowded and you aren’t just another face in the crowd. You can pick-up your ticket, check into your condo, unload, send one of our staff out for your groceries and alcohol. All you have to do is walk in, pour yourself a drink and plan your day, walk out your front door, put your skis on and go. It’s easy and comfortable. You don’t have to touch your car until you brush it off to drive to the airport.

Why do you love Big White so much?

It’s an intimate little spot, with some great hidden gems, like the small tapas bar Six Degress that sits only 30 people. Big White is like stepping back in time, it’s about skiing and being comfortable, relaxing and enjoying yourself with friends. You interact with the people who work and live in the village, they are the people serving you, but you will see them at the coffee-shop, at the bar or you might ride the chairlift with them. Big White is world-class but at the same time promotes personal, friendly service from checkin to check-out, you are a friend, not just a number.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 9

EAGLE g n i i PASS k s i l e H A

BY SEAN LITTELJOHN

THE BEST NEW HELISKIING IN CANADA

10 | THE BAY STREET BULL

newly acquired and intimate boutique heli operation, Eagle Pass Heliskiing offers exclusive packages and service to a small group of lucky skiers and snowboarders.

Fly direct from the front door of the charming lodge on the Columbia River and you are in the heart of the Monashee Mountain range in less than six minutes.

The terrain is endless and world-class. You can ski and snowboard on a combination of open high-alpine bowls, old growth cedar and hemlock glades, or test yourself on cliffs, in chutes and any other sort of natural feature you can imagine.

Eagle Pass Heliskiing, is the only heliskiing operation in Canada to offer Unlimited Vertical Packages and boasts runs of over 5,000 vertical feet! There are no shortage of options on the 250,000 square acres of skiable terrain and if you are in a group of advanced skiers or boarders your guides will challenge you as much as you like.

Safety is never an issue at Eagle Pass. They are the only heliski operator in Canada to offer radios to every guest, which are connected to the expert guides and their helicopter pilot.

Avalanche floatation “airbags� are mandatory to all guests and can be inflated in the unlikely event of an avalanche. Tracker 2 Beacons are mandatory for all guests and guides and there is an extensive training period before anyone straps on their equipment and takes to the mountains. Eagle Pass offers total peace of mind when it comes to safety.

All of the Eagle Pass guides are expertly trained, professionally certified and have years of experience in the backcountry of the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. Individual attention is a must at Eagle Pass, with one guide for every four skiers or snowboarder guests.

Their mountain pilots must have over 10,000 hours of fly time to be qualified to fly their AStar B2 and Bell 212 helicopters.

The staff of Eagle Pass Heliskiing emphasize the importance of skiing and snowboarding instead of what owner, Scott Newsome, refers to as, “Fluffy lodge life”.

Newsome is the real deal, an accomplished professional snowboarder turned powder guide, with over 16 years experience in the local backcountry and in Alaska. Born at Lake Louise, Scott soon partnered with his Uncle, the first backcountry snowcat operator in the Revelstoke area, and founder of Cat Powder Skiing. They were the first backcountry operation at Revelstoke and were subsequently bought by Revelstoke Mountain Resort, their terrain turned into what we now know as Revelstoke Mountain. Newsome went on to teach avalanche, touring and mountaineering courses at the College of the Rockies. He also guided extensively in Alaska, often working with film crews, before finally deciding to start his own backcountry company. With the help of some past clients and big money investors, Scott bought Eagle Pass Helisking and is now one of four owners, the others being, Michael Wood an environmentalist in oil and gas, Craig Borgland, who owns High Rock Energy, an oil and gas company in Calgary and Matt Pinto a guide with years of experience.

Never at a loss for words, Newsome will tell you, “We offer a unique service because we

are industry people instead of the usual mundane sheep involved in heliskiing companies.”

Scott Newsome also offers expert guiding services on a snowboard, which is unique and helpful to their snowboard clientele, allowing snowboarding guests to feel more comfortable and better understood.

Another legendary member of the Eagle Pass team is Greg Hill, a ski guide who holds a world record for climbing over two million feet in one year. He is just one of a number of remarkable guides you will find at Eagle Pass Heliskiing.

When you finally get back to the lodge, expect the best. The new lodge at Mulville Creek, called “Echo Bay Lodge” is a cozy 12 person affair and even though it feels remote, is easily accessed by car. Guests always fly direct from the lodge, with the helicopter waiting just outside.

At Eagle Pass, the fare is delicious and prepared exclusively by 5-Star, Red Seal Chefs and featuring their famed “100 Mile Diet.”

Locally grown in the Okanagan Valley. Farm fresh and organic, fruits, vegetables and local meats from nearby Enderby, British Columbia make every meal special. There are also many famed local wine vintages available from the lush Okanagan and a “Flare Bartender” to keep guests entertained.

The lodge runs on 100 percent Green Microhydro and features two hot-tubs, a pool table and big screen TV’s. It offers a fun and friendly atmosphere to converse or just relax after a great day in the mountains.

Located between Vernon and Kelowna and atop “Predator Ridge” sits “Sparkling Hill Resort.” Open only one year, this 5-Star European style wellness spa and resort features: 7 different saunas, infinity pools and many health-giving treatments. Built by the famed Swarovski crystal family, it features over 3.5 million dollars in sparkling crystals, lining every aspect of this high-end private resort.

Non-skiing spouses stay for free at Sparkling Hill Resort and high-end private one-on-one skiing is available.

Sparkling Hill offers the only door-to-door heliskiing in Canada. Located close to SilverStar Mountain Resort, Sparkling Hill will arrange the A-Star Helicopter to meet you on the tarmac at Kelowna International Airport, so you never have to set foot in a car (even though the drive is only 20 minutes) It’s the easiest, most exclusive and pleasurable heliskiing available.

If you can only join Eagle Pass for a day, heliskiing is available from the family-friendly SilverStar Village Resort, where the Bell 212 helicopter is always available to take ten guests and two guides, in two groups, into the high-alpine.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 11

Sparkling Hill Resort Swarovski Crystal Inspired Decadence Nestled in the majestic mountains near Vernon, B.C. and overlooking shimmering Lake Okanagan, sits the ultra-exclusive Sparkling Hill Resort.

Newly opened in May 2010 and built by famed architect, Andreas Altmayer and commissioned by visionary and former Swarovski CEO and patriarch, Mr. Gernot LangesSwarovski, Sparkling Hill is an ultra-exclusive 5-star resort offering a European approach to whole body wellness.

Incredibly, 3.5 million Swarovski crystals line the interior of the resort and even the exterior features “crystal architecture” making it look like a cousin of Michael Lee-Chin’s work on the Royal Ontario Museum. It is truly the first resort of its kind anywhere in the world and a shining treasure hidden amongst the mountains.

After an epic day with Eagle Pass Helisking, floating through fields of crystal powder, your just reward is long soaks in hot pools, soothing steams or reinvigorating saunas. Add 5-star fare and vintage Champagne and you truly have a “bucket list” day.

The exclusive guests at Sparkling Hill have unlimited access to all the unique Kur Spa amenities, 7 uniquely themed sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool featuring underwater music and a shimmering Swarovski Crystal sky above, a hot pool, outdoor infinity pool, Kneipp water therapy and the popular Serenity relaxation room.

A wide range of Kur Spa treatments can be booked from an extensive menu including a couples massage or visit the first Cryotherapy cold sauna in North America, sure to awaken your senses.

Sparkling Hill Resort offers over 100 treatments, each designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Traditional treatments include: hot stone massage, moor mud wraps, reflexology, aromatherapy and an extensive aesthetics program. sparklinghill.com

12 | THE BAY STREET BULL

There are no “down-days” at Eagle Pass Heliskiing, when the chopper can’t fly, they always ski the mountains, either Revelstoke or SilverStar. If you prefer you can explore the local region and shop, eat or learn about historic Revelstoke, B.C., a former timber and railway town.

While the name Eagle Pass Heliskiing has been around for a while, the new management has revamped the business and taken it in a new and exciting direction. Scott Newsome remarked, “Since splitting with the old ownership, our bookings have increased. I think it’s because people appreciate our relaxed vibe and our focus on the love of skiing and boarding.”

It could also be because of the myriad of press to come out about Eagle Pass Heliskiing during the past 12 months. In only one year they have hosted Red Bull Media and played center stage in the new Travis Rice, snowboard film “The Art of Flight”, which many consider to be the best snowboard film ever made. Newsome acted as the principle guide for the two months they spent at Eagle Pass filming this feature film. In addition famous European skier Candide Thovex, is working on a two year project at Eagle Pass, famed ski movie makers, MatchStick Productions, also visited last year in addition to Jeff Patterson from SBC Media and Pat Bridges from Snowboarder Magazine.

Eagle Pass Heliskiing is appropriate for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders looking to push their abilities.

“Bookings are filling quickly and it looks to be a bigger season than last, with 200+ cm of snow already accumulating in the high-alpine”, says Scott. When asked why he thinks they have become so popular after only one season, Scott replied, “We offer the most authentic experiences and the best deals in helisking”. They are currently offering a one year “Birthday Special” to celebrate their first year in the business. A full day of Unlimited Vertical, including accommodation will cost you only $999. This limited time promotion runs from December 16th to the 29th, 2011. Check their website for great deals, “Shoulder Season” and Spring rates or talk directly to Scott Newsome, which may be increasingly difficult after December 16th, as he tends to be on the hill, logging 200+ days a season, guiding the lucky guests at Eagle Pass Heliskiing through some of the best terrain on earth. eaglepassheliskiing.com 

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WHISTLER CANADA’S WINTER PLAYGROUND

14 | THE BAY STREET BULL

Whistler Film Festival & Filmmaker’s Summit

W

histler is by far Canada’s premier snow destination. A world-class year-round leisure and meeting destination nestled high in the Coast Mountains and only a short 120 km (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rated the top ski resort in North America for the past 12 years in a row, Whistler has played Host Mountain Resort to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Games. The luxury resort offers an extensive range of options for accommodations, including 24 hotels, as well as condos, Bed and Breakfasts and stunning chalets, 100+ restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and numerable activity options from world-renowned skiing, snowboarding, to summertime options, which include: mountain biking, golf, hiking, rock-climbing and water sports. In addition there are a number of international festivals, special events, athletes and celebrities that call Whistler home.

WFF celebrates it's 11th successful year from November 30th to December 4, 2011.

Prepare for five action-packed days filled with over 80 innovative and original films from Canada and around the world, all set in North America’s premier mountain resort, Whistler.

The celebration includes lavish galas, filmmaker tributes, outdoor screenings, Q & A’s with the filmmakers and of course the fun-filled annual Celebrity Challenge ski race, a definite crowd-pleaser. This is in addition to the best December skiing on the continent and a flurry of special guests and exclusive events.

With several accommodation partners to choose from and Whistler Central Reservations to assist in finding you a perfect match, this is sure to be an enjoyable trip.

You can save by purchasing a vacation package including: hotels, discount lift tickets, rentals, private fares on flights, cars and activities, all from this one trusted source.

This will leave you more time and resources to enjoy the many unique screenings, to schmooze at film parties and get some fresh powder turns, maybe you’ll even share the chair with a movie star.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 15

WHISTLER HELISKIING 31 Years of Epic Powder

BY SEAN LITTELJOHN

L

ast year was a fabulous year for snow. I can say that as I literally almost disappeared in 72cm of fresh powder on Whistler. This happened more than once, in short I took a lot of “sick days” last Winter.

The snow stuck around covering the mountain tops behind our house, through the cool spring and summer months and now it appears that the winter season runs year-round. As a dedicated snow enthusiast, this works for me.

I have been checking the snow accumulation daily and as I write, Whistler Mountain has received 24 cm in the last 24 hours and is slated to open tomorrow.

This is looking to be another El Nino year (just like every season since 2009), we are in a deep winter cycle and every season just keeps getting better and better. Whistler heliskiing is only two short weeks from firing up their helicopters and taking eager skiers and boarders to Powder Nirvana . With new rates frozen like the ice on an Ontario sidewalk and the announcement of the world’s best Après Party at the Bearfoot Bistro, this is the season to “get your heli on.”

Whistler Blackcomb is truly a Wonderland and a place like no other on earth. It’s where anything can happen and usually does, a place where you are always part of the action, or where you can choose to avoid the glitz and glamour and retreat to the solitude of the backcountry to find clarity and epic powder turns.

No longer just the number 1 ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb has grown to become so much more, it is a year-round mecca for lovers of all mountain-sport adventures 16 | THE BAY STREET BULL

THE TERRAIN AT WHISTLER HELISKIING IS VAST, NEVERENDING AND TRULY BIG MOUNTAIN SKIING AND BOARDING AT ITS BEST. as well a social destination for the jet-set. Whistler is a little town with a big reputation for film festivals, world-class ski and snowboard events, concerts, art exhibits, food and wine festivals, like the world famous Cornucopia, with some of the finest skiing terrain in the world and postcard quality scenery. Add Whistler heliskiing to the mix and you have award winning options available for everyone. Diversify your visit and you get the complete experience, ski and board to your hearts content, do some sight-seeing, fine dining, a little party if you like, shopping, spas and learn something about the Whistler region and history, it is truly a special place.

The terrain at Whistler heliskiing offers, never-ending and truly big mountain skiing and boarding at it’s best. It spans in all directions, as far as the eye can see, and is reserved exclusively for their valued patrons. They have enthusiasts coming back year after year for this one-of-akind experience and it’s been 31 fun-filled years and counting. Alot has changed since 1981 but the terrain is still as unique as Whistler itself, open bowls, powder fields, small drops and big air possibilities. They have routes for every skill level, that are safe, fun and challenging.

New this year is the Heli Apres at the new Bearfoot Bistro.

The Bearfoot bistro is the most happening restaurant in Whistler and is renowned for their cuisine, drink menu and of course party atmosphere. It has been called “The Most Fun Room in Whistler”, which is probably accurate, where else can you “Saber” a bottle of champagne and toast your day of virgin, heli-accessed powder turns?

After a rewarding day in the mountains, your helpful guides will take your heli group to the Apres party, where you can recap the days events, revel in the camaraderie of new friends and old buddies and boast about who got the hero turns, drops and jumps of the day.

There is always a video recap of the day’s events starting after the first group arrives and repeated twice, so you can admire and validate those claims of the perfect run and cheer your new found friends and their personal achievements. You are also free to invite friends and family so they can marvel at your day and learn more about the Whistler heliskiing operation. Chances are that after viewing a “day in the life”, they will end up booking their own heli-time.

After the show, it’s a night to remember of award-winning food and drink served by a helpful staff and master of ceremonies Andres St. Jacques. He is truly the host with the most and chances are he will be the one to show you how to saber that bottle of champagne and join you for a glass or two.

This year look for the Whistler Sabbatical Program to include Whistler heliskiing, this new initiative between Whistler Tourism and Whistler Blackcomb aims to promote and educate tourists to the many possibilities that the resort offers and gives them a chance to win luxury packages and sample some of the best Whistler has to offer. Including of course Whistler heliskiing. whistlerheliskiing.com 

Cornucopia WHISTLER’S MOST DELICIOUS LONG WEEKEND

For the most indulgent connoisseur, the majestic resort town of Whistler, presents the most celebrated culinary festival and brings chefs from across Canada and around the world, as well as the finest wines for every type of bon vivant.

Not to be outdone, mixology masters are also represented at Cornucopia. Cocktail culture is flourishing in Whistler, driven by local distillers and mixmasters creating exotic artisan cocktails inspired by local ingredients.

Truly a feast for the senses, a 4 day and night dazzling extravaganza, featuring winemaker dinners, seminars, gala tastings and after parties. It is a mustsee showcase of the finer things, an unmatched food and wine party and it draws over 10,000 visitors and hundreds of key industry members and media.

From amateur enthusiasts, aficionados and respected industry professionals, there is something for everyone. Judges and presenters headline each event offering tastings, seminars and they provide as much insight and information as possible. The event which is the official kick-off to winter and only days before the mountain opens, is internationally recognized as representative of Culinary and Viticulture Tourism in Canada and the largest of its kind. Cornucopia is a different kind of food and wine festival with a decidedly Whistler attitude.

For more information: whistlercornucopia.com

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Photos of Alan Lande's personal residence in Whistler, B.C.

BUYING IN THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH

Whistler Condo & Town House Real Estate 101

BY ALAN LANDE

S

Born in Montreal, in 1947. Alan Lande is living the dream and quickly fulfilling his “bucket list.” Lande is celebrating his 61st year on snow and calls Whistler, BC home. His path has been an interesting one, with more twists and turns than the “Sea to Sky” Highway.

From dropping out of Loyola University (Chaucer wasn’t his thing) and borrowing $5000 to enter the “Shmata Business”, he traveled to Hong Kong and became one of the first to design, manufacture and import fashion from that region. Lande went on to travel all of Asia and India and grew the business to $25 million in 1980, large for that time. Ten years later he cashed out and moved to Whistler, slowly buying up property, his timing couldn’t have been better. Alan now enjoys a profitable Property Management business and his personal mantra is still: “Be The Happiest, Not Always The Richest.”

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o, you want to buy in Whistler? Great idea! Price is always important, but if you can determine your needs before going shopping, a qualified Realtor will be of great service.

Below is a checklist for you to consider before investing in Condos or Town Houses in Whistler.

• Define your goals: is it for straight investment, partial personal use, or full personal use?

• Decide between Phase 1 or Phase 2 ownership category • What are your partial ownership benefits: Phase 1 — Unlimited Personal Use and self management. If you choose to, you can manage rentals, but with only one unit it won’t be equitable. Normal commissions to field Rentals are approx 15% without any other services.

Phase 2 — You can use this property for personal use for up to 28 days in the Summer & 28 days in the Winter. Total 56 days of Personal use per year. You pay a Management Fee and are obligated to put the balance of time in a Rental Pool where there are different formulas of revenue sharing, generally costing 40-50% of the gross amount.

Both of the above work well when you live farther than “local striking distance.” It is a great convenience to be able to leave your gear in your private owners locker, and have it as you left it, with freshly tuned skis & boards waiting for you to return. However you will have to add: Property taxes, Strata Fees Tourism, Whistler Fees, Cleaning Costs, Telephone, Internet, Gas, Hydro, Repairs, etc.

“Fractional Ownership” means you pay a predetermined proportioned share for your fractional time. Dates can revolve or be fixed: choose what works best for you. Benefits include having a Property Manager, and knowing your place is always ready for a visit.

Should you decide not to use it, you can rent it out.

Although Whistler is truly a four season resort, it remains primarily a skiing & snowboarding attraction for the most affluent guests. To that end, ski in/out properties are at a premium and priced accordingly. Summer visits have exploded in the Village and the local secret is , “It’s better in summer than winter.”

I moved here over 20 years ago for the snow & winter sport, now I love summer in the Mountains. World class; golf, fly fishing, biking and hiking are just a few of the many sports & activities available. The days are very long, it stays light til 10 pm in June!

It would be a pleasure to introduce you to a professional Realtor™, or if you’d like to ask me anything, please reach me at doinlife@whistlersbest.com 

SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN

THE BEST KEPT SKI SECRET IN NORTH AMERICA

BY MALCOLM SPENCER

RESORT

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mere 22 km northeast of Vernon, B.C, sits the awardwinning “Best Small Resort in North America”, Silver Star Mountain Resort. Also renowned as “The Best Family Resort in Canada”, the mountain sits next to a Victorian inspired village that is very colourful and visually unique.

A stunning 3,065 acres of skiable terrain are blanketed by more than 23 feet of the “world’s best powder” annually, take in over 2,500 vertical feet of great skiing from top to bottom, and enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures of only -5 C, on average. This is cold enough to keep the snow light and fluffy, yet enjoyable and perfect for skiing.

New this year, Silver Star Mountain Resort and the exciting and newly managed Eagle Pass heliskiing operation have joined to open up the Gold Range in the Monashee Mountains for the resort’s lucky guests. A private Bell 212 helicopter will take 10 skiers and two guides to perfectly untracked powder.

If you want to brush up on your skills before you hit the backcountry, you can take a few in-depth powder lessons with their world class Snowsport School before you head out for the thrill of your lifetime. This helicopter service is based right out of the village, making it a tempting and exciting activity for all mountain visitors.

Silver Star Mountain also has a “Dark Side.” The back side of Silver Star offers challenging terrain to satisfy the most hardcore enthusiast. With over 60 runs, serviced by the highspeed Powder Gulch Quad and Putnam Creek, renowned 20 | THE BAY STREET BULL

for black diamond runs and deep powder, this mountain will put your skiing and boarding skills to the test. In addition the winch-cats groom overnight, leaving you with steep, fast and fun fall-line cruising by morning.

Christmas is always a special time at Silver Star and this year is no different. Gearing up in late November (25th-27th), join Chef Martin Laprise for a Christmas canape and party-catering seminar. Two hours of enjoyable preparation are followed by delicious tastings. An enjoyable Christmas Cocktail mixing is also available from their head bar man at the Den Bar & Bistro. Saturday brings a “hands-on” workshop with Harris Flowers on the art of Christmas Flora Decor where everybody will be working on their take-home project, to impress friends and family. The same afternoon you can learn the art of wrapping presents with Good Gracious Contemporary Gifts. This includes some small souvenirs for participants. Finally on Sunday, explore the resort on the Snowshoe Safari tour with resident guide Roseanne Van Ee and don’t forget to bring a festive ornament for the Christmas tree.

Speaking of Christmas, the new 12 days of Christmas Celebration at Snowbird Lodge starts December 14th and runs right up until Christmas Day. Every night Silver Star’s very own Christmas Elf will read stories to the children at Club Snowbird, or relax by the fireplace or watch a family holiday movie and don’t forget to enter the Christmas colouring contest for great prizes. There will be fabulous events every night for the entire family. Experience exciting fireworks or a traditional torch-lit parade before settling down next to the fireplace for a hot chocolate and cookies with Mr. Claus himself.

The more “extreme” guests are welcome to stay for a week and enjoy the focused “want-to-be pro” programs to improve their skills on the slopes. The Ultimate Academy Option package includes drinks, lift tickets, instruction, transportation, a day at Revelstoke and a 3-course farewell meal. Highly qualified and specially selected professional instructors take out no more than 6 students and instruct, video review and analyse their technique to guarantee great results.

Spring Break is a popular event and available for all ages this year. It’s a family event and in appreciation Silver Star offers many incentives for booking in advance, including free passes, lessons and high performance rentals for seniors, children and families.

No matter what your age, the Beginner Terrain Park is the perfect place to get acquainted with small jumps and rails. This provides guests with the opportunity to experience these thrills without getting in over their heads. The Beginner Terrain Park is family friendly and fun, and a smaller version of it’s bigger cousin “The Telus Terrain Park.”

If Nordic is your thing, Silver Star’s Nordic program has been rated the Number 1 in North America by the well regarded Forbes Magazine. It is truly world-class. National Teams and Olympic Medalists come to Silver Star to train but visitors shouldn’t be intimidated. They offer something for every ability.

Nordic Skiing for all levels is available on 60 kms of daily trails and 4 kms of lit track for night skiing. In addition there are two certified Biathalon ranges, an exciting and challenging sport.

The colourful Victorian Village is the hub for cross-country activities and leads to six green, seven blue and five black diamond routes, not to mention cozy warm-up cabins at Silver Star Mountain and Paradise Camp.

Family Snowcross is all the rage this season and Silver Star has introduced a brand new course that everyone can enjoy: Rollers, bumps, and jumps that welcome friendly competition.

Parents and kids can face-off and challenge each other to a race to the finish. The fun continues down at the snow tubing park, the outdoor hockey or skating pond, exhilarating snowmobiling tours or if you want to escape the elements, indoor rock climbing. Other family events include fireworks shows, movie nights, kid’s carnival night, family bingo, and the famous “Silver Star Idol”, all of this excitement is available within just a short walk from your comfortable accommodations.

Silver Star Mountain Resort is truly a hidden gem in the Okanagan Valley, a colourful and unique experience for the entire family and worthy of a visit. winter.skisilverstar.com  THE BAY STREET BULL | 21

GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY

BURTON 2012 OUTERWEAR

Burton introduces 3M Thinsulate™ insulation to their Trail-Mapping Outerwear System. This provides the ultimate in breathability and warmth while improving rider mobility. On the outside, Burton brings Gore-Tex and DRYRIDE™ fabrics to all levels of outerwear style, fit and function. Burton outerwear can handle anything mother nature can throw at you. With a design team that is rider-driven and led by Olympic and X-Games Champions like Shaun White, Burton outerwear is equally as suited to bigmountain riding as it is to playing in the fun-park or performing on the contest circuit and world’s centre-stage. Here are some of the must-wear additions to the 2012 line:

MEN’S [AK] OUTERWEAR FEATURES JACKETS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GORE-TEX® Fabric Fully Taped Seams with GORE-SEAM® Tape NEW [ak]™ Fit with Engineered Articulation Pit Zips™ Low-Profile, Fulltime Contour™ Hood with Micro Adjust Hood Cinch Waist Gaiter with Jacket-to-Pant Interface Zippered, Microfleece-Lined Handwarmer Pockets Pack-Friendly Seams Articulated Sleeves Pocket Access Hem Cinch Adjustable Cuff Closures Pass Pocket™ Pocket Key Clip LIFETIME WARRANTY

PANTS: • • • • • • • • • • • •

GORE-TEX® Fabric Fully Taped Seams with GORE-SEAM® Tape NEW [ak]™ Fit with Engineered Articulation Inner Thigh Vents Microfleece-Lined Handwarmer Pockets Jacket-to-Pant Interface Integrated Waist Adjustment Microfleece Fly and Waistband [ak] Logo Fly Shanks Articulated Knees Ghetto Slits LIFETIME WARRANTY

JAKE BURTON CARPENTER Snowboarding has changed a lot since Jake Burton Carpenter got involved as one of the sports innovators, 34 years ago. Snowboarding has gone from a fringe activity to an Olympic sport and is now enjoyed by people of all ages, all over the world. One thing that hasn’t changed is Jake’s day-to-day involvement with the company he started from a Londonderry, Vermont barn in the late 1970’s. Burton has come a long way, growing his grass-roots company into one of the world’s largest snowboard and snowboarding-equipment manufacturers.

A native New Yorker and graduate of New York University’s, economics program, it is no wonder that Jake has become the coolest guy on Wall Street. He has bridged snow-culture and commerce and one of his many accomplishments include being featured in a 2007 advertising campaign by the Wall Street Journal, featuring celebrity readers.

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WOMEN’S [AK] OUTERWEAR FEATURES JACKETS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GORE-TEX® Fabric Fully Taped Seams with GORE-SEAM® Tape NEW [ak] Fit Pit Zips™ Microfleece-Lined Handwarmer Pockets Low-Profile, Fulltime Contour™ Hood with Micro Adjust Hood Cinch Ergo Shaped Cuffs Removable Waist Gaiter with Jacket-to-Pant Interface Cuff Adjustments Microfleece Chin Saver Goggle Pocket Laminated Internal Pass Pocket Hem Cinch LIFETIME WARRANTY

PANTS:

2012

NEW FOR

• • • • • • • • • •

GORE-TEX® Fabric Fully Taped Seams with GORE-SEAM® Tape NEW [ak] Fit Jacket-to-Pant Interface Boot Gaiter with Boot Interface Microfleece-Lined Waistband and Handwarmer Pockets Integrated Waist Adjustment Ghetto Slits Leg Lifts™—Keep Your Cuffs Scuff-Free LIFETIME WARRANTY

This year Burton Snowboards has emerged with a ground-breaking new tool for consumers. The 2012 Great Outfitter Tool, allows you to scroll through a combination of new 2012 outerwear, mixing and matching and customizing your own gear from the comfort of your home or office. Pick from 201 jackets or 139 pants, while choosing waterproofing, warmth, fit, colour and collection, then view your selections. Save your choices as over 560 user created combinations are available. This is truly a revolutionary tool and only available from the industry leader, Burton Snowboards. ca.burton.com

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HEALTHTALK

WARMING UP FOR WINTER

HOW TO TAKE IT TO THE HILLS, WITHOUT LANDING IN THE HOSPITAL

BY TIM RINDLISBACHER anadians hate winter weather. Fact or fiction? Not only is the statement fiction, it’s outright blasphemy in the minds of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. When most people hear of an early season snowstorm their reaction is “Ugh!” but these fervent outdoor athletes think “Excellent! Better base.” However, these winter lovers need more than just enthusiasm to truly enjoy their sports; they also need to know what they can do to prevent injuries.

Many winter athletes don’t realize that preseason conditioning is just as important as having the right equipment.

For example, skiing and snowboarding largely involves the quadricep (front of the thigh) muscles and the gluteus (buttock) muscles. After a long day of traversing down the mountain, these muscles become increasingly more fatigued and their ability to react quickly to avoid a crash decreases.

C

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Unprepared weekend warriors are at risk of suddenly becoming more familiar with trees than most arborists. If you really want to stay out of the emergency room (and my sports medicine clinic) you should undertake a comprehensive core-strengthening program to strengthen your legs, improve your overall fitness and gain better balance for the upcoming season. Here are some tips on how to prepare you, and most importantly your body, for an injury-free winter.

Balance, speed and lower extremity power are necessary to skillfully navigate the slopes. So, let lunges be the secret to your success. It’s best if lunges are performed slowly and often. With your arms extended, rotate your trunk while you hold out an appropriate weight for your size to the same side as your forward leg. And repeat. And repeat. You’ll notice quickly that these are best done in succession as you move across

the room (aka walking lunges). Additionally, balance boards and balls are handy tools to turn any off-centered desk dweller into a master of the mountain.

Skipping rope is a great way to build strength for jumps and endurance for long days. Don’t be shy about pushing yourself with this simple but effective training tool.

In addition to using a jumping rope for its common cardiovascular purpose, you can use it to improve your agility. Start by laying it down on the ground and shaping it into a circle wide enough to easily accommodate your two feet. Then, hop in a double-legged fashion in and out of this circle in a variety of directions. You soon notice that this movement mimics skiing and snowboarding fairly closely.

Want to boost your core strength, balance and endurance all at once? Most fitness clubs and some home gyms have the equipment for those fit enough to attempt box jumps (jumping on, off and over wooden boxes).

Size does matter so choose the box height carefully, start with a smaller box and gradually work your way up Lastly, flexibility is your insurance policy against muscle injury. Make sure you find the time to stretch your muscles regularly throughout the season.

In these days of market volatility, it’s comforting to know that preseason sweat will bring you certain ROI when the powder gets deep. A diversified portfolio of exercises designed to optimize stability, power and your ability to stay at peak performance all day is your best plan and will keep you on the slopes and out of the lodge!  Tim Rindlisbacher, BSc (PT), MD, Dip. Sport Med., is a Sports Medicine physician and Director of Sports Health at Cleveland Clinic Canada in Toronto (clevelandclinic.ca).

COLLINGWOOD REGION SPECIAL SECTION

2012 ONTARIO WINTER GAMES COLLINGWOOD’S CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT DEVELOPMENT

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M

arch 8th until the 11th will see the Town of Collingwood host the 2012 Ontario Winter Games.

The events will take place right across the Georgian Bay area and will recognize a highlevel of sportsmanship and competition that will showcase some of the finest amateur athletes in Ontario.

Athletes that do well at the Games have the opportunity to progress to the National Championships, Canada Games, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games and the most prestigious event of all, The Olympics.

These games contribute to the growth of sport in our province and promote healthy competition, while educating the spectators about these sports and Ontario’s most talented athletes.

A high turn-out is expected with 1,000 males

and 1,200 females participating in the Games and attending The Opening Ceremonies, held on March 8th, 2012 in the Village at Blue Mountain.

The event is proudly sponsored by the Blue Mountain Village Association.

Some of the sports that will be included in this year’s Games will include: 5 Pin Bowling, Air Rifle/Pistol Shooting, Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Biathlon, Curling and Wheelchair Curling, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Gymnastics, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Judo, Kickboxing, Ringette, Sledge Hockey, Skiing, Snowboarding, Speed Skating, Squash, Synchro Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball and Wrestling.

Support sport in Ontario and marvel at the next generation of athletes that will forever change the game. 

BLUE MOUNTAIN EVENTS SCHEDULE DECEMBER IN THE VILLAGE December 1-31 The Village is transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, 40 shops and eateries featuring free weekend activities including Horse and Wagon rides, visits with Santa, Carolers and Festive Family FIREWORKS every Saturday night by the Millpond.

NEW YEARS EVE Decemeber 31st Celebrate at the many Village parties and even a special party for kids at Blue Mountain. Grab a hot chocolate and head to the Millpond at 9pm for FAMILY FIREWORKS and the main event FIREWORKS at midnight over the mountain.

COORS LIGHT SKI SPREE January 9th – 13th What better way to relax after the holidays than to get out on the slopes! Day/Night lift tickets during Coors Light Ski Spree are only $39 +HST, savings of over $20 off the regular ticket price.

THE NORTH FACE PARK AND PIPE OPEN January 13-15 New for 2012! This free ski slopestyle and halfpipe contest series is an X Games qualifier with over $40,000 in prize money. Expect to see top international athletes from across North America, and Olympic level freestyle skiing!

BILLABONG FLAUNT IT January 21 Billabong FLAUNT IT all-girls snowboard slopestyle series returns to Blue Mountain. The top female riders in the province will throw down over a $2,000 prize purse & tons of prizes from Billabong, Von Zipper, Contour, TWSnow and Snowboard Canada Magazine.

WORLD SNOW DAY January 22 Celebrate World Snow Day at Blue Mountain! Explore, enjoy and experience everything snow whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing and more. Never skied or snowboarded before? Learn how with our amazing Discover package!

SALOMON DON’T GET LOST SNOWSHOE RAID January 22nd This race is a team based snowshoe race combined with navigation by map and compass. Competitors will travel on and off-trail to checkpoints located throughout The Blue Mountains stunning forests and parklands.

BADLANDS PARK SERIES February 8, 15, 22, 29 Badlands Park series is Blue Mountain’s own grassroots terrain park series taking place Wednesday nights in February. Never competed before? No problem! This event is designed to welcome new riders to the contest scene. All ages welcome, lots of prizes from Salomon, Bonfire and Spy.

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EVENTS SCHEDULE AUDI FIS WORLD CUP SKI CROSS PRESENTED BY ROCKSTAR February 2-3rd LG FIS WORLD CUP SNOWBOARD CROSS February 6-8th World Cup Ski Cross racing is back at Blue Mountain with the addition of Snowboard Cross for 2012! Part of the FIS Freestyle World Cup, the event will showcase the world’s best racers from across the globe including Canadian World Cup and World Championship medalists. Four athletes race head to head through a challenging course full of jumps and berms, don’t miss this exciting event!

VOLCOM STONE’S PEANUT BUTTER RAIL JAM February 11th Ontario’s largest rail jam and a staple event on the Ontario snowboard scene is back at Blue Mountain for its 9th year. You can expect to see over 150 riders from across the province throw some smooth peanut-buttery tricks on a signature rail jam set up.

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND February 18-20 Activities galore all weekend on the Mountain and in the Village including Fireworks, Fire Dancer, Birds of Prey Shows, Horse & Wagon Rides, Skating on the pond, Broomball and Scavenger Hunts.

COORS LIGHT COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WEEK February 21-24 Need a break from the books? Get outside for Blue Mountain’s College and University Week! Take advantage of the $39 + HST lift tickets for students, dig into week long Après Specials at participating resort locations and get your party socks on for the official Coors Light Cold Party Thursday night!

MOLSON CANADIAN 67 WOMEN’S WEEK February 27th – March 4th Ladies get your gals together for an amazing week of specials across the resort! $39 + HST lift tickets all week long for the girls as well as special discounts at participating retail locations.

SALOMON JIB ACADEMY March 3rd The Salomon Jib Academy is a slopestyle ski event for athletes 16 years old and younger. Participants ski all morning with a Salomon Pro Coach, and qualify for the finals in the afternoon.

The grand prize is a trip to Mammoth Mountain for the Jib Academy final.

MOLSON CANADIAN MEN’S WEEK March 5-9 Bring the boys out for Molson Men’s Week! Take advantage of $39 + HST Lift Ticket Rates; enjoy Après Specials and week-long excitement in participating Village locations. NEW this year is the Molson Canadian 3 on 3 POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT March 8-9 and a chance to WIN the Ultimate Leafs Getaway!

MARCH BREAK AT BLUE March 10-18 Besides the $39 + HST Mon-Fri. student lift ticket with themed on-mountain events and prizes each day, the Village is filled day and night with free activities for kids of all ages. See the March Break feature for more information.

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ECHO TRENDS Your One and Only Stop for Fabulous Après-Ski Wear

BY JUDE WAYLAND

I

t’s just as important to look good on the slopes, as it is to knock them dead once your ski boots come off. But the last thing you need when you strut your latest après-ski look is to see your double. No worries!

At Echo Trends, located in the heart of the Village at Blue Mountain, you can rest assured that you’ll find that chic, fashionable look that’s guaranteed to turn heads.

Storeowner Dana Gunn travels far and wide (from Toronto to Montreal to Europe) to source out an eclectic variety of meticulously selected fashions and accessories — from stylish classics to hot new trends. And Dana’s team of fashionistas at Echo Trends are dedicated to helping you create that unique après ski look from a line-up of the season’s best brand names, like Alp ‘n Rock, Elisa Cavaletti, Marc Aurel, Sarah Pacini, Filidoro & Philippe Matignon Hosiery, Fidelity, Hudson, Hanro, Suzi Roher, Dorgelo Jewels, and so much more.

It’s always an adventure to shop at Echo Trends, where the season’s best styles and one-ofa-kind accessories add that special ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your wardrobe. Stop by and peruse Dana’s latest and greatest seasonal collections today. Be forewarned this shop owner goes over and above to offer her clients the best of the best, including top-notch customer service. 

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EVENTS SCHEDULE BADLANDS GOLDEN TICKET March 17th Win a 2012-2013 Sponsorship from Salomon, Bonfire, Spy, Lifted and Blue Mountain Resort! Ages 16 and under both skiers and snowboarders are invited to show off their skills to the Salomon Pros for their chance to win their very own ‘Golden Ticket’.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY March 17th Check out the Village festivities and parties at Windy O’Neills and Rustys plus FIREWORKS by the Millpond at 8pm!

THE GREAT CANADIAN SHIELD SKI & SNOWBOARD SERIES FINALE & FINAL 4 SHOWDOWN March 22 -24 The last stop and series finale for Canada’s newest ski & snowboard slopestyle series will take place in the Badlands Terrain Park where the top athletes in Canada will be competing to claim the overall series title. Saturday night don’t miss the hilarious Final 4 showdown team challenge from 7pm – 9pm where teams of four dress up and compete to be titled as the most creative group.

Wrap it all up with the legendary Coors Light Party in the Grand Central Lodge.

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BLUE MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES HORSE & WAGON RIDES

BY WINDY O’NEILLS 1-4pm Every Saturday & Sunday, December - February Hop on the Windy’s Wagon for an old fashioned horse drawn tour around the Village.

Tour begins and ends outside Windy O’Neills.

COLUMBIA GUIDE SNOWSHOE 10:30am Friday-Sunday January-February (beginning Jan. 6) Meet outside the Columbia store in the plaza.

Bring your own snowshoes or arrive early and rent snowshoes at Activity Central and join the group for a tour.

VILLAGE SCAVENGER HUNT Treat the kids to the Village scavenger hunt.

Available every day throughout the year during Activity Central operating hours. Stop by and pick up your clue sheet!

SKATING ON THE MILLPOND Skating outdoors is the quintessential Canadian winter experience and it’s now available in the middle of the Blue Mountain Village!

Skate rentals available, weather and conditions permitting.

APPLE PIE TRAIL Tour Ontario’s largest apple-growing region and indulge yourself in the most amazing apple pies and apple-based delicacies at dozens of restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries and museums. Pick up the brochure at Activity Central or plan your trip at www.applepietrail.ca Check the Apple Pie Trail Adventures for savings on the most popular activity packages this winter.

RIDGE RUNNER MOUNTAIN COASTER Ontario’s first mountain coaster offers an exciting new downhill adventure at Blue Mountain. The all-season coaster will take riders on an exhilarating trip through the escarpment’s varied terrain and thrilling glades for over a kilometre downhill. The driver takes control of their own speed travelling down the track with access to a manual brake, providing speeds of up to 42 km/h. Take a scenic ride down the mountain to enjoy views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment, your trip will be one to remember!

For pricing and video footage, please visit www.bluemountain.ca/ridge_runner.htm

OUTDOOR SKATING RINK Blue Mountain introduced a new outdoor skating attraction during the end of the 2011 winter season and will be carrying out this Canadian tradition throughout the 2011/2012 winter months.

THE BLUE MOUNTAIN INN’S NEW FACE LIFT! Upgrades to the Blue Mountain Inn have included upgrades to the Inn exterior, entranceway, lobby and front desk area to provide a welcoming entrance for the Resort guests. The indoor pool area and change rooms have also been renovated. Rooms in the Inn will receive a facelift starting in the fall of 2011. Village Suites have also been updated with new technology, including the addition of flat-screen LCD TVs. FAMILY DAY WEEKEND Too much to do at Blue over this family day long weekend! In addition to skiing the slopes the Village will be hosting tons of family activities including face painting, birds of prey show, guided snowshoeing, horse & wagon rides, fire dance show (Sat. 8pm), Fireworks (Sunday 8pm). Also open all winter long is the Mountain Roller Coaster the Ridge Runner, The Plunge!, Crock-a-doddle pottery and skating on the Mill Pond (skate rentals available).

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BULLREVIEW

LUXURY OFF-ROAD Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit When you buy a Jeep, you are buying 70 years of legendary adventures. This is the original American off-road vehicle and a machine that has led troops into battle as easily as it can get you to the ski hill.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts a bevy of new features and in response has become the Most Awarded SUV ever.

Some of these innovations include: A Pentastar 3.6- liter V-6 engine with more improved fuel economy, earning it the “bestin-class” V-6 with a driving range of more than 1000 kms.

If you prefer the bigger V-8 models, the larger engine delivers 360 horsepower, 390 lb.- ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm and can pull up to 7,400 lbs.

This is the most capable Jeep yet, featuring Quadra-Lift air suspension, giving it the most comfortable and uncompromising ride yet.

Jeep cares about your precious cargo and has won the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” for their more than 45 safety and security features. These include: An Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control Grouping, consisting of a Forward Collision Warning System, Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection as well as innovative Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is the finest offering in the Jeep line. Aesthetically it is unique and sporting, with a fully chromed grille, fog lamp bezels and riding on 20-inch bright polished aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Overland Summit is no less stunning. It boasts a two-tone interior trim, heated and ventilated seats, detailed accent piping and unique stitching.

This Jeep comes in a unique and rugged Brown exterior, or if you prefer a Mineral Gray, White, Gold or Black.

It’s easy to see why this is our first choice in the new Jeep line-up. It elevates the brand to a higher level of luxury and indulgence.

— SEAN LITTELJOHN 32 | THE BAY STREET BULL

Engine Type: 3.6-litre, V-6 Horsepower: 290 hp at at 6,400 rpm Acceleration 0-100: 6.9 seconds

THE BAY STREET BULL | 33

34 | THE BAY STREET BULL

INVESTING in a Lifestyle

BY DESMOND VON TEICHMAN

W

hen we invest in something, we expect a return. Pretty basic right? In real estate, there are 2 basic types of return. Return on your money (how much does your money earn?), and return of your money (will the principle I have invested grow over time?).

These returns are always expressed as percentages or as dollar values, right? Wrong.

Up here in the area of Blue Mountain, we deal in a discretionary real estate market. In a very good number of cases, people do not have to buy…they want to buy. What bridges the divide between wanting to buy and actually buying? This is the all-important third rate of return: Lifestyle. And it can’t be expressed as a percentage, nor can a monetary value be assigned to it. The irony is that, historically, people who have invested in recreational property in Ontario have done very well indeed.

The return on their money has been consistent, and profitable.

I grew up in downtown Toronto. I went to school downtown. My friends lived downtown, and I took the TTC everywhere. Although I lived in Toronto, I really lived up North. In the early 80’s my parents bought a farm just outside of the picturesque village of Thornbury. My dad was a ski patroller when he was a kid, and being part of the skiing culture was important to my parents. Before long, our time up north wasn’t just confined to the ski season. At first it was a few extra weekends in the spring, summer and fall, but before long it became nearly every weekend and most of the summer. These days, my parents live up here pretty much full time, and so do I. The rest of my family still come up most weekends and one of my brothers just built a place up here. The lifestyle decision my parents made didn’t flavour our family life, it was formative.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 35

This was not a financial decision that my parents made…it was a lifestyle decision. My mom and dad both worked hard. Really hard. My saintly mother raised 4 boys while my dad worked long hours and traveled constantly. However, at 3:30 every Friday afternoon, my parents would roll up in front of the school and collect the 4 of us and we would head north to what we called “The Farm.” It became, for my family, the place where we lived, in the true sense of the word. This experience was not without sacrifice, bumps in the road, and a few skinned knees.

However, to this day, 30 years later, we still have Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Labour Day at the farm. My niece and nephews spend a good chunk of the summer up there as well. In short, over the years, the farm has become home for us in a much more meaningful way than our house in the city ever was. The return on the investment that my parents made was not monetary, it was familial, and that cannot be expressed as a percentage. I can tell you that my parents, my brothers and I have always considered it a good return on the investment.

There are 2 significant, and different parts of this discretionary real estate market in the area of Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Meaford and Beaver Valley. People who are buying strictly for the sake of recreation, and those who are thinking about where they may want to live right now, or when they hang it all up in a few years. The former is what my parents were, and the latter is what my parents later became.

The recreational Buyer — I want to get out of the city this weekend, because I want to: • Ski • Hike on the trail • Go for a long Bike ride • Golf • Snow-shoe up the escarpment • Take a horseback riding lesson • Take a drive and go and see some art galleries 36 | THE BAY STREET BULL

with another group of friends. Maybe a family dinner at the Alphorn is more your speed, but whatever it is, it is a decision you have made with lifestyle at the front of your mind. For many, the occasional weekend is enough, but for so many buyers, a real estate investment is less of a financial investment consideration, and more of an investment in lifestyle.

I have heard it called “amenity migration”, but it boils down to the most quintessential real estate axiom. Location, location, location. Where do I buy to give me the maximum exposure to the amenities that are relevant to my family for a financial investment that I am comfortable with? It is where “market value” meets “personal value”, and life meets lifestyle.

The long-term vision buyer: • What is the high-speed internet situation here?

• Where do we put the Grandkids when they come to visit?

• Which room will be my office?

• How many runs can I fit in before my conference call at 10:30?

Demographics are at play in every aspect of the broader real estate market, but nowhere is this more true than in Ski Country. Have you heard the expression that 60 years old is the new 50 years old?

Very true. But by extension, 70 is the new 60 and so on. The old school of thought that the retiree is sitting on the porch with the newspaper before going to play a few hands of bridge is long gone. The new retiree has probably played a round of golf, skied for the morning, or biked to town before they have even accessed the Globe and Mail or National Post (online in all likelihood).

There are a lot of places that these things can happen individually. The magic of our area is that you can do all of these things and so much more in one place. Starting with visionaries like the famous Jozo Weider and Gord Canning, and continued by Intrawest, the Village at Blue has grown from a winter-oriented destination, to the biggest 4-season resort area in the province. Certainly, the amenities of the area are not confined to the escarpment. Smaller scale, community-driven projects such as The Georgian Trail that runs from Collingwood to Meaford draw a crowd in all 4 seasons. And golf! The proliferation of golf in the area over the last 10 years has been stunning. What is the net result of this massive investment in recreational pursuits big and small? Lifestyle.

The investment in amenities, both public and private, indoor and outdoor, winter and summer, spring and fall has been going on for years. Take the growth of downhill skiing as an example. When I first started coming up here in the winters of the early 1980’s, our choices were skiing or maybe cross country skiing.

Now you can hardly fit all of the activities into a day.

Downhill skiing in the morning and a vigorous snowshoe in the afternoon? Cross-country at Kolapore or Duntroon, followed by lunch at The Ravenna General Store, or Mylar and Loretta’s? Shopping in the Village at Blue followed by a shot down the Mountain Coaster? A quick board in the terrain park followed by a few hours waiting for an X-ray? But don’t forget the après ski with friends and dinner THE BAY STREET BULL | 37

THE INVESTMENT IN AMENITIES, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR, WINTER AND SUMMER, SPRING AND FALL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS.

38 | THE BAY STREET BULL

Back to my dad for a second. When he was 40, he worked during the week, and played on the weekends.

He has earned the right to invest in his lifestyle. This is a guy that believes firmly in the 3-sport rule. A minimum of 3 distinct activities in a day. It could be a jog in the morning, riding his horse after breakfast and a ski in the afternoon, or any one of a million combinations of sports and activities that are available to him “up north.” I swear he is more fit now than he was when he was 40, and he isn’t alone. No…I mean literally…he isn’t alone. The family is up constantly.

You would think that my mom and dad would talk about downsizing, but they can’t afford to. It is basically a revolving door at the farm these days. Why? No one wants to be in the city on the weekend!

I would also submit to you that many retirees don’t fully retire the way they used to. I can’t tell you how many people “up north” are part-time consultants, investors, philanthropists, and professional doers of good. Retirement is a busy job these days, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. The lifestyle of the retiree has changed, and therefore so has the place they have decided to retire. Again, this isn’t done because their property will appreciate faster than the one they owned in the city. They have made the move because it is an investment in their lifestyle…an investment in themselves.

In fact, this is a growing trend amongst the then Gen-X demographic as well. No…not retirement.

Lifestyle-based decision making. In the modern era of telecommuting, an awful lot of business does not have to be transacted in an office, and there is a growing cadre of people in their 30’s and 40’s that are switching it up. They are selling their big house in the city and small chalet in Collingwood, and buying a pied a terre in the city and moving up full time.

A friend from the ski club lamented to me recently: “I am at the airport Monday morning, and get back Thursday. I pack the kids up on Friday and we head north. We ski through Sunday afternoon, and head back to the city. I am back at the airport Monday morning. What the hell am I doing?” His solution may well be to switch it up. For the kids, the schooling options are quite diverse in the area.

Big schools, small schools, private schools, Catholic schools, Montessori, and French immersion. There is even a college campus in Collingwood now!

Unlike the old days when the heaviest items of luggage in the trunk were the multitudes of bags from Pusateri’s, the shopping is great. Unbelievable steaks from Black Angus, Cheese from The Cheese Gallery or Dags & Willows, fresh bread from the bakery, fresh pies from any roadside stand. You can get fat just thinking about the places you can buy great food. Oh, and by the way…I can squeeze in 9 holes of golf (walking) or 12 runs down the hill between dropping the kids off at school and my conference call at 10:30.

Trust me…it is way better than the gym.

That move is not for everyone. The city is fantastic, and I miss it at times. When I do, I head down for the weekend and bathe in the urbane splendour that I (temporarily) miss. But there is one thing that I wouldn’t miss for the world.

Sunny Sunday afternoons at the ski club. I love to sit on the deck with a beer and watch my friends yelling at their kids to get in the car as the kids beg for 10 more minutes or one more run. That is why we do it. That is why we invest up here.

The return is the family. The weekend spent on the ski hill together. Watching your kid hit a golf ball, or learn to sail, or throw the ball for the dog.

Many are like my parents were, they “live” in the city, but they really live on the weekends. They invest in a home that facilitates this ideal. They don’t do it for a return that can be expressed as a percentage. They do it for the return that can be hung on a wall in the form of family pictures. Together. At play. 

THE BAY STREET BULL | 39

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BY JUDE WAYLAND | PHOTOS: JULIE CARD

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A

fter a day of outdoor adventure in Collingwood’s winter playground, it’s time to re-fuel the fire at one of the town’s many fine eateries. There’s no shortage of fabulous establishments in this booming Georgian Bay community — all of which feature a wide range of fresh and delicious seasonal foods, raised and grown locally.

BRUCE WINE BAR Pairing Fine Wine with Flavourful Fare After working in the pharmaceutical business for 20 years, Jennifer Vipond suddenly developed a passion for grapes. Bruce Wine Bar, located in the alley behind the TD Bank in Thornbury, is a testament to Jennifer’s love of wine, and her partner Steven’s love of food.

This second-floor village hot spot has a West-Coast feel and a warm, organic ambiance. It’s the perfect venue to linger, converse, sample select wines from all over the world, and share “small” plates of Chef Shaun Edmonstone’s flavourful creations.

“Food is something that should connect you and rekindle fond memories,” says Shaun, whose culinary inspiration is rooted in Canada’s rich melting pot of cultures. He changes up the menu monthly, depending on what’s fresh and in season.

Jennifer and Steven have partnered with Shaun, and are currently expanding Bruce Wine Bar to offer a two-level dining experience and a larger menu selection. The first floor restaurant features a woodfired brick oven, serves both lunch and dinner, and houses the main kitchen. Upstairs, it’s dinner only, from Wednesday to Saturday.

Stop by and enjoy live music on Friday nights.

Wining and dining at its best.

SIGNATURE DISHES Gravlax with Rösti This small plate item features melt-in-your-mouth black pepper and juniper Gravlax Kolapore trout. Served with a local golden beet preserve, arugula salad and fiddlehead crème fraiche, this dish is topped with a crispy potato rösti.

Beef Cheeks with Yorkshire Pudding It’s hard to resist this succulent, red-wine braised beef cheek nestled in mini Yorkshire puddings, served on a delicate celery root purée with roasted Brussels sprouts. More please!

42 | THE BAY STREET BULL

CAFÉ CHARTREUSE Tantalizing Tastes & a Passion for Detail Café Chartreuse is a Collingwood institution. For seven years, this European-style self-serve café, owned

by Ruth and Patrick Bourachot, has wowed the town with scrumptious breakfast and lunch specialties. But catering is also a growing aspect of the business.

Whether it’s a highend cocktail party, buffet, or intimate sitdown dinner, Café Chartreuse dishes up a customized menu of local, fresh organic foods, and offers a quintessential dining experience in the comfort of your own home.

Simply put, Chef Bourachot is passionate about food.

At first glance, his cuisine may look simple, but it’s a complex, detailed marriage of flavours, where subtle nuances and tastes come through in layers. “Patrick attacks all your senses with every flavour,” says Ruth, “so you don’t lose the special taste of any one ingredient.”

Within the year, Bourachot also plans to launch a retail line of gourmet frozen foods.

SIGNATURE DISHES Pancetta-wrapped Shrimp Appetizer This appetizer showcases pancetta and basil, wrapped around a succulent grilled tiger shrimp, served on a garlic-rubbed baguette crostini with citrus avocado salsa and saffron and grapefruit juice aioli. Superb!

Duck-duck à la Patrick This traditional French entrée features duck leg confit and sliced duck breast marinated with orange zest and spices, served over goat cheese mashed potatoes with a millefeuille of beets, apple and celeriac, and oven-braised carrots, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary, drizzled with a duck jus reduction, and topped with orange zest, and caramelized orange juice, deglazed with vinegar.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 43

44 | THE BAY STREET BULL

MEMORIES AT CRANBERRY Simple Food, Sourced Locally Looking for a kid-friendly, casual fine dining experience? Memories at Cranberry Resort has a new look, a new menu, and the best local food the Georgian Bay area has to offer.

“Everyone’s touting local fare lately,” says Executive Chef Ron Lumsden, “and we’ve jumped on the bandwagon too.”

The restaurant’s simple, yet elegant menu supports local farmers, with products such as eco-friendly Kolapore Springs trout, Ontario grain-fed chicken, local farmed salmon, Grey County rack of lamb, and fresh Georgian Bay fruits and vegetables.

To Chef Lumsden, simplicity is key. “There’s no need to dress it all up. Each ingredient must shine,” he says, “just let the food speak.” Before working his culinary magic at Memories, Lumsden ran a successful catering company in Barrie, and worked as an Executive Chef at the Sheraton in Fredericton and the Radisson in Minnesota.

This winter, Memories will be open 7 days a week. Thursday is Prime Rib night, All You Can Eat pasta on Friday, and there’s live music on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

SIGNATURE DISHES Kolapore Trout Sink your teeth into pan-seared (then finished in the oven) Kolapore Springs trout, drizzled with a citrus and caper cream mix and enhanced with crispy cornmeal leeks. The fish is served with Upper Great Lakes wild rice and fresh local steamed vegetables. Yummy.

Puff Pastry Appetizer Chef Lumsden is proud of the fact that this new appetizer is totally local, has lots of flavour, yet the tastes aren’t overpowering. He starts with a puff pastry tart base, adds a layer of local caramelized onions, another layer of local Ontario Northern Spy apples, and tops the dish with melted goat cheese and a splash of balsamic reduction. Mmmm.  THE BAY STREET BULL | 45

SCANDINAVE A UNIQUE RELAXATION EXPERIENCE

BY SIMONE JOHNSON

46 | THE BAY STREET BULL

I

Spa

n December 2006, Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain opened their doors to the public. Since then they have treated thousands of lucky Since their inception 12 years ago, guests to all day soaking in luxurious Scandinave, (a company opened by priOutdoor Scandinavian Baths. Scanvate investors, including ex-NHL dinave provides unique relaxation in a healthy atmosphere and draws players), first opened unique spa locaboth local residents and tourists tions at Mt. Tremblant (1999), Blue from all over the world.

Mountain (2006), an urban thermal spa Well regarded and highly re“Scandinave Les Bains” in Old Monwarded, Scandinave Spa Blue treal (2009) and finally their newest Mountain is the recipient of The location at Whistler, BC in 2010.

Worldwide 2011 SpaFinder award, honoring diverse international spas. Some of the other awards they have received since their inception five years ago, include: 2009 & 2010, one of the “Top 50 Spas in America”, by Spas of America, 2009, listed in, “Canada’s Best Spas”, TraveltoWellness.com and “Best Tourism Business” in 2010 by The Collingwood Chamber of Commerce. Happy guests spend the day soaking in the Scandinavian Baths starting at just $36 with their very popular “Unwind Wednesday” rate. Regular rates are a very reasonable $46 and Registered Massage Treatments, including access to the Baths, start at $119.

Thankfully Scandinave Spa is open everyday between 10am-9pm and just minutes from Collingwood and Blue Mountain. They provides relief for tired muscles during Ski Season and a guaranteed great nights sleep. 

GEORGIAN HILLS Vineyards

BY MARK STEVENS

J

ust south of Thornbury in the tiny hamlet of Victoria Corners sits row upon row of healthy grapes overlooking Georgian Bay. This beautiful sight is the well manicured acres of vines at Georgian Hills Vineyards.

Georgian Hills Vineyards opened their doors to the public in fall 2010 and have since become the toast of the town.

These vineyards are a labour of love created by three talented, modern day pioneers: Murray Puddicombe, John Ardiel and Robert Ketchin.

Each of the partners came with an exhaustive resume: Murray a fourth generation grape grower and founder of Stoney Ridge Winery, John a fourth generation apple grower and President of The Bay Growers and Robert with over 30 years of Sales and Marketing experience in the Wine Industry. To round out this already impressive team, Lindsay Puddicombe is the female influence and winemaker, with ten vintages behind her and as creator of ten impressive Georgian Hill VQA wines.

These visionaries acquired the old orchard and converted it to growing grapes in 2007. They planted twelve acres of vines and were soon in production with a full vintage crop in 2010 and over 20 tones of grapes in 2011.

The wine styles of Georgian Hills Vineyards reflect the exclusivity of the region. The grapes are grown in a rich loam lined with sediments from the last great ice age. The vineyard takes advantage of their prime location on the picturesque Niagara Escarpment, allowing them afternoon sun exposure from the south and west and north-flowing thermals that protect the crop from frost and winter elements.

This unique local climate, gives their whites a vibrant tone and produces reds that reflect the flavours of this fertile soil.

Being a northern vineyard, their grapes are allowed to hang on the vine longer than usual and they produce late harvest sweet wines. The frozen grapes produce their world-famous winter wines, including the Vidal Frozen, a gold medal winning best seller.

Other Georgian Hills wines, including: Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir and Sparkling Perry, one of their three popular fruit wines.

Georgian Hills Vineyards produce the best possible wines, while showcasing “Where they are from”, this includes an initiative to integrate these wines into the lifestyle of their community. Because of this dedication, they have earned the respect and adoration from local Chefs, restaurateurs and foodies alike.

With a renewed interest in supporting local merchants and producers, the Blue Mountain region is quickly becoming a hot-bed for culinary talent and a premier destination for lovers of fine foods and wine. Georgian Hills Vineyards are leading this crusade to put Collingwood on the map.

The tasting room and retail store at Georgian Hills Vineyards will be open five days a week from Wednesday until Sunday, between 12-5pm. Tastings are $5 per person or waived with any purchase. georgianhillsvineyards.ca  THE BAY STREET BULL | 47

EXCLUSIVE

48 | THE BAY STREET BULL

PRIVATE SKI CLUBS ALPINE SKI RESORT The number one private club in Ontario, Alpine offers “Fun on The Ridge.”

With over 120 acres of great skiing and boarding, not to mention the rugged natural beauty of The Niagara Escarpment to enjoy, Alpine offers a fun, safe, family oriented environment to enjoy the sports we love.

Since their beginning in 1960, they have put their members first, offering great skiing, state of the art facilities, terrain that is the most diverse in the region and a friendly, committed staff that will ensure you have the best experience possible.

Alpine offers consistently good snow and grooming, with no surprises, day after day.

Always a family orientated resort, at Alpine they promote safety and fun amongst members of all ages and skill levels. You should feel like you are part of the Community and amongst friends at Alpine.

It is a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, where lasting memories are created and family and friends cherish their time together. Not to mention some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Ontario.

Introductory Memberships are available for 2012, as Alpine opens their doors and invites guests to their 35 trails, educational programs and social activities.

Come enjoy the Alpine Experience. To learn more about their membership offer contact: Ulla Mueller at umueller@alpineskiclub.com or by phone at (705) 4450339 ext. 225.

ALPINE SKI CLUB NATIONAL TEAM ATHLETES 2012 Congratulations to Alpine's 2011 National / Olympic Team Athletes. Alpine congratulated four outstanding Alpine athletes at this year's AGM. • Derek Livingston — Canadian Team member — Snowboard 1/2 pipe and Slopestyle athlete. Season highlights included participating in the finals at the Junior World Championships and achieving a 7th place finish at the Worlds in Calgary.

• Roni Remme — Youth Olympic Team member — Alpine racing athlete.

Season highlights include 1st in SL and 2nd in SG at Whistler Cup • Andrew Solomon - Canadian Team member — Prospect Team — Alpine racing athlete. Season highlights included a 1st at the Mount Saite Anne Downhill and at the Nor-Ams in Aspen with a 15th place finish in the Super G. • Palmer Taylor — Olympic Snowboard Team and National Team member — Snowboard 1/2 pipe athlete. Season highlights included a 5th in the Junior Worlds in New Zealand and a 22nd finish at the Worlds in Spain.

THE BAY STREET BULL | 49

CRAIGLEITH SKI CLUB Founded in 1958, Craigleith prides itself on being “A community of Family and Friends” This is reflective of their commitment to their valued members.

Sitting atop 470 acres of the beautiful Niagara Escarpment near Collingwood and offering magnificent views of Georgian Bay, Craigleith is the largest of all the private ski clubs. They offer 32 varied trails that will challenge the skills of every skier and snowboarder and offer a safe and fun option for members of every level.

Expectations of their members are constantly exceeded with features including a high capacity and state of the art snowmaking system, six efficient lifts (two high speed Quad chairlifts, a fixed grip quad, a triple chair, a double chair and even a “carpet lift” for beginners). The skilled grooming staff and fleet ensure the best possible conditions. In addition, Craigleith offers ski, snowboard and racing programs to suit everyone, a terrain park and an SBX course, three clubhouses with fabulous food choices, a great staff and fun-filled social programs for all ages.

A most recent addition is the Summer Club pool facility, completed this past fall, complimenting the existing tennis courts. The Orchard at Craigleith is an adjacent development offering luxurious detached and semi-detached homes just minutes from the lifts.

These state of the art facilities and an eye for continuous improvement will ensure the members of Craigleith Ski Club enjoy their Club now and well into the future.

In The Village at Blue Mountain shopdana.ca | sdfsdf

50 | THE BAY STREET BULL

In The Village at Blue Mountain mycollingwood.ca | 705-445-6768

TORONTO SKI CLUB One of the oldest ski clubs in Ontario TSC is a family oriented club offering something for all generations. With top-calibre recreation programs, that utilize the best public resort in Ontario, Blue Mountain, TSC offers excellent value for it’s members, in a fun environment. Members can grow and share new experiences, personal triumphs and develop life-long friendships.

Since their inception in 1924, TSC has emerged as the leader in program development and have nurtured many young race champions. They are revered across Canada for the skill of their athletes and have created an environment of winners who enjoy all that this private social club has to offer. It’s a place that feels comfortable and this is illustrated by the many third generation families that flock to TSC and the many life-long social connections made there. 

THE BAY STREET BULL | 51

SKICROSS

and

SNOWBOARD CROSS TAKE BLUE MOUNTAIN

BY STORM! “I THRIVED OFF THE CROWD IN BLUE MOUNTAIN. WE WENT AND VISITED SCHOOLS BEFOREHAND AND ALL THE KIDS WERE YELLING AND SCREAMING AT THE RACE. IT DEFINITELY GIVES YOU A LITTLE EXTRA.” — Chris Del Bosco, World Champion 52 | THE BAY STREET BULL

BY SEAN LITTELJOHN

T

he most spectator-friendly mountain sports will take over Blue Mountain Resort February 1-3 for The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup and February 6-8 for The LG Snowboard FIS World Cup. Action packed racing, jumps, spills and a very climatic elimination round, best explain this exciting sport. Competitors will be made up of Olympians (snowcross entered the Winter Olympics in 2006 and skicross in 2010) and X-Games winners, names like Ashley McIvor in skicross, and Maëlle Ricker in snowcross will compete for $34,000 and $57,000 respectively. Their goal, to win the FIS World Cup Tour and coveted Crystal Globe trophy.

Both events occur over three days, the first being a training day, the second for qualifying, where individuals run against the clock and try to master the course, day three is the big event and final elimination round. The top 32 athletes will battle it out, head to head, four at a time for skiing and six for snowboarding. In skicross the top two progress to the next round and the top three in snowcross. The winner will be crowned in front of over 4000 spectators in the Blue Mountain Village.

The course on Blue Mountain’s famed “Smart Alec” run is not for the timid, there are a technical series of rollers, step-downs, step-ups, berms, banked turns and table-top jumps, similar to a motocross course from which the sport was derived. There is

always bound to be mid-air passing, sometimes at 70+ kms an hour.

The air the contestants get is truly extraordinary with skiers and riders, flying 8, 9, 10 and 11 feet over the many jumps and clearing the 1 km course in under a minute flat! It takes nerves of steel and even more strategy than you might imagine, in fact most of the athletes train year-round.

This is definitely a “risk sport”, with skier and riders donning helmets, body armour and performance tuned ski and snowboard gear.

Some of the favourites to win are Skier Chris Del Bosco from Sudbury, Ontario, the reigning World Champ and winner of the event last year, local hero Nick Zoricic from Toronto and representative of Craigleith Ski Club. He came fifth last year and recently won his first World Cup Podium in Austria. Nick is definitely one to watch. In the women’s event X-Games Champion, Kelsey Serwa from Kelowna, BC is the one to beat.

With the Winter X-Games just days before, all the best athletes will be following the tour to Blue Mountain.

If you or your kids are looking to get into this fast-paced and high-flying sport, more and more local Ontario clubs have been building ski and snowboard cross into their programs and have developed facilities to host these events. Most of the Skicross athletes come from the Alpine Skiing World, as it is a natural progression and Alpine Ontario has recognised this and is building a program to support this exciting sport.

With a great event available to spectators from unique vantage points right on the hill or in comfort of The Blue Mountain Village, seconds away from many accommodation units, restaurants and bars, this is sure to be the biggest year yet. Come out and cheer on these high-flying daredevils and watch some of the world’s best athletes compete for huge prizes and even bigger bragging rights.

This event is organized by World Snowsports Events Group — Mark Kristofic and Chris Robinson — Event Co-Chairs. 

SCENIC CAVES ith cross country

W

ski and snowshoe trails meandering

through a quiet forest of sugar maples, beeches and oaks high atop the Niagara Escarpment, Scenic Caves Nordic Centre gives a whole new meaning to winter nature adventures. The facility is perfect for the whole family and boasts 22 kilometres of groomed beginner and intermediate

cross

country

ski

and

snowshoe trails winding through a 200 year old forest rich with wildlife.

Learn to ski lessons are available in small group format for new skiers and rental equipment is available, including the option of a baby glider.

Nowhere else in Ontario can you snowshoe or hike across Southern Ontario’s

Longest

Suspension

Footbridge! Take a breathtaking 130-metre hike across a narrow bridge, arched 25 metres above a treed valley, 300 metres above

www.bluemountainworldcup.com

Georgian Bay offering a 10,000 square kilometres view on a clear day.

With a sturdy wire fence lining the walkway, even the smallest adven-

MAËLLE RICKER

turer can see everything. Open from December to the end of March, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week with guided evening snowshoe hikes offered on most Saturday or full-moon evenings - advance booking is required. New this year is an expanded gift shop with ski

Canada National Team Member

clothing and accessories.

On January 21, 2012 Scenic Caves is once again the host venue for

Gold Medal in the snowboard cross event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver

CAREER INFORMATION

Full name Date of birth Age Hometown (Grew-up) Snowboard/Ski Club Current coach Board Company you ride on Stance on board Boots company Nickname Sponsors Years on National team Languages spoken

this year’s Romp to Stomp. Tubbs Snowshoes invites veteran Rompers Maëlle Danica Ricker December 2nd, 1978 32 West Vancouver/ Whistler, BC Whistler/Blackcomb, BC Marcel Mathieu, Rene Brunner, Drew Neilson Burton Regular Foot Burton Mighty Mouse Canada Snowboard, Whistler/Blackcomb, RONA 14-ish English, French

Olympics Games starts Olympics Games Medals Olympics Games Victories FIS World Ski Championships starts FIS World Ski Championships podiums FIS World Cup starts FIS World Cup podiums World Cup Victories

4 1 1 10 1 111 35 14

and new stompers of all ages to join in the fun of the largest snowshoe series in North America. Rompers can look forward to a festive, familyfriendly way to continue the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception in 2003, Tubbs Romp to Stomp has raised more than $1.7 million for breast cancer awareness, education and research and has engaged more than 23,000 participants across North America. Tubbs Romp to Stomp Ontario will be celebrating its fifth anniversary this winter with the hopes of raising $75,000. Participants of all ages can choose from a 3k or 5k snowshoe walk or a 3k snowshoe race.

Nordic Fest Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Festival takes place on Saturday, February 4th, 2012. Enjoy spectacular skiing and snowshoeing on the escarpment trails with a pass being offered at only $12, test the latest and greatest gear from major cross country ski and snowshoe manufacturers and enjoy family friendly activities.

For more information visit www.sceniccaves.com

THE BAY STREET BULL | 53

WINE+SPIRITS

Collingwood CANADIAN WHISKY A SMOOTH NEW CANADIAN WHISKY WITH A DISTINCTLY COLLINGWOOD PEDIGREE

BY SEAN LITTELJOHN

F

rom distributor Brown-Forman comes Collingwood Canadian Whisky. Every batch of hand-crafted Collingwood starts with the finest of Canadian grains and the purest spring water from Georgian Bay. This is followed by a slow Maplewood mellowing process that truly makes it the smoothest Canadian Whisky available.

Triple distilled, Collingwood is matured in white oak barrels and rests comfortably with toasted Maplewood, a refined finishing process that eliminates any harshness, burn and gives it smooth character. It is a unique process setting Collingwood apart and making it a truly special whisky.

The first major Canadian whisky to hit the market in almost a decade, Collingwood sets a new standard and invigorates the Canadian whisky industry. It delivers a very refined flavour profile and can easily be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed into a delicious cocktail.

Premium packaging and all natural ingredients satisfy the tastes of Canada’s most discerning whisky drinkers and has spread the word world-wide. Brad Fletcher, Country Manager of Brown-Forman, states: “We set out to create a whisky that is as smooth as the country that it’s from.” I’d say they’ve succeeded and in the process put Collingwood, Ontario on the map as a premium whisky destination.

In addition to creating a great new product and promoting local Sean Litteljohn on tourism, Collingwood also lends a Collingwood Whisky: hand to local farmers, helping to “Smooth, smokey, support the 28,000 members represented by the Grain Farmers of sweet and easy to Ontario. They have brought interdrink...maybe too national attention to Ontario easy for me.” grains and encouraged public support of locally grown foods and distilled spirits. In the words of Erin Flether, Manager of Public Affairs and Communication for Grain Farmers of Ontario: “Choosing Collingwood Canadian Whisky will have a direct, positive impact on hard-working farmers.”

The bustling town of Collingwood has also benefited from this new manufacturer, with world-wide attention, accolades and thirsty whisky drinkers lining up to discover Collingwood Whisky’s history and local roots.

Collingwood Canadian Whisky can be found in selected LCBO stores across Ontario. Each bottle is offered at 40 per cent alcohol by volume and retails for $29.95 for a 750 ml bottle. 

54 | THE BAY STREET BULL

COLLINGWOOD WHISKY FAVOURITE RECIPES COLLINGWOOD NEW FASHIONED • 1 1/2 oz. Collingwood Whisky • Dash of bitters • 3/4 oz simple syrup • 2 cherries • 1/4 cup cubed apples • Splash club soda • Pinch of cinnamon In a shaker, muddle simple syrup, apples, bitters, cinnamon and cherries. Add ice and top with whisky. Shake and strain into martini glass and top with club soda. Garnish with cherries.

COLLINGWOOD BEE In a shaker with ice add: • 1 1/2 ounces Collingwood Select • 1 ounce honey syrup (1 part honey 1 part water) • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

COLLINGWOOD CLASSIC In an old fashioned glass add: • 1/4 ounce rich simple syrup (2 to 1) • 2 dashes of bitters Take a half dollar peel of orange and gently muddle, not pulverize into a paste just release the oils. Add 2 ounces Collingwood Select.

Stir then add large cubes, stir then add another cube.

Warren Miller’s

LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW THE OFFICIAL BEGINNING OF WINTER

A

fter 62 annual global tours, Warren Miller Entertainment is still going strong. “Like There’s no Tomorrow” is as exciting as any film Miller ever made. With narration from Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley and shot over five continents, this film tells the story of a perfect and endless winter.

From the highest peaks of the Indian Himalayas, to the wilds of Alaska, ski destinations of Portillo Chile or the legendary powder of Squaw Valley (a long-time Miller favourite) this elite crew leaves no piste untracked.

The list of athletes reads like a who’s who of international skiing and snowboarding: Chris Davenport, Julia Mancuso, Colby West and Seth Wescott are just some of the athletes living what most of us can only dream about.

The theme this year is the emphatic “Like There’s No Tomorrow”, which is less a

warning and more an expression to celebrate each and every day. “We welcome winter with everything we’ve got, because while there is a tomorrow, there are only so many dawns with fresh snow”, says Director Max Bervy.

Warren Miller films have always marked the official start of the winter season for ski and snowboard enthusiasts around the globe.

Through the months of November and December, “Like There’s No Tomorrow” will be touring the world, sharing the stoke and promoting skiing to young and old.

In one of his legendary commentaries, Warren reminds us: "Whether you are nine or ninety, skiing and snowboarding can change your life, it's all about having fun and the great friends you make." His positive attitude and love of these sports keeps us coming back, year after year. For more info www.skinet.com/warrenmiller.

Doug Stoup skiing abovef Port Lecroix — Ice Axe Expeditions.

Photo: Keoki Flagg (Top) Two time Olympic Champion and World Champion Seth Wescott riding for a Warren Miller movie production with Points North Heli Skiing based out of Cordova, AK. Photo: ©J.Selkowitz/SelkoPhoto

THE BAY STREET BULL | 55

TECHTOYS

BACK

IT’S A WONDERFUL TIME FOR TECHNOLOGY, NEW PRODUCTS ARE MAKING OUR LIVES EASIER AND JOBS FASTER, NOT TO MENTION MORE FUN. HERE ARE SOME RECENT RELEASES THAT MAKE US EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE.

TO THE FUTURE

BY MICHAEL COLLINS

 BMW I8 CONCEPT This is the next step in an evolution of BMW’s Vison Efficient Dynamics Concept. It is the most progressive and innovative sports car of our time. The i8 is a plug-in hybrid that combines a modified electric drive system fitted over it’s front axle with a high performance three-cylinder combustion engine at the rear. Working in tandem these systems deliver the performance of a sports car with the fuel economy of a much smaller car. bmw.ca

 GORENJE ICHEF OVEN Gorenje builds exclusive appliances including the iChef Oven.

Premiered in LivingKitchen 2011 and featuring a unique and easy to operate oven module with a large colour display and allowing any function by simply sliding your finger along the “touch screen.” iChef features the most powerful computer control system to ever be used in an oven, it is patent-protected and offers excellent cooking results. Your favourite dishes may be saved in the AUTObake program or create your own favourite procedure in PRObake, iChef will help you step by step and wish you a Bon Appetit when you are done. gorenjegroup.com

 C SEED 201 A giant LED TV, the first of its kind for outdoor use. The C SEED 201 is the world’s largest TV, enabling high definition viewing even in direct sunlight. Imagine watching a sporting event on a 201-inch television on your terrace, this is a reality with this new ground-breaking technology. Less an eye-sore and more a kinetic sculpture, the C SEED is sleekly concealed as a sophisticated monolith in any outdoor venue. It literally grows out of the ground in 15 seconds and is fully extended on its 15 ft pillar in 40 seconds. This HD wonder is available in black metal finish and designed by the famous Porsche Design Studio, it is a high performance machine and a supreme addition to any luxury home. This masterpiece is only available in very limited numbers. cseed.tv

 LEICA SPECIAL EDITION D-LUX 5 TITANIUM A powerful compact camera with a deluxe titanium look.

Leica Camera is proud to present a special new edition to the D-Lux line. The Leica D-Lux Titanium is an elegant, compact camera featuring superior workmanship and a refined appearance. The D-Lux features a super fast zoom, unusually large image sensor, outstanding colour rendition, superb sharpness and high brilliance. This is all within an impressive titanium finish and colour-matching leather bag, that makes this an object of desire, for lovers of stylish luxury products with powerful extras. leica.com

 NORDICTRACK COMMERCIAL 1500 An Android-powered treadmill with full internet connectivity.

Using Google Maps, you can pick your routes from around the globe and match the elevation while your progress is charted on the 10-inch touchscreen. Enter your own route to synchronize your indoor and outdoor training regimens or work out with Jillian Michaels. Commercial grade cushioning ensures joint protection, while full-length stride control mean comfort and safety. A large motor, oversized display, wireless chest pulse and -3% incline makes it revolutionary and a compatible music port for iPod and 24 built in apps, makes it fun. nordictrack.ca

 BANG & OLUFSEN’S BEOSOUND 5 The worldwide provider of the most exclusive and custom made audio and video product announces the much anticipated BeoSound 5 Encore, a digital music system that allows for the easiest navigation to your preferred music library. In addition you have access to over 13,000 internet radio channels and the highest quality listening experience available. Award winning playlist technology, intuitive graphics and interactive and user friendly operation makes BeoSound as worthy as it’s name might suggest. bang-olufsen.com  THE BAY STREET BULL | 57

ONTHESHELF WITH WINTER IN FULL SWING, NOW IS THE TIME TO CURL UP BY THE FIRE, BRING YOUR FAVOURITE LIBATION AND ENJOY SOME OF OUR EDITOR’S FAVOURITE NEW BOOKS

TRUE NORTH A LIFE IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS

By Bernie Finkelstein (McClelland & Stewart )

One of the most iconic men in Canadian music, Bernie Finkelstein, recounts an extraordinary life in the business starting in the 1960’s, right up to the present day.

Wildly entertaining and always outspoken, Bernie recounts his challenging childhood, successful career as a producer, label owner and a revered manager of artists. He is candid about Toronto’s early Yorkville scene, breaking into Greenwich Village with “The Paupers” at age 19, and co-managing with Bob Dylan’s legendary manager, Albert Grossman. Bernie tells of producing the “loudest band in the world”, Kensington Market and managing, nurturing and building the successful careers of: Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan, Dan Hill, Rough Trade, Barney Bentall and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. In 1969 Bernie founded True North Records, Canada’s longest running and most revered independent record label and The Finkelstein Management Company. In 1984 he co-founded MuchFACT, with Moses Znaimer (City-TV), a fund that has provided grant money to artists such as: Sarah McLachlan, Arcade Fire, Nelly Furtado and K-os. Every serious Canadian artist has benefited from this fund and it allows them to compete on an international level. This has not gone unnoticed, Bernie Finkelstein has received the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian music, more than 40 Juno Awards and The Juno Special Achievement Award (in 2006).

He has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. With the music industry re-inventing itself on a daily basis, there will never be another Bernie Finkelstein and that is what makes his memoirs even more poignant. 

Photo Credits

HEMINGWAY: A LIFE IN PICTURES

by Boris Vejdovsky with Mariel Hemingway (Firefly books) An homage to one of the greatest American writers. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Ernest Hemingway. In a tribute to her Grandfather, Mariel Hemingway opens the family’s private photo album to reveal every aspect of this brilliant and complicated man. More than 350 painstakingly selected photographs reveal the truth behind one of America’s greatest writers.

GEORGES LARAQUE: THE STORY OF THE NHL’S UNLIKELIEST TOUGH GUY

by Georges Laraque (Penguin Group Canada) The son of Haitian immigrants, a committed animal rights advocate, a conscientious environmentalist and a deputy leader of the Green Party.

Probably not the resume you were expecting from one of the most fierce fighters in the NHL. In this very personal and often surprising biography, Laraque tells of a hockey player’s life that is like none other.

This is an honest and brave portrait of a hockey player who overcame adversity and became an icon.

ORIGAMI DOVE

by Susan Musgrave (McClelland & Stewart) After a decade Susan Musgrave’s first major collection of new poems emerges as both vibrant and original. She displays a huge range of form and expression guaranteed to surprise even her most loyal readers. Musgrave’s awareness of absurdity during even the most intense personal crisis lightens the sorrow and speaks to us in many of her poems. Musgrave is a master of her art and her powers of poetry cut right to the bone.

A TREASURY OF TOM THOMSON

by Joan Murray (Douglas & McIntyre) A gorgeous book of Tom Thomson’s most important paintings as chosen by his friends and his most discerning collectors. This book tells a moving story about art in Canada. In the spring of 1918, Lawren Harris and J.E.H. MacDonald, met at the Studio Building in Toronto. Tom Thomson had died the preceding year and his friends were determined to established him as one of the greatest Canadian artists. Most of the deceased artists paintings and sketches were still stacked in his studio and they would select the best, mark comments on the back and make sure they got into the most prestigious collections in Canada. Joan Murray, an avid art historian, has constructed an intimate treasury of Thomson’s best paintings, as chosen by his fellow artists, friends and major collectors. Knowing his story helps us to appreciate Thomson in a new light and understand his work as a national treasure.

8. Photos courtesy Big White Resort. 9. Flynn Seddon. 10-11. Photos courtesy Eagle Pass Heliskiing. Photos: Sean Hannah. 12. (Left) Sparkling Hill Resort, (Right) Eagle Pass Heliskiing. 14. (Top) Whistler Blackcomb, (Bottom) Whistler Village at night. 15. (Sidebar) Whistler Conference Centre. 16. (Left) Village — Creekside stroll, Whistler Heliskiing, (Bottom) Whistler ski lift and Bearfoot Bistro. 17. Photos courtesy Cornucopia food festival. 18. Photos courtesy Alan Lande. 20-21. Photos courtesy Silver Star Mountain resort. 26-27. Blue Mountain Village. Photos: Andrea Hamlin. 29. (Left) Blue Mountain Ski, (Right) Echo Trends. Photo: Julie Card. 30. Blue Mountain Village. Photos: Andrea Hamlin. 34-35. Photos courtesy LeeAnne Matthews. 36. Photos courtesy Desmond von Teichman. 37. (Clockwise from left) Kitchen from the Breckenridge, The Aspen, Bedroom at The Cascade. Photos courtesy Holly Stone. 38. Photos courtesy LeeAnne Matthews. 39. (Clockwise from left) Stairwell from The Oak, Master bath from The Edge, The Ege, Stairwell from the Edge. Photos courtesy Holly Stone. 42. Bruce Wine bar — (Left) Gravlax with Rösti and (Right) chef Shaun Edmonstone. Photos: Julie Card. 43. Café Chartreuse - (Top) chef Patrick Bourachot, (Right) Duck-duck à la Patrick and (Bottom) Pancetta-wrapped Shrimp Appetizer. Photos: Julie Card. 44-45. Memories at Cranberry Resort - (Top left) Kolapore Trout, (Top right) restaurant interior, (Left) Puff Pastry Appetizer and (Right) Executive Chef Ron Lumsden. Photos: Julie Card. 46. Scandinave Spa. 47. Photos courtesy Georgian Hills Vineyards. 48-49. Alpine Ski Resort. 50. Craigleith Ski club. 51. Toronto Ski club. 52.

Rockstar Ski Cross Grand Prix at Blue Mountain Resort. Photo: Marc Landry. 54. Collingwood Mayor Sandra Cooper and Canadian Mist Distillers General Manager David Dobbin sign a commemorative barrel at the launch party for Collingwood Canadian Whisky in Collingwood, Ontario. 55. (Top) Two time Olympic Champion and World Champion Seth Wescott riding for a Warren Miller movie production with Points North Heli Skiing based out of Cordova, AK. Photo: J.Selkowitz/SelkoPhoto. (Bottom) Doug Stoup skiing abovef Port Lecroix — Ice Axe Expeditions. Photo: Keoki Flagg.

58 | THE BAY STREET BULL