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.