WINTER/ SPRING 2016
WHISTLER’S PREMIER P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1980
M AG A Z I N E
A WINTER OF ARTS & CULTURE
THEN and NOW
FASHION | HOMES DINING | PEOPLE
Looking back in time, on the 50th anniversary of Whistler Blackcomb
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contents GALLERIES: A Winter of Arts & Culture. 20 Whistler embraces its creative side with an abundance of unveilings and exhibitions BY CATHRYN ATKINSON
50TH ANNIVERSARY: Then & Now. 28 Whistler Blackcomb: 50 Years of Going Beyond BY DAN FALLOON
WHISTLER STYLE: Now & Then. 40 The latest trends in Whistler winter wear, with some blasts from the past from the Whistler Museum archives BY LOGAN SWAYZE
FINE DINING: Share With Flair. 74 Live large with small plates at Whistler’s finest restaurants BY BRANDON BARRETT
CONTRIBUTORS
JUSTA JESKOVA
BRANDON BARRETT is a reporter with Pique Newsmagazine. Originally from Guelph, Ontario, he arrived from Medellin in 2012 where he was reporting South American news to an international audience for Colombia Reports.
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
PINA BELPERIO is a tech nerd, politica and freelance writer who recreates and writes in Whistler. When it comes time to get away from it all, she straps on her snowshoes and treks up Whistler’s abundant local trails.
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 thinks he is brilliant.
Ex-pat Winnipegger DAN FALLOON serves as Pique Newsmagazine’s sports editor. Away from the keyboard and camera, you’ll find him pickin’ guitar or on the microphone doing stand-up.
EXHIBITION OF NEW WORK BY NICHOLAS BOTT
V I S I T U S I N T H E U P P E R V I LLAG E Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Open Daily | 604.935.1862 Embracing the Past, Celebrating the Present and Investing in the Future Mountain
@MntGalleries
Galleries at the Fairmont
W W W . M O U N T A I N G A L L E R I E S . C O M
Jasper Park Lodge | Banff Springs | Chateau Whistler
contents WHISTLER PEOPLE: Faces of Whistler Blackcomb. 51 BY ALYSSA NOEL
WHISTLER HOMES: Laid-Back Lakeside Living. 56 BY PINA BELPERIO
CASUAL DINING: Ladies Who Lunch. 87 BY CINDY FILIPENKO
DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Greeting. 8 Fresh Tracks. 12 Bits and bites of information about winter in Whistler
Events Calendar. 18 Recreation Guide. 36
AFTER HOURS: Sugar, Sugar. 93 BY BRADEN DUPUIS
Shopping Whistler. 64
SOCIAL PAGE: Scene in Whistler. 98
Services Directory. 96
COVER PHOTO: Main photo courtesy Whistler Museum and Archives. Inset photo by Paul Morrison
CONTRIBUTORS
JUSTA JESKOVA
CINDY FILIPENKO writes for newspapers, TV, magazines and corporate clients. It doesn’t matter what she writes, her goal is the same: to tell a compelling story. cindyfilipenko.com
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
Originally from Alberta, ALYSSA NOEL is editor of the Whistler Question newspaper. She has an M.A. in arts and culture reporting, and her work has appeared in SPIN magazine, The Province and OnEarth.
LOGAN SWAYZE is a Whistler-based photographer born and raised in the Kootenays. When not shooting, Logan is either on his bike or board, or off travelling the world.
TESSA SWEENEY moved to Whistler in 2000 and contributes to many local publications. She enjoys the beauty of the outdoors and all of the wonders that resort living has to offer.
PURSUE PERFECTION Located in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness, Arc’teryx is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. Our in-house manufacturing and design centres allow us to evolve and build products the right way.
CAN-SKI Village, Crystal Lodge 604.938.7755 CAN-SKI Blackcomb, Glacier Lodge 604.938.7744 CAN-SKI Westin, Westin Resort & Spa 604.905.2262 CAN-SKI Creekside, Creekside Base 604.905.2160
editor’s greeting
WHISTLER’S CULTURAL
tipping point
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First Nations artwork will be an important part of the Audain Art Museum, with artifacts going back to 1820.
is the season of skiing, sliding, ski touring, Nordic, skating… the list goes on. Whistler is world famous for sports, action, natural beauty and pristine snow. But 2015-16 is our winter of culture, too. The 2015-2016 season looks both to the past and to the future of Whistler, with the 50th anniversary of Whistler Blackcomb (WB), the ski hills that make us the number one resort in North America and with the long-awaited opening of the Audain Art Museum. Fifty years of skiing in Whistler. How many people have our mountains enthralled in that time? Millions, easily. Celebrations for WB’s 50 years include a grand birthday party in December and more events rolled out over the season. In the meantime, make the most of our ski runs, the crisp air and the amazing powder which will be around for months. And a new era in visual arts comes to Whistler early in the new year with the opening of the Audain Art Museum. Showcasing 200 years of British Columbian art from our indigenous peoples, to Emily Carr, to Jeff Wall, the Audain will be one of the best-appointed smaller art galleries in Canada — and the one in the most beautiful location, in our opinion. It joins an already thriving gallery scene. It is also the 15th anniversary of the Whistler Film Festival, which takes over the resort at the beginning of December. Renowned as a boutique festival that is supportive of Canadian film, it premieres many excellent movies from around the world and hosts industry events and workshops for producers, directors and screenwriters. Another new addition to Whistler Village is a sculpture of 86 large bronze faces representing the many visitors who came to Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Timeless Circle is by Musqueam First Nation artist Susan Point, and is being unveiled in front of Millennium Place this winter. It will part of Whistler’s new Cultural Connecter — a path through Whistler Village that will pull together the main artistic points of the resort. Our natural beauty is stunning whether the snow is flying or it’s a sunny day, and added to the Whistler experience is the bonus of our artistic and cultural offerings. The best part? We can enjoy everything.
CATHRYN ATKINSON, Editor
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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WINTER/SPRING 2016 GENERAL MANAGER, ADVERTISING/OPERATIONS
Catherine Power-Chartrand EDITOR
Cathryn Atkinson ART DIRECTOR
Shelley Ackerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brandon Barrett Pina Belperio Braden Dupuis Dan Falloon Cindy Filipenko Alyssa Noel Tessa Sweeney CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Buzzard Coast Mountain Photography Mike Crane Justa Jeskova Kristen McGaughey Gabi Moeller Paul Morrison Logan Swayze Whistler Magazine (ISSN-0835-5460) is published twice annually by WHISTLER PUBLISHING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a division of GLACIER MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT, WHISTLER PUBLISHING LP
Sarah Strother ACCOUNTING
Heidi Rode CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION
Denise Conway 103-1390 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler, B.C., Canada, V0N 1B1 Phone 604-938-0202 | Fax 604-938-0201 Toll-Free 1-877-419-8866 Email: cpower@whistlermagazine.com Also publishers of The Question, weekly on Tuesdays, Pique Newsmagazine, weekly on Thursdays, and FAQ, published twice yearly. whistlerquestion.com | piquenewsmagazine.com | faqwhistler.com
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016 LOGO FINAL TEMP GLACIER VENTURES
DECEMBER 2007
faLL 2014 FALL// winter WINTER coLLection COLLECTION 2015
Located in the town PLaza on the ViLLage StroLL, juSt uP from the oLymPic ringS. whiStLer. 604-905-1183. www.Peak-whiStLer.com
fresh tracks
— compiled by Cindy Filipenko
GABI MOELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
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ive your Olympic dream at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Professional bobsled drivers take groups of three through 10 of the track’s 16 corners at speeds of up to 125 km/h. You’ll feel the G-Force and experience the same thrills as the athletes who tackled this run at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Not thrilling enough? You can choose to take the driver’s seat yourself by going solo on a luge — essentially a platform with blades on which you lay down to ride — tearing around six corners of the track at up to 100 km/h. One of only 16 bobsled tracks in the world, the Whistler Sliding Centre offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience winter’s fastest sports. www.whistlerslidingcentre.com
SKATE UNDER
THE STARS c SKATING OUTDOORS on frozen waterways is a Canadian tradition. It’s the stuff of postcards and childhood memories. Glide away at Whistler Olympic Plaza while ice skating on our community rink. It’s free, daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from mid-December through to the end of March. What’s more, you can experience skating under a dazzling, clear blue winter sky or at night under the stars in the heart of Whistler Village. And don’t worry about beginner skaters in your family, instructors are onsite. Forgot your skates? Rentals are available for $5. www.whistler.ca
MIKECRANEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Winter’s Best Motor Sport
c WHETHER YOU’RE an experienced or first-time rider, you can get on a snowmobile and explore Whistler and the surrounding region. There are several companies in the area that offer snowmobiling experiences. Some companies hold clinics to help you gain skills and confidence for sledding, while others specialize in backcountry trips that range from the rugged to the refined, with additions like candle-lit fondue dinners. Ride the trails through ancient forests, travel further into the backcountry than you ever imagined or zip across a glacier — the choice is yours. www.canadianwilderness.com, blackcomb snowmobile.com and tagwhistler.com
Indulge Yourself
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COURTESY THE ADVENTURE GROUP
hether you need to recover after a grueling day on the slopes or just want a little pampering, Whistler has no shortage of spas. Most of the major hotels have them and others can be found around the Village. Many facilities offer a full-line of esthetic treatments from brow tinting to eco-friendly mani-pedis. Full-body treatment options are also plentiful and include Javanese, Lomi and hot stone massages, body wraps featuring locally-sourced botanicals and Vichy showers. Most spas offer half- or full-day packages for the ultimate in relaxation and restoration. If you’re looking for a unique spa experience, check out Scandinave, a Finnish-style spa with steam and dry saunas, outdoor hot and cool pools and massage facilities. 12
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
SCOTT BRAMMER, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
G-FORCE FUN
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GABI MOELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
orse-drawn sleigh rides — immortalized in song and on Christmas cards — are a great way for the whole family to enjoy a Whistler winter. Both mountain and valley rides are available. The mountain ride will take you through a Blackcomb Mountain forest while the valley tour takes place at Nicklaus North Golf Course offering amazing views of Green Lake and the surrounding mountains. Wrapped in a cozy blanket with hot chocolate in hand, you and your family will take in the beauty of Whistler while enjoying the tranquility that comes with gliding over the snow. www.blackcombsleighrides.com
c ADD A ZIP trekking adventure to your vacation; it’s the closest thing to flying you can experience without wings. Whistler has some of the longest, highest and fastest zipline tours in the world. The resort’s two zip trek providers offer very different experiences, making it tempting to try both! In the Village, you’ll find Ziptrek Eco Tours ready to zip you through the forest shared by Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Experiences range from their two-and-a-half hour signature Bear Tour to the four-and-a-half hour, 10-zipline Mammoth Tour. Their new line, Sasquatch, has closed for the winter but will reopen in the spring. A few minutes north of the Village you’ll find Superfly Ziplines located on spectacular Cougar Mountain. If you’ve got a need for speed, Superfly features two side-by-side 1 kmlong ziplines that are 150 m. (650 ft.) above the forest floor; they can attain speeds of up to 100 km/hr. Contact either provider to verify age and weight requirements. www.ziptrek.com or www. superflyziplines.com
SOARING AND SALMON c IN BRACKENDALE, south of Whistler, the new year means the return of the eagle. This year marks the 30th annual Brackendale Eagle Festival and Count from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, when thousands of bald eagles return to the region to feast on salmon. The 2016 count takes place on Sunday, Jan. 10, but the festival continues throughout the month with concerts, an art show, guided tours and information sessions about the region’s eagles. Enthusiasts can view these magnificent birds from the dykes along the Squamish River all month. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. www.brackendaleartgallery.com
SCOTT BRAMMER, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
sleigh ride
A TOGETHER
Such GREAT Heights
COURTESY THE ADVENTURE GROUP
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ross-country skiing, the original Nordic Track trainer, is more than great exercise — it’s a passport to some of the prettiest vistas Whistler has to offer. There are two areas designated for this rigorous sport: Lost Lake, which is within the Village, and Whistler Olympic Park (WOP), 23 km south of the resort. The 32 km of trails at Lost Lake provides skiers with beautiful alpine views while the 130 km of trails at WOP take skiers deep into pristine forests. Both facilities offer night skiing options on a limited number of lit trails. Rentals are available onsite at Lost Lake and WOP. www.crosscountryconnection.ca
MIKECRANEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
SKIING ISN’T ALWAYS DOWNHILL
peaceful walk
fresh tracks
A IN THE SNOW
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oving your time in Whistler this winter? Then come back and visit us in the summer! When you are surrounded by green mountaintops instead of white, the fun is a little different but just as exciting. Vertical takes on new meaning as mountain bikers take to the hill, culminating with Crankworx, July’s two-week celebration of two-wheeled fun. Namaste becomes the official greeting when Wanderlust comes to Whistler to celebrate all things yoga. Free concerts, featuring groups as diverse as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Blue Rodeo, fill the plaza most weekend nights. And crowds on Village restaurant patios are bustling. But it takes more than festivals and free entertainment to make a Whistler summer rock. From the brutal obstacle race known as Tough Mudder, to the 120-km GranFondo road bike ride, high-profile sporting events fill the summer calendar. And for those inspired to similar heart-pumping recreation there’s bungee jumping, river rafting, summer bobsledding and the world-class Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Looking for something generating a little less adrenaline? You can take an easy ride on a gondola to the top of Blackcomb or Whistler mountains for an alpine hike, enjoy a gelato on the Stroll or head to one of Whistler’s beloved lakes for a splash. And if you’re attending the Squamish or Pemberton music festivals this summer, Whistler is a great home base, with the hotels and amenities available to cap off a perfect weekend listening to your favourite performers. www.tourismwhistler.com.
Chairlifts to Heaven MIKECRANEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
An Open Invitation
TERRIFIC TUBING
c FLYING DOWN A hill on a toboggan is an experience as Canadian as… well, Canadian bacon. Most kids in this country remember what it’s like to slide down the snow pile at the end of the street, dreaming of higher, steeper inclines. The Coca-Cola Tube Park takes that experience and dials it up. Riders in single-passenger tubes fly down sliding lanes 1,000-ft (305-metre) long, hitting speeds of more than 60 km/h. But it’s a thrilling ride even preschool children can enjoy with the park’s Mini-Zone featuring shorter runs and smaller tubes. (Children must be at least three years old and 36" tall.) A conveyor makes it fast and easy for tubers of all ages to get up the hill. The tube park is open every day from noon to 8 p.m., opening an hour earlier on Wednesdays and holidays. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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here are two mighty reasons why Whistler is consistently recognized as North America’s #1 ski and snowboarding resort: Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. There’s efficient access to both mountains via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola — an 11-minute ride across a 4.4 km span that stretches 436 m above the valley floor. And with the installation of new eight-person cabins on the Whistler Village Gondola system, skiers and boarders have extra time on some of the world’s most beautiful slopes. Lift stations are located in the Village, the Upper Village and at Creekside. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
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JUSTA JESKOVA
JUSTA JESKOVA
S
nowshoeing is an easy and fun way to enjoy Whistler winters. No matter what age or fitness level you’re at, if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Snowshoes allow you to tread lightly and easily, lofted above the snow along set trails or through the forest. You can enjoy snowshoeing in the Village at Lost Lake, which featurwes 32 km of trails, 12 of which have been designated specifically for snowshoeing. If you’re looking for a little more terrain, check out Whistler Olympic Park, a 23-minute drive south of the resort. The park features 40 km of marked trails, 15 of which are also dog friendly. Rentals are available onsite. www.whistlersportslegacies.com or www.whistler.ca
WhistlerMagazine
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MONT - TREMBLANT Quebec
WHISTLER
QUEENSTOWN
British Columbia
New Zealand
Spectacular! eco-exhilarationâ„¢
The Ziptrek Ecotours adventure area is located directly above Whistler Village, in the spectacular temperate rainforest valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
WW1577
Our Guest Services desk is in the Carleton Lodge across from the Whistler Village gondolas
604.935.0001 or 1.866.935.0001 ziptrek.com
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AWARD WINNING:
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fresh tracks
Mountain Roots LOCAL BUSINESSES, LOCAL LOVE
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KRISTEN MCGAUGHEY
hopping locally has never been easier and these community-minded, independent businesses make Whistler an exciting and vibrant place to shop, eat and live. — Pina Belperio
WHERE FRIENDS GATHER c CAMP LIFESTYLE + COFFEE CO. is designer Lynn Gentile’s way of combining great coffee with mindfully sourced lifestyle products, geared to the sustainable yet curious. Set in Whistler’s hip Function Junction area, Camp has become the new gathering space. Savour the fresh brew of 49th Parallel coffee and tasty treats and relax by the outdoor waterfall, or browse Camp’s unique West Coast artisan products that include Marley’s Stereos, Dot & Lil soaps, Portland Growler Co., FIG Clothing and Loyal Loot’s colourful log bowls. camplifestyle.ca
ANDREW STRAIN
NATURE’S MULTI-VITAMIN
WHISTLER-INSPIRED PROTECTION c NIBZ BANDANAS, started by local boarder Sara Niblock, celebrates its 10th season of protecting faces from Mother Nature. Its funky collection of high-quality, weatherproof bandanas, headbands and balaclavas are created by riders for riders. The use of wicking mesh prevents moisture and ice build-up, making these products perfectly suited to handle Whistler’s unpredictable weather. They’re also the choice of Whistler athlete and X-Games skier Simon D’Artois. Available at Evolution Whistler or nibz.ca 16
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
c A CHICKEN IS what a chicken eats. Vitala Foods’ nutrient-rich eggs are the first in the world to contain 100 per cent of your daily-dose of Vitamin D, thanks to their specially formulated chicken feed. Vitala Eggs come from free-run hens and are packed full of essential nutrients, including vitamins E and B12, and selenium. Family-run Vitala Foods is located in Abbotsford, B.C. It pays homage to the way things used to be and also produce milk and yoghurt products that are healthy, innovative and traceable. Eggs sold exclusively at Whistler’s Creekside Market. vitalafoods.com
JEWELLERY FOR A GOOD CAUSE c KEIR FINE JEWELLERY’S unique line of circular pendants and earrings commemorates Jeanie the Whistler Bear, a 20-year Whistler resident and wildlife icon adored by both visitors and locals. Launched in August 2015, this Canadian-designed, made and sourced line is available in sterling silver or 14K yellow gold with a Canadian diamond. Ten per cent of each piece sold will be donated to the Get Bear Smart Society, which educates people about the animals. keirfinejewellery.com W
N A R V I K , N O R WAY
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events calendar
Seasonal
Sports & Recreation
Festivals & Events
WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL
Feb 19 – 20
Sunday Nights
FIRE & ICE SHOW
Celebrate skiing and snowboarding in Whistler with parties and other events. Party at the Roundhouse Lodge on Dec. 12. www.whistlerblackcomb.com Jan. 22 – 23
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB FOUNDATION’S TELUS WINTER CLASSIC
March 5
Monday and Wednesday evenings
GOPRO JUNIOR FREESKI CHALLENGE
Fun, games and entertainment that change each week — snowman-building competitions, tobogganing, storytelling, roving characters, music, mini hockey, snacks, hot drinks and more. Free. www.whistler.com/events
Jan. 23 – 31
WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL The 26th annual LGBT ski and snowboard week — with sports, culinary, wellness and entertainment. www.gaywhistler.com
The snowboard competition is now in its 18th year and is Canada’s oldest event of its kind. www.whistlerblackcomb.com March 19 – 22
An IFSA event for competitors aged 12 to 18. www.whistlerblackcomb.com CHAIRLIFT REVUE
OFFICIAL OPENING DAY FOR WHISTLER BLACKCOMB www.whistlerblackcomb.com WHISTLER CUP
Dec. 17 – March 10
WILLIAM EPPS, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
Recreational race fun held on Thursdays throughout the season. Open to skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
WORLD SKI AND SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL The biggest gathering of sports, music, arts and culture in North America. www.wssf.com 18
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
SCOTT BRAMMER, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
WSSF
April 1 – 3
Dec. 17 – 18
PERFORMANCE SERIES — CHAIRLIFT REVUE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL A celebration of Whistler Christmas stories as hilarious short skits — all set on a chairlift going up the mountain. www.artswhistler.com
WHISTLER CUP
Late December
After 24 years, Whistler Cup has become the largest ski race in the world for athletes aged 11 to 14. Hundreds of youngsters from 25 countries compete. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
WHISTLER HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE Events and entertainment for the entire family throughout Whistler. www.whistler.com
April 17
Dec. 31
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN CLOSING DAY www.whistlerblackcomb.com May 23 PEAK TO VALLEY
Whistler’s holiday craft fair features original fine art and handmade items for sale at the Whistler Conference Centre. www.artswhistler.com
SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN
Nov. 26
KOKANEE VALLEY RACE SERIES
BIZARRE BAZAAR
Teams of four race down Whistler Mountain, starting at the Saddle and finishing at Dusty’s in Creekside. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Weekly from mid-December to the end of March at 6:30 p.m., Whistler’s best skiers and riders hit a big air jump through a blazing ring of fire at the base of Whistler Mountain in the Village. Free. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
FAMILY APRÈS
The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s busy weekend of ski events, food and drink. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
April 8 to 17
Nov. 28 – 29
PEAK TO VALLEY RACE
BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN CLOSING DAY www.whistlerblackcomb.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE/ FIRST NIGHT Ring in 2016 with family and adult events all around Whistler. Alcohol-free youth activities are also available. www.whistler.com
DAVID BUZZARD
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
BIZARRE BAZAAR
BRAD KASSELMAN, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
Dec. – Jan.
SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN
RICH GLASS
Celebrating its 15th year, the Whistler Film Festival shows features, shorts and documentaries from Canada and around the world. There are workshops and industry meetings, too. www.whistlerfilm festival.com
JUSTA JESKOVA
Dec. 2 – 6
Arts & Music Early 2016
Feb. 20
OPENING DAY — AUDAIN ART MUSEUM
PERFORMANCE SERIES — HAMELIN: A NEW FABLE
A day of celebrations for the 5,200 sq.-metre facility that will house art from the Audain collection, including works by Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, and E.J. Hughes, as well as important B.C. indigenous artifacts. Opening touring exhibition — Jeff Wall. www.audainartmuseum.com
This family musical-adventure play by Axis Theatre Company focuses on the importance of keeping your word. Based on the Pied Piper of Hamelin. www.artswhistler.com March 3
Jan. 19
PERFORMANCE SERIES — SARAH HAGEN WITH SOREN BEBE ON PIANO
Renowned jazz saxophonist Remi Bolduc performs a tribute to the late Dave Brubeck. www.artswhistler.com
Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen, who has performed throughout North America and Europe, in concert. With special guest Soren Bebe. www.artswhistler.com
Feb. 5
March 30
PERFORMANCE SERIES — NASHVILLE HURRICANE Chase Padgett tells stories of the rise, demise and resurrection of the best damn guitar player you’ve never heard of, Nashville Hurricane. www.artswhistler.com Feb. 14
PERFORMANCE SERIES — MONTRÉAL GUITARE TRIO AND CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO A night of blazing music. MG3 are a hot guitar ensemble. They share the stage with the California Guitar Trio. www.artswhistler.com
PERFORMANCE SERIES — SARAH HAGEN WITH ARIEL BARNES ON CELLO Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen, who has performed throughout North America and Europe, in concert. With special guest Ariel Barnes. www.artswhistler.com April 23
PERFORMANCE SERIES — MAZACOTE This West Coast Latin dance band brings its vibrant rhythms of horn-driven New York salsa dura and beats from Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. www.artswhistler.com
MONTRÉAL GUITARE TRIO
COURTESY MONTRÉAL GUITARE TRIO
PERFORMANCE SERIES — REMI BOLDUC
For up-to-date event listings and information, visit piquenewsmagazine.com or whistler.com WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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galleries
culture
A WINTER OF ARTS &
WHISTLER EMBRACES ITS CREATIVE SIDE
WITH THE OPENING OF THE AUDAIN ART MUSEUM, WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY AND MORE UNVEILINGS AND EXHIBITIONS
whistler art galleries ADELE CAMPBELL FINE ART GALLERY Open daily from 11 a.m. in the Westin Resort 604-938-0887 ART JUNCTION GALLERY & FRAME STUDIO Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. 1068 Millar Creek Road, Function Junction, 604-938-9000 BLACK TUSK GALLERY Open daily from 11 a.m. in the Hilton Resort, 1-877-905-5540 THE CRYSTAL GALLERY Crystal Lodge, 4154 Village Green, 604-902-5483 FATHOM STONE ART GALLERY & STUDIO
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In the Hilton Resort, with daily drop-in carving classes, 604-962-7722
his season is a game changer for Whistler.
COURTESY WHISTLER ARTS COUNCIL
Arts and culture activities and venues have multiplied to the point where they have become significant reasons to visit the resort in their own right. The momentum has built for years, and this winter a new Whistler has arrived.
Left: Morning Light at Mount Creswell, by Nicholas Bott, from Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont. Top: A section of The Timeless Circle by Susan Point. Above: Chase Padgett will bring his alter ego Nashville Hurricane to Whistler in February, as part of the Whistler Arts Council Performance Series.
JAMES STEWART SCULPTURE The Whistler Arts Council is presenting everything from Shakespeare, to country music, to jazz in its Performance Series. The Whistler Film Festival, celebrating its 15th year, takes place from Dec. 2 to 6. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), with displays of indigenous art and culture, joined the mix in 2009 — and is hosting a major national touring exhibition entitled “Where Are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools.” Then there is the opening of the 56,000 sq. ft. (17,068 sq. metres) Audain Art Museum, and, as the winter season begins, the unveiling of a massive public artwork called The Timeless Circle by indigenous artist Susan Point to commemorate the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hugh Smythe is considered one of the founders of Whistler, having arrived here in 1966. Starting off as an 18-year-old ski patroller, he rose to eventually become a senior vice president with resort operators Intrawest, the previous owners of Whistler Blackcomb. He can see Whistler’s future — and it’s cultural. “There is a movement towards culture and it’s a wonderful thing,” he says. “Just go a few steps from the Audain Art museum through the forest, and you have >>
#112-4295 Blackcomb Way, 778-846-9959 MARK RICHARDS GALLERY Open daily from noon in the Hilton Resort, 604-932-1911 MOUNTAIN GALLERIES AT THE FAIRMONT Open weekdays at 9 a.m. and weekends at 8 a.m. in the Fairmont Chateau, 604-935-1862 THE PLAZA GALLERIES Open daily from 10 a.m. at 22 – 4314 Main Street, 604-938-6233 SCOTIA CREEK GALLERY – MILLENNIUM PLACE Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m., Sunday from 4 p.m. at 4335 Blackco mb Way, 604-935-8410 SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4584 Blackcomb Way, 1 866 441 SLCC (7522) SUZANNE JOHNSTON STUDIO GALLERY Open daily from 11 a.m., in the Westin Resort, 604 -935 -3444 VINCENT MASSEY STUDIO 8605 Forest Ridge Drive, 604-932-6455 WHISTLER CONTEMPORARY GALLERY Hilton Resort, 604-938-3001 (main) Four Seasons Resort, 604-935-3999 ART TOURS WHISTLER Presented by White Dog Studio Gallery,
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Whistler’s newest cultural attraction opens in early 2016
T
BRAD KASSELMAN, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
he Audain Art Museum emerges from a stand of trees on Blackcomb Way in Whistler Village, a floating ark with treasure inside. Opening in early 2016, it is a striking building, designed by Patkau Architects, and its contents are even more impressive. The personal collection of British Columbian art purchased over 40 years by businessman Michael Audain and his wife Yoshi Karasawa, there are just under 200 works. They range from objects made by indigenous peoples going back to 1820, to paintings by early Canadian superstars Emily Carr and Lawren Harris, to contem-
Top: The architect’s rendering of the new museum. Above: One of the more noteable pieces at the museum will be Emily Carr’s The Crazy Stair. Right: The museum will be very accessible to families and children.
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porary pieces such as the work of photoconceptualist Jeff Wall. “We like the idea of the museum being in a little forest, because the artwork relates to the British Columbia landscape,” says Audain. “For me, it all starts with the art. We have really loved living with the art… but there comes a time in one’s life when one starts to wonder what will happen to the collection, how to share those works.” The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) lobbied Audain for the opportunity to host the museum and he says he quickly appreciated the potential of the community and of reaching millions of visitors from around the world. Having the museum be accessible to families and children, in particular, is also important to Audain. He grew up in Victoria, which did not have a public art gallery when he was young. “To see art you have to see the real thing; it communicates directly to you,” says Audain. “To share wonderful works with children will auger well for the future generation’s interest in visual art. It’s like when they hear music early, it gives them a reference point about the quality of life that’s available to people who do enjoy arts and culture.” Executive director Suzanne Greening points out that the Audain Art Museum will be an important way to experience Canadian culture for many visitors to Whistler, people who are otherwise here to explore our great outdoors. From the first piece that they encounter, a large sculpture located on the porch of the museum that retells the
BRAD KASSELMAN, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
AUDAIN’S ART DREAM
Squamish Nation Great Flood myth by artist Xwalacktun, to the building’s hemlock interior, there is a sense of the collection’s important legacy. “It’s a very personal collection and amazing gift,” Greening says. “To have this incredible asset and opportunity that really isn’t found anywhere else in Canada, it’s spectacular.” She points out their desire to enhance and increase visitors’ experience in the resort. “But then Whistler is a creative place. Even the festivals I go to here, so many of them have a cultural component. It’s wonderful,” she says. And the Audain Art Museum’s curator Darrin Martens simply says he “wants to amaze people.” He laughs when thinking of the variety of works on show, calling it exciting. “It’s a boutique collection that chronicles certain aspects about the history of art along the Northwest Coast. It’s a coastal mélange,” Martens says. — Cathryn Atkinson
EXPERIENCE THE
Champagne Lounge
Square Dance by Jane Waterous, from Whistler Contemporary Gallery.
the SLCC. I can remember walking there and we had designated it as a site where some of these things could go, and here we are. Now, they exist!” Whistler’s community cultural officer Anne Popma acts as liaison between the resort’s arts groups and local government. It’s a new role, one created to anticipate the new importance of arts and culture. Reflecting on the many changes, she says: “I think 2015-2016 is a major leap forward. The Audain Museum raises the bar for all of us… that cultural tourism is now a key municipal strategy all bodes well for the future.” Painters, sculptors and other artists have flocked to Whistler and the Sea to Sky region, having been inspired by its beauty for decades. Around them grew more than a dozen commercial galleries selling Canadian and international works. Many memories are sent home from the resort in the form of paintings, sculptures and other works. Four popular galleries share what they have on this winter and their hopes for the new arts landscape.
WHISTLER CONTEMPORARY GALLERY “Visitors to Whistler appreciate the number of galleries in town. There’s quite a lot of diversity of art in Whistler but there is probably a big focus on Canadian landscape and Group of Seven-style work,” says Jim Davidson, owner of the recently renamed Whistler Contemporary Gallery (formerly Whistler Village Art Gallery), the resort’s oldest fine art gallery. “Our aim is to show some of the best, most high-quality art out there, at least in North America. The name change is symbolic of our goal to be a world-class contemporary gallery.” Davidson says he can’t count the number of paintings he has shipped to exotic locales over the years. Canadian, American, Australian and South American artists adorn the gallery’s walls. >>
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WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL TURNS 15 Executive director Shauna Hardy Mishaw is excited by this year’s action
C
anada’s coolest film festival turns 15, and its executive director and co-founder Shauna Hardy Mishaw says the 2015 Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is “five action-packed days.” The festival takes place around the resort from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6. “There are fresh films, special guests, unique film industry initiatives, and times to play,” Hardy Mishaw says. She recommends that attendees plan ahead, because the popularity of the festival means films and events are packed. This is especially the case when you hear about the guest list. Expected stars this year include Kiefer Sutherland with his new film Forsaken, Robert Carlyle for The Legend of Barney Thomson, William Shatner for When Elephants Were Young, Lauren Holly for How to Plan an Orgy in a Small Town, and members of the indie band Metric, whose documentary Metric: In the Shadow of the Big Screen is also being shown. WFF favourites, filmmakers Mike Douglas (Eclipse), Ingrid Veninger (He
Hated Pigeons), and Lorne Cardinal (Aboriginal Filmmakers Fellowship mentor) are returning, and award-winning comedian and writer Mary Walsh is participating in the Women in the Director’s Chair Story and Leadership Program. It’s worth noting that the winner of last year’s Borsos Prize for best Canadian film at WFF, Felix et Miera, is this country’s foreign-language Oscar entry. “When you are standing in line, you may find you are discovering the next big thing,” says Hardy Mishaw. “The culture of the film festival is not just in the theatre. It has to do with meeting the filmmakers, the vibe around the resort. It becomes really fun.” She adds that guests come for the festival and stay for the experience of being in Whistler. After 15 years, Hardy Mishaw says the festival has had an interesting trajectory. “When we started, cultural tourism wasn’t really a consideration for Whistler,” she says. “I think we’ve evolved alongside that proposition and now we are seeing it flourish… our timing from that perspective is really good because it is a complement to everything going on around us.” Asked about her favourite moment over the years, Hardy Mishaw has a list. “Our first film at the first festival was Ski Bums. We had 1,300 people come out from the community and we realized there was a real appetite for the event,” she recalls. “I’ve also loved connecting with everyone from Donald Sutherland, to Norman Jewison, to Kim Cattrall. And I love to go out into the world and hear what people say about it.” — Cathryn Atkinson
Expected guests this year include William Shatner, Robert Carlyle, Emily Haines and the rest of the band Metric, and Kiefer Sutherland. 24
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ADELE CAMPBELL FINE ART, WHISTLER
The Light Fantastic by Rod Charlesworth, from Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.
“We go in the galleries wherever we are and hope to find something. It’s not easy to find work that meets our standards… we think our collection is very good.” Davidson singled out Bahamas-based Canadian artist Jane Waterous. The gallery is holding a show of her work over the Christmas break. “She has been extremely popular and has sold to some important collectors like Roger Federer and Katy Perry,” he says.
MOUNTAIN GALLERIES AT THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER Liz Peacock, the co-director of the Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, says she is happy to see Whistler fulfilling its goal as a cultural destination. “We’re looking forward to the winter season after a busy summer,” she says. “It’s exciting what is going on in Whistler, especially with the Audain Museum.” An exhibition of the works of painter Shannon Ford opens in January. Ford, whose colourful depictions of bears resonate with buyers, uses crushed gemstones and diamond dust in the paint which is “done very discreetly, but it adds something extra to the artworks. She has fun with it,” says Peacock. “And we’re very excited about Nicholas Bott’s solo exhibition at the end of February… he is one of our senior artists,” she adds. “He really incorporates the B.C. theme that Michael Audain is trying to bring to his museum.” This winter, Mountain Galleries continues its artist-in-residence program, with a different artist staying and working at the Fairmont and gallery each month. “It has been a really successful guest experience, connecting with our artists,” Peacock says. >>
WHISTLER’SCANADIAN CANADIAN ART WHISTLER’S ART DESTINATION WHISTLER’S CANADIAN ARTDESTINATION DESTINATION AT THE SHOPS AT THE WESTIN AT AT THE THE SHOPS SHOPSAT ATTHE THEWESTIN WESTIN PAINTINGS SCULPTURE JEWELLERY
PAINTINGS PAINTINGS SCULPTURE SCULPTURE JEWELLERY JEWELLERY
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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My Heart is All a Flutter by David Krakov, from The Plaza Galleries.
ADELE CAMPBELL FINE ART GALLERY Liz Harris at the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery says their Art of Winter group show, with 20 of the gallery’s signature artists, kicks off the winter season on Nov. 28. “It coincides with the opening of Whistler Blackcomb and American Thanksgiving. We’re so excited for winter,” says Harris. “For us, it’s a way to nurture our artists and give clients an opportunity to meet them.” Four shows also take place at the gallery in January and February: Paul Paquette (Jan. 16), Rod Charlesworth and David Langevin (Jan. 23), Angela Morgan (Feb. 6), and Laura Harris (Feb. 13). “We have a very busy winter. These are our established, signature artists. In March, we are planning a show on younger, emerging artists. I took on four new artists last summer, which is something new and is a big leap,” Harris says, adding that these new artists provide a contemporary take on art. “We’ve been here a long time and people expect certain artists from us, but I want to keep evolving and stay relevant.”
THE PLAZA GALLERIES Dave Helfrich, the owner of The Plaza Galleries, says he looks forward to the opening of the Audain Art Museum. “It’s going to be sensational… it’s going 26
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
to create that much more awareness for the marketplace, and add that dimension of culture that Whistler is missing,” he says. Helfrich says another event he looks forward to is his launch for Los Angeles- and Tel Aviv-based sculptor David Krakov. The gallery is the only dealer in Canada to carry his work. It takes place on Jan. 15. “He does three-dimensional wall sculptures that are made of metal that will knock your socks off,” Helfrich says. “He is well known and it took over a year to get his art. I had to fly to Paris to meet him before he’d even consider having us as a gallery!” In all, the gallery represents 80 artists from the world. “My interests in art are very eclectic; 75 per cent of the artists I represent are Canadian. The rest are pretty much from everywhere,” Helfrich says. W FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHISTLER’S ARTS SCENE, VISIT: www.artswhistler.com www.whistlerfilmfestival.com www.slcc.ca www.audainartmuseum.com www.susanpoint.com www.whistlerart.com www.mountaingalleries.com www.adelecampbell.com www.plazagalleries.com
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&
1966 then 50th anniversary
Clockwise from top left: Running cable for Whistler’s first Gondola in 1965; Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau with his wife, Margaret, in 1970; Blackcomb president Hugh Smythe and mayor Pat Carleton at the opening of Blackcomb Mountain in 1980; Rob Boyd at the podium after winning the 1989 World Cup Downhill in Whistler; Blackcomb president Hugh Smythe and Whistler president Lorne Borgal circa 1986; Doug Mansell, Franz Wilhelmsen, Stefen Ples, and Jim McConkey circa 1981. Photos courtesy Whistler Museum and Archives.
T
he theme of Whistler Blackcomb’s golden anniversary being celebrated this winter is 50 Years of Going Beyond. Above and beyond may be more accurate. Whistler Mountain officially opened to skiers in January 1966; it grew out of a desire to host the Winter Olympic Games, which was a very ambitious goal for a small community that had previously been known primarily as a fishing destination. >>
ELL W INTO
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2016
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WHISTLER BLACKCOMB: 50 YEARS OF GOING BEYOND
Background photo: The original Roundhouse in the 1970s. Above: The Roundhouse today, with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola station.
COURTESY WHISTLER MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
&
NOW
stor y by DAN FALLOON WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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EXPERIENCE THE
DAVID BUZZARD
Vodka Ice Room
Whistler Museum executive director Bradley Nichols with Franz Wilhelmsen’s skis from 1965.
The dreamers were inspired by Squaw Valley, Calif.’s welcoming of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and that November, a group led by Franz Wilhelmsen incorporated the Garibaldi Lift Company and began the process of shifting attitudes toward the resort idea. “It started as a fishing lodge, and became one of the most sought-after resorts in the world today in a whole bunch of ways,” current Whistler Blackcomb president and CEO Dave Brownlie said. “It shows how far the resort and the community has come in a relatively short period of time.” While the company was creating what became the Whistler we now enjoy, important changes to the surrounding area also took place, including upgrading the gravel road from Squamish to Whistler into what is now known as Highway 99. And in 1965, London Mountain, named after a local mining claim, was renamed Whistler Mountain in honour of the chirping calls of local marmots. In 1970, a joint Vancouver/Garibaldi bid won the right to bid for the 1976 Winter Olympic Games. It became the first of four unsuccessful attempts to bring the Games to Canada’s West Coast. After a period of strong growth for the community, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) was incorporated in 1976. Whistler Museum executive director Bradley Nichols calls this a key moment that helped promote the resort. The provincial government also became a supporter. “There were different kinds of issues than in other municipalities,” Nichols said. “(In) creating the RMOW, as well as Tourism >>
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Whistler, they were better able to market the community as a whole.” Then, four years later, Blackcomb Mountain opened right next door as a competitor, hosting its first official day of skiing on Dec. 6, 1980. In 1986, Intrawest purchased Whistler Mountain and in 1997, Whistler and Blackcomb merged to create the current juggernaut. “Whistler, for a lot of things, was on the cutting edge and progressed (skiing), as well as the technology… especially when Blackcomb came in, and really focused on the hospitality and not just transportation up the hill,” Nichols said. “They’ve become quite a strong force since they’ve done that merger.” In 2010, Whistler Blackcomb became an independent public company and its headquarters moved to its current Whistler location on Blackcomb Way. The mountains earned award after award, including the No. 1 resort ranking in SKI Magazine’s readers’ poll and Top Après and Top Powder in Freeskier Magazine. In 1998, WB gave visitors a reason to come in the summer. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened, bolstering the resort’s reputation in the mountain-biking community and providing a boost for year-round tourism in the resort. In 2004, the inaugural Crankworx mountain biking festival came to the mountain and attracts thousands to Whistler every August. This summer, riders were allowed to access the park from the Creekside Gondola for the first time as part of a park expansion. “It’s leading the world in what downhill mountain biking can be,” Brownlie said. In December 2008, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting the tops of Whistler and Blackcomb, was opened, with Olympian Steve Podborski as emcee, and a parachute jump from the gondola by BASE jumper Shane McConkey.
The 4.4-kilometre gondola boasts the world’s longest unsupported span at just over three kilometres, and is the highest lift of its kind, with a maximum height of 436 metres above the valley floor. The Peak 2 Peak moves people between the mountains in just 11 minutes and gives great summer access to alpine hiking. Finally on July 2, 2003, the initial dream of hosting the Olympics was realized when the International Olympic Committee selected the Vancouver/Whistler bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. “It was the opportunity to showcase all that Whistler had to offer to the world, both on TV and to all the international folks that came up,”
“We were meant to host and hold celebrations
and invite people.”
Brownlie said. “This is what we were meant to do. We were meant to host and hold celebrations and invite people.” With Whistler Blackcomb at the top of the world skiing scene, Brownlie said it will look to its past successes for inspiration. “At the end of the day, we can learn so much from those people that participated before us and had the vision, had the passion, had crazy ideas and crazy dreams,” he said. “Whistler is known for and seen as a tremendous innovator and pushing the envelope. We’re always exploring new areas and new opportunities.” W
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COURTESY WHISTLER BLACKCOMB/BLAKE JORGENSON
IT’S WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Celebrating 50 years on the slopes with a grand party, a documentary and more
BEYOND OF GOING 50 YEARS
G BEYOND OF GOIN 50 YEARS
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
Above: Some of the stars of Whistler, and of the new documentary 50 Years of Going Beyond, which tells the story of the resort. Below: 50 Years of Going Beyond, a coffee-table book by writer Leslie Anthony.
goes in Whistler” can be seen throughout the 32-minute doc, which was released in October. Whistler’s Switchback Entertainment and Origin Design produced the film in association with WB. It was directed by Switchback’s award-winning filmmaker Mike Douglas. It can be seen at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/50. “It’s tough to tell the big story of these two amazing mountains in a 32-minute (video). But, originally, it was supposed to be 20 minutes,” Rempel said. “It really talks about the crazy dream that originally created this place. It’s not about the Village. It’s not about the Olympics. It’s not ’On this date we built this, on this date we built that.’ It’s really a theme of 50 years of going beyond and how Whistler’s been seen in the worldwide community as being amazingly innovative.” WB commissioned Vanessa Stark to create an oil painting to commemorate the occasion. In her typical style, with thick lines and a flurry of colours contained within them, the scene depicts a glorious sunrise just beginning to peer over Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. And to salute the WB milestone, writer Leslie Anthony has captured the five decades of the resort in 50 Years of Going Beyond, a coffee-table book full of characters, stories and Whistler’s history, which is available for purchase this season. — Dan Falloon
The WB Index
NUMBER OF LIFTS 1966 – 4 lifts 2016 – 37 lifts NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 1966 – 100 2016 – approx. 3,800 NUMBER OF RUNS 1966 – 6 runs 2016 – 200+ runs NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS 1966 – 1 restaurant (approx. 20 seats) 2016 – 17 restaurants (6,632 seats) COMPANY PRESIDENT 1966 –Franz Wilhelmsen 2016 – Dave Brownlie
COURTESY WHISTLER MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
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hose looking to mark Whistler Blackcomb’s (WB) big milestone season are in luck. The 50th anniversary of Whistler Mountain’s opening kicks off with a massive party, the central celebration of the winter. Stuart Rempel, WB’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing, said the Dec.12 gathering in the Roundhouse Lodge — more than halfway up Whistler Mountain where it all began — will have a little of something for everyone. “It’s a get-together of old friends — people who have been involved in Whistler Blackcomb for a few years (and) up to 50 years. We’ll have people of all ages. An après night at the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) will wrap the evening. Apart from the Roundhouse Party itself, the golden anniversary will be everywhere this year. “All of our marketing campaigns will have 50th (anniversary) messaging embedded,” Rempel said. And the history of the resort, its people and milestones will be seen in the documentary, 50 Years of Going Beyond, which WB presented alongside Telus. Glimpses of the promise that “Anything
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whistler style
NOW& THEN
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, WE BRING YOU THE LATEST TRENDS IN WHISTLER WINTER WEAR, COMPLEMENTED BY SOME BLASTS FROM THE PAST FROM THE WHISTLER MUSEUM ARCHIVES. fa shi on p hotos by L OGA N S WAY Z E WWW.COASTPHOTO.CO M
histor i c a l p hotos c our te s y WHI ST L E R M U S E U M & A RC HI V E S
Hayley wears a complete ski outfit from Helly Hansen, including the HH Odin Vertical Jacket, a HH Verglas Hooded Down Jacket, the HH Odin Vertical Pant, a HH Outline Beanie and Smith Goggles. Matt wears an Arc’teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket, Arc’teryx Cerium LT Jacket and the Arc’teryx Cassiar Pant, all from Canski. He also wears a HH Beanie and Smith goggles from Helly Hansen.
whistler style Katie, left, wears clothing from The Beach, including the goodhYOUman Tee, Kendra Button Down coral and navy shirt by Rails, Cheap Monday Second Skin Jeans and a Holidaze Beanie from Billabong. Hayley, right, wears clothing from Billabong including the Billabong Better Over Here hat, Billabong Celestial Wave Muscle Tee, Billabong Loosen Up long sweater and Billabong Sticker Jean.
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whistler style
Matt wears a Boody T Shirt, Mavi Johnny Jeans and Laundromat Sweater, all from OC2. Katie wears a C’est Moi Scarf, Mavi Gold Adrianna Jeans, a Mystree Cardigan and a Poools top, all from OC2.
CAN-SKI Village 604.938.7755 CAN-SKI Blackcomb 604.938.7744 WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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whistler style
Matt wears the Fjall Ovik Melange Beanie, FJall Ovik Lite Vest, Fjall Granit Shirt, the Nixon Corporal SS Watch, and a Herschel Little America Backpack all from Provisioner, with the Arc’teryx Cronin Pant from Canski.
whistler style Katie wears a Dale of Norway Colorado Knitshell Feminine Jacket from Amos & Andes.
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
2.2 x 4.75 Filler
Great Canadian Design 4599 Chateau Blvd. Fairmont Chateau Whistler Upper Village 604 938 2019
www.snowflakecanada.com
THE PLACE TO SHOP IN WHISTLER Fashion + Footwear for Men and Women
UPPER VILLAGE • 604.938.9268 Lobby level of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
UPPER VILLAGE • 604.938.9268 Lobby level of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
whistler people
faces
OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
stor y by ALYSSA NOEL
CATE WEBSTER
AS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY, THREE PIONEERS OF THE RESORT REMEMBER ITS EARLY DAYS
BRAD KASSELMAN, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
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HISTLER BLACKCOMB started as an Olympic dream. Back in 1960, a group of Vancouver businessmen set out on a quest to develop the alpine of London Mountain (now Whistler Mountain) in time to host the 1968 Winter Olympics. Their bid ultimately failed — as did three subsequent attempts before the successful 2010 Games. But there is a byproduct of those first efforts: in February 1966 the base now known as Whistler Creekside first opened to the public. Whistler Blackcomb celebrates its 50th anniversary this winter. The journey to that milestone — and the incredible growth of the ski resort — is filled with successes on par with hosting those elusive Winter Games. There was the amalgamation of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the groundbreaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the introduction of the Whistler Bike Park and myriad competitions and festivals hosted on the terrain. And behind all these accomplishments that shaped the resort are many people. Three of these Whistlerites share their experiences and memories with Whistler Blackcomb. >>
LOGAN SWAYZE, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
PETER ALDER
CATE WEBSTER
BRAD KASSELMAN, WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM
EVENTS PROJECT SUPERVISOR
DAVE BROWNLIE
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Cate Webster started out as a ticket checker for Whistler Blackcomb in the 1980s. Her goal at the time: to become a lifty — someone who operated the chairlifts and sent visitors up the mountain. “Every day you had to draw something different on the ticket,” Webster says, recalling her first job. “That (picture) was what you were looking for (when you allowed skiers on board) at the bottom of the Whistler gondola.” The next winter she scored the lifty gig — and began an upward trajectory to her current position as events project supervisor. Over the years she’s witnessed a host of changes: the advent of snowboarding, the growth of freestyle skiing, and the development of Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain park, to name just a few. And, in turn, she’s helped host World Cup events, races for young skiers like Olympic gold medalist Marielle Thompson and spawned “her baby,” the annual Peak to Valley race. “I’ve been fortunate to work on lots of core Whistler events,” she says. “Things like the Peak to Valley race, which I think we’ve built up to be a great event over the years.” Like most Whistlerites who have spent decades in the town watching it grow out from Creekside, Webster has fond memories of the early days. “I’d like to think it was just yesterday and I haven’t aged at all, but it was a long time ago,” she says, with a laugh. “(In the beginning) when I was working lifts, they’d open the ticket >>
PATAGONIA STORE WHISTLER MARKETPLACE 604.932.2526
In The Callaghan Valley
604.938.1616 canadianwilderness.com
canadianwilderness.com canadianwilderness.com
604.938.1616 604.938.1616 Carleton604.938.1616 Lodge CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM
CANADIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
STAY WILD
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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windows at Creekside, you’d go into guest relations, pick up your cheque and go to the ticket window to get cash because there was no bank here. Then you’d go around the corner to Dusty’s (Bar) and spend your pay cheque.” Besides a steady income, Webster’s time at WB has enriched her life in another way: by introducing her to her husband, race organizer Peter Young. “Whistler Blackcomb has given me quite a bit,” she says. “No question.”
DAVE BROWNLIE
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB Dave Brownlie still remembers the exact date 26 years ago when he started working at Blackcomb Mountain. “It was the weekend that Rob Boyd won the World Cup,” Brownlie recalls. “I had loved coming up here, loved the people and the excitement.” When he was offered the gig in February 1989 as director of finance, he jumped at it. “I thought it would be a great experience and I’d learn a lot,” he says. “It was just so much more — the business, the people, the opportunity. At the end of the day it’s just an amazing community to live in… It’s a very special place.” During his tenure in the finance office, Brownlie oversaw other Intrawest (the company that owned Blackcomb at the time) resorts including Panorama, in the Canadian Rockies. He rose through the
ranks, from senior vice president of finance to president of Whistler Blackcomb in 2007, after the companies had merged, to his current role of president and CEO. In two-and-a-half decades with the company, Brownlie has accumulated a long list of accomplishments, like helping to merge Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. “That was a game changer for the resort and for the company,” he says. “It was a challenging experience at the time, but super rewarding and fulfilling. (I worked) with great and intelligent people from both organizations. At the beginning, you tend to focus on the differences, but by the end of the day… we focused on similarities and put the organization together.” A revolutionary idea to physically connect the two mountains soon followed. Brownlie admits that the concept of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola was not popular at first, but it proved to be one of the company’s biggest successes. “It became very clear that a whole bunch of people (in the community) thought it was the craziest idea they could think of,” he says. “Why are you spending all this money to go sideways?’ They just didn’t understand what it would do for the summer business... When the Peak 2 Peak opened it boomed. Our summer business increased by 50 per cent. People were coming to the resort because of the Peak 2 Peak and creating that year-round traffic.”
PETER ALDER
MANAGER OF WHISTLER MOUNTAIN FROM 1978 –1984 “My motto right now is to either die of a heart attack on the ski hill or be shot by a jealous husband,” Peter Alder says, with a sly grin.
Ben approved. Snowmobile from $
159 /Driver $ 89 /Passenger
604.932.0647
TAGWHISTLER.COM/WTM 54
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
“My motto right now is to either die of a heart attack on the ski hill or be shot by a
jealous husband.”
The charismatic Whistlerite is still skiing 37 years after moving here to become the manager of Whistler Mountain. Back then, he spent more time working than on the slopes. Shortly after mountain founder Franz Wilhelmsen (with whom he had a long, complicated and somewhat tumultuous relationship) hired him, Blackcomb Mountain was about to launch as a competitor located literally next door. Alder — who had been working on and off in the area since the 1950s — turned out to be the right man for the job and the moment. He capitalized on his friendship with Hugh Smythe, who was overseeing the opening of Blackcomb Mountain, to share resources when possible. They met often and struck up deals to share things like grooming, spare parts and even a ski school. “We had a ski school which was mostly for guests who came to Whistler,” Alder says. “There would be two days on Whistler, two days on Blackcomb and one day where they would choose where they wanted to go. We worked together, but we were competitors.” Overseeing employees of Whistler Mountain was another interesting challenge. Reverberations of the ’60s hippie heyday could still be felt in the burgeoning mountain town — especially compared to Rossland and Vernon where Alder had worked previously. “It was very interesting,” he says. “People only worked when they had to work because they enjoyed having good parties. At first I couldn’t believe it.” These days, Alder enjoys time on the slopes just like those freewheeling residents of Whistler’s early years. Surprisingly, perhaps, he doesn’t prefer one mountain over the other. His skiing partner much of the time is his wife Trudy. “My present wife as I call her — there’s always hope for her to get somebody better — she has two artificial knees and hips and I got her back skiing again,” he says. “Now I have a problem. She’s behind me with a ski pole up my ass saying, “Go faster! Go faster!’” W
BC’s Newest wiNter PlaygrouNd
Photo Credits: Tara O’Grady & Paul Bride
The Sea to Sky Gondola, located between Vancouver and Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway, provides new access to winter activities. Adventures include snowshoeing and hiking trails, a tube park, cozy fire pits and winter fare in the Summit Lodge. Just beyond the activities at the gondola summit, experienced adventure seekers will find extensive backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The Winter Season runs from December 4 - April 30, 2016. Open daily.
For details and to save on tickets, visit seatoskygondola.com
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whistler homes
laid-back
LAKESIDE LIVING A WHISTLER DREAM RETREAT AFTER TRAVELLING THE WORLD RUNNING SKI RESORTS
WHEN WHISTLER-BASED ski resort planner Roger McCarthy decided to ”retire,” he built his dream mountain retreat on Whistler’s Alta Lake Road. After decades of work and travel, this stunning lakeside home is the perfect reward. McCarthy operated many successful ski resorts, including Whistler, Vail and Mont Tremblant. He returned to Whistler after working in Russia, where he transformed the undeveloped Rosa Khutor Mountain into a new resort and the host of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in 2014. >>
stor y by PINA BELPERIO photos by KRISTEN McGAUGHEY WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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PEAK 2 PEAK
p: Toshi Kawano
p: Paul Morrison
GONDOLA SIGHTSEEING
NO SKIS? NO PROBLEM. Sightseers can experience B.C.’s most impressive
Above: The open concept kitchen showcases custom cabinets made from locally sourced B.C. alder, complemented with Italian granite counter tops. Bottom: One of the home’s many astounding views of Whistler’s mountain ranges, this one taken from the master bathroom.
mountain landscapes via the Guiness World RecordBreaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. While in the alpine, dine in one of our full-service, mountain-top restaurants featuring spectacular views and west coast cuisine. Don’t forget to visit the Olympic Legacy display inside the Roundhouse Lodge and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gallery to learn more about this engineering feat up close.
SIGHTSEEING TICKETS are available at Guest Relations or any ticket window.
whistlerblackcomb.com
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McCarthy served as Whistler municipal councillor from 2011 to 2014, and he still consults on new ski resort developments around the world. Like so many who planned to stay here for just a short while, McCarthy arrived in Whistler for six months in 1971 and stayed for almost 20 years. He went to work elsewhere, including Colorado and Mount Tremblant, but moved back to Whistler full time several years ago. In 2012, he purchased the property next door to the cabin he lived in during his early Whistler days on the shores of stunning Alta Lake, the place where settlers first lived when they came to this region a century ago. Alta is one of five lakes in Whistler, an unusual feature for a ski resort. The site was the location of one of the last original cottages from Alta Lake’s pre-Whistler days. The 700-sq.ft. panabode log cabin was built by the Allen family in 1958 and named Worlebury Lodge. “Few resorts in the world have five clean lakes that you can swim in, along with 5,000 vertical feet of ski terrain,” McCarthy said. His property offers the widest frontage on Whistler’s Westside, 72 feet, ensuring that every room has an unobstructed view of Alta Lake >>
Building The Spaces You’ve Dreamed Of TM Builders is your team of dedicated construction professionals in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Working with us, you will experience a stress free process of collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail from start to finish. Talk to our team today at (604)932-8836.
Renovations New Construction Space Planning Furniture Packages Green Design
cabinfeverinteriors.com • 604-935-3838 Vancouver • Whistler • BC
www.tmbuilders.ca
Interior & Exterior Railings, Showers, Skylights, Windows and all Architectural Glass needs Proud to be involved in the home featured on these pages
Why own Real Estate? PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP • SECURITY • QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITMENT • INVESTMENT • COMFORT Combine all these reasons with the exceptional lifestyle the Sea to Sky corridor offers and explore your possibilities. Whether Buying or Selling, it would be my pleasure to provide you with current market information in both the residential and commercial markets. Trust an experienced Realtor and let me put the power of Remax to work for you.
DAVE BEATTIE
Residential, Recreation or Commercial Real Estate 604-905-8855 1-888-689-0070 Dave@davebeattie.com
Locally owned and operated since 1985
604-932-1132 whistlerglass.com
MLS® RECIPROCITY
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Left: The front entrance enhances the home’s contemporary design. Right: The home’s exterior highlights the seamless merging of glass, wood and concrete.
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and the surrounding Wedge, Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. The 3,800-sq.ft. post-and-beam house that rose to replace Worlebury Lodge was designed by McCarthy’s long-time colleague, Duane Jackson and built by TM Builders of Whistler. This four-bedroom, 3.5-bath house features an open concept floor plan that emphasizes natural light, and the floor-to-ceiling windows capture the alpine views. “We spent a lot of time on the design and layout — it’s simple, it works and all spaces are user friendly,” McCarthy said. Rich-toned Bavarian oak flooring covers the stair-
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
ways, and the living and dining rooms, creating an inviting space ideal for entertaining. An original 1958 sign from the Worlebury Lodge sits above the fireplace, next to a pair of handmade, fibreglass-wrapped skis made by McCarthy’s dad. The fireplace heats the entire home, while the radiant infloor heating and abducted heat recovery system — which ensures the home is properly ventilated and provides clean air through a firebox that draws in outdoor air — ensures optimal energy efficiency. The open kitchen has Italian granite countertops and cupboards crafted from honey-coloured B.C. alder. An original painting by Canadian artist, Brent Lynch >>
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depicting Mont Tremblant ski resort hangs in the dining room — a gift from retired Intrawest executive, Hugh Smythe. The spacious deck is ideal for barbecuing or stargazing. A long staircase from the house leads to the lakeside dock. The master bedroom features a custom-made bedframe that faces the lake. The main bathroom accentuates the latest in modern fixtures. The no-barrier design of the tub and the open shower shows off expansive vistas. Some of McCarthy’s best thinking is done in the shower, he says, where he is able to assess the weather and day ahead. A Bavarian oak staircase leads to the lower floor, where one finds a games room, extra bedrooms, laundry and an oversized storage room for bikes and skis. “The lower floor doesn’t feel like a basement with its 11-foot-high ceilings,” McCarthy said. When asked about his favourite place in his new home, McCarthy says that with its majestic views and the way it makes him feel, almost anywhere in the house relaxes him. W
MAGAZINE
Whistler’s Premier Shopping Centre
Grocery Store
Whistler Kitchen Works The Royal Taste of India
EXPERIENCE WHISTLER’S PREMIER SHOPPING CENTRE. OFFERING A VARIETY OF SPECIALTY BOUTIQUES, RESTAURANTS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Owned and Managed by 62
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
www.headwaterprojects.ca
Available at
CAN-SKI Village, Crystal Lodge, 604.938.7755 CAN-SKI Blackcomb, Glacier Lodge, 604.938.7744
shopping whistler
PURCHASE
power
Whistler stores offer many unique and beautiful items to tempt shopaholics
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FRESH VIBE and a new host of visitors join us as the leaves fall to our beautiful valley floor. There is excitement in the air as we gear up for the magnificent season ahead. The Village and valley transform into a winter playground for all ages as a deep blanket of white settles over everything. Bundle up before setting out on your shopping quest; there is much to see. If it’s the latest ski and snowboard gear or outerwear that you seek — you’ve come to the right place. Fashion and sports equipment are also popular purchases. For the latest styles, Whistler has a variety of fashion options; our wonderful boutiques will prepare you for Whistler’s epic après and nightlife. A diverse assortment of art, décor and novelties are waiting. There are over 200 Whistler stores to explore in the Village and beyond, so be sure to add shopping to your schedule. — by Tessa Sweeney
Whistler’s INSIDE OUT BOUTIQUE is a terrific stop whether you are planning an evening in or an evening out. Often known for their lingerie and sleepwear, their sweater and dress collections have been turning heads for years. Canadian-designed Putorti clothing is one of the popular brands that graces their hangers. Maizie T’s Necklace $85 Putorti Poncho $119
Don’t miss the view with Oakley Prizm™ Goggles. The revolutionary new lens technology dramatically enhances contrast and visibility over a wide range of light conditions. The new Prizm™ Flight Deck model has a fantastic field of vision and is compatible with a wide range of helmets. You can find the Oakley Prizm™ frames and lenses that work for you, at most WB RETAIL LOCATIONS. Prices vary per model.
The PATAGONIA store in Whistler’s Marketplace is a popular stop for the high-country adventurer. A top choice for the mountain man is the Men’s Refugitive Jacket. Featuring three layers of GORE-TEX® fabric and Gore® C-Knit™ backer technology in a hard shell, this packable jacket can stand up to the toughest West Coast weather. $589
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WHISTLER SHOPPING AREAS Nesters
UPPER VILLAGE
Village North
WHISTLER VILLAGE
After a great day on the slopes, enjoy the patio of your hotel room, condo or home with a glass of award-winning FORT BERENS Cabernet Franc. This wine from our neighbouring community of Lillooet is best enjoyed with a view. Made from premium grapes from the Lillooet vines (70 per cent) and Sundial vineyard grapes from the Black Sage Bench south of Oliver, B.C., it is available at Nesters Liquor Store. Other Fort Berens varietals are also available. $34.95 (including taxes).
FUNCTION JUNCTION
To Va n
cou
ver
WHISTLER CREEKSIDE
Whistler Village is the hub of activity at the base of the mountains. A pedestrian-only paradise, it offers over 200 stores, galleries, restaurants and bars for excellent shopping and nightlife.
Put your best foot forward in the Alexandra boot from Cobb Hill by New Balance. These leather go-to boots look great with everything from jeans to skirts and offer some traction control to deal with slippery spots. They are available in three colours at SOLES OF WHISTLER in The Shops at the Westin. $170 >>
Village North is located
right beside the main Whistler Village, centred around Whistler Marketplace, which offers a supermarket, liquor store and many fine shops and amenities, with free parking.
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. Whistler Creekside, just a
five-minute drive south of the Village, is a shopping precinct near the base of Whistler Mountain. Free parking.
Function Junction is just 10 minutes south of Whistler Village and offers hardware, organic grocery, a brewery, bakery and many more shops and services.
shopping whistler Keep warm in a style that is truly West Coast. Cowichan sweaters are hand knit on Vancouver Island using a method that has been passed down through many generations. They look and feel amazing and will last for many years to come. A full line of Cowichan sweaters, mitts, hats, vests and more are available at AMOS AND ANDES on the Village Stroll. Sweater with pockets $335
A diverse selection of home décor choices awaits. You can find the newest styles in furniture, textiles and accent pieces for your collection at 122 WEST. Head south and discover this shop and others in Creekside Village at the base of the Creekside Gondola. Timothy Wilson Hoey’s pieces are a must see as they highlight truly Canadian content and are set in hockey stick frames. Prices vary per piece and start at $225.
Collectors of Canadian art love to frequent MOUNTAIN GALLERIES AT THE FAIRMONT. A long list of Canadian artists are featured at the gallery, including Whistler/Vancouver’s Benjamin McLaughlin. His innovative designs blend his appreciation for wood and acoustics. His “Ubuntu: Sound Resonating Furniture” pieces are definitely a conversation starter. This Cube Drum from the rare and reclaimed series is designed in paduak, maple, fir walnut and purpleheart hardwoods. $500. >> 66
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
A varied collection of one-of-a kind pieces from various eras can be found at DAILY PLANET. A great stop for ski cabin décor, they carry vintage sports equipment, furniture and accessories. Take your pick from their vast inventory of antique snowshoes. Prices vary per piece.
AU T H E N T I C COW I C H A N S W E AT E R S
accessories ltd.
It’s not what you need... It’s what you want. Proudly supporting local designers. Whistler Town Plaza 604.905.6290
CREDIT UNION BUILDING, ACROSS FROM COWS 604-932-7202 www.whistlersweatershop.com
EXCLUSIVELY AT WHISTLER HOME HARDWARE IN FUNCTION JUNCTION 1005 Alpha Lake Rd, Whistler 604.932.1903
Open 7 days a week, including holidays
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shopping whistler
For a fun collection of kitchen gifts and items to please any food lover, WHISTLER KITCHEN WORKS in Whistler’s Marketplace is the perfect shop. Among their assortment of fine wares are original hand-built ceramics by Canada’s Hilborn Pottery Design. These versatile pieces combine function and form and are microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. Dip set $59.95
Fort Berens ESTATE WINERY
Award winning wines from Whistler’s local winery Look for Fort Berens wines at your favourite restaurants & liquor stores
Bill Starke’s “The Climber” can be found among a diverse collection of Canadian and international contemporary art at the Whistler Contemporary Gallery. Many avid collectors visit the gallery on their travels to acquire artworks such as Starke’s unique hanging metal wall sculptures. He is renowned for his thought-provoking ideas in bronze. WHISTLER
CONTEMPORARY GALLERY has two locations — one on Gallery Row in the Village’s Hilton Whistler Resort and one in Four Seasons Whistler in the Upper Village. $4,900 >>
LiLLooet’s first Winery 68
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WHISTLER’S PURVEYOR OF PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OILS & BALSAMIC VINEGARS
1066 Millar Creek Rd. Whistler
camplifestyle.ca
JOIN US AT OUR RETAIL SHOP FOR A UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE AS WE INVITE YOU TO TASTE OUR SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 113-4368 MAIN STREET 778-232-5421 WWW.OLIVESONTAP.COM
Whistler’s only fashion footwear store LOCATED IN THE WESTIN
110-4090 Whistler Way 604.905.0036
solesofwhistler.com
CREDIT UNION BUILDING, ACROSS FROM COWS 604-932-7202 www.whistlersweatershop.com WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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Fuel yourself and your family.
Whistler’s Largest Grocery Store
shopping whistler
Stop by
ARMCHAIR BOOKS in the heart of
Marketplace, Whistler. Open 8:30am - 10pm daily. Free Parking.
604-938-2850 • www.marketplaceiga.com
Village Square to find a great book to curl up with by the fire. If you’re looking for a coffee table book to take home, Whistler author Sylvia Dolson’s Joy of Bears is a photographic journal of bears in their natural habitat. Proceeds of book sales go towards Whistler’s Get Bear Smart Society. It is also available at Marketplace IGA, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and other Whistler locations. Joy of Bears $19.95
PATINA HOME INTERIORS not only offers great interior design services and sales, but some great gifts for kids, too. This Bla-bla doll, Fair Trade made and knitted by Peruvian women, is one of the high-quality, handmade items that can be found in their showroom. Bla-bla doll $55 >>
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BLACK BEAR COLLECTION
A charming & whimsical selection of Whistler Black Bear ceramics & kitchen linens Mugs • Coasters • Tea Towels Trivets • Aprons • Oven Mitts Salad Servers and more
N WORKS WHISTLER KIreTCfoHE r gifts, home A favorite sto since 1994 decor & kitchenware place 604-938-1110 ket
Located in Whistler’s Mar
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shopping whistler
2014
If you’re looking for that perfect souvenir, visit Whistler’s new NOOK OF THE NORTH. Located a few doors from the bridge on the north side of Village Stroll, “The Nook” carries unique giftware that’s made in Canada and many fun pieces from our local artisans. Their souvenir T-shirts are designed and printed right here in Whistler. T-Shirts $16.99 W
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fine dining
EXECUTIVE CHEF JEREMIE TROTTIER OF QUATTRO
flair
SHARE WITH
Live large with small plates at Whistler’s finest restaurants, where less is indeed more
B
BEYOND THE OBVIOUS SENSORY pleasures, the true joy of eating comes from its inherent sociability. To share a meal with someone is to share in an ephemeral experience. It’s that communality, that relatability that creates lasting memories. Of course, delectable ingredients prepared by a masterful hand don’t hurt either, and increasingly chefs are realizing that the experience has to live up to the high gastronomic standards highlighted on the plate. Europe has known this for quite some time; a meal is only as good as the conversation it inspires. A dish is meant to be shared, pored over, and debated on. Small plates shared intimately can create huge moments and memories. The creativity and flavours of the following dishes prove less is more. >>
stor y by BRANDON BARRETT photos by DAVID BUZZARD
8:24 PM
The moment you discovered a world of new experiences.
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T
The concept for BASALT WINE AND SALUMERIA, which opened in the Village in the summer of 2015, was determined in much the same way that its diners enjoy the restaurant’s selection of rare cured meats and aged cheeses. “It started out as a conversation around a table,” says chef Eric Gilchrist, who took inspiration from the old-school salumerias he encountered on the streets of New York. “You’d always have someone behind the counter who was so proud of the different meats they had. They would slice you off a piece and let you try it. To me it always made sense that if I could actually sit down and order a beautiful glass of wine to go with this, I’d stay for a while.” Gilchrist and executive chef Bill Grimshaw have taken that traditional approach and refined it, serving up an ever-changing selection of charcuterie sourced locally, regionally and from further afield. “I’m just trying to imbue the menu with some of our fine local products, as well as some international ingredients,” says Grimshaw. “It’s the best of both worlds.” The key to the experience at Basalt, besides the restaurant’s centerpiece, a handcranked, flywheel slicer that would be at home behind any self-respecting Manhattan deli counter, is the freedom afforded to guests to try something they’ve likely never come across before. “The charcuterie boards aren’t pre-set, so basically you choose whatever meats and cheeses you’d like on your board so you can have a variety,” Grimshaw says. “You can have a 30-month-old prosciutto from Italy, or you can have Berkshire prosciutto from the United States.” What’s more, your culinary journey won’t be a solo mission, with chefs perched behind Basalt’s rustic long table to guide you through the process. >>
EXECUTIVE CHEF BILL GRIMSHAW OF BASALT WINE & SALUMERIA WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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PERFECTLY INSPIRED Executive Chef Bradley Cumming focuses on fresh, local ingredients, paired with carefully-selected regional wines for a truly West Coast dining experience. GRILLANDVINEWHISTLER.COM FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 604.935.4344
PERFECTLY LOCATED, AT THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, WHISTLER:
Spectacular Mountain Views
Farm to Table Dining
Slopeside On Whistler Mountain
Neapolitan Style Pizzas
Westin Superchefs Kids Menu
EXECUTIVE CHEF MELISSA CRAIG OF BEARFOOT BISTRO
A fork, a glass, a drop of magic...
“People working at their stations are engaging with the customers, so you’re talking to them about the different cured meats, making suggestions on cheeses,” Grimshaw says. “It’s a conversation starter.” Basalt is about more than just charcuterie, however, with a selection of approachable starters and entrees that highlight the simplicity and stunning flavour of the ingredients, like a house-made chicken liver mouse with white zinfandel jelly, or a pork paté served with apricots and pistachios. “It’s certainly not overcomplicated,” says Gilchrist. “We let the ingredients in the dishes stand out."
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nyone who sets foot in the luxurious BEARFOOT BISTRO realizes that it is not your average restaurant. Headed by award-winning executive chef Melissa Craig, Bearfoot has never been afraid to be bold. Want to saber your first champagne bottle surrounded by 20,000 of the globe’s finest vintages? You can do that. Want to sample the world’s finest vodkas in the near-polar temperatures of the world’s coldest vodka room? You can do that, too. But perhaps the real adventure of Bearfoot lies not in its elegantly designed dining room, but in its sumptuous champagne lounge, >>
Experience the Bearfoot Bistro MODERN CANADIAN CUISINE
OPEN DAILY FROM 3 PM · DINNER FROM 5:30 PM 4121 VILLAGE GREEN · ADJACENT TO LISTEL HOTEL 604 932 3433 X 1 · BEARFOOTBISTRO.COM
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where Craig has been afforded the opportunity to play with the menu and take risks she wouldn’t otherwise. “The menu’s a lot more fun. It’s a lot more casual,” Craig says. “It’s just a change for me since I’m always thinking about fine dining. It’s a lot better for getting my staff involved. We can do fun little plays on things.” With a regularly rotating menu, the champagne lounge offers a few staples that Craig has kept onboard for most of the year: delectable Pacific oysters, sawmill clams served with rustic chorizo and grilled octopus, and a rich confit duck drummette with a Thai-style vinaigrette. These small plates, inspired by a swath of cultures and cuisines while still being approachable and priced affordably, also align with the buzzing, dynamic atmosphere Bearfoot has taken such care to curate.
F BEARFOOT BISTRO
or more than 30 years, Araxi has been at the pinnacle of Whistler’s fine-dining scene. Executive chef James Walt has thrilled countless diners with his unassuming and elegant approach to food. One of Canada’s earliest champions of farm-to-table cooking, Walt is channeling >>
AURA
Fresh. Casual. Local. at nita lake lodge Inspired and influenced by our people and our produce, AURA creates a casual and comfortable dining experience in a unique lakeside setting. Fresh and local, Chef Dean celebrates all things BC.
COMPLIMENTARY VILLAGE SHUTTLE AND UNDERGROUND PARKING AVAILABLE NITA LAKE LODGE, 2131 LAKE PLACID RD, WHISTLER BC | 1 888 755 6482 | 604 966 5700 WWW.NITALAKELODGE.COM/DINING | @NITALAKELODGE | #NITALAKELODGE 80
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SAVOUR THE SEASON A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, Executive Chef James Walt’s seasonal, market-driven menus are sure to delight. Located in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar is recognized worldwide for its excellence in food, as will The Cellar by Araxi, a newly-opened venue for private dining and exclusive events. Dinner from 5pm Après Ski Fondue 3-5pm Oyster Feature $15 for 10 | 3-5pm Cocktail Bar 3pm till late
4222 village square araxi.com thecellarbyaraxi.com 604 932 4540
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The Nijjar family is pleased to have the Royal Taste of India in its fifth successful year. 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. Addictive Italian cuisine since 1996 Inviting service Two private dining rooms Dinner nightly
Fine Dining & Take Out Catering Available WHISTLER MARKETPLACE
4319 Main Street at the Whistler Pinnacle Hotel 604.905.4844
604-932-2010 Open ALL DAY from 11am to late
Reservations recommended quattrorestaurants.com
WWW.THEROYALTASTEOFINDIA.COM
SPANISH-INFLUENCED SMALL PLATES HOUSE-MADE CHARCUTERIE HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS INSPIRED WINES
#9 - 4222 Village Sq | 604 962 4540 | baroso.ca araxi
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the cellar by araxi
bar oso
blue water cafe
cincin
west
thierry
that philosophy in a new restaurant that will also allow him to draw on the rich culinary history of the Mediterranean. BAR OSO, which opened in the Village this fall, is meant to deepen the Araxi experience while also distinguishing itself with a more casual, sociable experience that capitalizes on the bounty of B.C.’s exquisite ingredients — with a Spanish twist. “I first went to Spain in 1994 and spent three weeks in Valencia. Just the way people ate there really excited me. It was about what you were able to do with small plates. So we built Bar Oso around that,” says Walt. “We’re going to give authentic flavours to local products.” That means diners will be treated to a sensibly priced selection of bocadillos at lunch — a popular working-class sandwich that has become iconic on the streets of Spain — and a tapas-inspired dinner and late-night menu that are designed to be shared. “We’ve come up with some really neat ideas for comfort food,” says Walt, highlighting the northern Spanish favourite of braised beef cheeks. Or try the made-in- >>
BAR OSO
TONIGHT IS
TODAY ’ S REWARD Whistler’s Keg at the Mountain is the perfect place to enjoy a mouthwatering steak and signature cocktail with friends. See you tonight.
4429 Sundial Place | 604.932.5151
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house charcuterie, which is divided into a fresh and cured section and will include dishes like a foie gras parfait and ham hock terrine. It’s all part of the growing trend in the restaurant world and, beyond that, it recognizes the value of a one-of-a-kind experience. “I think it’s just the way our lives are headed, If you look at the experience of social media and how everybody’s connected, I think that crosses into everything… so the way we’re eating is different,” Walt says. “People don’t want that formal structure, it’s all about experiencing as much as you can, trying as many things as you can, being there with as many people as you can.”
“...if you’re excited about a certain bottle, then I’ll make sure
the food goes with that.”
T
french at heart
west coast soul
2129 Lake Placid Road
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he man behind Whistler’s most cherished Italian eatery knows that it’s the simplest pleasures in life that matter the most. For Antonio Corsi, who opened QUATTRO in the heart of Whistler nearly 20 years ago, that philosophy has been imbued into every aspect of the fine dining restaurant. “There is no pretension,” says executive chef Jeremie Trottier. “Whatever you need, whether it’s a $10 bowl of pasta during our seasonal Thursday night special or you’re coming to celebrate an anniversary… we want to make sure your night is what it’s supposed to be.” That lack of pretension has made Quattro a favourite for resort visitors and residents. Perhaps the biggest key to the restaurant’s success has been its willingness to let the customer define what type of experience they’re seeking. And if it’s an old-school Italian family meal you’re after, Quattro will let you call the shots with its five-course Roman feast, L’Abbuffata. “A lot of time people come for special occasions and just want us to cook for them. Geoff, our manager, (will) say, ’What are you looking to do?’ Then he’ll match up some wine, and we’ll (serve) some glasses all the way through. Or if you’re excited about a certain bottle, then I’ll make sure the food goes with that.” Of course, no traditional Italian meal would be complete without a little antipasti, and, in terms of shared plates, that’s where Quattro excels. Depending on the season, you can sample the grilled radicchio bocconcini, tuna, beef or mushroom Carpaccio, or the beloved classic: an asiago and sausage arancini in a smoked pepper sauce. Follow that with one of the restaurant’s house-made pastas — you can’t go wrong with the Spaghetti Quattro, one of Corsi’s own inventions, billed “for Italians only” that includes minced chicken, black turtle beans, a garlic-heavy tomato sauce and heaps of chili flakes — and you’ll be transported to the sensual cacophony of Rome’s bustling markets. It’s simple, it’s elegant and it’s genuine — the way real Italian food should be. “We don’t want to add too much to it or do too many crazy things,” Trottier said. “We want the product to shine through. For me, that’s Italian cooking.” W
1:37PM
The moment you decided to cultivate a new afternoon ritual.
mexicancorner_2015_whistlermagazine.pdf
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15-10-05
10:26 AM
THE FRIENDLIEST POUR
IN WHISTLER DUBH LINN GATE IRISH PUB A WHISTLER LANDMARK FOR 18 YEARS
C
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CM
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CMY
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Come for the genuine Irish cheer, delicious pub fare including hearty breakfasts, live music and good times. Families welcome. LOCATED IN PAN PACIFIC MOUNTAINSIDE 4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler WHISTLER | VANCOUVER Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dancing. Happy Hour 5-7pm. 604.905.4047 | dubhlinngate.com
Indian Masala Bistro
Indian cuisine that uses a palette of flavours ~ you’ll feel as if you’re halfway around the world! NEW IN THE HILTON WHISTLER RESORT Overlooking Mountain Square, Whistler Village
www.indianmasalabistro.com
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Ladies
casual dining
WHO LUNCH
Making the most of the mid-day meal during your girls’ getaway
THINK OF “ladies who lunch” and you’ll likely conjure
up images of 60-something philanthropists at “the club,” noshing on Waldorf salads. It’s a little different in Whistler. The lunching ladies can just as easily be a group of girlfriends fresh off the hill as a crowd of the town’s movers and shakers. Whistler, where indulgence and delight go when they take a vacation, is a place of many choices. You and your party can fuel up between runs, take a treat break, or use a wonderful location as an excuse to get together. Check out these haute, hot haunts. They are perfect for catching up or for preparing for world domination. Or they’re good for simply hanging out with friends and fellow shopping enthusiasts. Ready for anything that lunch can throw at them, three women of Whistler put this to the test by sampling the varied and delicious ways they can keep their friendship on the menu. >>
CURE LOUNGE stor y by CINDY FILIPENKO PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
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GARIBALDI LIFT CO.
GARIBALDI LIFT CO. BAR & GRILL WHISTLER GONDOLA BASE
Ladies who ski need to lunch. After a morning on the mountain, it’s time to fuel up at the GLC Bar & Grill, one of Whistler’s true ski-in, ski-out locations. “You can come down the mountain, walkin wearing your ski boots, have lunch and be back on the mountain in no time,” says Mike Varrin, manager of bars for Whistler Blackcomb. Hit the GLC on a sunny day with your friends and enjoy lunching on Whistler’s largest patio. Specializing in share plates, Whistler’s most popular après location serves up wicked Rustic Flat Breads, amazing Szechuan Calamari and Chicken T’n’A — “boneless chicken wings” made from breast and thigh meat. For fiercer appetites, there are burgers, pasta and interesting takes on the classics like the fantastic Karaage Fish ’N’ Chips. As well, the kitchen is always happy to create vegetarian and vegan options. Of course, you may opt to give the hill a miss and indulge in a house specialty: The Runaway Lunch, where you eat and drink through to dinner. It’s not unusual for people
Unwind with a cool beverage around the cozy fireplace in one of Whistler’s iconic après bars, catch the game on the big screen or enjoy a relaxing Pacific Northwest dinner while soaking up the Village vibe. Located at Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa.
HILTON WHISTLER RESORT & SPA t: 1 604 966 5122 4050 Whistler Way
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who arrive at lunch to be seen dancing in ski boots when the GLC transforms into a happening nightspot with DJs and live music. For more info: www.whistlerblackcomb.com
FIREROCK LOUNGE
WESTIN RESORT & SPA Tucked away in the Westin Resort & Spa at the south end of the Village, FireRock Lounge has an intimate, cozy mountain lodge feel. Have something you want to keep on the down low? Spill the beans over some amazing share plates and the Ultimate Mimosa. (An inspired concoction, the Ultimate Mimosa contains a full bottle of Prosecco and comes with as many champagne flutes as needed.) Amy Stofmeel, The FireRock’s general manager, says many people seek the bar out because it’s off the beaten path. “They know they can find a corner to talk, have a cocktail and enjoy some great food.” That great food consists of a menu full of upscale versions of comfort classics such as Deep Cove Pale Ale Short Rib Sliders, Albacore Tuna Tacos and Buffalo Mozzarella Flatbread. Most menu items are perfect for sharing, but you might not want to! The FireRock also gets bonus points for
FIREROCK LOUNGE having the sunniest patio in Whistler with a great fire bowl to chase away the chills. For more info: www.gibbonshospitality.com or www.westinwhistler.com
CURE LOUNGE
NITA LAKE LODGE At Cure Lounge you’ll feel like you’re at a resort within a resort. One of two lakeside
lounges in Whistler, Cure’s patio sits just metres above the shoreline of Nita Lake. This hidden gem in Creekside provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing mid-day getaway. “It’s a beautiful location,” says Theresa Ginter, the lodge’s general manager. “And we give our guests an experience that reflects that, in both our service and our food.” With a chef committed to using local, >>
CRYSTAL FONDUE Adventure DininGHUT on Blackcomb MouNTain
by snowmobile & snowcat
at 6000ft
604.938.1616 canadianwilderness.com
canadianwilderness.com canadianwilderness.com
604.938.1616 604.938.1616 Carleton 604.938.1616 Lodge CANADIANWILDERNESS.COM
CANADIAN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
SSTTAAYYWWILIDLD
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organic and seasonal products, Cure’s menu is exceptional. Must-haves include the exquisite burger with Pemberton-grown organic beef, Nita Lake salad, the organic crudité platter, and the exceptional crispy pork belly featuring Fraser Valley pork. There’s plenty of room inside where you and your friends can sink into the deep leather couches by the fireplace to settle in for an inspired lunch. And if lunch extends into après, your party will get to enjoy Whistler’s best DJs. To make is easy to experience Cure, the lodge operates a shuttle service to pick you up from the Village. For more info: www.nitalakelodge.com
SUSHI VILLAGE
VILLAGE STROLL For 30 years, Sushi Village has been serving up Whistler’s best Japanese cuisine. And the parties that have taken place over the years in its nine tatami rooms are almost as legendary as the sushi. Privacy and incredibly fresh sushi? Sounds perfect for a ladies’ lunch. Try the house specialties like the SASS roll (an inspired combination of salmon, avocado and soya bean sheet with a tempura prawn
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thrown in for good measure) hot pots and udon noodle soups. And the spicy agedashi tofu? It’s not to be missed. “We regularly get requests from the culinary magazines asking for the recipe for the tofu spicy sauce. We always give it to them — but with a couple of ingredients missing,” laughs Amy Huddle, general manager of Sushi Village. Huddle won the 2014 Bearfoot Bistro’s Bloody Caesar competition with a cocktail that featured this secret sauce. Ask nicely and the bartender might make you one. Rather order off the menu? Try a pitcher — or three — of the strawberry sake margaritas, but beware, these margs can pack as much of a wallop as their Mexican counterparts. For more info: www.sushivillage.com
THE ROYAL TASTE OF INDIA MARKETPLACE
Looking to spice up lunch with your besties? Then you’ll want to check out The Royal Taste of India with its mix of northern and southern Indian food. Highlighting the great regional cuisines of India, this locals’ go-to place for Indian offers a tremendous number of vegetarian/vegan
dishes and mild to hot spicing options. The Royal Taste of India’s owner, Jinder Nijar, knows spice. Whether it’s Chicken Korma, Prawn Vindaloo or a Channa Curry, at the heart of every Indian main dish is the masala. His masala consists of more than 32 different whole herbs and spices. The masala is ground on a weekly basis to ensure freshness. “India is well-known as the land of spices and yogis. Every spice has its own medicinal value, which is very beneficial for modern living,” says Nijar. “Spices are to enhance the flavour of food, as well as promote healthy living.” A group of girlfriends could leave yoga class and continue to joyfully feed their inner cores, this time literally, by sharing a few dishes together. Namaste! From Naan bread cooked to pillowy perfection in a charcoal-fuelled, clay tandoor oven, to a delicate Gulab Jamun dessert, The Royal Taste of India creates delectable, authentic Indian food prepared by accomplished, well-seasoned chefs. Healthy living has never tasted so delicious. For more info: www.theroyaltaste ofindia.com W
OPEN LATE
Mon. to Sat. till 3 a.m. Sun. till 2 a.m.
(604) 932-0410 4368 Main Street
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HEALTHY EATING
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 20% OFF LUNCH MONGOLIEGRILL.COM | 604 938.9416
LOCATED above the Cinema 8 across from Starbucks
FIND US
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after hours
SUGAR,
sugar Whistler’s sweeter side comes through in these cocktail confections
stor y by BRADEN DUPUIS photos by DAVID BUZZARD
I
t’s shortly after 5 p.m. on a Friday, and “Big” Rich Poehlmann, bar manager at ROLAND’S CREEKSIDE PUB, greets the regulars by name as they walk through the door. Roland’s is a locals’ bar, Poehlmann says, but the pub plays host to all sorts of tourists as well. There’s not likely to be any drinks he can’t make when you sit down, but he likes to keep it simple. >>
Sidecut restaurant lead bartender Cameron Coull serves up a Magic Carpet cocktail.
Left: Ryan Smith of Buffalo Bills mixes up a revamped classic, the Deep Cove Cosmopolitan. Right: The Old Fashioned from Hy’s Steakhouse, topped with fruit slices.
“I don’t like muddling. I think muddling is a waste of time,” he says, recalling that after he won bartender of the year in Pique Newsmagazine’s Best of Whistler competition, he was asked what his best drink was. “I said, ’a mug of Canadian — I make sure I have a nice cold mug, and then I pour it in,” he says with a laugh. “You just kind of give people what they want.” A nice, cold beer would do me fine most days, but today I’m on the search for something sweeter. Big Rich has me covered — his unique signature Sangria should do just the trick. “It’s a build and shake, which is unusual with sangria,” Poehlmann says. “We build it with red wine, a dash of melon liqueur, a dash of brandy, and this combo of mango, orange juice and pineapple juice.” It hits my taste buds with all the force of an alcoholic fruit salad — it’s sweet, but not aggressively so. I could do worse than to order up another, but my curiosity is piqued, and before long I’m off in search of more. When you sit down at the HY’S STEAKHOUSE bar you can expect a bit of a show — bartenders Greg Martin and Patrice Sarrazin are seasoned vets behind the taps. “When it gets busy, you’re serving drinks at the bar plus you’re serving 20 waiters,” Martin says. “You’re moving at a good pace, and people love seeing that. It’s like a dance.” Hy’s Steakhouse — a franchise that celebrated its
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60th anniversary in 2015 — tends to attract a more sophisticated clientele. The classics — martinis, manhattans and the rest — are par for the course. To satisfy your sweet tooth, Martin says, order the Old Fashioned (with fruit). According to Cameron Coull, lead bartender at the FOUR SEASONS’ SIDECUT RESTAURANT, sweet is a hard target to hit. “Everyone is into savoury, citrus, boozy, so sweet is kind of getting lost along the way,” Coull says. “So to create a sweet cocktail that is going to be accepted is quite difficult.” But with his custom-made “Magic Carpet” cocktail, Coull nails it. A house-made cinnamon chocolate liqueur, Sortilege Maple Whiskey and a vanilla-beaninfused Crystal Head vodka all team up to make Coull’s creation a memorable one.
BRANDY’S AT THE KEG is a “chameleon of the bar world,” says bar manager Aaron Hopps. “We’re always shifting from après and after ski to full-on lobster and steak dinners.” He also refers to it as “the best sports bar in town.” And when the sun goes down, the party continues — Brandy’s is the only bar in town that’s open until 2 a.m. “It’s definitely an industry bar. We get a lot of people coming in that are bartenders, servers, managers, owners, so they know what they like to drink, they know what they’re coming in for.”
But if you’re not sure what you’re after, Hopps and his team can help you find your way. “Whistler is really good for that, because a lot of people are open to new ideas and new experiences, so it allows us to be mixology tour guides, which is fun,” Hopps says. When I tell him about my current affinity for sweets, he serves me up a Java Peaks — a variation of the pick-me-up featuring a whirlwind of Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s, chilled espresso and coffee beans. The sun goes down, the music gets louder and I’ve yet to have my fill of tispy sweets — so it’s off to the clubs I go. The Friday night crowds have yet to fill the dance floor at BUFFALO BILLS when I arrive, but it won’t be long. “You’re going to get greeted at the door by smiling faces,” says Ryan Smith, bartender at Buffalo Bills, of the atmosphere of the club. “We try to provide the best, friendliest and happiest experience you can have at a bar on a night out.” Smith keeps me happy by mixing up a Deep Cove Cosmopolitan — Deep Cove Premium Vodka, Cointreau-orange liqueur and cranberry juice, with just a hint of lime. “It’s an old classic, but it’s just revamped a little with that little squeeze of lime, just keeping it nice and fresh for the people that come in after riding all day,” Smith says. The Deep Cove Cosmo is just the right amount of sweet — a perfect cap to a long day or the precursor to an unforgettable night. You decide. W
at The Keg
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MASSIVE
HDTVs Whistler’s Best Sports Bar Daily Happy Hour Specials 3pm-4:30pm food & drinks 10pm-1am drinks
DJs @ 10pm Thursday-Sunday 4429 Sundial Place. 604-931-5151 whistlersportsbar.com
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services DIRECTORY PROVEN RESULTS –
I’m with you every step of the way Specializing in Residential and Investment property in Whistler
Voted Best Dental Clinic
Carolyn Hill, ASSOCIATE BROKER
New Patients & Emergencies Welcome
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email: chill@whistlerbuyer.com www.whistlerbuyer.com
For appointments call: 604-938-1550 #317 – 2063 Lake Placid Rd., Whistler
REFERRAL ALERT: refer a client and receive an iPad Mini
(next to Creekside Market) www.smilewhistler.com
W H I S T L E R
cross country connection
MEDICAL
Rentals Skills Tours
C L I N I C
An apple a day doesn’t always keep the doctor away. Providing the Whistler community with full medical care for over 25 years. Whistler’s ONLY medical clinic with X-ray, Lab and Acute Care services on site!
Walk-In Patients Welcome. www.whistlermedicalclinic.com 4380 Lorimer Rd. | Whistler BC | V0N 1B4 | Tel: 604-932-3977
whistler • 604.905.0071 • crosscountryconnection.ca
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12-10-15 Presenting Hollywood’s finest new film releases in Whistler
ALL DIGITAL PRESENTATIONS Located near the Village Common in Whistler Village 604.932.5833
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Winter Free Shuttles Daily Dec 12, 2015 – March 28, 2016
Everything you need for your Health, Beauty and Convenience, right in the heart of Whistler Village Prestigious Beauty Boutique
4 Marketplace 7:00 am to 9:15 pm 5 Upper Village/Benchlands 6:30 am to 1:05 am
Full Service Pharmacy offering Travel nnection Advertisement Files in PDF format, greyscale or CMYK Early Winter Service Nov 21 – Dec 11, 2015 Vaccinations & Medication Reviews Late Winter Service Mar 29 – April 17, 2016
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Free Prescription Deliveries and much more d-2 confirmation: call Jodi at 604.698.7250 or 604.905.0071 Transit Info ag Services Directory Whistler Village (near The Keg & Movie Theatre) 604·932·4020 x 2.25H) technical concerns: Brian Hydesmith www.bctransit.com 604-905-5666 www.shoppersdrugmart.ca 2014 design@hydesmith.com or call 204.487.0067 96
WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
11:35 AM
To advertise in the Services Directory, call Catherine Power-Chartrand at 604-932-1672
WANT TO TAKE A COPY OF THE WHISTLER MAGAZINE HOME? Whistler Magazine is available in more than 5,000 Whistler hotel rooms and over 100 tourist outlets. Hardcovers are in most rooms, and softcovers are available at the front desk to take with you.
TM
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Yoga and wellness services in the heart of Whistler Village! We offier many different styles to suit all levels of practice. Our class cap of 13 maintains personalized attention and a sense of community. BOOKING ONLINE OR BY PHONE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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WHISTLER RECEPTION SERVICES
Providing a World Class Greeting in a World Class Resort A Unique Central Check In – Concierge and In-Resort Contact for Guests, Owners and Managers of Vacation Rentals and Properties WHISTLER VILLAGE IN DEER LODGE AND UPPER VILLAGE IN GLACIER LODGE
Call 604-966-0999 to set up a free consultation! www.whistlerreception.com / info@whistlerreception.com
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Former Whistler alderman Gary Watson chats with Whistler Village designer Eldon Beck at the resort municipality’s 40th Anniversary event at the Whistler Museum in September.
DAVID BUZZARD
John Mann from Spirit of the West and Barney Bentall in concert at the Whistler GoFest in May.
DAVID BUZZARD
Canadian national skeleton member Jane Channell and national bobsleigh team pilot Justin Kripps prepare to take a ride down the Whistler Sliding Centre course during an event commemorating the resort’s successful bid to host the 2019 IBSF World Cup in Whistler.
DAVID BUZZARD
Giller Prize finalist Marina Endicott reads from her novel Good to a Fault at the Whistler Writers Festival in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in October.
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN — YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MIGHT SEE!
DAVID BUZZARD
in whistler DAVID BUZZARD
SCENE
Katy Perry performed in three private shows at the Whistler Conference Centre in August.
Whistler mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden with Nikki Best at the Whistler Canada Day parade on July 1.
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WHISTLER MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2016
DAVID BUZZARD
DAVID BUZZARD
DAVID BUZZARD
Crazy Canuck Steve Podborski and Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Executive Director Mei McCurdy, with Carol Leacy and Jon Dietrich at the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Mountaintop Gala.
Ninety-seven year-old big band bandleader Dal Richards leads his orchestra during a show at the Whistler Olympic Plaza in August.
David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and former dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, delivers the keynote address at a CAIRP conference in August.
DAVID BUZZARD
The Night at Studio 54 Mountaintop Gala attracted several “stars” to this year’s fundraiser for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
COURTESY WHISTLER BLACKCOMB FOUNDATION
COURTESY WHISTLER BLACKCOMB FOUNDATION
Local artist Chili Thom at Whistler Artwalk in July.
Rik Parker and Eddie Calvey looking good at the Father Ted-themed party at the Dubh Linn Gate Pub in April. W
P: Paul Morrison
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