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The Best of Whistler 2007

The data has been analyzed, the hanging chads scrutinized and some of the spelling interpreted to determine the Best of Whistler 2007. The people’s choices are…
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Rick Clare

Quintessential Whistler

Best Excuse for Being Late

It’s the age-old Whistler excuse for being late that any boss worth his or her salt understands — SNOW. There are various ways to describe the white fluffy stuff that makes us lose all sense of time, all sense of responsibility and lets you live with nary a care in the world. Here are some of the responses that all mean the same thing: powder, 20 cm rule, 20 cms of fresh, 30 cm of snow, four feet of powder, deeeeep fresh powder, Pow Pow. Bears also took their fair share of the blame for making people late, be it for trashing cars or blocking the pathway. If those excuses don’t work, there’s always the other age old Whistler truism: “I’m not late… it’s Whistler time.”

Best Neighbourhood

It can’t be beaten. Creekside came a very close second this year, losing out by just 10 votes. Emerald Estates and Whistler Cay tied for third place. And pretty much every neighbourhood in town scored lots of votes. But year after year Alpine Meadows takes the crowning glory as the best Whistler neighbourhood. We can only assume it’s the combination of the Meadow Park Sports Centre, the Alpine Meadows Market and neighbouring bakery and coffee shop, the baseball fields, the popular 19 Mile Creek employee housing complex, the Whistler Secondary school and more, that all add up to making it the best hood in town. Alpine Meadows, for those who haven’t been, is located north of the village on the west side of the valley.

Best Party 2007

Despite the cancellation of the biggest and most renowned party of the festival, Cornucopia still took top spot as the best party of 2007. This year marked the 11 th season of the food and wine extravaganza, which has grown from a weekend event to a five-day party! This year saw three times the number of after-parties, the Crush! event was extended to two nights and the closing of the MasqueRave opened up the door for more businesses to get involved. In addition, the grassroots events such as ARTrageous, the artisan market and the rib rave ensured there was both a local and visitor following.

Best Use of Money

While there were a few votes for saving it, many readers agreed that the best use of money was on a ski pass. Unlike “holidays” that quickly come and go or “new skis” which eventually become old, the annual ski pass is a season-long investment in fun, adventure, excitement, laughs, and general good times. Can your hard-earned money be put to better use than that?

Best Way to Spend Your Last $10

Who hasn’t been there? “Insufficient funds” stares back at you from the bank machine and you know it’s time to round up your quarters and loonies and hope against all hope that you can stumble across a twoonie or even a crumpled fiver in the jeans you have yet to wash. When it comes to the last $10 readers feel the best way to forget payday is still a week away is to drown your sorrows in beer. There were a lot of votes for food too, but beer was the clear winner. If you can drink enough of it, it can oft-times feel like a meal.

Best Whistler Trend

According to its website it’s “the result of an active community’s desire for an exercise program, which delivers the ultimate in diversity, integrity and intensity.” And our readers love it. Body Storm has been voted the best Whistler trend for the second year in a row. The company specializes in using all types of fitness principles, from strength training to Pilates, spinning, yoga, boxing and more. You never know what to expect when you come to class. If it’s your New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2008, start by checking out what all the fuss is about at www.bodystorm.ca.

Best Blizzard Hangout

Dorothy summed it up best when she said: “There’s no place like home.” Pique readers agree. There’s no place like home they said when it comes to hunkering down and waiting out a blizzard. We hope the New Year finds you safe and sound in your homes, before a fire or watching a movie, during the next winter blizzard.

Favourite Whistlerite

“No way,” said Rick Clare, when he was told he won favourite Whistlerite once again. “Maybe it’s because I’m tall,” he mused.

This is the second time Clare has swept the votes in this category — the first was in 2005. His sizable height and mop of blonde hair aside, Clare is a familiar face about town, landing in Whistler from Toronto in 1984 and opening the resort’s first photo finishing store. As he worked to grow the business, he got to know the community in a special way as he helped people catalogue in photos the significant events in their lives from birthdays to holidays. People, he said, stopped to talk about their pictures with him and share their experiences. “I really got to know the community on so many different levels because of that,” he said.

His business, One Hour Photo, grew to two locations and he diversified to include photography services with Coast Mountain Photography. Clare immersed himself in the business community, being nominated for two separate two-year terms on the board of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the board of Tourism Whistler, where he has been reappointed annually as chairman since 1998. He also got to know the community as a single father, raising a son here for the past 20 years. But he won’t take all the credit for his success. The town, he said, has an amazing support structure that has helped him along the way. “It’s totally flattering,” he said of the votes for favourite Whistlerite, “and I’m not sure how deserving I am.”

Best Gift or Present

Everyone has their own idea for what makes the best gift or present but when you live in Whistler there is always a clear winner in this category and it is of course the season pass. It’s the gift that keeps on giving from the end of November until the beginning of June with access to one of the biggest and best winter playgrounds. Readers voted snow as a close second to the ski pass. How about the ultimate holiday gift of getting a season pass on a 30 cm day!

Best Idea for a new Olympic sport

As if the Iditarod wasn’t enough! Now readers want dog sledding as the next new Olympic sport. We can only hope it doesn’t match the demands of the 1,150 mile Iditarod race that takes dog sled teams and their mushers through the wild and vast terrain of Alaska over the course of 10 to 17 days. Other readers thought to bring beer drinking and chugging contests to the Olympics. And doing things naked also garnered a lot of votes, from co-ed naked pairs luge to naked body surfing and naked bump skiing. We would argue that not everyone is cut out for naked bump skiing!

Least Like Whistler

Once again Starbuck’s takes the top spot as the thing least like Whistler despite the fact that our little town of 10,000 has four Starbucks stores that by all indications are very busy filling latte and cappuccino orders from thirsty skiers. (See Best Latte category).

Least Sustainable Thing Whistler Has Done This Year

It may break three world records and be set up to revolutionize the way skiers and riders play on Whistler-Blackcomb but the $50 million Peak to Peak gondola takes the top spot as the least sustainable thing Whistler has done in 2007. This, despite the fact that when the project was first announced it was billed as a key piece of the puzzle to make Whistler’s declining tourism industry more sustainable. The proponents, Whistler-Blackcomb, argued that this bold step was needed to set Whistler apart from the competition. The gondola has four towers — two on Whistler Mountain and two on Blackcomb Mountain. It will cross over Fitzsimmons Creek, linking the two mountains at the Roundhouse and the Rendezvous. That means it will have the longest stretch of free span at 2.9 km in the world. It will have the highest elevation above ground at 415 metres from the bottom of the cable sag to the valley floor. And it will be the longest continuous lift system in the world. But it hasn’t won the hearts of readers this year. Maybe that will change next year after the Peak to Peak opens next December.

Best Lie to Tell Tourists

If there’s a common theme in the lies we tell tourists it’s that we don’t want them to be taking powder or our choicest runs on the mountains. That’s why when they unwittingly ask for directions to Dual Mountain, not realizing that in fact they have a dual pass to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, we like to point them the wrong way. Other classic lies are telling tourists that the mountains don’t open until 10 a.m., that the groomers are the best runs, and that skiing in the trees really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. We’re a selfish bunch aren’t we! Other good lies submitted this year are: “It’s not that steep, just go for it!” “The bottom of Green Lake is painted to give it that colour,” and “We call it Whistler because of the group of Yodelers that founded the mountain.” We all know the reason it’s called Whistler is because the old time trappers used to wolf whistle at town founder Myrtle Philip as she swam in Alta Lake!

Best Make Out Spot

Who doesn’t want to make out high in the sky, sometimes in the midst of the clouds, as you’re gently rocked by the breeze? Sometimes the sun is shining in all directions, offering a panoramic view of the valley and the mountains beyond. Other times it’s snowing and overcast, the gondola cocooning you in a safe haven. Either way it sounds pretty good. And that’s why the gondolas stay as the top make out spot in Whistler. If you haven’t tried it, make it a resolution for 2008. But we suggest trying it when it’s just you and your sweetie in the gondola — awkward for others to witness an overt public display of affection in the confined spaces of a gondola!

Most Extreme Thing to Do

You can do it backwards or forwards. Eyes opened or closed. Screaming or silent. Praying or shaking. By yourself or with a partner. But no matter which way you do it, the consensus, from some of the tens of thousands of those who have tried it in Whistler, is that jumping off a bridge 160 feet over the rushing Cheakamus River with nothing but a bungee cord tied to your ankles or chest is indeed the most extreme thing to do in a place renowned for the extreme. Jumpers plummet to the river amid tall forest trees and basalt column cliffs for one of the most panoramic and wildest views out there. The second part of the thrill is that after your jump you get carried back up to the bridge suspended in the air. But what makes bungee jumping the MOST extreme?

“There’s maybe a perceived risk,” said Whistler Bungee co-owner Mike Krieger, proudly adding that his operation has a perfect safety record. Krieger, who has 1,400 jumps to his name in the past 20 years, said bungee jumping gives jumpers the ultimate ground rush — that thrill of hurtling towards the ground. “It gives you the best adrenaline rush you can get,” he said. Whistler Bungee is in its sixth year of operation and has won the most readers votes ever since it opened. “We’re happy to be the five or six time recipient,” said Krieger. If you’re thinking of spicing up your life with a thrill in 2008, try something where you can fly through the sky faster than the snowflakes fall! Whistler Bungee is open year-round. Ziptrekking, backcountry adventures, heli-skiing, driving Highway 99 and coming to Whistler “without accommodation already lined up” also took their fair share of votes from readers.

Most Sustainable Thing Whistler’s Done This Year

What does it tell us when a number of readers respond to this question with a question mark? That they don’t know, that they don’t care, that they don’t believe Whistler has done anything sustainable this year? Despite a number of question marks, there was one initiative that grabbed the most votes in this category. It was the purchase of the composting infrastructure from Carney’s Waste Systems in Squamish and the subsequent construction of a new composting facility beside the waste transfer station at the entrance to the Callaghan Valley. That the composter, which will be operational next year, takes the top spot for the most sustainable thing Whistler’s done this year is very telling about our community. The purchase and construction was approved by council at $6 million in August and as the scope of work changed the budget jumped to $12 million in two months. Despite the cost, it still gets top votes. Whistler, it would seem, is willing to pay for its sustainability initiatives. The $11 million-plus library took a close second in votes. It will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold building when complete in the early New Year. Features include a green roof and geothermal heat pumps. The municipality was awarded a $500,000 grant and a more than $3 million loan from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund for the library building.

Best New Business

He’s almost six months in to his new venture and is working around the clock to keep up with the demand for his pizzas. Atesh “Tony” Akbay and his wife Ozge Onemli-Akbay opened Fat Tony’s Pizza above Buffalo Bill’s at the end of June and they haven’t looked back since. The pizza joint, where everything is made fresh on site, has been an instant hit with the Beef and Blue Cheese pizza flying out of the ovens. “I can’t even keep up with it,” said Akbay, who is running on two hours sleep a night during this busy season. The couple moved from Vancouver where they were in the food business, seeing a niche for a pizza joint in Whistler. “I wanted to introduce a quality pizza for a reasonable price,” said Akbay. His slices range in price from $2.75 to $3.25 and the store is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with winter hours soon to extend until 4 or 5 a.m. to meet to the demands of the nightclub crowd. Coming from the city, the couple has had to make some adjustments to small town life but it’s been a welcoming experience. “I’d like to thank Whistler in being so receptive in welcoming me here,” said Akbay. The Core, which is the fitness and climbing facility located below the conference centre, took second spot and Opa Whistler, a quick-service franchise serving Greek food, took third place in the best new business category.

Best Place for People Watching

Citta’ Bistro keeps its crown and reigns supreme once again as the ultimate place to watch the world go by. The rest don’t even come close according to our reader’s poll. General manager Scott Gadsby sums it up rather succinctly when asked why Citta’ continually takes top spot in this category: “Because it’s the centre of the universe!” In many ways, Village Square, where the popular bar and patio is located, is Whistler’s epicentre, designed to meet every convenience with a liquor store, grocery store, pub and pharmacy all within a stone’s throw. Gadsby also said the food and service at his establishment go a long way to making Citta’ number one as the best place for people watching. So, if you don’t believe us, grab a beer, get settled under a heat lamp après ski and just watch the world walk by at Citta’ Bistro. The fashions and exploits of Whistler on display will not disappoint.

Best/Most Pervasive Rumour

The disappointment is still palpable. Hundreds of Whistlerites and many more from places far and wide logged on to the Internet and bought their tickets for KISS in a frenzy back in September. KISS, one of the best known rock bands in the world, was coming to town, set to perform in all their make-up’ed glory on Whistler Mountain. But the concert was abruptly cancelled, leaving thousands in despair and relegating the KISS concert to nothing but a rumour — the most pervasive rumour to hit town in 2007.

The second story to hit Whistler’s ever-churning rumour mill was latest news on the Rainbow employee housing development whether it be that Rainbow is in trouble or that it’s dead altogether. The latest on this story is that the development is moving ahead albeit mostly behind the scenes and not with on-site construction.

And of course, the third story keeping water cooler conversation busy in Whistler is the rumours about Whistler-Blackcomb, be it getting sold off separately or bought by Disney. What is true is that Intrawest, which owned Whistler-Blackcomb, agreed to a $2.8 billion buyout by New York based Fortress Investment in 2006.

Worst Use of Money

For a town that’s known for its hard partying ways, it’s interesting to see that booze and drugs take the top spots with a runaway number of votes for the worst use of money. Paying rent followed closely on their heels.

But if those three take the cake for the worst use of spending your own personal money, readers didn’t hold back on their opinions about how others spent their money, particularly Whistler-Blackcomb and the municipality. The Peak to Peak gondola, the $50 million project with a record-breaking ride that will link Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, took many votes as a bad use of money. The municipality also took a few hits for decisions that took money out of the public purse, not the least of which is the never-ending critique of the new library building, one of the highest ranked environmentally designed buildings in Whistler with a current budget of more than $11 million. (There have been four successive budget increases since it was first approved in 2004.) The new roof at the Nesters recycling depot, which cost roughly $250,000, also took its fair share of votes for the worst use of money.

Worst Whistler Trend

Don’t hold back Whistler! It would seem readers have a lot to say on the worst Whistler trends. The hot items that raised the ire of many a reader ranged from fashion trends to social issues and the gamut of things in between. But if there’s one thing that stood out as the worst Whistler trend it’s those low hanging pants, precariously perched just so around the hips, just below the ass, exposing your boxers for the world to see. You can’t help but stare and wonder at the feat of nature that allows those pants to stay up or allows a man to walk more than five steps without suffering great embarrassment. Spare us the staring in 2008 and pull yer pants up fellas!

Ladies weren’t immune to the fashion critique from readers. Ugg boots scored high in the worst Whistler trend. Interestingly a number of social issues scored many votes too. The lack of affordable housing for staff was high on the list as well as “ridiculous rent prices.” Bear fatalities also took high marks for the worst Whistler trend, as did Olympic fever.

Food & Drink

Restaurant overall

Rimrock Café has taken top spot again this year as the best overall restaurant in Whistler. That’s six years in row for the eatery, which is consistently, rated as one of Whistler's top restaurants and fine dining establishments. From fresh seafood such as salmon, sablefish, and oyster plates to rack of lamb and Arctic caribou, 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 it’s 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. 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.

Some of the fish is “fresh/frozen” and some is fresh. 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.

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.

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 Araxi, which has been voted number one for Whistler dining by both readers and critics of Vancouver magazine for many years. If you can’t get in there the third choice is Bearfoot Bistro. It procures the very finest wild and cultivated products, 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 their own place on your palate.

This is the second year the lineup for this category has stayed the same.

New restaurant

The Beet Root Café takes the top spot this year. It is one of those rare places where the meat-lover and the vegetarian couple both leave feeling fulfilled and inspired by the variety of fresh, healthy and wholesome menu items with a focus on organic. ?Playing funky beats and selling yummy treats morning, noon and night.? The Beet Root Café features breakfast burritos, reubens, blackbean burgers, salads and soups.

A new take on an old favourite, Samurai Sushi at Creekside, is second this year by just one vote. Always fresh and fast it is a welcome addition to this rapidly growing neighbourhood.

In third place this year is the Mountain Club, which opened last January. It is very similar to its sister operation the Ocean Club in West Vancouver. The focus is on food from the earth and the sea with selections such as Salt Spring Mussels and Fraser Valley roast duck breast.

A special mention must be given to Dups burrito place on Main Street. Readers commented on its fresh ingredients and it’s big-burrito challenge. Drop in to find out more.

Restaurant to take a date

Choosing the restaurant for that special date is oh so important 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.

But if you are looking for something intimate and not too filling then take your date to this year’s second choice, Elements.

Tied for third in this new category are 21 Steps and the Trattoria.

Restaurant for value

Samurai Sushi takes this category for the second 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 now have two locations, one at Nesters and one at Creekside.

Second place this year goes to Pasta Lupino, moving up from third place last year. It’s a small restaurant that offers fresh pasta at tiny prices — that’s what keeps drawing hungry skiers 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.

Third place in this category is another tie — this time between Elements and the Wildwood Café.

Atmosphere in a restaurant

No surprise here — it’s the Rimrock for the third 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 sooth 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 Elements — new to the top three in this category. Offering 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.

Another newbie to this category takes third place — 21 Steps. The kitchen creates updated comfort foods that are both big in portions and flavours for great value. The extensive small plate menu offers items that the locals crave. The great food is made from scratch, and offered at fair prices.

Tapas

The winner again this year is Elements Urban Tapas Parlour. Second place goes to 21 Steps.

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.

Take-out

Samurai Sushi took this category by a country mile 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 this year goes to Splitz Grill again, which does a great job of keeping their mile-high burgers in one piece until you can wrap your mouths around them at home or elsewhere.

Third place goes to Pasta Lupino, which also makes great pizza dough so you can get creative in your own kitchen.

Sushi

Sachi Sushi and Sushi Village were neck and neck this year as they always seem to be, but it was Sachi that came out on top for 2007. Likely it’s the fresh, creative and just a little bit different twist the Summit Lodge restaurant puts into some of its Japanese cuisine that keeps Whistlerites and visitors coming back for more. 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.

Sushi Village, the granddaddy of super sushi in Whistler since 1985, takes second this year. But it is more than just a place to eat. It has become over the years a social icon, a place where you are guaranteed to find great food, great service and friendly face you know.

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

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 to Ric’s Grill, Steak Seafood and Chop House again, 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 words “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.

Dessert

It’s the second year for this category and top place to get your sweet treat remains the Rimrock. The most mentioned one was the sticky toffee pudding.

Second place this year went to the Trattoria and third goes to Elements.

Burger

Splitz Grill: For the sixth year burger lovers chose Whistler’s beef-on-a-bun joint as the place to enjoy this American invention. With over 20 toppings to choose 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 Merlin’s and third goes to Citta’.

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 each in Pemberton and Squamish.

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

Quick lunch

This is the second year for this category and the second time Gone Bakery has won. 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.

In second place for the second year is Ingrid’s in the village. A long-time favourite of locals and visitors alike this European-leaning eatery always has a great selection of sandwiches and hot food to grab and go, or enjoy on the spot.

Third place goes to Samurai sushi.

Pizza

Avalanche keeps its top spot this year with its tangy tomato sauce and texturlicious organic dough.

But giving the local favourite a run for its money is the new doughboy on the block, Fat Tony’s. 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 Bills.

Third place this year is a tie between Daily Slice and Boston Pizza.

Nachos

Well Merlin’s is definitely doing something right as this is the third 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 Dusty’s and third goes to the resort’s newest Mexican restaurant Una Mas. They offer six different varieties of nachos and they are very family friendly. It is a down-home type of place where everyone is made to feel like a local and treated like a friend.

Beer

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.

Martini

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

“It is really exciting for us to have won again and we are really proud of the unique cocktail experience that we provide to our guests,” said Zoe van Empel, Food & Beverage, Assistant Outlets Manager, at the Fairmont. The Mallard is currently hosting the Fame program where they create using fresh ingredients and hand squeezed juices.

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 Very Sexy, which is a combination of muddled fresh raspberries and blackberries, belvedere cytrus, crème de cassis, freshly squeezed lime and topped with Moet & Chandon champagne; and the newest addition, which has proven extremely popular is the White Pear Cosmopolitan, which consists of pear vodka shaken vigorously with Grand Marnier, freshly squeezed lime and white cranberry juice.

Second in this category is The Mix and in third spot is Elements.

Scotch

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Bar takes top spot for this category for the sixth year in a row. Every good glass of scotch has a story to go with it and that is why where you enjoy it is so important. So for the third year imbibers of the national drink of the kilt wearer have chosen the Mallard as “the” place to raise a dram or two. And it’s no wonder with its subdued tones and hearty décor. You could almost spot a wee haggis running around if you looked quickly enough.

Second this year goes to Black’s Pub and Restaurant, and Hy’s Steakhouse comes in third.

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 fifth time in this category.

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

Latte

Starbucks takes tops in the category this year.

Last year’s winner, Behind the Grind, takes second by only a handful of votes and Moguls came in third.

Place for wine

Tops in this category for the sixth year and by a landslide was the Bear Foot 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 Bear Foot 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 dinning 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 in this category was Araxi and third was the Rimrock.

Service

A key part of why the Rimrock is rated the best restaurant in town is its service. So it’s little wonder that the eatery comes tops in this category for the second year. It is truly committed to the idea that if you take care of the customer they will take care of you — the staff at the Rimrock make sure that all diners are not only well fed but well-served.

In second place this year is the Trattoria. With Walter Wallgram at the front door it’s no wonder the restaurant is noted for its service. Always considerate and attentive the Tratt staff makes every occasion a treat.

Sachi Sushi takes third this year.

Coolest staff

This is the second year for this category and it’s definitely a shake-up. This year top spot goes to Sushi Village. While they weren’t in the top three last year it’s no surprise they moved up as this landmark restaurant always draws the coolest of the cool, from customers to chefs.

In second place this year is the Rimrock.

And for the second year Dusty’s takes third sport. The Creekside hangout is an awesome place to rest weary ski legs and staff can always be counted on to know just what you need to get you back up the hill.

Chef

First place this year 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 is a tie this year between the chefs at the Trattoria and Vincent Stufano, chef at the Wildflower Restaurant in 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.

Server

Best waiter this year goes to Hammish Yoshida at Sushi Village.

Second place goes to Jeff Pearlman and third is a tie between Angela Shoniker at the Trattoria and Colleen Felgate.

Clubs, Pubs & Bars

DJ

DJ Matt the Alien can’t remember how many times he’s won the Best DJ title, but he can add another notch to his turntable.

Locals can’t get enough of his scratching that has led to residencies at Maxx Fish, Moe Joe’s, Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) and Soul Kitchen – he’s even started flying every Thursday night to spin at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.

Among other projects, he is keeping busy these days scratching on Sweatshop Union’s new LP as well as doing a remix for Toronto legend Myagi.

Mr. Fister, a.k.a. Chili Thom, spun second with regular shows at Tommy’s and the GLC where fellow turntable talent Foxy Moron, better known as Ace MacKay-Smith took third.

Local Hangout

For the third year in a row, Citta’ was voted Best Local Hangout and anyone who walks by their always-packed patio stretching out into the busiest stroll in the village knows why; it’s the ultimate people-watching/gathering spot where everybody knows everybody. It’s the place where friends are rounded up and the friendly staff and plenty of beer on tap doesn’t hurt its reputation either.

Dusty’s, the anti-village hangout of Whistler, took second. Local’s best-tucked away secret placed the Crystal Lounge third.

Patio

The Citta’ patio jets out right in the heart of the village buzz like a hitchhiker’s thumb, beckoning everyone to join the beer mug toasting crowd rain, snow or shine. Citta’ to Whistler is what a crow’s nest is to a pirate ship. You can see everything from the patio perch. Patios are as much about who’s walking by as who’s at the table.

Second place goes to the Longhorn Saloon where dancing in ski boots or hanging out in muddied bike gear is both welcomed and encouraged.

Third place goes to Dusty’s whose patio is only staggering distance from the bottom of the Creekside gondola.

Bartender

Just look for the neon sign leading you down to Garfinkel’s underground watering hole with Colin Carrier behind the bar. The expansive club’s sunken bar sets up a sort of gladiator arena for bartenders with liquor jockeys like Carrier pouring shots all night long and never spilling a drop.

Ask for a Donkey Punch or Ninja Boot and you’ll be asking for one hell of a hangover from this year’s second place Bartender. George Skoupas has been slinging drinks with a smile at the Longhorn Saloon for more than seven years. His upbeat outlook on life and knack to rouse casual conversation with his papa-bear laugh has customers coming back to the Saloon time and time again.

Third place goes to Greg Britnell most famously known as “Gregers” at Moe Joe’s.

Place to Cut a Rug

The diverse range of resident DJs along with international guest artists have made Tommy Africa’s the Best Place to Cut a Rug. Some dance floor highlights for 2007 included Krafty Kuts, The Freestylers, Malente, Hook ’n’ Sling and Sharam of Deep Dish. And if the music doesn’t inspire you, go go girls such as Virigina Croy and Ace MacKay-Smith will inspire you to get your body shaking.

The dance floor may be small, but Moe Joe’s knows how to pack the people in, finishing in second place, while the all-ages floor at Buffalo Bill’s scored third.

Place to See a Live Act

Anyone who was dancing at the DJ Champion show this year will testify that the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) is the hottest place to catch a live show. Shows are sporadic, but music ringmaster and Reverend Michael J. Varrin focuses on quality not quantity, so if there is a show at the GLC, you know you are in for something special. Highlights for 2007 included The Tennessee Three (Johnny Cash’s original backing band), The Sadies, The Hairfarmers After Burn Parties, John Lee Hooker Jr. and Zilla.

Dusty’s took second for Hairfarmer après, comedy nights and sold-out A Whole Lotta Led shows. Garfinkel’s took third for Punk Nights and guest DJ shows.

Après ski bar

Newly appointed general manager of Whistler-Blackcomb bars Michael Varrin narrows the après equation down to three factors: how it looks, sounds and feels. And with an always-smiling-and-dancing DJ Foxy Moron behind the après turntables, staff sharing ski-tales of the day with like-minded customers and the nacho plates and beer jugs après dreams are made of, the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) takes first place this year.

Dusty’s at Creekside continues to be a local favourite hangout coming in second and the Crystal Lounge with its steady stream of live music placing third.

Coolest Staff

Staff are the cogs and wheels of any business. If they aren’t well oiled, treated, then the whole machine squeaks along at a rusty pace. Sandy and Andy Flynn of Moe Joe’s have obviously discovered the secret to a happy staff with Moe Joe’s getting voted Coolest Staff, yet again. No matter how crazy the basement bar gets, this staff always keeps their cool, going above and beyond what is expected of them. The Garibaldi Lift Company’s enthusiastic, energetic and genuine staffers got a second nod with Merlin’s taking third.

Place to Shoot Some Stick

Follow the maze of hallways through the Hilton Resort lobby level to find the ultimate pool-playing hideaway at the Cinnamon Bear Bar with a lounge as warm as the name implies. Friends gather around pool tables with plenty of room to bank Fast Eddie Felson feats while friends cheer on from lounge tables and bar stools. The rockin’ vibe of the Longhorn Saloon led to a second place finish and Citta’ upstairs pool table with a birds eye view of the Village buzz placed third.

Media, Arts & Culture

Artist

The top three in this category is exactly the same as it was last year, and nearly the same as it has been for several years.

Chili Thom, whose work includes whimsical landscapes and vibrant colours, is Whistler’s best/favourite artist, again. Vanessa Stark, who paints in acrylics, is number two, again. And Cori Ross is number three, again. In fourth place was potter Vincent (Binty) Massey.

Band/Musician

They’ve represented Whistler at gigs around the world; they’re regulars on Whistler’s many patios; they’ve played lesbian weddings in Pemberton. They are the Hairfarmers — Whistler’s favourite band, year after year. Guitar Doug and Grateful Greg cover tunes and uncover themselves with such aplomb that they’ve got fans around the world.

And they are dominant on the local music scene. Greg’s other band, A Whole Lotta Led, finished second in the voting, again this year. Doug, as soloist, finished third.

Making inroads, however, is Animal Nation, which finished fourth in the voting, just ahead of Kostaman. Fall of Summer, with a solid fan-base, finished sixth.

Event of 2007

Whistler has seen its share of “events” come and go, many not returning after their “first annual” show. But in recent years a solid lineup of annual events has gained support and enthusiastic followings. Leading that lineup, and this category, is the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

Now preparing for its 13 th edition in the spring, the innovative, constantly evolving festival is the model that others now follow. Originally a celebration of skiing and snowboarding with a few bands thrown in, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival is now as much about mountain culture as athletic achievements. But what really makes the festival work is founder Doug Perry’s insistence that the athletes and artists have a say in how events are organized.

Second in this category is Crankworx, which takes some of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival model and applies it to mountain biking. The energy and enthusiasm for this event is building every year.

Third place went to Cornucopia, Whistler’s annual celebration of food and wine. Cornucopia is also growing, becoming more than just indulging in good food and drink: the slow food movement, the 100 Mile Diet and a general appreciation for food and the people who produce it are all elements of Cornucopia.

The Whistler Film Festival, another event with a growing international audience, finished fourth in this category.

The KISS live in Whistler non-concert received one vote.

Film of 2007

There seem to be two sub-categories in this category: Hollywood films and ski/snowboard films.

Top vote-getter was Superbad — firmly in the Hollywood category — which also made Feet Banks’ list of best films of 2007 as Best Comedy (see page 90).

Runner up was Matchstick Productions’ Seven Sunny Days, which is most definitely in the ski/snowboard category. Seven Sunny Days, which premiered in Skier’s Plaza in September, is a powder pig’s utopia: seven of the most epic days of skiing and riding last winter in locations around the world. The cinematography was nominated for an Outstanding Camera Work award at the 28th Annual Sports Emmy Awards this year in New York. Some of the featured athletes include Simon Dumont, Sammy Carlson, Jon Olsson, Mark Abma, Hugo Harrison, Shane McConkey, Ingrid Backstrom, Sarah Burke, Eric Hjorleifson, Mike Wilson, Rory Bushfield, Chris Rubens, Colby West, CR Johnson and Mike Douglas, along with newcomers TJ Schiller and James Heim.

Third place went to Steep, Mark Obenhaus’s documentary about extreme skiing. Like Seven Sunny Days, some of the footage, which is described as “not only visually stunning but also vertigo inducing,” was shot in the Whistler area. Steep returns to Whistler Jan. 18. The film is dedicated to the late Peter Jennings.

Photographer

In a town that may have more professional photographers per capita than any other, this was a tough category to win. There were nearly 100 different names submitted, although to put that in context, there were at least 10 different spellings of third place finisher Bonny Makarewicz’s name.

At the top of the list as Whistler’s favourite shutterbug was Insight Photography’s Andy Dittrich, whose name was also subject to several spelling attempts. Andy’s work is regularly featured in Partial Recall and the entertainment section, and you can usually find him at social events around town.

Anastasia Chomlack, who focuses her lens on Love, Life and Laughter (anastasiachomlack.ca) with an emphasis on children, was runner up.

As mentioned, third place went to Bonny Makarewicz, who teamed with writer runner up Stephen Vogler and fellow photographer Toshi Kawano on the recently published Top of the Pass. Blake Jorgenson, a past winner of the Pro Photographer Showdown, finished fourth.

Writer

He was a banker, and before that a lawyer, but for most of the last decade G.D. Maxwell has been Whistler’s favourite writer.

Max received twice the number of votes as runner-up Stephen Vogler — although there was a “Not G.D. Maxwell” vote in there and the accountants tabulating the results are still trying to decide how much more weight a negative vote should carry than a positive vote.

Having a regular space in the newsmagazine that does the Best of Whistler polling may have some impact on the voting, as last year’s top vote getter, movie columnist Feet Banks, finished a close third. Pique entertainment reporter Nicole Fitzgerald wound up fourth.

Snowboard/adventure writer Natalie Langmann was fifth.

Use of cultural funding

In a year when public spending was very much on people’s minds (see Top local news story), the publicly-funded Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre was overwhelmingly the voters’ choice for best use of cultural funding.

The cultural centre, which is scheduled to open in the spring, will no doubt have a huge impact on Whistler’s cultural landscape. The sheer size of the cultural centre dwarfs all other cultural facilities in Whistler, including the new, similarly budget-challenged library (which finished second in voting) and Maurice Young Millennium Place, which was fifth in voting. In addition to its size, the cultural diversity the centre will bring to Whistler is expected to have a positive impact on the resort as a whole, and the convention business in particular.

Finishing third in voting was the Whistler Film Festival, which has grown to international stature and become a significant influence in Canadian film in just its first seven years.

Fourth place went to another burgeoning cultural event, the Whistler Writers Festival, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in September.

Top local news story

Death, taxes and the Olympics…

They weren’t the only things in the news, or on Whistlerites’s minds, but they were prominent this year.

The March 10 murder of Coquitlam’s Michael George Boutros, 26, in Whistler Village was the top news story of 2007, according to Pique readers. The incident took place as nightclubs were emptying for the evening and within site of RCMP officers who routinely patrol the pedestrian area. The murder was the first in Whistler in many years and may be only the third murder since the town was incorporated in 1975.

A member of a Police Dog Service team apprehended a suspect almost immediately after the shooting. Shane Joseph Richard, 27, of Surrey faces second degree murder charges. A date for a trial will be set in January.

But there were other deaths that made the news in 2007, on the roads and around the valley. The deaths of bears was the second biggest story of the year. A booming bear population in 2007, combined with a late spring and a poor fall berry crop, meant there were a lot of bears searching for food and safe territory. Inevitably, that led to conflicts. Conservation officers and RCMP destroyed 11 bears this year, while at least six were killed by motor vehicles. About 50 incidents of bears breaking into homes were reported this year.

The year 2007 will also be remembered for the tragic deaths of motorists on the highway and roads, including 10 fatalities in the Pemberton-Mount Currie area alone.

The Olympics, including the school closures debate and the highway upgrades that are timed to be completed for the Olympics, were third on the list of stories of the year.

Municipal spending, the budget and proposed tax increase — which some may argue are Olympic-related — was the fourth biggest story of the year, and the iconic rink and roof proposed for Lots 1 and 9 — which is Olympic-related — was tied for fifth.

The shortage of affordable housing and the Peak to Peak gondola were tied with Lot 1/9 for fifth place.

Other notable nominees included the Rainbow development, Fortress buying Intrawest, Kirby Brown leaving Whistler to take over Panorama and Britt Janyk winning a gold medal in a World Cup downhill at Aspen.

Quote of 2007

There were some interesting nominations in this category, with many of them emanating from municipal hall. These included: “It’s really a cost saving measure,” attributed to various municipal staff members; the mayor’s “I’m embarrassed about our municipal hall”; and “We will never overspend our budget,” which may have been stated by someone at municipal hall.

Also nominated was Mick Jagger’s “You can’t always get what you want.”

However, the quote of the year goes to all those people who don’t live in Whistler who said: “Aren’t you lucky to live in Whistler.”

Sports and Recreation

Run on Whistler-Blackcomb

And what a season it was for skiers and snowboarders. After a record November where you could ski down to the village on opening day, two weeks early, the powder continued to pile up through the season to make it the second snowiest year in history. More than 14.16 metres of snow fell, or 40 per cent more than the average for a season — not far off the record of 16.34 metres that was set in 1998-99.

The great thing about all that snow is that you really have your pick of runs, which really showed up in this year’s Best of Whistler.

Peak to Creek once again won the overall title, and was the only in-bounds run to make it into the top-three. Second on the list was the Christmas Trees area, followed by Million Dollar Ridge. Double digit votes also went to Jersey Cream, Flute Bowl, West Cirque, Glacier Bowl, the Gun Barrles, Lower Dave Murray Downhill, Lakeside Bowl and Bagel Bowl, and more than 43 runs received more than one vote.

Outdoor Sport

Although it looked like snowboarding was going to close the gap on skiing after being separated by just 18 votes last year, skiers took the lead once again with 34 more votes than snowboarding this time around.

Mountain biking was once again in third spot, but well ahead of other summer sports. This year the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association signed up 1,200 members and hosted 22 races, which would easily make it one of the largest and most active cycling clubs in the world.

In fourth was golf, followed by hiking, trail running, running, beach volleyball, baseball (slo-pitch), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing… the list of sports receiving votes spanned more than two printed pages this year.

It will be interesting next year, as athletes move to town, to see if Luge can crack the top-five.

Indoor Sport

Although LUNA has been getting a solid turnout for dodgeball, Whistler residents voted for squash as the Best Indoor Sport for this year, followed closely by hockey and swimming. Swimming as an outdoor sport never really took off this summer, which had to have been one of the wettest and coldest in recent decades.

Sex beat yoga for fourth place, which comes on the heels of new studies that the health benefits of the wild thing are even greater than previously thought. One of those studies suggests that 100 orgasms a year can extend the average lifespan by three to eight years. We may have no friends on powder days, but going home alone can kill you.

Favourite Whistler Athlete

The voting was over even before Whistler’s Britt Janyk earned back to back medals in World Cup downhill races, including a gold medal on the technical course in Aspen, Colorado. She won the gold in true Whistler style, shrugging off the choppy and uneven snow, falling snow and low visibility. The conditions were so bad that several top skiers crashed and prompted others to pull out.

Janyk headed into the Christmas break ranked second in downhill and seventh in super G, and has not finished out of the top-10 this year in five downhill and super-G races. Keep in mind that this is also Janyk’s second year racing the speed events, after switching from the technical team at the end of the 2005-06 season.

She’s not only fast, she’s also incredibly gracious. When she found out she won, she wrote a few words of thanks from Europe.

“What should I say? Thanks! I’m so happy to get the vote for favourite athlete, there are so many amazing and talented athletes in the valley and I am very honoured to be amongst the top group. Whistler is such a great community that supports excellence in sport, from all ages. I am proud to be a member of the community and am happy to call Whistler my home.”

It’s technically possible that Janyk could be the first Canadian to win on the new women’s downhill course in February when the World Cup returns to Whistler for the first time in 10 years. The last Canadian to win at Whistler was Rob Boyd in 1989. Boyd is now coaching the women’s ski team, and was tied for second place in the Favourite Whistler Athlete category with artist and snowboarder Vanessa Stark.

Junior mountain bikers Brandon Semenuk and Tyler Allison tied for third on the list. Semenuk had a breakout performance this year at Crankworx in the Kokanee Slopestyle with a third place finish among the top riders in the world. He also had a solid showing in the Qashqai Challenge freeride tour in Europe, placing 15 th overall at the end of the season.

Allison has continued to be a force in both cross-country and downhill racing, earning provincial titles in both disciplines, as well as the high school title. During Crankworx he won his category in the Canadian Open Downhill, Telus Dual Slalom and Jim Beam Air Downhill.

Favourite Young Snowboard Pro

There are a lot of up and coming greats in this town, but this year props went to Brin Alexander, who among other things was a top-qualifier and competitor at the Sport Illustrated for Kids Next Snow Search last year. Alexander is also a good skateboarder, and has been known to pick up skis from time to time. Last year he also spent a lot of time at the dirt jump park on Fitzsimmons Creek.

Favourite Young Ski Pro

Sean Pettit, 15, nudged out Kye Petersen, 17, in this category, with Logan Pehota of Pemberton in third.

Pettit was featured in the most recent Warren Miller production, Playground, and will also have a feature in The Bigger Project this year. He’s on the K2 Skis Factory Team along with Seth Morrison and Pep Fujas.

Favourite Adult Ski Pro

Hugo Harrison, a three-time winner of the Freeskiing World Tour from 2000 to 2002, is returning to competition this year with the newly launched Kästel Pro Team. He stepped back from competing for a few years to concentrate on filming, and was injured for most of last year. However, he’s coming into the Freeski World Tour healthy after training for the summer and will be looking to reclaim top spot.

Multiple votes in this category also went to Corey Vanular, Dave Ashton, Janet Brown, Lisa Fernandez, Tom Prochazka, Otto Kamstra, Rob Boyd, Stephanie Reesor, Chris Turpin, and Britt Janyk.

Favourite Adult Snowboard Pro

Anyone who watched the World Snowboarding Open at the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival this year would have to give it up for local rider Craig Beaulieau.

He placed second in the Old Spice Big Air, first in the McDonald’s Stompede, first in the Coca Cola Rail Session, and third in the Playstation Big Air. In other words, he made the podium in all four events he entered.

Devun Walsh placed second in the voting, followed by Simon Chamberlain. The female in the voting was big mountain rider Victoria Jealouse, followed by Vanessa Stark.

Best Coach

Val Burke is leaving Whistler for New Zealand after six years as a coach and trainer, but her legacy was nothing short of extraordinary. In her short tenure she has worked with some of Whistler’s top athletes, and bettered their performances in triathlons, Ironman triathlons, road runs, trail runs, biking, and most recently skate skiing. Some of the athletes she’s worked with over the years include Ironman and triathlon star Anne-Marie Prevost, endurance athlete Jen Segger, and road racer Will Routley. Whether your goal was to qualify for a championship, set a personal best, or just to finish, Burke would create a program that looks at everything from your basic movements to your capacity to use oxygen in your blood.

Second on the list is national ski coach Rob Boyd, followed by snowboard coach Ryan Rausch. Other multiple votes went to Tom Prochazka, Cat Smiley, Christine Suter, Darrin Newton, Dennis Bannock, Chad Raill, Ollie Blake, Brandi and David Higgins, Greg Britnell, Jordan Williams, Nigel Cooper, and Peter Smart.

Bike Trail

The winner as always was A River Runs Through It, although not by as big a margin as in past years — probably because of all the rain we had this summer.

Still, upwards of 10,000 people can ride this trail in a month, and it’s not unusual to find groups of riders speaking Swedish or German gathered around one of the obstacles.

The trail did get a bit of upkeep this year, courtesy of the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, but generally handled the rain quite well as a result of extensive work in past years. Next time you cross the river log, check out the man-made dam and channel that keeps the river from flooding the middle section of the trail.

Tying for second are Kill Me Thrill Me and Comfortably Numb, both built by Chris Markle. Kill Me Thrill Me has had extensive work in recent years that has made the trail flow a lot better, while also adding a few optional challenges like the rock slab. The highlight is still the rock section, which is a proving ground for every local rider.

Comfortably Numb also got a few upgrades and rebuilds this year, including a few new bridges and an optional skinny line through the skunk cabbage. It’s still a bear with 24 km of singletrack, but if you have the whole day and bring a lunch it’s one of the best rides in the world. In fact, Comfortably Numb was the fourth trail in all of Canada to earn International Mountain Bicycling Association Epic Ride status.

There was almost an upset for third place, with the newly completed Crank It Up trail nearly edging out A-Line. A-Line, which won by a single vote, boasts over 200 jumps, berms and other features and is easily the most-ridden trail in the world — according to trail counters that rack up thousands of hits a day. Crank It Up is a little bit longer, more intermediate, and the new forest section is nothing short of spectacular.

Municipal Park

When it wasn’t raining this summer, locals flocked to our local parks to relax, recreate, and re-energize. Once again the majority flocked to Rainbow Park on the west side of Alta Lake for towel time, followed by Lost Lake Park — home of bike trails and disk golf — and then Alpha Lake Park. Alpha Lake Park was just renovated to include new tennis courts and a basketball court, and more grassy areas. Lakeside Park, which is undergoing renovations, had a few less votes than usual but still ranked reasonably well. The skatepark and dirt jump parks also got multiple votes, along with the baseball fields at Spruce Grove and Meadow Park.

Health and Fitness

Medical Clinic

Fractured wrists and broken tibias are bound to happen in this town centred on snowboarding, skiing, and mountain biking.

As to where to treat these ailments, Whistler Medical Clinic was voted the number one medical clinic in town. Doctors at the medical clinic have access to x-ray facilities and laboratory services. A heliport is also on site for helicopters to transport any life threatening traumas to a hospital in Vancouver. Plans to get a CT scanner installed are also in the works, with construction expected to begin in the spring.

Second place in this category was Northlands Medical Clinic. This small, independent medical facility was founded in 2005 and specifically designed to be easily accessible for patients with disabilities. Two things that make this facility unique in Whistler are a same day appointment model and the use of electronic medical records, which allows the doctors to spend more time with patients than with paperwork.

Doctor

Cathryn Zeglinski once again was voted best doctor in Whistler.

Zeglinski founded Northlands Medical Clinic, where she works not only as a family physician, but also as a sports physician and the clinic’s director. She takes care of almost everything — from illnesses, to ski hill injuries, to prenatal care.

“It is like being the old style country doctor, which I enjoy,” said Zeglinski of her practice.

“Because I am working independently, I can see if there is a need for something in the community and I can say let’s make it happen,” she said.

She also has been working on developing a resource page on www.northlandsclinic.com that allows anyone in Whistler (or Canada) to look up medical conditions from the comfort of their own home.

Tom DeMarco from Whistler Medical Clinic got the vote for second in this category and Kristin Johnson — also from Whistler Medical Clinic — was third.

Dental Clinic

The tables have turned this year, with Whistler Dental claiming the number one spot over Creekside Dental Clinic by Pique voters. These two facilities have continually flipped spots over the years as the best dental clinic in town.

And Aarm Dental Group placed third. This Vancouver-based dentistry organization opened up a branch in Whistler Village last year.

Dentist

James McKenzie once again was voted the best dentist in town by a landslide.

So what is the background behind this well liked dentist? McKenzie practiced dentistry as a member of the Canadian Armed forces with the US and NATO forces in Europe before coming to Whistler in 1993. After moving to Whistler, this hardworking dentist established Whistler Dental, and has since gone on to develop an outstanding reputation throughout town.

And even though he has been in Whistler for a while, McKenzie still strives to keep on top of his practice. In fact he takes three to four times the required education hours per year. No wonder the Whistler community continually votes him highly each year.

Second place for 2007 also reflects last year’s voting, with John Roberts from Creekside Dental Clinic taking the spot.

Fitness Facility

Once again, Meadow Park Sports Centre has dominated the category of best fitness facility in town. The place can just not be beat. Not only has it got a gym, but it also has a pool, studio, ice rink, squash courts, hot tub, steam room and sauna. Wow. Since being built in 1993, the facility has thoroughly been enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

But a new contender has stepped up into the second place this year, giving Meadow Park a bit of competition. Formerly known as The Great Climbing Wall, The Core is quickly creating a name for itself as a great place to break a sweat and get into shape since moving into its currently location below the conference centre. And rock-climbing junkies take note: The Core boasts 5,500 square-feet of indoor rock climbing wall.

Also, the athletes’ village — being built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games — will include a recreational facility with weights, cardio, and more.

Health Trend

When they are not hitting the slopes, Whistlerites still like to work on their fitness. And for many, the best way to stay in shape is to do some deep stretching. For the eighth year in a row, yoga was voted the best health trend in town.

Of course, with an eight-year winning streak, yoga is not technically a “trend” any longer. The definition of a trend is something that becomes popular before quickly dropping off the radar. Yoga has definitely out done that definition, staying a popular sport for almost a decade now. But regardless of whether or not yoga can still be considered a trend, this relaxing sport has once again ruled the best health trend category.

Taking second spot in this category is Body Storm — Whistler’s own intensive six-week program that integrates strength training, Pilates, spinning, yoga, boxing and more. Program coordinators stress the fact that you will never do the same workout twice, and have fun while getting in exceptional shape.

And in third place for the best health trend is eating organic, local, or healthy.

Esthetician

Nola Haselmeyer once again came out on top of this category as Whistler’s leading esthetician. The former Farfalla Hair and Esthetics employee was the go-to-gal for everything esthetical. She did facials, manicures, pedicures, tinting, massages, and waxing, and over her three years developed a very local clientele base in the Sea to Sky corridor.

So where is Nola these days?

She’s pursuing her wanderlust in South East Asia for four months, with plans to return back to Whistler in the New Year. And her presence is already missed.

One loyal client even went as far as to say, “I am sad everyday that she isn’t here,” while voting for her .

Second place for this category was Tina Beks of Solarice Wellness Centre and Spa, and third place was Stacey Gaff from Revolution Salon and Spa.

Spa

With 20 spas in town, there are a lot of places to pick for deep relaxation, peace of mind, seaweed, pure essential oils, and clay treatments. Some of Whistler’s spas have even won awards for their excellent products and services.

And the demographic of spa-goers is changing. These days going to the spa is no longer a women’s-only activity, as men are starting to turn to this form of alternative therapy just as much as the ladies.

This year’s results for best spa in Whistler mirrored 2006, with The Spa at the Four Seasons coming out on top. This spa has a total of 15 treatment rooms, including a Vichy shower room, a hydrotherapy room, two couple’s rooms, massage rooms and a manicure and pedicure room.

Solarice Wellness Spa came out in second place this year. And Vida Wellness Spa was voted the third best spa in Whistler for 2007.

Hair Salon

For the fifth year in a row, Good Hair Day Salon and Spa won the best hair salon category for 2007. The Function Junction hair salon has five stylists, a colourist and an esthetician. With its funky interior design, friendly staff and affordable prices it’s no wonder people in Whistler are so drawn to this place.

In second place was Farfalla Hair and Esthetics. Beyond hair cuts and colouring, this salon also offers customized oil scalp massage, massage, reiki, lash and brow tints and makeup lessons.

Third place was The Loft Salon and Spa.

Hair Stylist

Emily Ng took the honour of keeping locals’ hair in style, edging out co-worker Sarah Brown by just a single vote.

“I truly feel like my job is a gift. Not only do I get to do what I like to do, but I get incredible people to work on. My clients are my friends, and they give me just as much back,” she said after hearing about this year’s results.

Ng has been cuttin’ and stylin’ hair in Whistler for 10 years now and working with Good Hair Day Salon since it opened up four years ago.

And Jenn Parks — also from Good Hair Day Salon — got third place in this category.

Chiropractor

The title this year for best chiropractor in Whistler was a neck-and-neck race between Peter Drysdale and Keith Ray.

Drysale ended up winning this category, knocking out Ray by a single vote.

Drysale works at Village Centre Chiropractic and Massage and has been practicing in Whistler for eight years. His personal philosophy is that most people are born with the ability to be well. How we treat our body is the greatest determination of our health.

Ray works at Whistler Chiropractic. His co-worker Pat Shuen also gets an honourable mention as third place in this category.

Massage Therapist

It is a tie! Both Maribet Callahan and Lesley Byford were voted best massage therapist in Whistler by Pique readers.

The two talented massage therapists work at Peak Performance Physical Therapy to relieve both locals and tourists of tension.

In third place for this category was Nicole Temple from Harmony Massage Therapy.

Physiotherapist

This year, the title for best physiotherapist in town once again came down to two employees from Peak Performance Physical Therapy – Allison McLean and Bianca Matheson.

And in the end, McLean took the prize for the number one specialist to see for rehabilitating injuries and removing aches and pains.

McLean has been practicing in Whistler for a long time, bringing in a broad range of “tools” to her treatments including acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and spine manipulation.

“I work eight to eight most days with sports and spinal injuries seen in all different ages of people,” said McLean of her practice. “I spend my day with all my favourite injured locals and lots of visitors to Whistler,” she said.

Shops and Wares

Bike Shop

When it comes to picking a place to purchase parts and equipment in Whistler, biking enthusiasts have a lot of options. But voters chose Fanatyk Co. as the penultimate shop to meet their bike-related shopping needs, with Evolution coming in a close second, and The Fix and Whistler Bike Company tied for third.

Fanatyk Co. has been in business since 1996, and is a gearhead’s dream shop, stocking some of the most high-end equipment, while offering rental and repair services, to top it all off.

Said co-owner Kevin Kobayashi: “Every year we just keep getting busier, and it’s a little trickier to keep up with the demand as the bike park expands.” But he believes they have the best bike mechanics in town, who offer great expertise and skill to the shop.

Financial Institution

There are businesses galore in this small mountain town, with a lot of money flowing in and out of the community, so it only makes sense that people are picky about who they bank with. This year the Royal Bank has again beat out TD Canada Trust, but by only a small margin. North Shore Credit Union and Scotiabank came in third and fourth, respectively.

Grocery Store

The locals have spoken, and by a landslide, for the seventh year in a row, Nesters Market has been chosen as the best place to bag your groceries in town.

Offering a huge selection of fresh, organic and local produce, a well-stocked deli, and friendly service, it’s pretty clear why Nesters is so popular. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they have a discount card and hold a weekly draw for a free grocery giveaway.

Bruce Stewart, general manager, believes their customer service helps them to stand out from the competition, and says while they receive lots of industry awards, community recognition is very important.

“It’s nicer to hear that we get this from our locals as opposed to maybe in the industry… it’s very special to get it from our local community.”

Lawyer

Lawyers sometimes get a bad rap, but voters feel there are definitely some good ones amongst us, and have chosen Sholto Shaw, with Race & Company, as their fave local lawyer.

Practicing mainly real estate and corporate and commercial law, Shaw moved to Whistler in 2004.

He was surprised when he heard he had been selected for favourite lawyer, because he is fairly junior and new to the community. While his job isn’t always thrilling, Shaw says living in Whistler adds some spice to his life, and the small-town atmosphere of the community allows him to get to know his clients.

“In the city, you see them for half an hour, an hour, and then never see them again. But in Whistler you end up seeing them around town or going skiing with them.”

Photo Finishing

As a tourism hotspot, camera-toting visitors are a permanent fixture in this town, often spotted snapping shots of our awe-inspiring mountains and scenery.

For locals and tourists alike, there’s no better place in town to have your picks developed, or to buy camera gear, than at Whistler 1 Hour Foot Source.

Rick Clare opened the business back in 1984, before Whistler had boomed.

“Everyone in the industry that we spoke to when we went to buy the equipment told us we were crazy, that it would never work in Whistler.”

Clare took the leap anyways, because he wanted to live and work in the community, and it looks like his risk paid off.

They were the 12 th company in North America to own a machine that printed from digital cameras, and are still working to keep up with the technology, recently launching a new online album and photo sharing service.

Store for Browsing/Exploring

We received a wide variety of responses in this brand-new category, but Skitch came out on top as the best place to browse and discover treasures.

Skitch has been operating in the same location for almost 12 years now, featuring handcrafted Canadian products.

Dave Davenport, owner of the store, was “very flattered” to be chosen as the best in this new category.

“There are lots of stores in Whistler that are fun to browse in, so for us to be considered one of them is great!”

Davenport says they try and have lots of interesting merchandise on-hand to appeal to all of their customers.

“We really have a good split between tourists and locals, so it’s fun to work there, too.”

Video Store

There aren’t many options for renting videos and games in Whistler, but Roger’s came out on top this year.

While the big-box store has been open in Marketplace for almost six years now, assistant manager, Kim Bayless, was still excited to receive the most votes.

“That’s awesome and we appreciate all of our local support!”

Bayless believes the key to their popularity is their no late fee policy, a large selection, and central location.

Men’s Clothing

Men made some, um, interesting choices for best place to shop for clothes — like the B.C. Liquor Store, Loonie Store and Rona — but Showcase was ultimately selected as the best place to score some sweet threads.

With an impressive selection of trendy, high-end soft and hard goods, it’s one stop shopping for the average male who wants to look good and stay comfortable, on and off the hill.

Snowmobile Tour

If you’re looking to bomb around the mountains on a sled, Canadian Snowmobile Adventures is the company to call.

Jon Mills is the reservations manager for CSA, which has been operating in Whistler since 1993. “We do anything from beginner to advanced and basically can accommodate anybody,” he said.

But their fondue sled dinner is truly their local claim to fame. Starting with an evening tour of the mountains, and ending with a fondue dinner with live entertainment at the Crystal Hut, it’s no surprise that this event has been a hit with locals and visitors alike.

It’s also a pretty popular place to work — this year, Mills says they have had over 90 per cent returning staff.

Snowboard Shop

For yet another year, Showcase has blown the competition out of the water in the category of best snowboard shop.

Up and running since 1989, Showcase is the oldest and largest snowboard shop in town, and is known for stocking a wide variety of trendy soft and hard goods, ranging from Burton to Volcom.

“We’ve got a blend of casual and then outerwear for snowboarding and stuff, and skateboarding, too,” manager Mike Somers explained.

Quality service, mountain-base location, and their sheer selection of product help them stand out from the competition, which is often fierce in this town.

Ski Shop

An original ski town, Whistler is riddled with ski shops. But this year, Wild Willie’s has been chosen as the ultimate local skier’s paradise.

Bill Lamond is the owner (and namesake) of the popular ski shop, which has been in business since 1990. He attributes their success to their staff and management, who are “long term people who care.”

In this town, he says it isn’t always easy to find great employees.

“A lot of people are here for just a good time. It drives me nuts — I guess I’m from an era when customer service was first and foremost.”

It doesn’t really seem like an excruciating job, either.

“They get to play with sporting goods gear, all those toys. They get deals on everything, they get to do the sports they love and talk about it all day.”

Lamond says as competition has increased in recent years, they’ve been trying harder to be the best, and was happy to hear that people in the community have noticed their efforts.

Glacier came in a close second, with Summit taking third place.

Realtor

The number of realtors in this town is somewhat overwhelming, but according to our results, Maggi Thornhill is the best in the biz.

Thornhill, who has been selling real estate in Whistler for 19 years, said she loves the town’s strong sense of community.

“I love the people who live here, and the people who visit. It gives that perfect blend, a small friendly town with a big city attitude.”

Thornhill was delighted and flattered to be chosen for the honour, especially since there are so many other great agents in town.

But she said there’s no real secret to her success: “I just work hard, and I have an enormous network of friends and clients worldwide!”

Marika Koenig, of Whistler Real Estate, finished second in voting.

Mortgage Specialist

Negotiating the ins and outs of mortgages can be a tricky ordeal — worse than navigating a double black diamond with a hangover — but voters seem to feel that Karen Garrett is the go-to gal for these deals. Mortgage brokers help would-be home owners purchase a home loan, and have access to many lenders, so they can select from a wide range of loan types and terms to fit specific needs.

Women’s Clothing

It looks like the women of Whistler have truly adopted the laidback yoga lifestyle, as they selected lululemon athletica as the best place to buy clothes in town.

With a great selection of apparel, ranging from headbands and sports bras to sweatshirts and jackets, Vancouver-based lulu has become a staple in the modern woman’s wardrobe throughout the world.

Open for business for about four years now, manager Aryn Burton says their product is well suited to the community’s active lifestyle.

“The clothing is really versatile, and I think because we’re such an athletic community, that it supports people for everything that they do. They can use it between their athletics and their casual wear, as well.”