Whistler: The Season That Wasn't...Or Was

Whistler Peak and the view from Whistler Peak

So Nic and I have just finished close to 6 months of being in the same place. Usually this means we have returned home, or got proper jobs, and are back to some resemblance of reality. At this stage we are champing at the bit to get back on the road.

Well, Whistler isn't like most places!

I would say, without exaggerating this number, that 9 out of 10 people you meet aren't locals (in fact I’m not too sure I have actually met a born and bred local!). Yes, some of them may have been here for 10 or 15 years, but 10 years ago, they came like the rest of us to do a season, or two, and just never left. Parentals, don't worry, I don't think we will be one of those people, but you never know!

Whistler just has this charm that keeps you here. Or at least keeps you coming back.

Symphony Bowl seen from Harmony Ridge

For any of those reading this that are into their snow sports, you may very well know that all over North America the season has been average at best. But even so, our time here has been insane. The variety of terrain on offer in Whistler is second to none, and the village would be hard pushed to be rivaled by any other ski resort in North America – this may sound like a lot of bullshit given I haven't been anywhere else in North America, but it is what I have heard. And most of you would know I don't argue things I don't know anything about!

But even if the season was the worst in 'x' number of years (lots of people seem to love telling you how bad the season is, as if it were your personal fault), it still had its moments.

Going from the snow fall reports, March was our second best month, but for most it was easily the best. The crowds has thinned out, we actually got a few powder days, and for once, rain didn't immediately follow any snow. So you actually got a chance to enjoy the multitude of bowls on offer. Getting face shots late in March and April, you can't help but smile.

Cider night

Now the snow in those latter months wasn't the best, its no Japan dry powder, but the terrain it opened up more than made up for it. I'm sure there are some 'snow snobs' types out there (usually those who have been here for 10-15 years) that wouldn't have even bothered with it, but for most of us, it was a long time coming and we made the most of it. I remember coming out here in '08/'09 and was only able to ride Whistler Peak and Symphony one day each, and I was here until early February. So if you ask me, these last few month have been where it's at.

Another reason we aren't jumping out of our skins to get back on the road is the friends we have made throughout the season. That's not to say some of them are jumping out of their skins to see us gone, but we have managed to drag a few of them down into the U.S. to see what Sasquatch! is all about. It's a four day music festival in Washington State for those uninformed. And it should be a solid start to the summer.

The season had a fair few laughs and mishaps along the way. I would say half the people I met in Whistler injured themselves in some way, shape or form throughout the season. Some more serious than others, and some more inconvenient than others. There were broken collarbones, ribs, concussions, too many wrists to count and even a broken back. Nic and I both fared well in the stacks category with Nic breaking her wrist early in the season, but as usual I normally have to out do her so I broke both wrists towards the end of the season. Lucky for me (and probably Nic) I was able to get away with one arm in a cast and the other in a removable splint which allowed me to operate as a semi-functional human.

I still wipe my own....

There were days towards the end of the season where you could snowboard in the morning, ride the bike park in the arvo and then chill out by the lake with a few cold froths as the sun went down. If you can tell me of another place on the planet that has that plethora of activities to be had, let me know cos that's where we'll go next season!

Wind-lip session up on Blackcomb Glacier

I was also introduced to a number of 'life changing' events throughout the season. Firstly and fore-mostly, was the introduction to the 'Gang Bang'. No not that kind! A 'Gang Bang' is a Maccas burgher that will change your Maccas experience for life. First you get a McDouble (double cheese burger for those uninitiated), you open it up and put a Junior Chicken inside – yes the whole burger. What you are left with is a burger combo of bun, meat, cheese, bun, chicken, bun, cheese, meat and bun...all for about $3.50! I have vowed to never order anything different from Maccas again!

The 'Gangbang'!

The others are less 'life changing' and more just pretty fricken cool.

Beers in the 'Sun Pit' up on Whistler, complete with a BBQ and a view for days is something not many people do but definitely worth it if you know where the pit is! Quiffle is golf's younger, more attractive cousin. Sort of like natural mini golf? Firstly, cos the course we played was literally just in the woods. Secondly, each hole is about as long as your standard mini gold courses. But unlike mini golf there is no putter required, and beers are mandatory! Like the 'pitch and putts' of Ireland, Quiffle is my kind of golf. A perforated ball, one club and one shot per hole, its sort of like an ongoing contest of closest to the pin, but in the middle of the woods, and did I mention beers?

The Sun Pit

That is what Spring time in Whistler is all about – riding, swimming (if you're brave enough), biking, hiking, relaxing, just generally doing whatever you like. But most of all not working!

So taking a step back, I have almost done 2 seasons in Whistler, none of which you would write home about, and yet I will be back one day. Whether its for another season, a quick trip to jog the memories, or for any other reason, we will be back.

It's just the Whistler way!

Peak 2 Peak