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Best of Whistler 2008

The people’s choices
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History may associate 2008 with terms like “economic meltdown,” “financial crisis,” “bailout” and even “prorogue,” but there were still some good things about the year just ending.

There were a number of openings in Whistler this year, including the library, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, several new businesses, a compost facility and the first (one hopes annual) Pemberton Festival. These and other events were remembered by readers when they voted for the Best of Whistler 2008.

Quintessential Whistler

Favourite Whisterite

“Shhh, don’t let anyone here know,” said Tom Thomson, a twinkle in his eye, after finding out he was voted Favourite Whistlerite.

“What an outstanding community I live in that people could even begin to consider someone like myself.

“I don’t know what I have done to earn it. There is a community of like-minded people out there who deserve the same honour, because they all love Whistler.”

You have probably seen Thomson’s white beard or heard his deep, gruff voice around town.

Not only did he get more votes than anyone else running for council in this year’s municipal election, his first time as a candidate, but the community man continues his involvement with Crankworx, WORCA, The Ken Quon Memorial, the village host program, the lodge host program on Blackcomb, and the local art scene (following in the footsteps of his namesake, he jokes).

Oh, and Thomson has also been the local Santa Claus for a number of years.

“Don’t write that though, because then the kids will know,” he says as another smile lights up his face.

Thomson first came to Whistler in 1968 and slept on a floor most of the winter season. He was hooked. Even though he had a teaching career in Vancouver, Thomson found ways to still be involved in the Whistler community. And when he retired, he knew exactly where he was going: into the Whistler home he built in the 1980s.

Most extreme thing to do

In an adrenaline-fueled town, situated underneath two jaw-dropping mountains, finding something extreme to do is easy. If you actually have the guts to do it… Well, that is the hard part.

But whether via helicopter, in the backcountry, off a cliff, down a chute, through a bowl, blindfolded, naked, backwards or with a broken ankle, the majority of 2008 voters agree that the best way to push your limits is skiing and riding through some nice white stuff.

An especially daredevil spot on “dual mountain” that got a big thumbs up from gutsy riders was Air Jordan, a double cliff jump near Peak Chair. The area gets its name from the large amount of air you have to drop: 9 metres (30 feet) for the first cliff, 12 metres (40 feet) immediately after. Many a brave soul has looked like a rag doll after attempting this without the proper technical know-how.

Other impressive spots for testing your nerves on your skis or a snowboard were the Voodoo Chutes, Spanky’s Ladder, West Cirque and the Blow Hole.

Bungee jumping — last year’s most extreme thing to do — also garnered huge votes as a way to get your pulse pumping. And voters had a new twist to bungee jumping: off the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Idea for a new Olympic event

Despite the slew of creative answers — like nude synchronized swimming in Lost Lake and the Christmas weekend tourists GS — a more serious event took the top prize: Women’s ski jumping.

The sport has been making headlines over the past year as lady jumpers rally hard to get on the 2010 Winter Olympic roster.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says not enough countries or jumpers participate in the sport. But women ski jumpers say the IOC has overlooked those qualifications in the past to allow women to compete in bobsleigh, snowboard cross and ski cross.

Whether the sport manages to make it into the 2010 Olympics here at Whistler Olympic Park, we’ll just have to hold our breath and see.

Other sports that racked up major votes were halfpipe skiing, which came in a solid second, followed by every other version of skiing imaginable, from extreme skiing, to big mountain skiing, to skiing backwards, to skiing naked and skiing while drinking a lime martini. (The last one may have a little trouble getting around the IOC’s drug laws.)

Best use of money

Ask people why they moved to Whistler, and more often then not you get the answer “lifestyle,” And while that lifestyle can range from mountain biking to hiking to lounging outside to drinking, skiing and snowboarding are generally the biggest reasons people venture to these big mountain parts.

So perhaps it is no surprise that voters this year decided the best way to spend your hard-earned cash is on a season ski and snowboard pass. After all you get 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain at one of the best-rated resorts in the world. Sneak in there a few glorious blue bird powder days, and you just might have found your own piece of heaven on earth.

Coming in a close second was booze. Beer was the frontrunner, although jagger bombs, martinis and a night out on the town put up a good fight. And, of course, there is no better way to top off a day on the mountain then by having a few après drinks to follow.

Worst use of money

Some call it spectacular and breathtaking. Others call it an eyesore and an amusement park ride. Yes, Peak 2 Peak may have grabbed the attention of ski fans and engineers across the world, but it seems not all are onboard with the brand new gondola. The $51 million ski lift, strung across Whistler and Blackcomb, was voted the single worst use of money in 2008. But a recount next summer might prove interesting.

Other items not so popular on the shopping list were booze (ironically, also second place for best use of money), drugs and high rent (here, here!).

Best Rumour

As Wall Street plummeted into chaos this October, people in Whistler had their own credit fat to chew.

Seemingly overnight it was announced that Fortress Investment Group — owner of Intrawest and, consequently, Whistler Blackcomb — was madly scrambling to refinance a $1.8 billion loan. And as big-time investors held backroom meetings in New York, rumours swirled like snowflakes throughout Whistler’s streets.

“Fortress is shutting down the mountains.”

“Peak 2 Peak Gondola has to be sold to finance the debt.”

“Joe Houssian — former owner of Intrawest — is going to buy back the company.”

While it was never likely Whistler Blackcomb would cease operations, almost everyone in town let out an audible sigh of relief — and wiped the sweat from their forehead — when Fortress announced it had somehow managed to cut a last minute deal.

Another popular topic for the gossips this year was bands playing at Pemberton Festival 2009. Among the big names on the hearsay roster were The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Metallica. These rumours likely took off before the concert organizer, Shane Bourbonnais, said he doesn’t know if the festival will take place again in 2009. As it stands now, no one may be playing underneath Mount Currie in July.

Best New Business

Don’t confuse Crossfit — the best new business of 2008 — with a gym. Yes, it is a place to work out, but Jordan Glasser, mastermind behind the whole operation, does things a little differently.

“It’s designed for people who don’t like the gym,” explained Glasser.

“There is no routine. We mix it up to make fitness as exciting as possible. Last night, for example, was done with pairs, and everyone had to do the workout blindfolded.”

Glasser started out running Crossfit as a home business, catering to people who could afford one-on-one training. Since opening the doors to his Creekside spot in July, Glasser has seen more than 300 people. Classes are run either for individuals or groups.

“It has been a great option for me to offer my product to the masses,” he said.

Other favourite new places in town were Get Nailed Nail Bar, Roland’s Pub, and Panoli’s Pizza.

And for entrepreneurs looking to start up a new business, voters had some suggestions: a daycare, a shoemaker store, a beer store in Function Junction, and, now that The Boot is gone, a strip club.

Most sustainable thing Whistler’s done this year

Since opening mid-November this year, the compost facility has been a hit.

Not only can local restaurants get ride of their coffee grinds, vegetable peelings and dirty paper napkins in a sustainable way, now Whistler residents can too.

The municipality has put drop-off bins at the Function Junction and Nesters garbage and recycling depots. And, once business really gets going, the $13.7 million building will be able to transform up to 10,000 tonnes of organic waste into fertilizer each year through a system of tunnels and bacteria.

Not all readers nominated the compost facility though. Or anything else for that matter. Pique got lots of “nothing”, “couldn’t name anything,”,or “don’t know” responses. Does this mean people don’t care, or that they don’t think Whistler has done a single sustainable thing in all of 2008?

Least sustainable thing Whistler’s done this year

The new Peak 2 Peak Gondola may have broken engineering records, received media attention from around the world, and it’s sure entertaining to ride. But as for being sustainable, a lot of people don’t think a 4.4 kilometre gondola spanning two mountains is a great thing for the environment.

Public relations staff at Whistler Blackcomb said for a lift of its size, the overall footprint of Peak 2 Peak is actually quite tiny, comparable to a typical detachable quad placement.

Still, given people’s love/hate relationship to the lift, it isn’t surprising that Peak 2 Peak took the top prize in this category.

Coming in a close second was B.C. Transit’s decision to build its new bus terminal on one of Whistler’s wetlands. The decision stirred up much controversy this fall, and the community staged several protests on the land near Nesters.

Best way to spend your last $10

So the economy’s going down the tube faster than roller skates on an icy mountaintop, and you just found out you got laid off from your job. Where do you go to spend your last greenbacks?

For those in Whistler, it seems beer is the best cure for an empty bank account.

Voters came armed with many suggestions for the perfect place for the special brew, including a jug at Merlin’s Bar and Grill, Citta’s Bistro, The Longhorn Saloon, Tapley’s Pub or après beers at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ.

Food was also a popular item — especially the cheap stuff. While the list of eats was long, sushi, pizza, coffee, and burgers all get significant air time in this year’s Best of Whistler.

Of course, a lack of cash can really spell bad news in these troubled economic times. A few savvy readers had some more resourceful — although less fun — uses for their last $10: a cab ride to the food bank or a bag of groceries.

Party of 2008

How do you throw a rockin’ party? You rent Pemberton farmland for three days, set up a makeshift campsite for 20,000 people and invite Tom Petty, Coldplay and Jay Z to play a tune or two. The result was the best party of 2008 (and hopefully 2009, 2010, 2011…)

Yes, Pemberton Festival, which descended upon the Sea to Sky corridor with full force between July 25 and 27, developed a reputation among attendees as the best weekend all summer. And Whistlerites don’t seem to mind the fete d’annee was located 20 minutes up the road. After all, the best parties always take place at someone else’s pad.

Let’s cross our fingers and hope Shane Bourbonnais can pull off another super festival next summer. Last we heard, the Live Nation guru was worried there was not enough time, since the Agricultural Land Commission only gave him a thumbs up last month.

But if Pemby Fest doesn’t happen, at least Whistler itself played host to some pretty legendary showdowns. November’s Casino Royale and the Cornucopia weekend was one popular place to get your party face on, as well as any bar in town on Halloween night.

Best Whistler trend

Exercise? In Whistler? Really? For the third year in a row, Bodystorm — a great way to get your butt in shape — scooped up the best Whistler trend. The exercise program incorporates Pilates, spinning, yoga, boxing and is a sure fire way to get your muscles into tip-top condition. Find out more at www.bodystorm.ca .

Second place this year also falls in line with the fitness theme. Newly opened business Crossfit is not so much a gym as a way to get in shape, focusing on group training and personal training sessions (see Best New Business for more details).

Worst Whistler trend

Over the past five years, “emo fashion” has gained steam around the world as the way to dress for the young and hip. But it seems the Whistler-ized take on the emo look was not so popular this year with voters.

Tight pants worn looow (below the bum, knees and — according to a few readers — ankles) got the boot as the Worst Whistler Trend, along with neon coloured gear and the so-called ’80s fashion revival.

On one hand, wearing bright clothing makes you more recognizable on the slopes. On the other, tight pants make it difficult to move your legs. As one voter kindly put it, wearing skinnies makes you “walk like a penguin.”

Here at Pique , we aren’t taking sides on the issue. But at least this craze is making things a little more fluorescent, for the time being.

Other fashion statements that raised some eyebrows were the ever-controversial Uggs boots as well as baggy pants (just to be extra picky about size).

And, a non-clothing item that got significant votes was kicking tenants out for the Olympics — a fad that has been getting more popular as the February 2010 date approaches, much to the dismay of Whistler’s renters.

Whistler gift or present

You can get your friends an Olympic mascot, a massage gift certificate, or some Rocky Mountain chocolate. But for the best Whistler present this Christmas season, it seems most readers still agree on the classic ski pass. After all we live in one of the best ski resorts in the world. And next year, it will become an Olympic resort as well.

Of course, a ski pass is useless without powder, which is probably why snow was also a popular gift choice.

Other favourites to keep in mind for next Christmas: a Bodystorm course, a Crossfit membership, ski and board gear, inukshuks, and wine.

Or, if you don’t want to spend any money, some people suggested a couch to crash on was also a great present.

Place for people watching

Since this question was first added to Best of Whistler in 1999, the response has always — and we mean always — been Citta’s Bistro. This year marks the ninth year Citta’ has claimed the title, and the 25 th anniversary of the beloved bar in the heart of Whistler Village Square.

Sadly, it may also mark the year that Citta’ shuts its doors permanently. The restaurant’s lease expires at the end of February 2009, and the landlord has givn no indication it’ll be renewed

In order to keep the place alive, the restaurant has been asking the community to send in their Citta’ photos and stories to savecitta@cittabistro.com.

Make out spot

It is the dirty secret of many resort towns: The number one spot to make out with a special someone is inside a gondola while it’s suspended in air. At least Whistler kissers seem to think so.

“Gondolas” and “gondies” ruled this category, and most voters didn’t seem too picky about which ski lift they puckered up on (although there was a special shout out for pole number 22).

That said, excitement is bubbling for future kissing sessions on the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Even though the record-breaking gondola wasn’t running when this year’s Best of Whistler results were collected, several readers confidently voted that the trip between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains would be perfect time to share a pair of lips. Here at Pique , we definitely think it is worth at try.

Other favourite places around Whistler to make out? “At home,” “my place,” “my bed,” and “my couch” were popular among secret kissers, whereas beside a lake or at the peak of a mountain ranked high for the more publicly affectionate.

Bars are also a common spot to smooch. More specifically: On the dance floor, in the bathroom and behind the bar of Tommy’s, Garfs, Moe Joe’s, and others.

Best excuse for being late

"OK, it just snowed 20 centimetres last night, and it is a bluebird day. How bad would it really be if I just went up the mountain for a quick run, or two, or three, or…”

We’ve all been there before. Fresh powder makes it hard to remember exactly what time work begins. Some people have a 40 centimetre rule for those very special days. Others have a 30 centimetre rule, a 20 centimetre rule, and even a 10 centimetre rule. Whatever your rules are, it is a known fact that powder is king in Whistler.

But if you aren’t one to risk your job over snowfall, highway construction is also a good excuse. And if that fails, there are always the (un)faithful buses to blame.

Best Neighbourhood

There wasn’t a fairer vote in this survey. Almost every neighbourhood in Whistler got a mention in this category, but one stood out above the rest: Alpine Meadows, home to the Meadow Park Sports Centre and the Alpine Meadows Market, was the clear winner. Creekside came a distant second, while Whistler Cay was a close third. Bayshores and Emerald Estates were tied for fourth place, while White Gold came fifth. Whistler Village sat smack-dab in the middle of the survey.

Lie to tell tourists

It’s an age-old joke that Whistlerites play on tourists. A ski pass will read “Dual Mountain Pass” and confused tourists won’t know what it means. They know Whistler, they know Blackcomb, but they can’t seem to figure out where Dual Mountain is! The tradition is to point tourists in the direction of Dual Mountain drycleaners — way down in Function Junction. That ranked as the top lie in this survey. Other entertaining lies included “People like to live in the village,” “Bears attack non-locals” and “Whistler is booked up for 2010.”

Blizzard hangout

It hasn’t yet come this year, but a blizzard is bound to hit within the next month or two. Home is where the warmth is, according to voters in the Best of Whistler survey, who marked it down as the best place to be when a blizzard erupts outside. The Crystal Hut also ranked highly, as did Dusty’s, the Garibaldi Lift Company and the Cinnamon Bear. Two people marked down Dairy Queen as the best place for a Blizzard. We could use one in Whistler.

Food & Drink

Best Restaurant Overall

Drum roll please…and the winner is The Rimrock. That’s seven years in a row for the eatery, which is consistently rated as one of Whistler's top restaurants and fine dining establishments. Let’s hope they don’t get a seven-year itch as the fresh seafood such as salmon, sablefish and oyster plates and rack of lamb and arctic caribou are favourites in town and around the world. The Rimrock, now in its 21st year, offers fine dining in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Manager/owner Bob Dawson and chef/owner Rolf Gunther work hard to keep the quality consistent, the food fresh and interesting.

Sushi Village takes second place again. The eatery, which has been open since 1985, can always be counted on for the freshest in sushi and its excellent service. It is about as famous in some circles as the world-class ski resort itself. Known for its casual yet vibrant atmosphere, terrific sushi, and legendary sake margaritas.

And in the top three for the second time is Elements. This eatery opened in September 2005 in the Summit Lodge & Spa. It offers boutique wines, infused martinis and locally-inspired tapas. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to noon, and tapas from noon to 1 a.m. It also won best new restaurant in 2005.

And if these notes look familiar don’t blame yourself — the winners are in the same rank as last year.

When someone else pays

Well, where else would you go to spend someone else’s money but the best restaurant in town: the Rimrock. Don’t forget to add one of their excellent martinis to the bill and of course the Oysters Rimrock.

If you can’t get into the Rimrock then the second best place to use up your friend’s loonies is the Bear Foot Bistro. Last year this world famous eatery took third. Known as a restaurant that procures the very finest wild and cultivated foods it is always focusing on what is fresh each season. Most everything is prepared ‘A la minute’, without too much fuss, allowing the unique flavours of each food to find there own place on your palate.

Third place this year goes to Araxi a culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, which holds an international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality, including the award for Best Restaurant in Whistler by Vancouver Magazine for an unprecedented nine consecutive years.

Best new restaurant

Looks like Creekside is the happening place to be for new dining experiences with two of the top three located there.

At the top of the list for 2008 is Roland’s Pub, formerly known as Hoz’s. The sit-down table service eatery offers local pub fare. Karen and Mike Roland bought Hoz’s last spring and then undertook some renovations to get it ready to roll.

Second place this year went to Players Chophouse, which took over the former Morgan’s location in Creekside, and just opened.

A self-styled casually elegant steak house, it offers a great variety of food with some priced for the local palate.

Third place this year goes to Panoli’s Pizzeria and Rotisserie on Main Street.

Best restaurant to take a date

Choosing the restaurant for that special date is oh so important so why would you go anywhere else than the eatery voted best in this town — The Rimrock. And by the way it won this category by a landslide.

Second in this category was last year’s third place winner, 21 Steps. The casual restaurant is committed to great food at fair prices. Every dish is made in house from scratch and the Attic bar is the perfect place to lounge with old friends, or meet new ones. (It is also kid friendly with an affordable menu for the wee ones, if you’re on a family date.)

Third place this year goes to Elements. Don’t forget to try the Belgian Chocolate Mousse Pyramid for dessert and check it out for breakfast too, after all what is more romantic than a meal out the day after the night before!

Best restaurant for value

Samurai Sushi takes this category for the third year in a row. Samurai’s quick service makes it a popular spot for lunch and grabbing a bite at dinner. You can stay there or take it out, and you know it’s good since there is a lineup all the time. The portions are generous, the fare tasty and fresh, and the tab small. If you haven’t eaten there go check it out. They have two locations, one at Nesters and one at Creekside. It is also the most environmentally friendly eatery in town so bring your own take-out bags and recycle!

Second place this year goes to Pasta Lupino, for the second year. It’s a small restaurant that offers fresh pasta at fair prices — that’s what keeps drawing hungry skiers and visitors alike to this little Whistler Marketplace trattoria. You can mix and match from a choice of pastas of the day with homemade alfredo (the best in the world), Bolognese, or fresh basil and plum tomato sauce, or dig into one of the house specialties: lasagna, ravioli, and spaghettini with meatballs. Vegetarian pastas, decadent desserts, beer, and wine are also available. The eight tables fill up quickly, but there's always takeout. It also serves a mean Americano.

New this year in third place is Dups Burritos place on Main Street. The food is more than fairly priced and always fresh. You can see the staff chop your vegetables and put it altogether for you as you wait and with most meals under $10 you just can’t beat it.

Best atmosphere in a restaurant

No surprise here — it’s the Rimrock for the fourth year in a row. It’s definitely a favourite with locals and visitors alike as diners enjoy this upper floor restaurant, which is warmed with hardwood. The roaring stone fireplace and a decor of mountain colours can soothe even the most exhausted outdoor enthusiast — whether from the slopes or shopping. And with the room broken into smaller sections it also offers an intimacy hard to find in the busy resort.

Second place this year goes to Citta’, which is celebrating its 25 th anniversary. Citta’ Bistro was started in 1984 by an entrepreneur named Carlo Bozzi and a couple of partners who emigrated from Italy. Carlo has since passed away and his daughter Sonia now owns the bistro. With its lease coming up for renewal it’s hoped the eatery and classic people watching patio will be there far in the future.

Third place this year is a tie between Elements and Sushi Village. Elements offers upscale tapas, fresh seafood, infused martinis and rare wines. You can dine and unwind or enjoy hip casual nightlife along with Whistler’s best small plate cuisine.

Sushi Village, with its booths and tama rooms, offers a choice of a quiet meal, or a lively room, and being just steps from the bottom of Whistler it’s a great lace to wander from after a meal.

Best appetizers

It’s a repeat in winners for this category, which Pique introduced last year. First place goes to Elements, second goes to 21 Steps and third place goes to the Mix, an urban tapas lounge with a west coast fusion flare. It also offers a fabulous array of martinis, fresh fruit and otherwise.

Best take-out

Samurai Sushi took this category by a massive landslide again this year, and it’s little wonder as it continues to serve up great specials for lunch and dinner, which pack up in a snap and taste great at home. While the wait is usually short there is always hot green tea on hand to warm the soul and keep ailments at bay and the staff is courteous and efficient.

Second place goes to Pasta Lupino and third goes to Sachi Sushi.

Best Sushi

Sachi Sushi and Sushi Village were neck and neck this year, as they always seem to be, but it was Sushi Village that came out on top for 2008, overturning Sachi, last year’s winner.

Sushi Village, the granddaddy of super sushi in Whistler since 1985, has become over the years a social icon, a place where you are guaranteed to find great food, great service and friendly faces you know. It imports fish from around the globe — famous B.C. salmon and local tuna from Canada’s West Coast, octopus from Japan and sometimes South Africa or India, hirame from the East Coast of Canada, and fresh snapper and prawns from Vancouver. It is brought up to Whistler twice a week to ensure inventories are fresh, and more often when demand dictates (or something extra special has been caught). The sushi chefs make regular visits to Vancouver to inspect the imported fish.

Sachi’s popularity likely stems from the fact it’s fresh, creative and they put just a little bit different twist into some of their Japanese cuisine. This eatery on Main Street is packed nightly as locals and visitors alike line-up to enjoy old favourites and new. The vegetable roll in a soya bean sheet is a hit, as is the House roll, a scallop roll with spicy mayo draped with avocado and salmon.

Third spot goes to Samurai Sushi, that cheeky little place known for its take-out. Next time sit down and stay a while.

Best steak

Hy’s Steakhouse wins again this year, that’s year five, and its no wonder. Even people walking past on the street can’t help but turn their noses in the direction of the succulent smells emanating from this kitchen. The steak melts in your mouth, sending your taste buds into frenzy.

Runner up this year again is the Keg, Hy’s sister company, which always offers good quality for a good price. Sometimes at the end of a day on the slopes what you need is a keg-sized steak, a keg-sized Caesar and a place to really relax.

This year third spot goes again to Ric’s Grill, Steak Seafood and Chop House, which has been built on the vision of providing superior dining through the highest quality foods in a beautiful restaurant at a reasonable cost.

The word “housemade” — a sauce made from scratch — appears on the typical menu a dozen times and the eatery serves only Sterling Silver beef, the highest grade of beef available in Canada.

Best dessert

The top place to get your sweet treat this year is the Rimrock and the most mentioned dessert was the sticky toffee pudding.

Second place this year was a tie between two establishments at opposite ends of the food spectrum: Elements and Cows.

And third goes to Crepe Montagne, which has been serving up those delicious thin French pancakes since 1997. For the grown-ups, try the traditional Crepe Suzette and kids will love the Belle Lili with bananas, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The Main Street restaurant also serves savory crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Best breakfast

For the fifth year in a row the Wildwood Café has taken top spot in this category. Both the Function Junction location and the restaurant at the Whistler Racquet Club offer early morning risers a yummy selection of traditional breakfasts, banana bread French toast and an array of omelets and eggs benedicts to choose from. Heck, try them all. The popularity of the restaurants has led to the opening of one in Pemberton and another one in Squamish.

Second this year as a breakfast spot is Elements and third spot goes to the iconic Southside Diner in Creekside.

Best burger

Splitz Grill: For the sixth year burger lovers choose Whistler’s beef-on-a-bun joint as the place to enjoy this American invention. With over 20 toppings to chose from, a host of sauces, great fries and really thick milkshakes this eatery is a little bit of heaven.

Second place this year goes to GLC, which serves both an awesome beef and chicken burger. Its chipotle BBQ sauce is just the right mix of piquant and smoke, and while you are there order some sex cheese.

Third place goes to the Brewhouse, which serves burgers day and night on the pub side. Try the buffalo burger with smoked mozzarella, spicy mayo, and corn relish for something different. There is no burger on the diner menu on the restaurant side of the establishment, but ask and they’ll make you one.

And special mention has to go to both Citta’ and Ingrid’s, which were each

only one vote away from placing. Ingrid’s veggie burger’s got more voter accolades than any other burger.

Best quick lunch

It’s an upset on the quick lunch front with Samurai Sushi taking the category this year.

Last year’s winner, Gone Bakery, took second this year — its homemade soups and generous sandwiches are quick to get and totally satisfying, especially on a cold winter’s day. Save room for some of their treats as well as they are good enough to make a special trip in for on their own.

Third place goes to Portobello in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Don’t let the lineup and order deli style throw you — the food is delicious, the portions generous, and the homemade donuts a must.

Best pizza

The new doughboy on the block, Fat Tony’s, has taken top spot for pizza this year.

With grapefruit-sized pepperoni slices and trippy combinations such as beef and blue cheese, the everyman pizza is made over to a trendy bite. Check it out’ it’s near Buffalo Bill’s.

Second place goes to Avalanche, in part thanks to their organic dough and signature sauce, which leaves a tangy, “I need more of that flavour” with every mouthful.

Third place this year goes to Caramba! and its wood-oven pizza. It is casual dining, but its Mediterranean-influenced menu offers fresh ingredients, prepared with a great deal of pizzazz, and it is fairly priced.

Best nachos

Well Merlin’s is definitely doing something right as this is the fourth year in a row that this eatery has won this category. Merlin’s, at the base of Blackcomb, serves an uncontrollably big plate of the crispy treats for a reasonable price. On this fiesta food the cheese is sharp, the avocado guacamole fresh and the salsa just hot enough to make ordering another bevy a must.

Second place this year goes to the GLC, and third goes to the Longhorn.

Best Latte

It was neck and neck as the votes came in but this year’s winner is Moguls, with Behind The Grind taking second place.

Moguls, in Village Square, serves a great mocha and its treats are baked fresh daily.

Behind The Grind, a funky little café right at the base of Whistler Mountain, also serves an awesome Americano and is a great place for breakfast, lunch and treats.

Third place this year goes to Blenz at Marketplace.

Best Wine List

Tops in this category for the seventh year and by a landslide was the Bearfoot Bistro.

The cellar houses over 1,800 different labels and some of the most impressive verticals in the world, including 20 years of Château Mouton-Rothschild. But, what truly sets the Bearfoot apart is the incredible selection of champagne. It sells more champagne than any other restaurant in Canada. The wine list boasts an incredibly diverse selection of wine from around the world including trophies like the 1964 Domaine De La Romanée-Conti for $20,000 or the 1914 Möet & Chandon, Brut Impérial.

The cellar is home to more than 12,000 bottles. A spiral staircase drops dramatically from the centre of the dining room into the temperature- and humidity-controlled cellar. It is the perfect environment to store wine, and it is also a fantastic place to participate in the ancient ritual of sabering a bottle of champagne with proprietor, Andre St Jacques. Andre just so happens to be the Guinness World Record holder for sabering champagne — 21 bottles in under a minute.

Second this year goes to the Rimrock and third place goes to the Wine Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Best beer selection

It’s a repeat of last year in the standings for this category with the Dubh Linn Gate taking top spot. This cozy Irish pub has taken top place for years now, so if you haven’t stopped by to raise a pint now is the time to try. Not only do they carry a host of Irish and English beers and ales they also offer some unique brews from the continent. If you still want to sip North American brew there are lots of choices. There’s also great pub food to go along with your selection and often toe-tapping Celtic music to put you in the mood.

In second place again this year is The Brewhouse opposite Millennium Place. Its brewery produces four different handcrafted ales and two lagers as well as specialty seasonal beers. It also has the biggest patio on "The Stroll," which is great for people watching in the dying sunlight of a winter’s evening. And the Pub sports seven 27-inch televisions, a big screen, two pool tables and a cozy two-sided fireplace.

Third place goes to Black’s Pub and Restaurant, which offers one of the widest selections of beers available in the village. An added bonus is its location. It is just steps from the bottom of Whistler Mountain in the village and has fantastic views of the slopes. It’s outdoor patio, is also a great place to enjoy your brew.

Best cigar

Smooth and deep — that’s how it feels to enjoy a cigar at the Mallard — which is why it is tops again for the sixth time in this category.

Second place goes to the Whistler Cigar shop on Main Street and Castro’s Cuban Cigar Store on Sundial took third spot.

Best martini

The Mallard at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is back in the top spot this year.

Some of the current favourites are Mandarin Sting, which is a glowing balance of hand pressed Serrano chili & mandarin vodka along with cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon and orange juices; the White Pear Cosmopolitan, which consists of pear vodka shaken vigorously with Grand Marnier, freshly squeezed lime and white cranberry juice and the Starlight Cable Car, which is Captain Morgan’s spiced rum, orange Curacao, lime juice and a cinnamon sugar rim. Also check out the Christmas Cosmopolitan.

Second in this category is The Mix and in third spot is Elements. Standings are a repeat of last year.

Best scotch

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Bar takes top spot for this category as well, and for the seventh year in a row. The Gaelic "usquebaugh," meaning "Water of Life", phonetically became "usky" and then "whisky" in English. However it is known, Scotch Whisky, Scotch or Whisky (as opposed to whiskey), it has captivated a global market. Scotland has internationally protected the term "Scotch". For a whisky to be labelled Scotch it has to be produced in Scotland. Legend has it that St. Patrick introduced distilling to Ireland in the fifth century AD and that the secrets traveled with the Dalriadic Scots when they arrived in Kintyre around AD500. St. Patrick acquired the knowledge in Spain and France, countries that might have known the art of distilling at that time. The distilling process was originally applied to perfume, then to wine, and finally adapted to fermented mashes of cereals in countries where grapes were not plentiful. The spirit was universally termed aqua vitae (“water of life”) and was commonly made in monasteries, and chiefly used for medicinal purposes, (hear, hear!) being prescribed for the preservation of health, the prolongation of life, and for the relief of colic, palsy and even smallpox.

Second this year is a tie between Black’s Pub and Restaurant and the Dubh Linn Gate. Hy’s Steakhouse comes in third.

Best Server

Being a server is just one of those gigs. Sometimes, people are nice, generous and easy to please. Other times, they treat you like a sounding board for all their life’s misery. Occasionally, they do neither. It takes a solid sort of person to persevere in the face of customers in various moods, to hold high the chin and turn cold the shoulder, all the better to serve the smiley set in the next booth. Andy Curry has those skills. He makes eating at Teppan Village as good as it can be.

Best Chef

First place goes to the chefs at the Rimrock. They are led by Chef/owner, Rolf Gunther, who is the creative force of the Rimrock Café kitchen. His formal training includes Hotel & Restaurant management in Heidelberg as well as culinary training at the Four-star Park Hotel in Germany's Black Forest region.

Rolf's chef experience is impressive indeed. He has worked his trade in Switzerland, Holland and Canada. A Whistler resident for 26 years, his experience and training adds up to a culinary delight for guests at the Rimrock Café.

Second place this year goes to Vincent Stufano at the Wildflower Restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Stufano’s culinary philosophy and passion reflects the growing trend towards a healthier and down-to-earth lifestyle. Working with neighbouring farmers to seek out the finest in regional and local organic produce, is the essence of his cuisine. His preference is to allow the natural flavors of food to express themselves.

Third goes to Melissa Craig the executive Chef at the Bearfoot Bistro. Most recently, she was awarded the coveted gold award at the 2008 Gold Medal Plates’ Canadian Culinary Championships — arguably the most prestigious culinary event in Canada.

Best Service

Best server is one thing – and there’s no knocking it. But best service? That requires collusion. Cooks, hosts, servers, bar backs, whatever: They all have to be top notch. The Rimrock rolls like that.

Clubs, Pubs & Bars

Best DJ

Anyone who is familiar with Whistler’s bar scene, or even perused Pique’s weekly music listings, is well aware of the vast array of talented DJs who are on the scene. With such an international contingent of young travelers coming to town each and every season, it’s little wonder that there’s such an impressive selection.

But for yet another year in a row, DJ Mat the Alien has been voted our top talent. Spinning an impressive mix of funk, break beat and everything in between at the turntables, Mat used to play a biweekly gig at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. But he’s been busy this year with shows in Moscow and Fabric in London, as well as in the studio, scratching six tracks for the latest Fort Knox Five album. Locally, you can still catch him playing every Tuesday at Maxx Fish.

Rosco, another local DJ, came back strong after a brutal robbery over the May long weekend to capture second place in this category.

Best bartender

There were over five pages of voting results for this category, which may lead you to wonder if people may be spending a bit too much time at their favourite watering holes, getting to know their friendly bartenders. Regardless, Big Rich Poehlmann of Roland’s has won the customers over with his draft-pouring abilities. His secret? A nice, cold mug. Poehlmann certainly isn’t new to the scene — he’s been bartending in Whistler for almost nine years now, and you may recognize his smiling face from his former home at Tapley’s. He said the best part of his job is working with the staff and customers. “Its not work when you have good staff,” he says.

Best place to cut a rug

There were some interesting entries in this category – “at an upholsterers,” “Europe,” and “Function,” were just a few of the head scratchers that were submitted. Just to clarify, this expression means, “best place to dance.” Got it?

Okay, moving on. Aside from the confused entries, the majority of voters head to Tommy Africa’s to get their groove on these days. With a solid line-up of local and international talent at the turntables, plus the occasional live band thrown in for good measure, it’s little wonder that this is the go-to spot to shake and shimmy the night away. Coming in a close second and third spot were Maxx Fish and Moe Joe’s, which also boast seriously action-packed dance floors all season long!

Best place to see a live act

A lot of people seem to be holding a torch for the beloved Boot — may it rest in peace — while others have finally accepted its closure, and have moved on. The overwhelming majority of voters seem to feel that the GLC is the best place to watch a live act, and that really is no surprise. Coupled with a great location at the base of the mountain, smack dab in the heart of the village, this venue is bright, comfy, and has great acoustics! They also secure some seriously talented acts — this year alone, they’ve played host to everything from Buckwheat Zydeco to Matt Mays and El Torpedo.

Coolest staff

Possibly one of the most important things about any restaurant, or business for that matter, is your staff, and this year, the voting public has decided that the GLC has the coolest crew. Alan Golds, manager at the GLC, was stoked to hear they’d finally taken to spot in this category. He pointed out that they look for friendly, outgoing individuals that will be a great part of the team, because they know that their staff is what makes the GLC stand out in Whistler’s vast sea of restaurants and bars. Keep up the good work!

Best après

This year, voters shook things up again, putting the Creekside locals hangout, Dusty’s, ahead of the pack in the coveted après category. Their locale is pretty special, with stunning views, a killer patio, and pool tables galore, and after a few runs down the Dave Murray Downhill, it’s a great place to rest your tired tootsies and have a quick bevvie (or two) and a plate of nachos.

Best patio

Location, location, location. While Dusty’s has an amazing patio (it came in second in this category), Citta’s takes the cake in this category. It is simply the prime place to people-watch during après, or at night, smack dab in the centre of the village. This is the place to see and be seen — you can always find people holding conversations over the little rock wall, while waiting for a beer and basking in the warm glow of the heat lamps during the cold winter afternoons and evenings.

Best place to shoot some stick

Hmm. Some people clearly weren’t familiar with this turn of phrase, either. Just to clarify, it means “play pool,” so for the person who submitted, “on any frozen lake” sorry, better luck next time! Also perplexing is the submission of “Pooh Bridge – the hundred acre forest.” Getting back to business, Cinnamon Bear Bar is the hotspot for local pool sharks, with the Longhorn Saloon coming in a close second. Sharpen those pool sticks, and get ready to break!

Best local’s hangout

Citta’s won this category by an overwhelming number of votes. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary, but apparently, they may not be the fave local’s hangout in years to come, as management is considering shutting down the longtime hotspot to open a new retail shop. Listen up: Whistler has spoken!

Media, Arts & Culture

Best band/musician

“Grateful” Greg Reamsbottom and “Guitar” Doug Craig, better known to locals as simply The Hairfarmers, have captured the hearts (and votes for best band) of this town for five years running. On regular rotation at après sessions around town, these boys have been jamming on a huge assortment of covers to make the masses dance since the summer of ’98, amassing a loyal following of “farm hands” in the process.

“Farmhands are the best fans ever,” said Reamsbottom. “We really enjoy what we do and we're very lucky that The Hairfarmers get to provide the soundtrack to people's good times.”

This year, they played Pemberton Festival, and the 2009/2010 season will mark their 10 th anniversary, and Grateful Greg’s 40 th birthday, so expect big things from these boys!

Best artist

Chili Thom is a veritable jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the arts — he’s a DJ, photographer, and filmmaker, and first and foremost, he’s a painter, capturing mountainscapes from our own backyard with his vibrant signature style. Not only does he do it all, he does it all with a smile. This is the sixth year in a row he’s been selected as Whistler’s favourite artist — the first time he was picked, he recalls, was right after he had finally quit his job at Sushi Village to devote himself to his art full-time. Now based out of his Creation Station studio/warehouse in Function Junction, Chili’s artwork reflects the 13 years he has spent getting to know this young and energetic mountain town.

Vanessa Stark, winner of this year’s Peak 2 Peak commemorative poster competition, came is a close second in this category.

Best writer

Dean Koontz isn’t exactly a local guy, to my knowledge, so that vote doesn’t count. Now, it’s a tight race between the wordsmiths of Whistler, with Pique’s own G.D. Maxwell leading the pack with his well-loved weekly column, which often garners both chuckles and controversy for its witty and sarcastic content. Keep ’em on their toes, Max!

Coming in a close second was Natalie Langmann, an established snowboard journalist who writes for a range of publications, including Mountain Life and Snowboard Canada .

Best photographer

You’ve probably noticed that, with such gorgeous natural surroundings, there are a lot of seriously snap-happy people in Whistler. But there are also loads of professional photographers lugging their equipment around town, capturing the landscape and people that make it such a sought-after spot. This year, Blake Jorgensen has captured the title of top photog, for his stunning portraits, action sports shots, and landscapes alike. He just opened his own gallery this year at the Westin Resort and Spa, so if you haven’t made the trip yet, it’s time to check it out!

Best film of 2008

There were more than a few shout-outs to Heavy Hitting Productions’ annual B-Grade Horror Fest and the 72-Hour Horror Fest at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, and while three people actually voted for “Mamma Mia” which makes me want to automatically throw this category straight out the window, Matchstick Productions’ latest flick, Claim: The Greatest Ski Movie … Ever! actually took the cake.

Best event of the season

2008 was an extremely busy year for big events around Whistler, what with the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Crankworx, Cornucopia, Whistler Film Festival, and the introduction of the Whistler Music Festival and Pemberton Festival. But the people have spoken, and it seems like they’re sticking with the tried and true. The TWSSF came out on top, followed closely by the massive music fest that was Pemberton Festival.

Best use of cultural funding

People are pretty pleased to see that the new Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, located near the Upper Village, finally opened its doors this past summer. Apparently, they feel the multi-million dollar building, which boasts multiple galleries, exhibits and art displays, was the best investment of cultural funding for 2008. The runner up, a distant second, was the new Whistler Public Library, though a trip to the WPL on any given day clearly shows that the new facility is being used — a lot!

Best local news story

From a news perspective, 2008 has probably been one of the busiest ever for Whistler. Between the upcoming Olympics and major housing shortages, municipal budget struggles, and a massive rockslide that left the town trapped for almost five days, it appears that people feel the Peak 2 Peak is the biggest newsmaker of the year. Interesting. There were also many bear-related stories — mainly pertaining to that Australian guy who was bitten — that caught people’s attention.

Best quote

“Let is snow” — can I get a hallelujah? I’m sure we all share this sentiment, but there are also a few more gems in this category. “Bruises heal, but concussions are for life,” “This ain’t Surrey — go home,” “If it’s too steep, you’re too old,” and “I am the reason for global warming,” are just a few favourites.

Sports and Recreation

Let’s face it, sports and recreation are the reasons that most of us are here. Whistler residents can be overworked and underpaid almost anywhere, but we choose to do it in a town where our free time is the same as how other people spend money to go on vacations. People fly here from around the world to do the things we can do out our back doors.

Best Run on Whistler Blackcomb

Last season was awesome. The mountains opened a week early, and you could ski out to the bottom on the first day if you didn’t mind topping the occasional tree or scraping the odd rock. The alpine also filled in quickly, and within a week of opening you were able to tackle Peak to Creek — the winner in the Best Run category for the third consecutive year.

This run is long, seven kilometres from the entrance to Creekside, and it boasts a vertical drop of more than 1,600 metres. It’s relatively flat for beginner and intermediate skiers, but there are some tougher, gnarlier lines on the side if you’re looking for a challenge.

It also gets groomed from time to time, preventing the buildup of moguls, but being one of the first people on Peak to Creek on a powder day is probably the closest thing to heliskiing you can find in-bounds anywhere.

A couple of out of bounds areas were second and third for votes, which makes Jersey Cream Bowl officially second in the votes, followed by Flute Bowl — officially inbounds since the 2004-05 season, with a mandatory hike to get to the good stuff.

The two Olympic runs, Lower Dave Murray Downhill and Franz’s, also ranked quite highly of the 42 runts to get multiple votes — including some lesser known routes that you’ll find skiing or riding with locals, or in Brian Finestone and Kevin Hodder’s Ski & Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb: Intermediate Edition.

Best Outdoor Sport

While it looked like snowboarding was going to catch skiing a few years ago, skiing is back on top and by a growing margin over the past few years as two planking has become cool again. Snowboarding was the obvious second, but other winter sports at the top of the list include cross-country skiing, pond hockey, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Mountain biking topped the list of summer sports, also by a wide margin. The runner up would be hiking, followed by climbing, soccer, trail running, and softball.

More than 70 activities got votes this year, including a few newcomers like luge, as well as some activities we’ve never heard of. Anybody know what “barging” is, or why it’s so enjoyable?

Best Indoor Sport

After being bumped down a rung by squash, hockey is back on top in this year’s Best of Whistler poll. Always popular, the sport got a boost in September when Whistler hosted the Vancouver Canucks training camp, and it was standing room only when the Squamish Wolf Pack PIJHL (Junior B) team played a home game in Whistler in October. The Wolf Pack will be back again in the New Year, with a home game on Jan. 2 at Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Number two this year is squash, with swimming, yoga, sex (more calories burned per minute than golf or slow walking), rock climbing at The Core, and the Body Storm and Crossfit fitness programs all just a few votes back.

Interesting, the Nintendo Wii got quite a few votes this year. While that seems like a joke, the Wii is quickly being adopted by schools, seniors centres and other institutions that want to keep people active. With the Wii Fit Board — which we really want to try with the new Sean White snowboarding game — the Wii is actually recommended for people at the bottom rung of the fitness ladder.

Best Snowmobile Tour

Canadian Snowmobile Adventures won this category once again, followed by Blackcomb Snowmobile, Cougar Mountain and Outdoor Adventures. Some entries interpreted “tour” in the wider sense and named their favourite areas to ride sleds. Top of the list is Brandywine, which is also the new access to the Pemberton Ice Cap — also mentioned several times — now that the upper Callaghan is closed to motorized recreation.

Best Heliski Run

If money is no object — and even if it is — there is no better way to enjoy the mountains than heli-skiing. Every powder fanatic has to try it at least once, even if you have to save up for years to do it.

Or you can just get a group of friends together and pay for a helicopter drop on Rainbow, the winner for this year’s best heli-ski run. You’ll need to be self-guided for this, which means someone in the group should know how to assess the avalanche hazard, and everybody should be fully equipped with transceivers, shovels, probes, food, lights, and anything else you might need in case of an emergency. If you do it right, you’ll ski out somewhere in Alpine or Alta Lake Road a few delirious hours later, call a cab and head straight to the bar.

Mt. Currie, another popular drop, was second. You’ll need more equipment, like rope, and everyone in the group should be beyond expert in skill.

If you don’t count various runs named “I can’t afford it” or “no money” or “I wish,” all the various heliski operators in the corridor tied for third, along with the Ipsoot Glacier and Dolly’s.

Best Bike Trail

A River Runs Through It — arguably one of Whistler’s most interesting trails with elevated bridges almost from one end to the other, and two new sections added this year — wins this category once again, but not by as big a blowout as previous years.

The single trail to get the second-most votes this year was Kill Me Thrill Me, followed by the newly upgraded Danimal. A-Line got the most votes for any bike park trail this year, and was fourth overall.

Comfortably Numb, Whistler’s longest continuous singletrack trail at 25 km, and the only trail recognized by the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Epic Ride program, dropped out of the top three this year.

Worth noting, however, and a true testament to number of recreational riders out there versus hardcore riders, is the fact that Lost Lake trails actually got the most votes — not individually, but the collective votes cast for Tin Pants, the Zappa Trails, White Gold Traverse, Molly Hogan, and all the other trails in the park, outnumbered other entries. More amazing is the fact that this year’s Ken Quon Memorial Ride On race in Lost Lake Park took around an hour to complete per lap, and the course never crossed itself once.

Best Municipal Park

The winner, and still undefeated, is Rainbow Park. Although we didn’t have the best summer in terms of sunshine, there were a few nice weeks where it was the perfect spot to be for swimming, volleyball, barbecues, people-watching, or getting a tan. Access will be a little challenging next summer with the Valley Trail out of the commission for a water system upgrade, but it’s easier to get to from the south side and there’s always Alta Lake Road, or the gravel road from Lorimer to Alta Lake Road.

Second place went to Lost Lake, which is now the centre of a growing network of biking and hiking trails, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails during the winter.

Third place went to Meadow Park, which makes up for its lack of lakefront with baseball diamonds, playgrounds, tennis/basketball/road hockey courts and Whistler’s only summer water park.

Favourite Whistler Athlete

When the Olympics rolls around in about 13 and a half months, Canada will be proudly represented by more than 300 athletes — many of which live in Whistler at least part of the time. That list includes alpine skiers, freestyle skiers, ski-cross racers, snowboarders, and the odd athlete in Nordic or sliding sports.

More than 90 individual athletes got at least one vote in this year’s Best of Whistler list, ranging from mountain bikers to triathletes.

The top choice was once again alpine skier Britt Janyk, who ranked third in the world in downhill after last season and stepped onto the podium twice with gold and bronze medals.

Rob Boyd, a former downhiller who will always be remembered as the first Canadian male to win a World Cup downhill on Canadian soil, before his hometown crowd of Whistler no less — and Britt’s current coach with the national team — was second for votes this year.

Other athletes to get multiple votes include freeskier Jennifer Ashton; junior mountain bikers Tyler Allison, Brandon Semenuk and Alex Prochazka; road rider Will Routley; Britt’s younger brother Mike Janyk, also a member of the national team; 2010 Paralympic hopeful in cross-country Tyler Mosher, triathlete and coach Christine Suter, trainer and athlete John Blok; Crossfit trainer Jordan Glasser, who also won for Best New Business; ski cross hopeful Julia Murray; big mountain freeskiers Dan Treadway, Matt Richard and Brett Crabtree; snowboarders Crispin Lipscomb, Maëlle Ricker, Dan Raymond and Mercedes Nicoll; big mountain snowboarders Victoria Jealouse and Vanessa Stark; park skier and video star Mark Abma; and the always sensational “Me.”

Favourite Adult Ski Pro

Part of the reason that the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival is such a success every year is the fact that you’ll find more professional sponsored skiers and riders in Sea to Sky than anywhere else on earth.

As expected, dozens of athletes got multiple votes in this category but the winner is the master of big drops Dan Treadway. He’s been banned from the mountains on a few occasions for venturing into Permanently Closed Areas — potentially deadly areas for lesser skiers.

Talk to anyone who’s been here long enough and they’ll tell you a Treadway story, usually something they saw on a chairlift one day that they couldn’t believe.

Other pros to get multiple votes include Mark Schroeder, Tom Prochazka, Rob Boyd, Janet Brown, Jen Ashton, Rick Perolli, Hugo Harrison, Alicia Klein and Mike Douglas.

Favourite Adult Snowboard Pro

Whistler’s Devun Walsh has been called the most influential Canadian snowboarder of all time, the Great White North’s answer to snowboarders like Craig Kelly or Jamie Lynn. Although he’s stayed away from the competitive side of things in recent years, fewer Canadian snowboarders have as big a presence in movies and magazines. Not only does he go big, he goes big with style, and makes big mountain riding seem effortless.

In second place was halfpipe specialist Crispin Lipscomb, who is looking for the overall World Cup title this year. Lipscomb is also one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, and is always available to media, sponsors, and charities. Watching him compete at home in events like the Showcase Showdown is always one of the season’s highlights.

Others getting multiple votes include Natasza Zurkey, Craig Beaulieu, Jonoven Moore, Kevin Sansalone, Matt Belzile, Mercedes Nicoll, Mikey Rencz, Ross Rebagliate, Maëlle Ricker, and Victoria Jealouse.

Favourite Kid Ski Pro

Sean Pettit, the hero of the 2008 Orage Masters in Whistler, and an up and coming star in contests and videos, took top spot in Best of Whistler. Also getting multiple votes were Bree Carter and Kye Petersen, while about three dozen athletes got at least one or two votes.

Favourite Kid Snowboard Pro

Local Brin Alexander gets the nod, based on his results at local and provincial competitions. He can ride any style competitively, but like most riders is specializing more on rails and slopestyle.

Favourite Coach

People feel strongly about the people who coach sports, often as volunteers, which explains why so many votes were cast in this category.

At the top of the votes was Rob Boyd, who coached at the Whistler Mountain Ski Club before moving up to the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. Others getting multiple votes include trainer Jordan Glasser, Mark Anderson, Diana Rochon, Jen Ashton, John Blok, Katrina Strand, Cat Smiley, Jordan Williams, Maria Lundgren, Andree Janyk, Tom Prochazka, Kimberley Cummings, Myles Ricketts, Willy Raine, Phil Chew and many others.

Health and Fitness

Favourite Fitness Facility

The winner and still champion is Meadow Park Sports Centre with over 130 votes, which really is the most comprehensive facility of its type in the entire region, Pemberton and Squamish included. It includes an arena, pool, two fitness areas, squash courts and more.

The real battle is for number two on the list, in which case The Core easily took this award. Located right in the village, The Core includes a climbing wall, a supervised kids play area, a fitness room, and a weight room, and cardio machines throughout.

Crossfit, the new circuit gym in Creekside, ranked third this year.

It will be interesting to see where the athletes’ centre in Cheakamus Crossing ranks in the future. This facility is nearing completion, but likely won’t be open to the public until after the 2010 Games.

Favourite Physiotherapist

What goes up must come down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. You can’t make an omellette, etc. etc. All good reasons why phyiotherapists are the balm that keeps this town moving four seasons a year.

Bianca Matheson and Allison McLean of Peak Performance Physical Therapy and Massage switched places on the leader board this year, with Matheson coming out on top.

Third place went to Marilyn Hellier, who started the first physio clinic in Whistler in a trailer next to the health care centre — which was also in a trailer at the time. Vas Moro was a very close fourth.

Favourite Massage Therapist

Done right, a massage can sometimes seem just as painful as the injury itself, but the end result is improved mobility, faster healing, and a release of brain chemicals that leaves you glowing for hours.

Nicola Temple earned the most votes this year, followed closely by Heather Bell and Lesley Byford. Nola Matheson and Andrea Moore rounded out the top five.

Best Dentist

Smiles are important, whether on the slopes or in the bar, walking a trail or facing yourself in the morning. Haggard teeth just won’t do.

And so Jay McKenzie, who is no stranger to the illustrious Pique crown. From Thunder Bay, the McKenzie brood is pretty thick in the corridor (Consider brother Jeff of Squamish fame). His Lorimer Road practice is the perfect lab for pearly grins, and McKenzie is an ideal practitioner. A man with intellectual prowess, he’s also no stranger to fun, as evidenced by his practice’s recent victory in a first-passengers contest held by Peak 2 Peak. How’d they do it? With a gondola model featuring cabins made of teeth (fake ones, naturally). McKenzie was followed by Pembertron’s Dr. Anne Crowley, and Dr. John Roberts at Creekside Dental.

Best Dental Clinic

This is Doctor Margaret Szostak’s turf. She’s the reigning professional at Creekside Dental. Check this out for a mission statement: “We acknowledge the importance of providing a stimulating, pleasing and enjoyable physical and emotional environment that promotes personal and professional growth, directly reflecting the care we offer our patients.” Makes you want to chip a tooth, doesn’t it? Whistler Dental Clinic was second by a few votes, and relative newcomer Aarm Dental third.

Best Doctor and Best Medical Clinic

In this town, injury looms forever large. Legs and ankles broken; necks whiplashed and ribs cracked; wrists and fingers repeatedly sprained. It’s part of the fun, all this. In the absence of recreational risk, well, what else is there? Shopping? Please.

So, with injury so common, it’s only suitable that Whistler have itself a good doctor. And Cathy Zeglinski is that medico perfecto. She’s no stranger to risk, either. Zeglinski recently finished in the top 10 of La Ruta de los Conquistadors in Puerto Rico, which means she pumped pedals through deep mud before undertaking steep climbs, a throbbing sun shining way up above.

Her Northlands Medical Clinic has four exam rooms, including a hydraulic bed. EMR is used room-to-room thanks to laptops, and, after you’re all mended, her Main Street location makes it easy to scour for restaurant food.

Best Chiropractor

No relief like that of a popping bone, especially at the hands of a professional (rather than by yourself in the shower). Long a contender, and once a victor, in Pique’s Best of Whistler series, Keith Ray takes the top spot this year.

Transplanted from Washington state, Ray is an avid cyclist and member of Team Whistler. His appreciation for high performance goes way back to his days south of the border, where, at 11 years old, he picked up BMX biking in Wenatchee. Now, with deft fingers, he manipulates soft tissue and skeletal alignments in an effort to pass on that passion.

Best Hair Salon

Nestled in Function Junction, Good Hair Day is far and away Whistler’s most adored hair salon. Makes sense, given the credentials. They’ve got six stylists and one dedicated colourist. Plus, they win this distinction all the time. This’ll be the sixth year. It must mean something.

Best Hairstylist

And then there’s Good Hair Day’s Sarah Brown. She’s the best stylist around. Well travelled and hailing from New Zealand, Brown has hairstyling in her blood the way most people have T-cells.

Best Esthetician

Things looked good for Angela from Revolution, but the banks were less than gentle on that Best of Whistler favourite. Next up was Stacey, but she also worked at Revolution. May they find new employment quickly, and perhaps furnish their resumes with this blurb.

Best Spa

To be pampered is to be regal. Who doesn’t want their disgusting feet picked over by a professional? Who isn’t down with jumping in mud? With getting massaged by deft fingers? It’s bliss. Expensive, but blissful just the same. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort takes the prize for Best of Whistler.

Best Health Trend: Yoga

Sometimes, those of us in the Western world aren’t always satisfied with what we have over folks in the East. Watching six channels at once on my huge TV while I eat processed meat between pieces of white bread? Sure, but isn’t there another episode of House on? In the absence of satisfaction, some of us turn to the East, and not just for oil. Still, some of us turn to India for meaningful ways to stretch. Enter Yoga and its appeal to people wishing to elongate themselves in the fashion of tree, cow, dog or whatever else. When beating a punching bag isn’t helping you sleep at night, roll out the Yoga mat and get flexy.

Shops and Wares

Men

There’s a wealth of men’s shops to choose from in Whistler. But as Christopher Lambert said in Highlander , there can be only one. That “one” is Evolution, a snow and skate fashion shop located in the heart of Whistler Village. Since 1995 it’s been providing the latest in extreme sports fashions to mountain enthusiasts. It claims not to stock two of any item so you don’t look like a conformist cheerleader. The Showcase store also got a big mention, as did Eddie Bauer, Escape Route and Gap. Heck, even the Re-Use It Centre got a mention in this category.

Women

There was thin competition for the top of the women’s wares category. Le Chateau won out above the rest, just five votes above TNA. Three votes later came Evolution, which won in the men’s wares category. The Re-Use It Centre proved curiously popular in both categories, as it garnered votes for both men’s and women’s wares. The Love Nest and the “Lingerie Store” were lesser favourites in the women’s category.

Ski shop

With locations in Nesters and Whistler Village, Wild Willies proved the most popular ski shop. The name might suggest a surf stores, but it is in fact Whistler’s “most acclaimed ski and outdoor store,” according to its website and this survey. It’s the only store in Canada to get a “Gold Award” from Ski Magazine twice and has already won this survey for five straight seasons. The Glacier Shop in Whistler Village came second, tied with Summit Sport.

Snowboard shop

Showcase got its due in this category, coming first among those who prefer snowboard shops. Located in the Sundial Boutique Hotel, towards the base of Whistler Mountain, Showcase is a big store with a big selection, including Burton, Volcom and many more brands. It was established in 1989 and it also has a Burton women’s store next door. Coming in a close second was Evolution and a distant third was Westbeach. Comor and Mountain Riders were tied at fourth place.

Bike shop

Evolution finds itself on top once more in the bike shop category. Along with snow and skate fashions, it’s also got bikewear, cycles and various accessories for the avid rider, whether cross-country or downhill. The store also supports local artists and has plenty of artist stuff within the store to prove it. The Fix Bicycle Products also proved a popular location for cycle stuff. Describing itself as a “bike wrecking zone,” it’s owned by the guy who actually fixes the bikes. Where else but Whistler?

Store for browsing/exploring

Don’t be shy — you’re one of the thousands of people who browses and explores the shops instead of actually buying. That’s okay, because most of us are anyway. And the Escape Route is apparently the place that we like to do it. This store’s got everything you need for outdoor sports. From snowshoes, climbing gear, electronics and camping gear, it has everything for your looking and outdoor needs. Evolution, again, was a popular one here, as was Showcase, Skitch and Katmandu. Armchair Books was also a good one for browsing and exploring — no doubt this came from people who peruse the extensive magazine rack in the store.

Grocery store

Nesters Market scored a resounding victory in this category. Good enough to have a whole neighbourhood named after it, Nesters is a Jimmy Pattison franchise operation with locations from Vancouver to Kelowna, Summerland and Banff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more popular one than the Whistler Nesters though, which scored more than 200 votes higher than its nearest competitor, IGA in the Whistler Marketplace. The Creekside Market finished third. The Grocery Store in Whistler Village Square, was fourth, while the Upper Village Market was fifth.

Video store

It was a two-way race for best video store, with Rogers Video and Movie Gallery battling it out for first. (No votes for the library? Come on, Whistler!) Despite Movie Gallery’s two locations in Creekside and Nesters, Rogers Video came out on top. What could it be that puts Rogers over the edge? Is it the cell phones? The selection of video games? The fact that you don’t have to pay late fees? Couldn’t be the latter, nah, couldn’t be.

Photo finishing

Who knew that picture developers still drew so many voters in the age of digital cameras and online photos? Whistler’s developers still do — a full 324 voters weighed in on this category and put Whistler One-Hour Foto Source on top. 28-Minute Photo came second, which goes to show that time isn’t quite of the essence when choosing your favourite photo place. GS Photo came third, while The Hub in Whistler Creekside came in fourth.

Financial institution

National banks are awful popular in Whistler, if the Financial Institution category is anything to go by. Whistlerites ranked the Royal Bank of Canada as their favourite institution, but it was a tight race for the top. TD Bank came in second. Whistler’s oldest financial institution, the North Shore Credit Union, ranked third. Scotiabank was fourth.

Realtor

Realtors are abundant in Whistler, and it’s no surprise that this category had an abundance of candidates. But that doesn’t mean there’s a few favourites around town. Maggie Thornhill was number one among Whistlerites, while Marika Koenig came in a close second and Dave Burch third. Among the realtors on this list were Dean Linnell, Shauna O’Callaghan, Ann Chiasson and Stephanie Sloan.

Lawyer

Whistler loves its activist lawyers! That is, it must, if it voted Sholto Shaw as its number one lawyer. Shaw, who is also the secretary of the Association of Whistler-Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) is Whistler’s best lawyer, according to the people. Next in line, tied for second place, were Ian Davis and Peter Shrimpton.

Mortgage specialist

Mortgage specialists are no doubt a valued thing in this day and age, what with the collapse of the financial market in the United States and all. If that’s really the case, then Chantel Jackson is a valued voice of reason, because she came in first among Whistler’s mortgage specialists. Second place finisher was Karen Garrett. Jason McLean also figured as a contender here, finishing third, while Jon Decaigny was fourth.