Whistler Magazine Winter/Spring 2022 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

WHISTLER’S PREMIER P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1980

WINTER/ SPRING 2022

M AG A Z I N E

SPECTACULAR SKINNY SKIING Cross-country skiing is flourishing in Whistler’s winter wonderland

COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE

Please take one

Shannon Ford

7:04 PM

THE CHALET

Image: Julie Zoney

THE MALLARD LOUNGE & TERRACE

PORTOBELLO

UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCES AWAIT AT FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER

Whether you are looking for a casual meal to-go , to celebrate a special occasion or anything in between, Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler’s Upper Village has created a delicious variety of dining choices to inspire, comfort and delight. PORTOBELLO | A locals’ favourite for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss Portobello’s signature pastries, made-to-order sandwiches or smokehouse dinner menu. Dine in or take-out. THE WILDFLOWER | Locally-sourced, Pacific Northwest cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Family-friendly dining. THE MALLARD LOUNGE AND TERRACE | Handcrafted cocktails, Whistler’s best slopeside patio and live music make The Mallard your afternoon, après and evening destination. THE GRILL ROOM | Showcasing the finest Canadian prime cuts and fresh seafood for evening fine dining, The Grill Room, is a must for every visit. Re-opening early December 2021. THE CHALET | Experience a magical evening of twinkling lights, a crackling fire and hearty European-inspired alpine cuisine. For the most up-to-date information on winter dining experiences, restaurant hours, menus, dining specials and more, simply scan the QR code below or visit our website at CHATEAU-WHISTLER.COM.

THE WILDFLOWER

4599 CHATEAU BOULEVARD (IN WHISTLER’S UPPER VILLAGE) T 1 604 938 8000 | E WHISTLER.RESTAURANTS@FAIRMONT.COM

contents ARTS SCENE: The Joy of Art 19 BY ALISON TAYLOR

OLYMPIC GAMES: Legacies Live On 24 BY ALISON TAYLOR

FACES OF WHISTLER: Gearing up for the Games 31 BY BRADEN DUPUIS

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Whistler’s Nordic Renaissance 34 BY HARRISON BROOKS

WHISTLER HOMES: Harmony on Green Lake 42 BY LAURA NEWTON

DEPARTMENTS

FINE DINING: Après Indulgences 50 BY BRANDON BARRETT

Editor’s Greeting 9

WINE: Luxury Après Sips 57

Fresh Tracks:

BY SAMANTHA RAHN

Things to do and see

CASUAL DINING: Off the Beaten Path 59 BY MEGAN LALONDE

in and around Whistler 10 Mountain Roots 16

Shopping Whistler 64 Services Directory 73

STOCKSTUDIOX/GETTY IMAGES

COVER PHOTO BY JUSTA JESKOVA

Anik Watson and Etienne Letondeur enjoy a ski day at Whistler Olympic park in the Callaghan Valley south of Whistler.

Maps 74

CONTRIBUTORS

BRANDON BARRETT is features editor for Pique Newsmagazine. He is the 2018 recipient of the John Collison Investigative Journalism Award. In his free time, he is a theatre producer, performer and playwright.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

HARRISON BROOKS was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and recently made the move to Whistler where he works as sports reporter for Pique Newsmagazine.

BRADEN DUPUIS is a transplanted Saskatchewan flatlander lost in the Whistler mountains. He spends his days working as a reporter for Pique Newsmagazine. His mom still thinks he is brilliant.

MEGAN LALONDE graduated with a degree from Carleton University's School of Journalism. She writes and handles all things social media for Pique Newsmagazine and Vancouver is Awesome.

LAURA NEWTON is a freelance writer and editor. She specializes in writing about interior design, architecture, and art.

th Amer r o N

Your adventure awaits Ziptrek Ecotours hosts a selection of breathtaking zipline tours. Our wilderness adventure area is located directly above Whistler Village, in the spectacular temperate rainforest valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Discover eco-exhilaration®

ziptrek.com 604.935.0001

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r i a open

f Zip r o lin

n Pionee ica

WINTER/SPRING 2022

What is your favourite memory of the 2010 Olympic Games in Whistler? GENERAL MANAGER, ADVERTISING/OPERATIONS

Catherine Power-Chartrand EDITOR

Alison Taylor

“My favourite memory of the 2010 Games was carrying the Olympic Torch through a small section of Whistler as part of the Olympic Torch Relay! An unforgettable experience. Also, interviewing hometown girl Ashleigh McIvor at Cypress Mountain after she won gold in skier cross. What a moment for Whistler!” “So tough to choose! Either watching Tessa and Scott’s gold-medal winning performance, or celebrating the Crosby goal in a basement packed with my high school friends.”

ART DIRECTOR

Shelley Ackerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brandon Barrett Harrison Brooks Braden Dupuis Megan Lalonde Laura Newton Samantha Rahn PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

David Buzzard Mike Crane Justa Jeskova Tara Lilly Amanda Oster & Stephen Li Logan Swayze EPSN Images Getty Images Tourism Whistler Whistler Sport Legacies Whistler Museum & Archives PRESIDENT, WHISTLER PUBLISHING LP

Sarah Strother ACCOUNTING

Heidi Rode

“Joining the throngs of proud Canucks cheering along Bank Street in downtown Ottawa after Sydney Crosby scored the gold medal-winning goal for Team Canada.” “I went to 13 events and they were all incredible to experience in person, but the best memory was dinners at the Swiss House in the Village and then wandering the stroll. The sense of the world coming together to celebrate was truly magical, and the village vibe captured it.”

P: Andrew Strain

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

Denise Conway

N EXCLUSIVE TERRAIN. Proudly operating on 432,000 acres and 173 glaciers, the most exclusive glacial terrain in the region. N PACKAGE VARIETY. Day heliskiing packages, utilizing 5 and 10 passenger helicopters. N RIGHT IN WHISTLER. Conveniently located in Whistler’s vibrant village.

604.905.DEEP (3337) 1.888.HELI.SKI (4354.754) whistlerheliskiing.com

“So many amazing moments but being at the medal ceremony for mogul skier Alex Bilodeau, who was the first Canadian EVER to win an Olympic gold medal on home soil, was right up there!”

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

VISIT WHISTLER HELI-SKIING AT THE CARLETON LODGE IN WHISTLER VILLAGE

Whistler Magazine (ISSN-0835-5460) is published twice annually by WHISTLER PUBLISHING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a division of GLACIER MEDIA GROUP 202-1390 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler, B.C., Canada, V8E 0H9 Phone 604-938-0202 | Fax 604-938-0201 Email: cpower@whistlermagazine.com Also publishers of Pique Newsmagazine, weekly on Thursdays, piquenewsmagazine.com

PRINTED IN CANADA One-year (2 issues) subscription: $20 within Canada, $30 to the USA, $45 overseas. Call to charge to VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Copyright © 2021/22, by Glacier Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

FACING THE CHALLENGES OF RECOVERY

W H I S T L E R G E T S R E A DY T O W E LC O M E T H E W O R L D W I T H S M A L L E R W O R K F O R C E

T ’ S T R U LY A N U N P R E C E D E N T E D sign of the times when we are encouraging our guests to “please be patient.” It’s right there in bold on Tourism Whistler’s website. Be patient. It comes along with another note: “Thank you for being kind to employees who are working hard to deliver a positive guest experience.” Be kind. We are asking our guests from near and far to please be patient and be kind this winter season. It’s no secret that Whistler has been struggling to find employees. Take a look at the classified ads in Pique Newsmagazine or ask any local high school student if they have a job—they do, almost all of them do. We simply don’t have enough workers to provide the services and standards we normally provide. We have long relied on our temporary foreign workers to complement our winter workforce. They come in droves from Melbourne and Dublin, Tokyo and Salzburg. They bring a little international flare to our mountain town. They

ALISON TAYLOR Editor

come for the time of their lives—working to ski and snowboard, to party and then party some more. That first fabulous winter season has long been the quintessential Whistler rite of passage for so many before they pack up and go home— broke, exhausted, with a load of Whistler stories of exploits and adventures. This workforce is also one of the reasons why Whistler is known for great customer service and spirit, for that joie de vivre. It’s one of the reasons why guests keep coming back year after year. Our guests want to be a part of a legendary après scene where the beer keeps flowing and the Hair Farmers keep playing their tunes.

They want to dine at high-end restaurants, their food created at the hands of award-winning, internationally trained chefs (see our fine dining story on page 50 for some après indulgences). They want to ski and explore, relax and unwind, go home with a few legendary Whistler stories of their own. That’s what Whistler wants too. People here love to show off our town. We want you to see it through our eyes—its magnificent natural beauty, its opportunities to live to the fullest and experience something extraordinary (ski the Couloir, perhaps, bask in the alpenglow, snowshoe in the exquisite quiet of the forest, push your limits on a new adventure). This winter may present unique challenges; Whistler, as always, will rise to meet them with grace and grit. Just remember: Please be patient. And, be kind.

Alison

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

FRESH TRACKS

BY ALISON TAYLOR

[

TOURISM WHISTLER/MOMENT FACTORY/VALLEA LUMINA

THINGS TO DO&SEE IN & AROUND WHISTLER

] NIGHT LIGHTS keen northern lights watchers are always on the lookout for the dancing colours in the local night sky. But the aurora borealis is not always easy to come by in Whistler. However, there is some guaranteed light magic in the dark sky if you take a journey with Vallea Lumina. This multimedia night-time forest walk is a family-fun experience with talking trees, flying fish and an enchanting story along the way. Dress warmly. vallealumina.com

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS

SKI SEASON KICKS OFF ast year’s ski season will go down in history as one of the strangest seasons on record. Whistler locals and guests learned to book ski days in advance, to reserve lunch tables in advance, and to take gondolas in small groups. It’s amazing how quickly you can adapt to new things when 20 cms of fresh powder is calling! This season, however, promises to be a little more “normal” although staffing challenges will persist throughout the winter. The gamut of competitive events are back on the calendar at Whistler Blackcomb—good news for racers. As well, Whistler Blackcomb is working to bring back the popular Fire and Ice shows, 10

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

those weekly ski spectacles at the base of the mountains where skiers and riders jump through burning rings of fire and perform other flashy moves. Fresh Tracks is also back, albeit a little different than previous years. You can still upload before Whistler Blackcomb officially opens for the day and get to see the sun come up over the mountains but the traditional breakfast buffet is not available for the time being; guests can get a food and beverage voucher instead which can be used at any time. Christine’s on Blackcomb will also be open for fine dining options. Pre-book on the EpicMix app. Bring a mask as well as your BC Vaccine Card or proof of vaccination for all indoor dining. whistlerblackcomb.com

histler, a highly immunized community, is ready to welcome guests for the 2021-’22 winter season while following Step 3 of British Columbia’s Restart Plan. Proof of vaccination for people aged 12+ is required in many businesses. As Whistler navigates the COVID19 recovery, please keep in mind businesses throughout the resort are short-staffed. This is having an impact on operations. Practice patience. Plan in advance where possible. Follow B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s words: “Be kind, be calm, be safe.” Check out Tourism Whistler’s Doors Open Directory for the most up-to-date information on how local businesses are following COVID protocols for the health and safety for all locals and guests, and to confirm hours of operation. whistler.com

FUN FOR ALL SEASONS

O N ES

TUBE PARK

MAGIC CASTLE/TREE FORT

No skill required! Just a sense of fun and adventure. Hold on tight and let the tube take you down the mountain. There are green lanes, blue lanes, and black lanes for those looking to get their hearts pumping.

Enjoy a winter wonderland at the Magic Castle on Blackcomb Mountain. Take off your skis and explore the free playland. Don’t forget to find the Tree Fort on Whistler Mountain too! It’s the perfect respite for kids and parents before hitting the slopes again.

FAMILY APRÈS Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza, home to the outdoor skating rink in the Village, and find family-fun activities on select après afternoons throughout the winter season. It’s the perfect place to burn off any energy before bedtime—think sliding zone, hot chocolate, a spinning disco ball. >>

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA, TOURISM WHISTLER/GRAEME MEIKLEJOHN, TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

Z UN

the summer ski camps. He was the quintessential Whistler ambassador— friendly and fearless. Murray died of skin cancer in 1990 at age 37. He is undoubtedly Whistler’s first homegrown ski racer/Olympian/legend. His legend lives on in his daughter Julia Murray who competed in the 2010 Olympics as a member of Canada’s ski cross team. The iconic run named after him on Whistler Mountain was the downhill course for the 2010 Olympics. Think about that next time you’re on the Dave Murray Downhill!

FA M

ILY

many whistler activities run year-round—chilly temperatures and endless snow won’t stop us from getting outside and having fun. So don’t be afraid to take a big leap in the air and bungee jump off a bridge over the Cheakamus River. Whistler Bungee has you covered. There’s no better time than now to knock this one off your bucket list. Same too with ziplining, where you can experience the thrill of flying through the rainforest. You can even hurtle down the bobsleigh track, summer and winter, to really get your adrenaline pumping. In the summer, the track at the 2010 Olympic Sliding Centre turns into a passenger bobsleigh ride on wheels, driven by a trained pilot. In winter, the ice is back, providing a slippery pathway and sending you twisting and turning at speeds of 125 km per hour or more. Don’t forget: this is one of the fastest tracks in the world. whistlersportlegacies.com, whistlerbungee.com, ziptrek.com, tagwhistler.com

ave Murray was one of the founding members of the Crazy Canucks, the Canadian downhill team of the 1970s and ’80s that took the ski world by storm with their “crazy” racing style. (See our story on page 24 featuring comments from Crazy Canuck teammate Steve Podborski). Murray represented Canada at the ’76 and ’80 Olympic games. He retired from his racing days to go on to become the director of skiing at Whistler Mountain and organizer/lead instructor of

WHISTLER MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

A LOOK BACK: THE LEGENDARY DAVE MURRAY

FRESH TRACKS

TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE

follow the sounds of a pick-up shinny game and make the most of a Canadian winter on the requisite frozen lake. Alta Lake is a favourite spot for skating. If you are in any doubt about the natural ice conditions, head to the man-made outdoor rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza (where you can rent skates and helmets) or to public skating at the indoor rink at Meadow Park Sports Centre.

HIGH FLYERS

SPA DAY there is hardly a better way to relax in Whistler than spending time at the Scandinave Spa. This indoor/outdoor experience is designed around the practice of hydrotherapy—the hotcold-relax cycle, which is an age-old Finnish tradition that energizes the body and improves blood circulation. Think eucalyptus steam room to a bone-chilling cold plunge under a Nordic waterfall, followed by a comforting hot tub. Relax and repeat. Scandinave embraces a no-talking policy to help you find peace and relaxation in the silence. scandinave.com

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

TOURISM WHISTLER/CLAIRE LANG

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS/GETTY IMAGES

t’s the ultimate ski experience. Ask anyone who’s ever been whisked to the top of a mountain only to stare around at untouched powder fields stretching as far as the eye can see. This is what it feels like to be on top of the world! With exclusive and far-reaching tenure in the backcountry, heliskiing gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the ski resort and offers the ultimate private playground. If heli-skiing isn’t your thing, try a heli-sight-seeing tour and check out the majestic Coast Mountains from the air. Or explore an ancient ice-cave under a spectacular ice field. Book it. What are you waiting for?

MAKING TRACKS

here is no easier way of getting deep into the backcountry than by snowmobile. If the backcountry is on your bucket list, take a snowmobile tour and get out there this winter. It’s as spectacular as advertised! In Whistler, there are snowmobiling options for everyone from beginners to advanced, from meandering trails to fresh powder, for kids to adults. How does the idea of snowmobiling to a backcountry cabin on Sproatt Mountain to enjoy a full Canadian Yukon breakfast sound? Or, if that’s too early to start adventuring, how about a snowmobile tour in the evening to a three-course steak dinner. There are tours for families, tours to secret ice caves, tours where you can snowboard on fresh powder. The options for fun are endless. canadianwilderness.com, blackcombsnowmobile.com

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS/GETTY IMAGES

LACE UP

DAVID BUZZARD

Explore Whistler by bus!

Plan your ride.

THE THREE WATCHMEN

n imposing new piece of art, unveiled this fall outside the Audain Art Museum, is the latest addition to its stunning permanent collection. “The Three Watchmen” was created by three renowned Indigneous artists— James Hart (Haida Nation), Levi Nelson (Lil’wat Nation) and Xwalacktun (Squamish Nation). The six-metre high bronze sculpture depicts three figures—sentinels with conical hats, hands on knees, standing guard and watching out for danger. The piece was created by Hart who crafted the bronze portion of the work while Nelson and Xwalacktun worked on the concrete base encircled with an aluminium band called “The Great Flood.” The sculpture stands outside the Audain Art Museum for everyone to see and it’s one more reason to visit the treasure trove of artwork inside. audainartmuseum.com

BC Transit’s desktop and web-based mobile solution

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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL here are a few crucial local tips that will change your Whistler experience. Pick up a Pique (Pique Newsmagazine— our sister publication) on newsstands every Thursday morning to find out what’s going on in town. You’ll get the latest news, the latest deals and the latest events. Dress for success as there is no such thing as bad weather in Whistler, just poor clothing choices. If it’s raining in the valley, it’s likely snowing in the alpine. Hooray! Buy local as this is a thriving community of awesome artists and entrepreneurs who are finding ways to make it work so that they can call Whistler home. >>

213 Wh 1/2 3.8" Inse Dec WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

FRESH TRACKS HIT THE BULL’S-EYE

AUDAIN ART MUSEUM

gather your friends, and your flannels, and head to Forged Axe-Throwing in Function Junction for some fun. The Forged team will teach you everything you need to know about safely letting an axe sail through the air and hit the bull’s-eye! Book a one-hour slot or have an epic party and book out the whole venue for three hours (recommended for bigger groups). Or, visit the Whistler Racket Club close to the Village for axe-throwing, pickleball, snowball fights in dedicated zones, and so much more. mywrc.ca, forgedaxe.ca

VISITING ART EXHIBIT

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

s the spectacular Audain Art Museum finds its niche as a preeminent art museum in the heart of a ski town, it continues to propel Whistler’s arts and culture scene to new heights. Take the latest winter exhibit of artist Jean Paul Riopelle, member of the Montreal-based collective known as les automatistes that embraced Surrealist ideals during the 1940s. The exhibit, which runs until Feb. 21, is called “Riopelle: The Call of Northern Landscapes and Indigenous Cultures.” It focuses on Riopelle’s work from the 1950s onward. Riopelle immersed himself in Quebec’s northern landscape and was also interested in Indigenous art from B.C., Alaska, Quebec and Nunavut. The special exhibit is just one more reason to go to the museum and enjoy the permanent collection, which boasts one of the finest collections of Emily Carr paintings. audainartmuseum.com

SUMMER LOVIN’

GET EPIC

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

f we have learned anything over the last two years of the pandemic, it’s this: we are all living in an ever-evolving world. For skiers and riders looking for Whistler Blackcomb’s most up-to-date information on trails, grooming and lift status, make sure you have the Epic Mix app downloaded on your phone. The app offers real time alerts, making it easier to plan your ski day. You can also track your stats with a running tally of days and vertical skied. This has become Whistler’s winter dinner-party and water cooler conversation piece. Don’t be left out in the cold.

visiting whistler in the summertime is a completely different experience than Whistler in winter. Summer is all about mountain biking with the biggest (and best) mountain bike park in the world right on our doorstep. Whistler’s cross-country trails are nothing short of epic too. Beyond biking there are lakes, beautiful hiking trails, amazing golf courses, fishing, whitewater rafting, ATV tours, bear viewing tours and so much more. Like winter, summer in Whistler is a time to make the most of the outdoors. whistler.com W

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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

FRESH TRACKS MOUNTAIN ROOTS BUY LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY

TARA LILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

he past two years have been anything but easy for many businesses in Whistler. For some, however, it has been a time to shine. Read on to find out what’s been going on with some local businesses and entrepreneurs during these challenging times.

PICNIC PARTIES

—Alison Taylor

whistlerite amy mac is taking charcuterie, everyone’s favourite party plate, to a whole new level with her mouth-watering boxes and boards. Laid off from her full-time job at Sushi Village during the pandemic, Mac decided it was time to start the business that had been percolating in her mind, filling what she saw as a hole in the marketplace for small parties and get-togethers. In June 2020, Picnic Whistler launched. She hasn’t looked back since. “I love that charcuterie slows dinner down, in a way,” she says. “And it goes so well with wine. How could you not love it?” Check out Picnic Whistler’s to-go boxes and boards from The OG Box with its local breads, cheeses and meats to the savoury and sweet flavours of The Brunch Box to the plantbased goodness of The Vegan Box. Picnic also offers tempting charcuterie tables, loaded with all the favourites and more. Check out picnicwhistler.com.

A TASTE OF HOME

FLOWER POWER whistler’s go-to flower shop, Senka Florist, has been making locals and guests smile for the past 25 years with beautiful floral arrangements for any occasion. That longevity is testament to the store and the people behind it—Kaoru and Hidemi Ono, as well as the trained florists who work there. Senka also has a donation bucket with flowers that aren’t good enough to sell. The idea is that people can take flowers and leave a donation. Through this program, Senka has donated more than $5,000 to local charities including Zero Ceiling and Search and Rescue. The store is located in Whistler’s Marketplace and offers same-day delivery if the order is placed before noon. Check out senkaflorist.com. 16

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

MYWCSS.ORG

RE-USE IT

COURTESY BRITISH BAKER

COURTESY SENKA FLORIST

or Brits far away from home, and for those looking for a delicious treat from across the Pond, from a sausage roll to a little sweet piece of tablet, look no further than the British Baker. Lindsay Dawkins makes boxes for every occasion: St. Paddy’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, the British Baker has you covered with all kinds of delicious goods such as shortbread, almond toffee, salted caramel apple crumble, and so much more. Dawkins, who comes from Cornwall in the U.K., has been baking since she was 16 years old. She honed her skills in Whistler at Purebread before going on her own as The British Baker. Dawkins is also available for custom orders—sweet and savoury—as well as custom cakes. Check out thebritishbaker.ca.

w h e t h e r yo u ’ r e d r o p p i n g s t u f f o f f or picking out something new, The Re-Use-It Centre remains one of the most popular spots in town for unique finds and great deals. This is Whistler’s thrift store, the place where you can find top-of-the-line ski gear or plates and flatware for your kitchen, or even a great read and some good threads. Best of all, the proceeds from The Re-Use It Centre are funnelled back into the community through the Whistler Community Services Society, funding social wellness programs and services. You can drop off clothing and accessories, bedding and towels, kitchenware, board games and more. All furniture must go to the Re-Build It Centre, located in Function Junction. Check out mywcss.org or swing by the store on Nesters Road. W

Reserve and relax

S C A N D I N AV E .CO M

CALLAGHAN VALLEY & BLACKCOMB 604 938 1616

CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM CARLETON LODGE / EAGLE LODGE WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre/Logan Swayze Photography

DUAL ADMISSION CULTURAL PASS Whistler’s Essential Arts + Culture Experience

Purchase pass at whistler.com/arts | Plan your visit at slcc.ca and audainartmuseum.com

Audain Art Museum/Abby Cooper Photography

ARTS SCENE

THE JOY OF ART USING COLOUR AND FORM TO EVOKE WONDER AND CHEER

COURTESY ADELE CAMPBELL GALLERY

T ABOVE: ARTIST DANA IRVING. TOP: HALLOWAY FALLS BY DANA IRVING,

here is a happy consequence that comes about when artist Dana Irving animates her trees and clouds, giving them a decidedly unique personality. Often, that free-spirited feeling of whimsy and playfulness transcends the canvas; that, she says, is a magical thing for an artist. “It’s a happy consequence that I never imagined,” says Irving. “It really is a bonus effect.” Artists, she says, often come from a selfcentred place. To have your art affect others is “the greatest gift.” All the more so in these trying times as the world struggles still with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic; art often offers a temporary respite from our current global trials and tribulations.

It helps, of course, that the Sea to Sky area provides such inspiration for local artists. “Doesn’t it just blow your mind that this much beauty is right here where we live?” says Irving, as she gets ready to add her signature to her latest piece “Holloway Falls,” an oil on canvas piece that is scheduled to be a part of the Art of Winter show at the Adele Campbell Gallery, which kicks off the 2021-’22 winter season and runs throughout December. “Dana’s animated scenes have a whimsical quality to them which resonates with many people, and their vivid colour palette, deep greens, gem tones and turquoise literally draws people into the gallery,” says Charlotte Webber, Adele Campbell Gallery assistant director. >>

OIL ON CANVAS, 36" X 48", FROM ADELE CAMPBELL GALLERY.

STO RY BY A LI S O N TAY LO R

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

MIKECRANEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM COURTESY DAVE PETKO

FROM TOP: DAVE PETKO’S MURAL “QUARTZ-CHROMATIC” AT WHISTLER OLYMPIC PLAZA; “ BRANDYWINE RISING,” ONE OF THE PAINTINGS YOU’LL SEE AT PETKO’S SOLO SHOW, “STARRY NIGHTS,” OPENING AT THE MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE; PETKO WORKING AT HIS STUDIO.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

“Upon closer inspection you notice the exquisite smooth finish and remarkable depth of colour in her paintings; you feel as though you are being drawn into the scene. Stemming from her background in figurative painting, the trees often have a human-like quality to them, depicting a couple, family, friends or siblings. These paintings are full of life and energy and we are always excited to see what is next on Dana’s easel!” Irving’s work is described as “Emily Carr meets Dr. Seuss.” She loves the two analogies as they perfectly encompass her art. As a teenager, Irving was infatuated with artist Lawren Harris, founding member of Canada’s renowned Group of Seven. He too, like Irving, was passionate about capturing the majestic Canadian landscape in his work. Emily Carr, she says, is the West Coast version of Harris, her teenage hero. As for Dr. Seuss’s work: “I can’t think of anyone who can design a page better than Dr. Seuss.” The combination of the two at Irving’s brush has a magical effect. Take the latest piece “Holloway Falls.” The work was born of a summertime hike to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park about an hour north of Whistler which features three stunning turquoise glacier-fed lakes in the

climb to the alpine. The rushing waterfall called Holloway Falls is part of the journey along the way. Irving photographed the falls this summer, sketched the landscape in “her language” and brought it to life on canvas in the fall. The result is a bright and lively and wonderfully unique Canadian landscape with a nod to heroes of old. Check out adelecampbell.com.

PUBLIC ART Like Irving, long-time Whistler artist Dave Petko, recently named Whistler’s Champion of Arts & Culture at the Whistler Excellence Awards, also takes inspiration from his surroundings, and with similar consequences. His work too evokes something within. Take his recent public art installation—a large mural that covers the new washroom facility at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the heart of the Village. Petko took inspiration from quartz, a mineral widely found throughout the area. “If light is refracted from it or through it, it creates a rainbow. That brought about the colour spectrum,” he explains. This is the background for “QuartzChromatic,” which moves from warmer red, yellow and orange tones to cooler blues and greens. >>

WHISTLER GALLERIES AUDAIN ART MUSEUM 4350 Blackcomb Way 604-962-0413 audainartmuseum.com ADELE CAMPBELL FINE ART GALLERY In the Westin Resort & Spa 604-938-0887 adelecampbell.com ART JUNCTION GALLERY & FRAME STUDIO 1068 Millar Creek Road, Function Junction 604-938-9000 artjunction.ca

pa i n t i n g s

sculpture

j e w e l l e ry

MOUNTAIN GALLERIES AT THE FAIRMONT In the Fairmont Chateau Whistler 604-935-1862 www.mountaingalleries.com THE PLAZA GALLERIES 22-4314 Main Street 604-938-6233

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plazagalleries.com THE GALLERY AT MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE 4335 Blackcomb Way 604-935-8410 artswhistler.com SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE 4584 Blackcomb Way 1-866-441-SLCC (7522)

v i s i t u s at t h e w e s t i n, w h i s t l e r

slcc.ca VINCENT MASSEY STUDIO 604-905-8363 vincentmasseypottery.com WHISTLER CONTEMPORARY GALLERY In the Hilton Resort 604-938-3001 (main) In the Four Seasons Resort 604-935-3999 whistlerart.com

ADELECAMPBELL.COM art@adelecampbell.com 604-938-0887

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

COURTESY SHANNON FORD

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: “CURIOUS & CURIOUSER,” 60" X 60", ACRYLIC ON CANVAS WITH SAPPHIRES, TOURMALINES, TOPAZ, 24K GOLD AND DIAMOND DUST; “JUMP FOR JOY,” CURRENTLY OFFERED AS A PRINT; ARTIST SHANNON FORD IN HER STUDIO.

the rainbow spectrum has the desired effect—a bright splash of cheeriness spanning the four-metre wall of an otherwise nondescript municipal facility. Behind the rainbow, Petko paints the plants and animals of the region—the bold black bear, the delicate whiskey jack birds, the lupine flowers and the Douglas firs. “It’s a quick intro to the things (people) can see in the natural world,” says Petko, of the place he has called home for more than 30 years. Petko, who is also the owner of Black Ohm Tattoos, Whistler’s original tattoo shop, has a solo art exhibit slated to open in Whistler in early 2022. Called “Starry Nights,” the exhibit will feature 29 new pieces at Maury Young Arts Centre. Check out artswhistler.com.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

COLOUR COMBINATIONS Just as Dave Petko uses the rainbow to convey an idea and a feeling in “QuartzChromatic,” colours are also a critical part of Shannon Ford’s artwork. “I love colour,” she says from her studio. Having studied colour for a long time, Ford knows about the different wavelengths and vibrations colours can create. Take one of her favourite colour combinations. “My heart lifts at pink, orange and yellow together,” she says. “I will insert them if I want to lift the vibration or wavelength.” It’s like finding harmony in music. “I’m using colour as a language,” explains Ford. Growing up on a farm and spending much of her life around animals, Ford often finds inspiration in horses, bears and other wildlife.

She amplifies the colour in her art further with her use of semi-precious and precious gemstones which comes from her background as an awardwinning jeweller. She also incorporates diamond dust and natural diamond crystals for sparkle and shimmer. Her bold brushstrokes capture the still calm of the grizzly bear and the majestic power of the horse. Ford’s work can be found at Mountain Galleries in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. It’s interesting, she adds, to see what feelings are evoked from her work. Is it the same feeling, she wonders, that she was experiencing when she painted it? She adds: “My biggest hope is that the painting is going to bring them (the owner) joy for years to come.” Check out mountaingalleries.com. W

604 938 1616

CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM CARLETON LODGE / EAGLE LODGE WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

OLYMPIC GAMES

LEGACIES LIVE ON

TOURISM WHISTLER/DESTINATION CANADA

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK/JUSTA JESKOVA

WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE

TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE

AS THE 2022 BEIJING OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES APPROACH, WE LOOK BACK AT THE 2010 WINTER GAMES THAT PUT WHISTLER ON THE WORLD MAP

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

STO RY BY AL IS O N TAY LO R

ears ago, when olympic skier steve podborski was visiting school children in Uganda, tasked with speaking to them about sport, he worried about how he would find any common ground to connect. Podborski spent his life on skis, making his name as one of the founding members of the Crazy Canucks, those fast and fearless national team ski racers, tearing up the world’s downhill courses in the 1970s and ’80s. What would Podborski, who was representing the international nonprofit organization Right to Play at the time, talk about with kids who had never seen snow, had never experienced the awesome thrill of skiing, kids who couldn’t even imagine the Crazy Canucks. >>

LEFT, CLOCKWISE: WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK IN THE CALLAGHAN VALLEY IS A HUB OF WINTER FUN FROM BIATHLON TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING; CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AT WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK; RENT GEAR AND STOP FOR A BITE TO EAT AT THE WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK DAY LODGE; A TRAINED BOBSLEIGH PILOT CAN TAKE YOU DOWN ONE OF THE FASTEST TRACKS IN THE WORLD IN WHISTLER. BACKGROUND PHOTO: THE SNOWMAKING CAPACITY AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB WAS DOUBLED FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES. TOP: LEFT TO RIGHT, HEAD COACH JOHN RITCHIE, CRAZY CANUCKS KEN READ, DAVE MURRAY, DAVE IRWIN, STEVE PODBORSKI AND ASSISTANT COACH HEINZ KAPLER.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

DOWN THE SLIDING TRACK. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN TRY THIS SPORT TOO AT THE WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE.

TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA

WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE

SKELETON ATHLETES SLIDE FACE FIRST

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK HOSTS MANY COMPETITIVE EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER LIKE THE COAST OUTDOORS P’AYAKENTSUT LOPPET PICTURED ABOVE.

SLIDE LIKE AN OLYMPIAN No experience is necessary to take on the ice at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Passenger bobsleigh rides are available throughout the winter season. You can experience the track first hand while a trained pilot navigates the bobsleigh down the track, twisting and turning with G-forces and speeds of more than 125 km/hour. Or, try going headfirst like a skeleton athlete. You tackle this one on your own sled, taking on the track’s bottom six corners and reaching speeds of 100 km/hour. The Whistler Sliding Centre is the only place in the world where members of the public can experience the thrill of skeleton and bobsleigh. How many people get to say they’ve tried one of the fastest tracks in the world?

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

a s i t t u r n s o u t, t h e connection was easy. Podborski was also a twotime Olympian representing Canada at the 1980 Lake Placid Games where he took bronze, and the 1984 Games in Sarajevo. The children may not have understood what it meant to be a downhill ski racer but they certainly understood what it meant to be an Olympian. “Across cultures, across the world, people understand the Olympics,” says Podborski. Fast forward years later when Podborski, who called Whistler home for many years, learned that the 2010 Winter Games were coming to town. He knew right away what that meant, that this idyllic little ski town tucked high in the mountains on the West Coast of Canada would change forever. The Olympics would give Whistler gravitas and sophistication. It would signal to the world that these mountains were good enough for the best of the best. Whistler was set to become part of that global language.

“Whistler didn’t need the Games,” admits Podborski. “But, the Games made us that much better.” As the world now turns its eyes towards Beijing in February for the upcoming 2022 Winter Games, Whistler Magazine takes a look at Whistler’s enduring Olympics legacies and what they mean to us today.

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE There were certain defining moments throughout Whistler’s journey to the Games. Take that moment in July 2003 when the International Olympic Committee announced Vancouver as the host city for 2010. There was a collective cheer and celebration in Whistler, followed by the immediate stark realization: the countdown was on. Whistler, as host mountain resort, had much to do to get ready to put its best face forward. It was time to get to work. “Whistler wanted to put on a good show,” recalls

Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb’s vice president of mountain operations. The company was set to play a crucial role in putting on the Games as the site of the alpine events. But the preparations for everyone went far beyond the actual field of play. The Sea to Sky highway, for example, was a notoriously difficult and dangerous highway at the time. Would it have been upgraded by now had it not been for the Olympics? Who knows? The province forged ahead with the $600-million-plus upgrade in short order upon the news that the Games were coming and the result speaks for itself: an easier, faster, safer highway as anyone who drives it on a regular basis can attest. “I love the new road,” says Podborksi. “It was going to happen anyway but it happened earlier.” Whistler has reaped the benefits of that upgrade, so too the upgrades to the Vancouver International Airport, which

MODERN CANADIAN CUISINE

TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE

A fork, a glass, a drop of magic...

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA WAS BUILT BEFORE THE 2010 GAMES, LINKING THE ROUNDHOUSE LODGE ON WHISTLER MOUNTAIN TO THE RENDEZVOUS LODGE ON BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN AND EFFECTIVELY CHANGING SKIING HABITS AT THE RESORT.

increased capacity and added a sense of place, resulting in a world-class arrival to greet international guests. On the business side of things, Whistler Blackcomb announced it would be building a record-breaking gondola— the Peak 2 Peak Gondola— linking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The ride would take just minutes, linking midmountains and ultimately changing the way people ski. It was just one of a series of multi-million dollar on-mountain investments leading up to the Games. Not crucial for the Games success but what better incentive than to have the eyes of the world on your ski resort? “That was some of the drive behind those projects,” says MacFarlane of the on-mountain improvements. These things have had longlasting consequences as a whole. Post-Olympic Whistler has smashed visitation records— another spin-off legacy of the last decade.

THE MULTI-MILLION VENUES It’s hard to imagine Whistler now without its legacy venues; they have become a vital and important part of the social and economic fabric of the town. One of the most obvious, visible from gondolas and chairlifts, is the $105 million Whistler Sliding Centre. Ask anyone who has gone down it via bobsled, skeleton or luge: This track is all about G-forces, speed and adrenaline. Even tourists, going for a ride on the passenger bobsled driven by a trained pilot, can experience the thrill of up to four G-forces with speeds of more than 125 kilometres per hour. Or go solo headfirst in skeleton. Whistler is the only place in Canada where members of the public can experience the unique and unforgettable thrill of skeleton. Quite the opposite is true of one of the other major venue legacies—Whistler Olympic Park, home to the Olympic Nordic events. >>

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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER SPORT LEGACIES/JOERN ROHDE

THE WHISTLER ATHLETES' CENTRE IN THE CHEAKAMUS CROSSING LEGACY NEIGHBOURHOOD IS THE PERMANENT HOME OF THE LOCAL GYMNASTICS CLUB.

t h i s $ 1 1 9 m i l l i o n f a c i l i t y, tucked deep in the backcountry of the Callaghan Valley, is one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the area. It’s a place to enjoy a quiet snowshoe in the forest or to exercise on the cross-country ski trails. The whole area, once difficult to get to, is now easy to access with a day lodge for ski rentals and food, among other amenities. And then, there is arguably Whistler’s biggest legacy of all, the Athletes’ Village at Cheakamus Crossing. Former Olympian and long-time Whistlerite Anna Fraser-Sproule was co-mayor of the village during the Games. That job meant she was on hand to greet athletes from around the world and help them feel welcomed to Whistler. Post-Games, the athletes’ village quickly turned into homes for hundreds of local families as the athletes’ village turned into employee housing (specially created housing for local employees). Whistler, with a chronic housing shortage for workers, was keen to secure this as a lasting Olympic legacy. “I just look at the number of families that moved into that neighbourhood,” says Fraser-Sproule of the legacy. “We kept a generation of families in town.” And then some. Even today, the

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

so-called “Land Bank”—hundreds of acres of Crown land that was transferred to the municipality specifically for employee housing as part of the Games’ negotiations— continues to be developed today, all with the goal of housing more locals. And the legacy that especially made a difference in Fraser-Sproule’s life was the state-of-the-art gymnastics facility operating out of the Whistler Athletes’ Centre. “[The local gymnastics club] turned the hope of a full-time facility out of a building for the 2010 Games (into a reality),” she says, noting that she has spent many hours carpooling local kids back and forth to that facility in the last decade.

THE ALPINE LEGACY There was also a real push to see a lasting legacy for alpine skiing, something that never materialized in the Calgary Games in ’88. It came for Whistler in the form of snowmaking. Not as flashy as the legacy venues, this behind-the-scenes investment has been a boon for Whistler Blackcomb. Doug Forseth, former vice president of planning, government relations and special projects for

Whistler Blackcomb and now retired, remembers working on the Olympics for the better part of a decade off the side of his desk. “It was a labour of love,” he says. “The biggest legacy for Whistler Blackcomb was the doubling in size and capacity of the snowmaking system. That was a huge benefit to the ski area long term.” So too the improvements from the enormous amount of work that went into preparing the competition runs— Wildcard, which hosted the women’s downhill and GS, the Dave Murrary Downhill for the men’s course, and Raven and Ptarmigan for the warm-up runs. Part of the deal with Olympic organizers is that Whistler Blackcomb would provide a dedicated training centre for the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. This formalized a long-standing partnership between Whistler Blackcomb and the local ski club, cementing a commitment post-Games to foster and help young athletes in alpine skiing. It has been a formula for success, paving the way for future partnerships like the recent creation of the Gemini Freestyle Centre on Blackcomb Mountain, which opened a decade

after the Games and is an ongoing signal of Whistler Blackcomb’s commitment to youth and amateur sports, set in motion and formalized by the 2010 Games. “The Olympics are about amateur sport and bringing it to life,” says MacFarlane.

THE INTANGIBLE GAINS Beyond the world-class sports facilities and the highway upgrades Whistler gained so many other things that can never be calculated on any ledger. How do you put a price on the realization of a dream? Whistler was born out of the vision of hosting the Winter Olympics. A visit to Whistler Museum will show anyone Whistler’s long connection with the Olympics long before 2010. “This fulfilled a dream of the founders of Whistler,” says Forseth.

He recalls another defining Games’ moment: When Canada’s Jon Montgomery, who had just won gold in skeleton, chugged a pitcher of beer in the Village as crowds cheered around him. There was something so disarmingly real about the moment, so spontaneous, so genuine. Dressed in his Canadian red, Montgomery’s joy was palpable, and Whistler was only too happy to celebrate with him in pride. This, in so many ways, is what it was all about. The Games acted as Whistler’s ultimate springboard, catapulting it to new heights and changing the face of the town and the people. It has grown up along the way, matured, settled into its sophistication. And, as its founders always envisioned, Whistler is forever linked to that global conversation about excellence in sport. W

CANADIAN CAMPFIRE C OOKOUT CALL AGHAN VALLEY

SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE 604 938 1616

CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM CARLETON LODGE / EAGLE LODGE WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

www.headwaterprojects.ca

FACES OF WHISTLER

GEARING UP FOR THE GAMES

MEMORIES OF THE 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES IN WHISTLER STILL RESONATE WITH LOCAL ATHLETES STORY BY BRADEN D UP UIS

ABOVE: MARIELLE THOMPSON WINS THE OVERALL SKI CROSS WORLD CUP IN LA PLAGNE, FRANCE.

MARIELLE THOMPSON

LOGAN SWAYZE

PENTAPHOTO

alking to some of the current crop of elite Whistler athletes, there’s a clear common denominator. Whatever sport they excel at, they all point to the 2010 Games in their hometown as the catalyst that pushed them to the next level. “Being able to watch people I grew up looking up to, like Ashleigh McIvor or Mercedes [Nicoll], or Mike and Britt Janyk, watching them compete in person, and having them do so well, you kind of realized, ‘Well, if that person can win Olympic gold, maybe I can do that someday,’” says ski-cross racer MARIELLE THOMPSON. “It makes it a bit closer.” Now 29 years old, Thompson was just 18 when the 2010 Games illuminated her hometown. Four years later, she realized her own Olympic dream, taking gold at the Games in Sochi, Russia. Just four months before the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, Thompson ruptured her ACL and MCL in a training run in Switzerland, and looked like she might miss her chance at a repeat. But, an innovative surgical procedure and an intense rehab regimen allowed her to line up in the starting gate to defend her gold. Her 17th place finish wasn’t the result she wanted, but the experience of her second Games alone was invaluable. >>

PHIL ELLSWORTH/EPSN IMAGES

– SIMON D’ARTOIS

“having gone to two olympics, and having very different polar experiences, it’s only as much pressure as you really put on yourself,” she says. “As much as it isn’t another race, it kind of is at the same time. So you have to ground yourself a little bit in that.” After undergoing an ACL reconstruction surgery in March 2021, Thompson spent much of the year working on rehab, and feels ready for the 2022 Games in Beijing, China, which kicks off February 4. “Everything at the Olympics is just bigger, and there’s a lot more of a spotlight on amateur sport than there ever is any other year,” she says. “Right now I just want to hopefully get there and get back on my skis. I’m not putting any pressure on myself, but any time I go into a race I want to win, so I wouldn’t want to go and not do my best and leave it all out there.”

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

SIMON D’ARTOIS While he wasn’t an official competitor, half-pipe skier Simon d’Artois was able to ski every night of the 2010 Games in Whistler. The now-29-year-old Whistlerite helped wow international crowds on a nightly basis at the famous Fire and Ice Show on Whistler Mountain, where skiers dazzle guests with their feats, skiing through burning rings of fire. “I don’t really know if at that point I was thinking [about competing in the Olympics myself]. I think at the time I was probably like, ‘This is pretty sweet—this is the closest I’m going to get to skiing at the Olympics,’” d’Artois says. “But then it slowly started to morph into something else.” When he was first starting out, ending up a professional skier in Whistler would have been a satisfying career arc, d’Artois said. Then freestyle disciplines started

PHIL ELLSWORTH/EPSN IMAGES

“It’s just exciting to push myself and see what I can achieve. The Olympics and all the events leading up to it are just a great experience and gift in itself,”

TOP AND ABOVE: SIMON D'ARTOIS COMPETING IN LIFEPROOF MEN'S SKI SUPERPIPE DURING X GAMES IN ASPEN IN 2018.

DAVID BUZZARD VAUGHN RIDLEY/COC

TOP: REID WATTS WITH HIS LUGE. ABOVE: REID WATTS COMPETES IN RUN 3 OF THE MEN'S SINGLES LUGE DURING THE 2018 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES IN PYEONGCHANG, SOUTH KOREA ON FEBRUARY 11, 2018.

to grow in popularity. When halfpipe skiing was approved for the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in June 2010, and d’Artois made Canada’s national team in 2012, the dream became something much more tangible. “I didn’t make the first Olympics [in 2014] but I was extremely close, and that was a very real realization that I would be able to do it the next time around,” he says. Though his 13th place finish at the 2018 Games wasn’t what he had hoped for, reaching the premier event in his sport in itself was “a dream come true,” d’Artois adds. “It’s just exciting to push myself and see what I can achieve. The Olympics and all the events leading up to it are just a great experience and gift in itself,” he says. “So yeah, it means everything— but you also can’t let it consume you too much, you know? You still have to balance it with real life.” D’Artois credits the support of the Whistler community— from family and friends to local businesses—for helping young athletes like himself realize their athletic aspirations. “They give the support to make peoples’ dreams come true, and have Whistler kids achieve their goals, and I’m always appreciative and very grateful and thankful to be a part of this community,” he says. But being able to witness the Olympics firsthand in your own backyard plays a part too. “Growing up and seeing it on TV in different towns and cities around the world was really cool,” d’Artois says. “To have it happening in your own town was very surreal.”

REID WATTS While Thompson and d’Artois graduated high school together when the 2010 Games came to town, the dream was already starting to take shape for Whistler’s younger generations, too. Reid Watts—who competed in his first Olympics at the 2018 Games—was just 11 years old when

the Olympics came to Whistler. “I had just done my first season of luge in the developmental stage, and yeah, just watching the 2010 Games out here … the vibe was just so electric everywhere,” Watts recalls. “That was really the driving force into what made me have the drive to keep going all these years.” Watts finished 12th in his first Olympics four years ago (not bad at all for a 19-year-old on the biggest stage of them all)—a result he’s working hard to improve on ahead of the 2022 Games in China. “There’s been a lot of peaks and valleys these last three years of my racing since the last Olympics. At the end of last race season, I started to make some big gains, but it was a little too little too late, and the race season ended,” he says. “So of course I’d like to just get back on the sled, hit the ground running on what we really worked on and [what] made [me] fast last year, and start to really dial it in.” With one eye on the 2022 Games, Watts hasn’t forgotten the experience of his first Olympics in Korea four years ago. “Still to this day I have to say that was the race of my life, and it was just such a special moment to me, being able to put it down when it mattered the most,” he says. “After watching the 2010 Olympics here as a kid growing up, it was everything that I imagined it would be—just such an honour, and so special.” While Whistler’s next generation of top-tier athletes won’t have the thrill of watching the Games in their hometown to inspire them, they can still take inspiration from the current crop of Olympians. Watts’ advice for them? Just have fun with it. “That’s the biggest piece. Always remember why you started, and just keep having fun,” he says. “There’s nothing really much more fun than strapping yourself on a sled and going down an icy chute really fast, right? It’s as good as it gets.” W

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

COVER FEATURE

A CROSS-COUNTRY SKIER ENJOYS THE TRAILS IN WHISTLER VALLEY.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER’S NORDIC RENAISSANCE

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING BOOMS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

STORY BY HARRIS O N B RO O KS

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS/GETTY IMAGES

n n e pa r e n t, a n o r d i c s k i e r s i n c e s h e wa s t h r e e y e a r s o l d , has long understood the appeal of cross-country skiing, especially in a place like Whistler. There’s something magical about the rhythmic cadence to gliding over snow; it’s solitary and peaceful, and the backdrop to the sport is typically a winter wonderland in B.C.’s beautiful backcountry. “It’s definitely a passion (for) me,” says Parent. “I just love it because to me it's connecting with the land, the snow, the beauty and I love working out, so it's physical but it's also quite spiritual.” In Whistler, cross-country skiing has always been overshadowed by its downhill counterpart. Last winter season, however, as Whistler and the world continued to struggle with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-country skiing was perfectly poised for a renaissance of sorts as people looked for ways to exercise safely as well as ways to find some respite and peace in an increasingly fraught world. >>

JUSTA JESKOVA

WHERE TO SKI LOST LAKE PARK 32 kms of trails in the heart of the forest within walking distance to the Village. Four kms are lit for night skiing. Lessons, rentals and passes are available at Lost Lake PassivHaus. WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK The multi-million dollar legacy from the 2010 Olympic Game offers more than a breathtaking network of cross-country trails, including snow shoeing trails and over 40 kilometres of dog-friendly trails! Tickets and rentals available at the Day Lodge. EVO (formerly Callaghan Wilderness) This is the ultimate backcountry experience with easy to advanced trails, as well as wilderness trails with no grooming. Don’t forget the Journeyman Lodge, the backcountry lodge in the heart of the Callaghan Valley for an extra-special experience. Check out Tourism Whistler’s website (whistler.com) for more information.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

A COUPLE ENJOYS A DAY OF SKATE SKIING ON ONE OF THE CALLAGHAN VALLEY’S MANY CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS.

TOURISM WHISTLER/TOSHI KAWANO

WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK AND CALLAGHAN COUNTRY ADVENTURES SHARE A NETWORK

JUSTA JESKOVA

OF OVER 120-KILOMETRES OF CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS IN THE CALLAGHAN VALLEY.

p e o p l e l i k e a n i ta fa w c e t t w h o decided to pick up skinny skis again last season after more than 40 years. She wasn’t the only one with that idea, making equipment hard to come by. “I had bought some skis at the beginning of the season, but they were way too long. But even though I knew I needed shorter ones, there were none in the stores, everyone was sold out,” recalls Fawcett. “[Eventually] I was able to get some boots in Squamish and the skis in Whistler, but it was hard because I didn’t know exactly what I needed because I was new to the sport. And all the people that sell stuff just couldn’t get their hands on the amount of equipment that they could have sold.” The equipment may have been in short supply in the height of the pandemic, but the trails were in great form. Whistler is graced with many crosscountry options. There’s Lost Lake Park, just a walk from the Village, with trails for every ability, and rentals available at Cross Country Connection. There’s the Olympic venue at Whistler Olympic Park, again with trails for every level, rentals, and even some dogfriendly trails too. And, there are the free municipally groomed trails like the Valley Trail from Meadow Park to Rainbow Park. >>

“I just love it because to me it's connecting with the land, the snow, the beauty and I love working out, so it's physical but it's also quite spiritual.” – ANNE PARENT

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the skier visitor numbers tell the story of the Nordic renaissance. Over winter 2020, Whistler Olympic Park reported “considerable growth” in its cross-country ski passes with nearly 68,000 out of a total 90,000 visits to the park for cross-country skiing. In the same time span, Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures, located close to Olympic park, also reported a massive influx of crosscountryconnection.ca skiers with a 33 per cent increase in cross-country sales during the pandemic. This fall, Callaghan Country’s longtime owners sold to Seattle-based company, evo. The general manager for evo Canada, Colleen Farrell, believes that this is just the start of the cross-country scene in Whistler and expects numbers to keep rising as the company continues to make Nordic skiing a priority moving forward. “There is a significant focus on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as we look at our long-term vision and path for Callaghan Country and The Journeyman Lodge,” she says. “Our goal is to connect people to the outdoors, removing the barriers to participation and providing guests with a truly incredible experience.” Whether you are new to the sport, like Fawcett, or have been doing it Files in PDF format, greyscale or CMYK since you were three-years old like Parent, the same sensation of being connected to nature is what first gets you hooked on the sport, but also confirmation: 604.905.0071 what keeps you coming back year after year. That’s what evo is banking technical concerns: Brian Hydesmithon as it invests in Whistler in the long term. “I feel confident that we will continue to see participation design@hydesmith.com or call 204.487.0067 increase,” says Farrell. “I think many of these new participants were blown away by the experience and the alternative it poses to what the city offers. Among the many indicators, we are seeing a significant increase in demand for cross-country and backcountry gear across our evo Whistler store locations.” Still, Parent wonders if the numbers will continue to grow as life slowly returns to pre-pandemic normal. “I do love to show up there as early as they'll let me because I love being alone to just connect with nature. And, I know I sound really granola right now, but I have this spot called top of the world and you can see Black Tusk from there. I always take a little pause and salute Black Tusk on my way and carry on.” W

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CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM CARLETON LODGE / EAGLE LODGE WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

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F I N D T H E S PA C E T O B R E AT H E . . . W H I S T L E R ’ S L E A D I N G R E A LT O R

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER HOMES

LIGHT FILTERS THROUGH THE HOME TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE DAY, CHANGING WITH THE BREATHTAKING GREEN LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEW.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

HARMONY ON GREEN LAKE

A CRAFTED CONTEMPORARY HOME HONOURING GEOGRAPHY AND SPIRIT

STO RY BY LAU R A N EW TO N PH OTO S BY A M A N DA O ST ER & STEP HEN L I WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

THE OPEN LIVING SPACE CONNECTS TO THE EXPANSIVE BALCONY BY LARGE CUSTOM-MADE GLASS DOORS. RIGHT PHOTO: A SMALL ENTRY COURTYARD WITH A CUSTOM WATER FEATURE AND REFLECTING POOL SETS THE TONE FOR THE ZEN EXPERIENCE THAT WEAVES ITSELF THROUGHOUT THE HOME.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

h e n a r c h i t e c t Fook Weng Chan, principal of FWC Architecture, was tasked with designing a family home on Green Lake at Trudy’s Landing, he took on the project with careful and emotional consideration.

“The 4,984 square-foot home’s design was born out of a desire for architecture of substance—a building that fit harmoniously into the landscape, drew inspiration from the surrounding environment, and highlighted the beauty of natural materials. “(The owners) wanted a design that speaks of the forest, mountain, and ski resort characteristics of Whistler, and also maximized the rare wide lake frontage,” explains Chan, of the prime location on the shores of the eye-catching Green Lake, north of the Village. Chan believes that when all the elements of a structure work together, it is imbued with a soul and can provide a type of spiritual haven that honours both the inhabitants and the surrounding geography—a feeling that he says is more easily experienced than described. “It’s very much about what you feel as you approach the house, enter, walk through various parts, and—at different points (in time)—how light comes in on different levels or angles as you work your way through the house,” says Chan. >>

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

THE HOME WELCOMES YOU IN WITH SOARING CEILINGS, FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS AND A SPACEDEFINING POST-AND-BEAM STRUCTURE THAT WORKS TO MAINTAIN A FEELING OF WARMTH AND COMFORT. RIGHT PHOTO: A CUSTOM-DESIGNED CHEF’S KITCHEN PROVIDES AMPLE ROOM FOR CULINARY ADVENTURE AND GRAND OR INTIMATE DINNER PARTIES.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

it’s easy to see just what he is referring to as you pull off the Sea to Sky highway and enter the property. Careful design and planning, including a curved dry-jointed basalt wall at the front of the house, screens out the highway noise to create a serene environment. There’s a crafted wood gate, set within the illuminated stone entry wall, which opens into a pleasant surprise (the first of many throughout the home): a small courtyard with a custom water feature and reflecting pool. “The creation of this private space allowed a full wall of windows from the house—looking out onto a landscape feature rather than the road,” says Chan, noting that this reinforces the connection between the interior and exterior, also allowing natural light into the home. The quiet entrance opens into an impressive living space, featuring

Bathroom, Kitchen, Lighting, Door Hardware, Cabinet Hardware, Custom Wine Storage & much more.

post-and-beam construction which enables large windows, glazed patio doors, and a curved roof to provide unobstructed views of Green Lake, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and beyond. It’s a picture perfect backdrop that sets a peaceful tone throughout the home, despite the majestic drama of the Coast mountains. The timber post-and-beam structure also works to define spaces within the open floor plan. “All too often, homes have wide, open-plan designs with weak definition of spaces within. This is often the reason for psychologically uncomfortable spaces with otherwise beautiful homes,” explains Chan. Different areas of the open space are further defined by large dark limestone tiles, inset in the white oak floor, while multi-tonal wood accents create gentle cohesion throughout. >>

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TOP: OVERLOOKING GREEN LAKE, THE MASTER BEDROOM PROVIDES A RELAXING AND RESTFUL RETREAT, FEATURING WARM WOOD TONES. BOTTOM: THE MAIN FLOOR BATHROOM MIXES GLASS, WOOD TONES AND DARK TILE, AND PROVIDES A LARGE SHOWER AND SOAKER TUB.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

the use of local materials, such as Douglas fir, local basalt, and other natural materials fit the home comfortably into the landscape, explains the home’s builder, Jeff Burdett of Burj Enterprises. The prominent use of bamboo for the home’s custom cabinetry and other millwork provides a warm texture and another pleasant surprise in the context of a Whistler residence. “Bamboo was selected because of the very linear look to the material, which complemented some of the horizontal lines in the building,” explains Chan. The main floor offers a large kitchen, dining and living areas that open onto the spacious balcony overlooking Green Lake, as well as the master bedroom, luxury walkin closet, large bathroom, and an outdoor shower—another surprise typically not found in Whistler. Additional bedrooms, living space, and a large balcony with an infinity hot tub on the lower-level

offer access to the property’s quintessential Whistler views. Bathrooms, steam rooms, sauna, laundry, and other amenities are located at the rear of the home. Throughout, a wide range of one-of-a-kind, custom-designedand-built elements are included, such as light fixtures, illuminated back walls, the fireplace, sliding panels, furniture, and display niches for sculptures. “We are incredibly spoiled in Whistler with Canada’s best builders and this residence takes it to the next level with quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It’s a very special property,” says John Ryan of The Whistler Real Estate Company. Landscape design works to integrate the home into the land through a series of terraces that allow for both covered and open outdoor living spaces close to the water. Local hard materials, including basalt columns and

pavers, and carefully selected plants and foliage ensure the property will mature in unity with the surroundings. At the water, a large swing dock provides a place to launch a quiet summertime canoe ride or a landing spot for a floatplane. In the winter, a launch directly from the property offers space to head out for a peaceful cross-country ski across the frozen lake or for snow kiting on windier days. The home was completed in 2008 and has since been included in coffee table books and featured among Chan’s work at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, the premier architecture festival in the world. Chan explains: “The Italian curators specifically wanted to show the rest of the world examples of contemporary architecture that is informed by and born of the ‘spirit of place.’” W

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FINE DINING

APRÈS INDULGENCES FOR THE POST-ALPINE CROWD, DECADENCE IS ONLY A FEW SKI-BOOTED STEPS AWAY

EXECUTIVE CHEF JUSTIN STARR OF JOE FORTES WHISTLER

JUSTIN STARR PREPARES JOE FORTES' FAMOUS CHILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER.

STORY BY B RANDO N B ARRETT P HOTO S BY DAVID B UZZARD

ust because you’re in ski boots doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your decadent side. In fact, Whistler has a long history of catering to the appetites of the post-ski crowd, and with the fine dining scene here rivalling any resort destination the world over, après is no longer solely the domain of wings and nachos. Balancing a need to nourish after a busy day on the mountain with a taste for the kind of high-end fare Whistler has long been known for, we’ve picked a trio of restaurants—ranging from two well-loved Whistler classics to the new kid on the block—that do après in style. So grab yourself a cocktail and get ready to après the Whistler way. >>

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

TIGELLE WITH CULATELLO AND

IL CAMINETTO EXECUTIVE

LARDO FROM IL CAMINETTO

CHEF JAMES WALT

IL CAMINETTO TIGELLE WITH CULATELLO AND LARDO you could say james walt is a bit of an Italophile. The executive chef at Il Caminetto has long had an obsession with the back-to-basics, ingredientforward cuisine of the Bel Paese (the “beautiful country,” as Italy is known). An acclaimed cookbook author, farm-to-table pioneer, and the only Whistler chef to cook at New York’s prestigious James Beard House, Walt also spent a stint as executive chef for the Canadian embassy in Rome, a formative time that helped shape his culinary ethos. So when he got the call to jump from the kitchen at Araxi to fellow TopTable restaurant Il Caminetto, the chance to work again in a cuisine that sits so 52

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

near and dear to him was too hard to pass up. “Our approach with Il Caminetto has been to use local and curated Italian products with a modern twist based on classical Italian cookery,” he says. “We make all of the pastas, gelato and breads in-house every day and approach every dish with an Italian sensibility. Our goal is to preserve the Italian flavour for our community in Whistler.” The après dish Walt selected speaks directly to this sensibility: tigelle with culatello and lardo, which should feel familiar to charcuterie lovers, with a distinctly Italian flavour profile that should wow the uninitiated. Tigelle is a warm, crisp bun

akin to an English muffin that is brushed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Tear open the soft bun, spread a healthy dollop of fresh herb butter inside, and add generous slices of culatello (literal Italian translation: “little ass”) and lardo, a cured pork fat. A beloved salumi among Italians, over on this side of the pond, culatello—which, for the unfamiliar, is probably closest to prosciutto—is not quite as well known, and what Saveur magazine called “the unsung queen of Italian cured meats.” We can see why. “This is extremely tasty and perfect for after ski with some warm olives and a Negroni,” Walt says. >>

“This is extremely tasty and perfect for after ski with some warm olives and a Negroni.” – JAMES WALT

RECIPIENT OF THE PINNACLE AWARD

NAMED TOP 50

Regional Company of the Year

Maclean’s Magazine, 2012

Canada’s Best Restaurants

(27th annual): 2015

WINNER OF 8

RECIPIENT OF 10 WHERE Magazine ‘To Dine’ Awards

Georgia Straight Golden Plates Awards

RECIPIENT OF 18

Vancouver Magazine, Best Whistler Gold

WINNER OF 5 Best of Whistler Awards PIQUE Magazine

Après Saturday and Sunday 3 - 5pm Dinner daily from 5pm 604 932 4540 | 4222 Village Sq | araxi.com WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

THE BEARFOOT BISTRO'S LIQUID

THE SPECTACLE OF BEARFOOT'S

NITROGEN-COOLED TAHITIAN VANILLA

NITRO ICE CREAM USUALLY ELICITS

BOURBON ICE CREAM.

ENVY FROM NEARBY DINERS.

BEARFOOT BISTRO NITRO ICE CREAM one thing the team behind Bearfoot Bistro has always understood is that dining is so much more than just the food on your plate, whether it’s an after-ski bite to eat or an exquisite meal. Dining, at its core, is a performance, and at the Bearfoot at least, that performance is a full-on spectacle. “This is what makes it fun for us as well. We love to entertain our guests and we love to have fun doing it,” says wine director Luc Trottier. “We see dinner as an experience, not just to feed yourself.” This isn’t hyperbole, either. Bearfoot offers a number of ways to put a memorable stamp on your night, whether it’s a round of vodka shots in the world’s coldest ice room, to sabering a bottle of your favourite bubbly in the restaurant’s gargantuan wine cellar with an honest-to-goodness sword. And because any show worth its salt should end with a 54

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

bang, not a fizzle, one of the most popular ways to cap a days’ skiing with après at the Bearfoot is with its beloved nitro ice cream. The dessert is made from bourbon-infused Tahitian vanilla cream that is chilled instantly with a healthy pour of liquid nitrogen, with a regularly rotating selection of gourmet sundae toppings like candied pecans, fruit compote, and a rich caramel sauce. Prepared tableside, it usually elicits envious oohs and aahs from nearby diners. “It’s a super fun process. You get the smoke, you get the visuals, you get the interaction with your server doing it,” Trottier says. “It definitely has that Caesar effect. As soon as you see something made tableside with the liquid nitrogen and all the steam and smoke that goes around, it brings a lot of attention.” But, like everything the Bearfoot does, the spectacle is

only part of the recipe. As it turns out, the liquid nitrogen comes with more than just the obvious aesthetic benefits. “The reason why it’s so delicious is because when ice cream is made in this process, it doesn’t have the time to get the same sort of deep freeze you’d get in the freezer,” explains Trottier. “When ice cream is stored in a freezer, the worstcase scenario is if you have freezer burn, and all the water content and all the cream becomes crystalized and the texture is not pleasant. With nitro ice cream, it doesn’t crystallize so it’s just creamy, pillowy soft deliciousness. “It’s probably the best ice cream I’ve ever had.” And to truly make the most of your après, try Bearfoot's famous chilled vesper martini, also infused with liquid nitrogen, the perfect curtain call to an unforgettable après or dinner! >>

“With nitro ice cream, it doesn’t crystallize so it’s just creamy, pillowy soft deliciousness.” – LUC TROTTIER

french at heart

west coast soul

The Nijjar family is pleased to introduce you to the Royal Taste of India. Our chefs provide the essence of traditional Indian Cuisine with a modern touch, preparing each dish to your specifications. Our sister company Kismet Estate Winery, located in Oliver BC, produces VQA quality red & white wine to pair with our exotic menu.

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JOE FORTES WHISTLER CHILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER a va n c o u v e r i n s t i t u t i o n g o i n g o n 4 0 years, iconic seafood and chophouse Joe Fortes recently made the move to Whistler, opening its second location in the heart of Whistler Village. The new mountain locale puts a Whistler spin on an urban classic. Take its après menu, which caters to famished skiers and riders by offering even larger plates than its original city location, a restaurant not exactly known for skimping on portion size. “With the cost of ingredients, we could scale back our portion size … but our philosophy is, yes, we’ll charge accordingly, but this is the Joe’s experience and we’re not going to veer from that,” says Wayne Sych, culinary director for Joe’s parent company, The CFW Group. A prime example of this penchant for enormity is the chilled seafood platter, a sampling of favourite menu items that is the perfect way to get your meal started off on the right foot. It features Joyce Point oysters, steamed manila clams, steamed Salt Spring Island mussels, jumbo black tiger prawns, local albacore tuna tartare and tuna crudo, all served on a bed of crushed ice, along with lemon wedges and a trio of house-made sauces.

JOE FORTES' CHILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER, WHICH INCLUDES OYSTERS, STEAMED MUSSELS AND CLAMS, JUMBO PRAWNS, TUNA TARTARE AND TUNA CRUDO.

“I like it because it’s got such a variety to it,” Sych says. In keeping with the Joe Fortes style, the share platter is a throwback to the chophouse of old, a philosophy that has sat at the core of its Vancouver location since it first opened its doors in 1985.

“We are definitely a classic seafood and chophouse. That’s our DNA, so every approach to our menu items, our food philosophy, is just that,” adds Sych. “It’s a formula that’s worked for us. Thirty-six years in Vancouver and it seems to be working really well in Whistler as well.” W

A taste of

MEXICO In the heart of Whistler Village

At the Base of Whistler Mountain in the Sundial Hotel 604.962.4450 www.themexicancorner.ca

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

COMPLEMENTARY PICKS FROM OUR SOMMELIER

BONNY MAKAREWICZ

LUXURY APRÈS SIPS PERFECT PAIRING BY SAMANTHA RAHN

fter a spectacular day on the slopes, you deserve an equally amazing après with great eats and drinks to match. Whistler has you covered. Gather your pals and treat yourself after a great day in the mountains. Whistler has welcomed the celebrated Vancouver seafood and chophouse Joe Fortes in the past few months. Its seafood platter makes a wonderful après indulgence, and a great bottle of bubbly is the perfect pairing. Roederer Estate’s Anderson Valley, California Brut is an ideal choice, and a great quality-to-price selection. The famed Champagne House of Roederer (whose flagship bottling is Cristal) has been producing traditionalmethod sparkling near the California redwood groves of Mendocino Country for many years, and the results are consistently superb. Next on your après tour, cozy up to the fire at Il Caminetto for some hearty fare to replenish those calories burned on the slopes. Italian wine and food are made for each other so a great bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva from the Brancaia family winery in Tuscany will complement a wide range of food and satisfy the most discerning palates. Brancaia’s bottling is big and modern, with a good dose of merlot to add richness to the sangiovese that makes the base of chianti. If your après turns into dinner, try the Super Tuscan offering from Brancaia, Ilatraia. Popular in the 1980s, Super Tuscan wines, a relatively new style of wine mixing French grapes with Italian terroir, continue to hold their own. Try Ilatraia with Caminetto’s Bistecca alla Fiorentina to really experience the flavour of this wine, and see what Super Tuscan wines are all about. Last but certainly not least, one of the most decadent sweet treats in Whistler is Bearfoot Bistro’s famous nitro ice cream. It is suggested that you try it alongside the uniquely Canadian treasure of a liqueur, Sortilège, and I couldn’t agree more. It is made with Canadian whisky blended with Quebec maple syrup, and may just be the ultimate winter warmer, either with the ice cream, to simply sip on its own, or in a fabulous cocktail. —Samantha Rahn is the Fine Wine Ambassador for Select Wines, 2013 VIWF Sommelier of the Year, and longtime Whistler/Pemberton local. W

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ENJOY THE GIBBONS EXPERIENCE AT HOME

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CASUAL DINING

E H T F OF N PATH E T A E B FROM THAI CURRIES TO CAFFEINE-PACKED COCKTAILS, THESE THREE WHISTLER EATERIES MAKE VENTURING AWAY FROM THE VILLAGE STROLL WORTH THE EFFORT STORY BY MEGA N L ALO ND E PHOTOS BY DAVID B UZZARD

since barn nork opened its doors in 2016, word of mouth spreading faster than wildfire has led Whistler locals and visitors alike to travel far from the Village Stroll in search of authentic Thai cuisine. Specifically, they’ve driven 35 minutes north to Pemberton, but later this winter, that trek will get a lot shorter. Barn Nork is currently operating from the Sunstone Golf Club in Pemberton, but the renowned eatery is relocating to Whistler’s Riverside Camping & RV Resort, with a projected opening date of March. That move to Whistler is a big change for

the little eatery. Just five minutes north of the Village by car—and adjacent to the luxurious Scandinave Spa—Barn Nork’s new home might be closer to the action, but it’s staying true to the restaurant’s out-of-the-way roots. “We were looking for a place that still allowed us to be a little bit of a destination,” says manager Judith Thompson. “We wanted people to be very thoughtful about finding us, and ordering from us … Riverside had all that for us in that it is a little bit off the beaten path.” It all began with a Craigslist seach about five years ago that brought owners and chefs Jatuporn (Jay) Nutamarn and Chanidaporn (Janice) Sriwantan to a property near Pemberton. >>

TOP: JAY NUTAMARN AND JANICE SRIWANTAN OF BARN NORK RESTAURANT. ABOVE: A SAMPLING OF BARN NORK’S AUTHENTIC THAI FOOD.

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

FORECAST COFFEE OWNER JIM SALUSBURY WITH AN ENTICING LATTE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICH.

originally from chaing mai, the married duo honed their cooking chops at Bangkok’s five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel before taking their talents to kitchens all over the world and, eventually, settling in British Columbia. “They jumped in with both feet and took a risk,” Thompson explains. “They figured that if they made good food, people would come. That's kind of the basic principle of Barn Nork”— which, in Thai, loosely translates to “countryside,” she adds. Barn Nork’s menu features a variety of Thai dishes, all packed with carefully layered flavours. The goal, says Sriwantan, is to make guests “feel like they've been to Thailand, but [without having] to fly there.” That, and to expand diners’ notions of what constitutes Thai food beyond beloved staples like pad Thai and green curry. (Don’t panic, those are still available.) The restaurant’s new iteration will have limited indoor seats—“12 to 14,” Thompson estimates—and an increased focus on traditional street-food dishes and takeout. That said, diners should be forewarned that Barn Nork is anything but a typical quick-service noodle shop. “Part of Barn Nork’s success is that … if you wait for it, it will be delicious,” Thompson says.

CHECKING THE FORECAST t h e r e a r e m a n y r e a s o n s to venture south to Function Junction, Whistler’s industrial hub: checking out craft breweries, grabbing a slice of pizza at Functional Pie, or indulging in a sweet treat at Purebread, for instance. These days, a visit to Forecast Coffee also ranks high among them. 60

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

When Forecast launched in early 2020, the inviting café-meetsgrocer automatically became many locals’ go-to spot for a morning jolt of caffeine. Since renovations were completed in July—eliminating the grocery section in favour of more spacious seating, coupled with a newly approved liquor licence— Forecast has also become the ideal spot for a low-key, postadventure bite to eat and perhaps an espresso martini, that offers some relief from the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village. “Our purpose is to create space … for people to come together and connect,” says Forecast owner Jim Salusbury. The decision to ditch grocery shelves and expand seating, “certainly created that community hub, more than we had before,” he adds. Today, Forecast’s food menu is filled with casual fare like Baja quinoa bowls, avocado “fries” and street tacos, alongside morning offerings like breakfast sandwiches and overnight oats. Forecast’s passion for coffee has even extended to the entirety of its cocktail menu, which includes creations like a Cold Fashioned and a Dark ’n’ Stormy made with Forecast’s house-branded espresso beans. Forecast also offers an array of B.C. craft brews on draft, and a few local wines for those who prefer to keep their caffeine and alcohol consumption separate. It was the café’s proximity to local breweries that prompted staff to think outside the box when designing Forecast’s liquor program, Salusbury explains. “Of course, an espresso martini comes up in conversation. And then as we just went down the rabbit hole, we developed a few more [coffee-based cocktails] that we knew and liked and thought could be kind of fun.” >>

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AIN ST. 14 M #21T- U4P3FR OM THE (JUS GS) OLYMPIC R@IN US FOLLOWSW STLER STINKY HI

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

OPEN LATE Mon. to Sat. till 3 a.m. Sun. till 2 a.m.

(604) 932-0410 4368 Main Street

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNDERGROUND MANAGER TED LOW POURS A LOCALLY BREWED BEER WITH A RACK OF THEIR HOUSE BRANDED RMU SKIS IN THE

UPPER VILLAGE, UNDER

GROUND

t uck e d away i n t he uppe r Village’s Le Chamois Hotel, just a few steps from the Blackcomb Gondola, lies Rocky Mountain Underground. The cozy ski shop/ pub combo, better known to most as RMU, is fairly new to Whistler’s food and beverage scene, but has quickly become a favourite spot among locals to sip hard-to-find whiskies, down a craft brew or two, and peruse its ski displays before indulging in some well-earned après snacks. (Tip: you can’t go wrong with the loaded wedges.) The ski manufacturing company part of the business got its start in a Colorado ski patroller’s underground garage. When it came time to open a retail store in Breckenridge, the company’s founders decided bars were more fun, and so the dualpurpose concept was born. RMU chose Whistler for its second location, opening its doors just a few months prior to the COVID19 pandemic. Despite the company’s

BACKGROUND

faraway roots, RMU Whistler— which features curated craft beer and a wine list comprised exclusively of B.C. products—is about as local as it gets, explains general manager Ted Low. “The whole company [tries] to be sustainable and as local as possible,” he adds. Those efforts extend to RMU’s food menu, where much of the tender meat tossed in its Traeger smoker is sourced from North Vancouver’s Two River Meats. “We actually just recently started smoking our chicken wings,” explains Low. “We brine the wings, smoke the wings, so I think that's kind of the real standout that's on the menu right now.” One aspect of RMU Whistler that’s been slightly trickier to localize? The pub’s extensive liquor offerings, which range from handcrafted mezcal to 10-year-old Japanese whisky and everything in between. Says Low, “I'm trying to get 100 whiskies on the back bar before Christmas.” W

the locals ’ hangout

sal eg

DELICIoUS PUB FARE!

Cold

Cold beer to go, growler fills, kegs, brewery tours, rotating cider tap, pub food & beeraphenalia! Function 10Visit mins.our south of Whistler Village604-962-8889 604-962-8889 FUNCTIONJunction JUNCTION website whistlerbeer.com

SPoRtS!!

9 Flatscreens, HD TV’s, Great Food & Great Service

Fresh

IFI

Burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, nachos, chicken wings, salads, soups, kids’ menu and daily lunch & dinner specials

FR E E P

KI AR

BEER & WINE StoRE 7 days a week, 11am-11pm

ROLANDSWHISTLER.COM 604-932-5940 2129 LAKE PLACID, CREEKSIDE

A local’s favourite since 1982 Come aprēs with us! @CBBWhistler

INSIDE THE HILTON WHISTLER

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

SHOPPING WHISTLER

TREASURE HUNTING

histler may be best-known for its outdoor activities, but it’s no slacker when it comes to its vibrant shopping scene. Here’s just a taste of what you can find throughout the Village and other shopping areas. Grab your reusable bags and have fun hunting for your new favourite things! LOYAL LOOT LOG BOWLS These beautiful bowls combine the raw, natural beauty of a tree with a vibrant, high-gloss bowl. Each bowl is handmade by Canadian artisans, Loyal Loot Collective, utilizing locally reclaimed trees, which have either fallen or been removed due to infrastructure or inclement weather. Each piece is designed to embody timeless beauty, with an element of storytelling. Sizes range from 2 to 5 inches and a variety of colours. Available at Camp Lifestyle + Coffee Co. From $75 - $170

HUMMINGBIRD DIAMOND PENDANT Designed by Bill Helin of the Tsimshian Nation and crafted by Boma, this pendant is made of a special silver and pewter alloy, and presented on an 18-inch sterling-silver omega chain. Pewter does not tarnish as silver does, however, with time it will gradually darken. “[Hummingbirds] are messengers of peace, they heal your body and soul and they guide you through life’s challenges.” Available at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. $75

WOMEN'S INTRAKNIT MERINO 200 COLORBLOCK You’ll love the innovation of the Intraknit™ Merino wool in this quarter zip women’s baselayer, because it helps with moisture management, temperature control, and odour resistance. And there’s even more to love: it's constructed to enhance performance, it offers mesh layers for breathability in all the right places, and it’ll let you move more easily and freely. Plus, it’s designed with striking colourblock patterns that will get you noticed, whether you're out with friends or just running your errands. Available at Smartwool. $180

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WSSF LIMITED EDITION - FIRST LIGHT FOON SKIS All Foon skis are designed, developed and completely handcrafted in Pemberton, B.C. This top-sheet design was created by Michelle Spragg, the winner of the 2021 World Ski and Snowboard Festival Whip Sheet competition, and is limited to just 20 pairs of skis. Choose any Foon model and apply this top sheet design to your ski. The wood from every set of skis is locally harvested and sourced through sustainable logging practices. Demo skis are available at Gibbons Retail. foonskis.com. $1,149

SHOPPING AREAS Nesters

UPPER VILLAGE

Village North

WHISTLER VILLAGE

FUNCTION JUNCTION

To Va n

cou

ver

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE

Whistler Village is the hub of

DEPARTURE ENSEMBLE FOR TRAVELLERS BY AESOP This departure kit is a must have for adventurers en route, and consists of seven travel-sized essentials to clean, hydrate and nurture dehydrated skin, and ensure immaculate oral hygiene, delivering an impeccable presence during transit. Ideal for inclusion in carry-on luggage. All Aesop products are vegan and cruelty-free, and no ingredient utilized in formulations is tested on animals. Available at Bach & Co. Lifestyle Boutique. $70

activity at the base of the mountains. A pedestrian-only paradise, it offers over 200 stores, galleries, restaurants and bars.

Village North is centred around

Whistler Marketplace, which offers a supermarket, liquor store and many fine shops and amenities.

Upper Village, situated at the

base of Blackcomb Mountain, is another walking-only area with many wonderful stores, restaurants and galleries.

Nesters is just two minutes north of Whistler Village and offers a variety of shops and restaurants, with a liquor store, grocery store and restaurants.

WISHBEADS BRACELET Write down your deepest wish, tuck it inside your Wishbeads bracelet, and wear it as a daily reminder to take action. Each Wishbeads bracelet features a solid brass cylinder with a screw on cap, and comes with five wishpapers. The bracelet shown is amazonite, which helps you communicate your truth with authenticity and confidence. Bracelets are also available in other stones. Available at 3 Singing Birds. $65 >>

Rainbow Plaza, a five-minute drive north of the Village, has a grocery store, liquor store, coffee shop, gas station and more. Whistler Creekside, a

five-minute drive south of the Village, is a shopping area near the base of Whistler Mountain.

Function Junction is just 10

minutes south of Whistler Village and offers hardware, organic groceries, breweries, bakeries and many more shops and services.

SHOPPING WHISTLER

ARC'TERYX BETA SV JACKET MS Alpine terrain is beautiful, unpredictable and unforgiving. The versatile Beta SV is designed for this world. Made from hardwearing Gore-Tex Pro—the most durable available—its waterproof, breathable protection withstands the realities of harsh mountain environments. The articulated fit moves with you, pit zips speed ventilation, and the StormHoodª provides full coverage without impeding lines-of-sight, and an embedded Recco reflector improves searchability in emergency situations. Available at Escape Route. $849.99

SAXX ULTRA BOXER BRIEF What you put in your pants is important. That's why each pair of Saxx Underwear comes equipped with the BallPark Pouch™. Designed to reduce friction, this patented piece of internal tech keeps your manparts in place while you're on the move. Design shown is “The Hills Are Alive.” Available at Open Country and Kabn. Most styles are $33.95 or three for $90

DALE OF NORWAY OL SPIRIT BASIC MEN'S SWEATER A sporty basic sweater made of 100 per cent superfine and skin-soft merino wool. Knitted tightly to avoid show-through, this sporty sweater can be used as a next-to-skin sweater or base layer for sport. Super fine merino wool is the perfect functional fiber. Extremely high wearing comfort, itch-free and with a soft feel. The superior quality merino wool is animal-friendly and naturally, mulesing-free. Available at Amos & Andes. $230

BULLE WATERPROOF BOOT Designed in Quebec, the Bulle Group seeks out the latest trends in Milan and tailors for the Canadian climate. Sophisticated, comfortable and stylish, this men’s boot has hand-finished vegetable-tanned leathers and suedes, Polar Wool lining and the Bulle-TEX waterproof membrane. Made in Portugal. Available at Soles. $230 >>

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER'S OUTDOOR STORE FOR KIDS & TEENS

We've got

ING EVERYTnH eed for

your kids e an awesome tim in Whistler!

FIND US IN MOUNTAIN SQUARE, JUST STEPS FROM LULULEMON | WWW.MOUNTAINKIDS.CA | 604 932 2115

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

SHOPPING WHISTLER

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN ALPENGLOW CANADIAN DIAMOND PENDANT Sterling silver and rose gold, natural Canadian round brilliant-cut diamond bezel-set pendant (sold without chain). Available at Keir Fine Jewellery $290

PAQUITO ECODOWN JACKET Stay fashionably cozy in this ladies’ reversible eco-down jacket from Italy available in silver and black or bronze and black. Available at Domani. $595

Located at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola 604.932.4100

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

FRESH PRODUCE FRESH BAKERY ORGANIC FOOD DELICIOUS SEAFOOD SPECIALTY MEATS BULK FOODS Sweaters for the whole family NEXT TO THE VISITOR INFO CENTRE & KEIR FINE JEWELLERY

604-932-7202 www.whistlersweatershop.com

DELIVERY SERVICE FRIENDLY PHARMACIST NUTRITIONAL ADVISORS

2020

HEALTH FOODS

Where the Locals Shop! OPEN EVERY DAY

8 am – 10 pm | 8am – 6pm Pharmacy IN T H E SO U L O F TH E VI L L A G E , O P P O SIT E TAP L E Y’ S . 12-4122 Village Green 604 905 0036 solesofwhistler.com

Located 1km north of Whistler Village at 7019 Nesters Rd. Phone: 604-932-3545 Pharmacy: 604-905-0429 Save time by shopping online:

www.nestersmarket.com

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

SHOPPING WHISTLER

A Charming & Unique Selection of Gifts & Kitchenware Dinnerware • Linens • Gadgets Candles • Glassware Practical Kitchen Accessories & More

en& VisWitoorrsks stvoleriter ofKitLoch Whi cals A Fa

CANDYLAB WOOD TOYS Candylab has a clear and enthusiastic mission: to make the absolute best wooden toy vehicles on the market. Solid beech wood, water-based paint and clear urethane coat with ABS plastic rims and rubber tires. Safety tested according to U.S. CPSIA and European, Australian and New Zealand regulations. The Longhorn Truck is 7.4" long x 3.8" wide x 3" high (18.8cm L x 9.65cm W x 7.6cm H). Available at Get the Goods. $42

Since 1994

ketplace 604-938-1110

Located in Whistler’s Mar

REVERSIBLE NORTH FACE MOUNT CHIMBO FULL ZIP HOODED JACKET The boys' reversible North Face Chimbo Jacket has versatility in spades. Depending on your child’s needs and style, they can choose a water-repellent, 100 per cent recycled shell fabric or a plush, 100 per cent recycled fleece. Insulated with Heatseeker™ Eco for warmth even in wet weather. Available at Mountain Kids Outfitters. 154.99

4599 Chateau Blvd Whistler 604.938.9266 70

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

221-2063 Lake Placid Road, Whistler, BC

1066 Millar Creek Rd. Function Junction

Artisan Pizza Best

Breakfast Sandwich

GreenLake Station.com STOP at Whistler Chevron, Café & Store 8110 Crazy Canuck Drive 604-962-2090

Hippest little gas station yo u ever did see

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

SHOPPING WHISTLER

DOMANI Fashion From ITALY

EMILE HENRY RECTANGULAR OVEN DISH Bring a delicate touch to the creation, cooking and presentation of your lasagnas, gratins and roasts with the Emile Henry rectangular oven dish. Made from HR® (High Resistance) ceramic, it diffuses the heat evenly allowing the food to be cooked perfectly and naturally right to the very centre. It can be taken directly from the freezer and put in the hot oven up to 500°F or under the grill. The generous, elegant shape offers a mixture of tradition and modernity, and this Emile Henry oven dish will quickly become an essential in the kitchen. Made in France, it is guaranteed for 10 years. Available at Whistler Kitchen Works. Various sizes and prices

www.domanifashionchic.com Phone: 604.962.6000

Located at Westin Resort & Spa

a clothing and goods store that focuses on the local, handmade and sustainable... discover all manner of beautiful and curated things... all emphasizing the unique lifestyle of the pacific northwest...

Located at 122-4340 Lorimer Road & Fairmont Chateau www.3singingbirdswhistler.com

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

VINTAGE GONDOLA PILLOW Decorative throw pillow from the Iconic Views Collection featuring a vintage gondola in Whistler with photography and design by Vancouver artist Heather Johnston. Made from soft velveteen fabric (100 per cent polyester) with a zippered closure. Feather pillow insert included. Made in Canada. 18” x 18”. Heather has a Master of Arts from the Royal College of Art in London, England. Her art is inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the mysteries of life. Johnston’s images are a collection of photographs fused together through time and draw from diverse influences. Available at Audain Art Museum. $98

SERVICES DIRECTORY

To advertise in the Services Directory, call Catherine Power-Chartrand at 604-932-1672

AVIS RENT A CAR - WHISTLER Wide variety of mid and full size cars for exploring Whistler and area! MINI VANS, 4x4s, 16' CUBE VANS – Detailed Sanitization after each Rental ONE WAY RENTALS AVAILABLE TO VANCOUVER OR FROM YVR AND DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER TO WHISTLER

@luxurytransport www.luxbus.com 604.522.8484

Cascade Lodge Lobby | 604.932.1236 sheri.warm@abglocalmarket.ca | Avis.com

cross country connection

Rentals Skills Tours

SERVING WHISTLER FOR YEARS

massage clinic & spa

CLINIC SERVICES OFFERED:

Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation, Acupressure, Therapeutic Massge, Reflexology, Aromotherapy & Hot Stone Massage Registered Massage Therapy, Counselling, Chiropractic, Permanent Make Up, Advanced Environ Skin Care & Microneedling are available upon request

www.bluehighways.ca • 604-938-0777 • #206 - 4368 Main St., Market Pavilion

whistler • 604.905.0071 • crosscountryconnection.ca

Whistler Museum Everything you need for your Health, Beauty and Convenience, right in the heart of Whistler Village Prestigious Beauty Boutique Full Service Pharmacy offering Travel Vaccinations & Medication Reviews Prescription Deliveries and much more Whistler Village (near The Keg & Movie Theatre)

604-905-5666 www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

come experience Whistler’s unique history! Open year-round 4333 Main Street, 604 932 2019

www.whistlermuseum.org whistlermuseum

WHISTLER TESTING

nection Advertisement

Files in PDF format, greyscale or CMYK

COVID19 SCREENING TESTS FOR d-5 604.905.0071 TRAVEL &confirmation: EMPLOYMENT g Services Directory

(3.8W x 2.1H)

Private transfers to and from Whistler Vehicle GPS Live Sharing Free WiFi

Locally Owned and Operated Whistler’sBrian BestHydesmith Rates technical •concerns: design@hydesmith.com or call 204.487.0067 Located in the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

www.whistlertesting.com

STUDIOS

Yoga and wellness services in the heart of Whistler Village! For yoga classes with heart that have strong safety procedures in place. Limited space available. In-person and virtual class options. Book online today!

604-935-2020 info@whistleryogacara.com www.whistleryogacara.com

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

WHISTLER VILLAGE & UPPER VILLAGE MAP A

VILLAGE WALK PEDESTRIAN PATHS ROAD

BUILDINGS

AC K

PARKING LOT

MEDICAL CENTRE

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INFORMATION TRANSIT STOP

TO LOST LAKE

VANCOUVER BUS TAXI LOOP

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LOT 5

9 LOT 1 LOT 2 ES D I A L CR

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AY BLACKCOMB W

SKIERS PLAZA

MARKETPLACE

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14 AND NORTHL

VD S BL

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GE GATE BLVD VILLA

VILLAGE SQUARE

COUVER TO VAN

O SKY SEA T

TO PEMBERTON

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

HWY

OLL

VILLAGE G R E

GE LA

ES TR

E LANE AG ILL

TOWN PLAZ A

MAIN ST

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WHISTLER OLYMPIC PLAZA

LORIMER RD

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WAY ER

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LOT 3

DRIVING RANGE

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

3801 Sunridge Place

Established in 1978, The Whistler Real Estate Company is #1 in listings, units sold and dollar volume in both Whistler and Pemberton* 76

WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2022

*according to WLS statistics in 2021

Whistler Magazine Winter/Spring 2022

Articles inside

CASUAL DINING: Off the Beaten Path

OLYMPIC GAMES: Legacies Live On

FINE DINING: Après Indulgences

WHISTLER HOMES: Harmony on Green Lake

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Whistler’s Nordic Renaissance

ARTS SCENE: The Joy of Art

FACES OF WHISTLER: Gearing up for the Games