Memories of Whistler

Well it’s been two weeks now since the iWoot in Whistler holiday ended, yet despite all that time I think a part of my brain still thinks it’s out there. I find myself drifting off occasionally and revisiting Whistler mountain in my mind – The gentle slopes of Pony Trail, The thrills of Lower Whiskey Jack, the majesty of Tokum!

Now I’ve had time to digest the whole experience (and to overcome the jet-lag!) I thought it would be appropriate to post my thoughts on.. well, everything really. So please find them all below, in a completely random bullet point stylee – fresh yo!

 

• Whistler is an incredible place to visit.
• I found it to be at its best in the early mornings, when the streets would be empty except for the crows.
• Nearly every single shop is a ski shop, which can feel a bit weird, but I guess it does mean that there’s a feeling of unity… man.
• The hotel was amazing: Large double bed, embarrassing amount of pillows, couch, huge TV, jacuzzi, balcony with a view and kitchen area. Most importantly it had tea making facilities, which was good because..
• Canadians reeeally don’t understand tea. At all. The first tea ordered came with a pot of hot water. The second came in a large glass with no milk, crazy.
• However the Canadians are ridiculously cheerful and friendly, so this is forgiven. From a miserable Brit point of view it was a bit of a culture shock.
• The bar staff were especially friendly. If you’re being cynical you could just say that they’re looking for a tip, but it was still nice.
• The exception was the girl in the ‘Amsterdam Bar’, who swore at me and told me that I look like an alien. Nice.
• Canadians watch waaay too much ice hockey than I’m sure can be good for them. (Though I have to confess that I started to take to it a bit after a few days.)
• Pancakes and maple syrup weren’t actually that bad.
• Neither were oysters..
• “Deer Hunting USA” is possibly the worst arcade game I’ve ever seen. With your trusty shotgun you have to eradicate deer after deer, who have the very cheek to graze peacefully on grass in front of you – the sick bastards.
• My biggest regret of the holiday is being too polite and passing up a curly wurly. (twirly wirly?)

 

• Snowboarding is now my new favourite sport. It’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had strapped to a giant piece of wood.
• Descending on Whistler village from above is absolutely incredible. As you come down the slopes it suddenly opens before you, and it’s breathtaking.
• According to the action cam footage I spent nearly all my time either falling over, or actually on my arse. I’d like to think that the camera lies, but in this case I think it’s probably right.
• I would like to think of myself as the ‘master of the falling leaf’. It sounds so much better than ‘guy who can’t turn properly’.
• Shouting ‘cowabunga’ en masse at the top of the Tokum run was as good as it sounds.

 

• Driving on a proper snowmobile was both exhilarating and awe inspiring.
• I very nearly tipped the thing when we were encouraged to put our ‘thumbs’ down and go as fast as we dared.
• Julie was great for putting up with my driving.
• Our guide Luke was the most XXXXXTREEEEEME guy I think I’ve ever met.
• Though we didn’t get to see any bears, we did see a bear’s lair, and it was awesome.

 

 

 

• iWoot in Whistler was the best holiday ever.
• Everyone who went on the trip was most bodacious (and totally non heinous.)
• iWoot rock! Thanks to Paul and Julian for having us!
• Thanks to everyone else who helped to put this trip together, including Aktive8 for their generosity.
• I can only hope that I’m lucky enough to remain in the iWoot family for at least a while longer yet!

Until next time guys - “Stay excellent to each other”

- Jamie

Julie’s Photos From Whistler

After a day on her skis (well, and bum) in the snow, Julie decided to take more time exploring the Whistler/Blackcomb area usually utilising quite exotic forms of transport. She went on a dog sledge, did snowmobiling, and can even be seen pictured below next to a huge yellow snowcat that I hope, for the safety of others, she didn’t have a go at!

As a result Julie is the most travelled amonst us around the Whistler area and has taken photos and videos of some quite amazing sights. You can see frozen waterfalls, bear dens, and even Harvey having an oyster, which is quite an achievement. Enjoy!

You can read more about the trip from Julie herself on the Affiliate Window blog.

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Thank you IWOOT

Now we’ve been home a few days and I’ve been telling my mates about the trip the more I appreciate just how generous this IWOOT prize was - it really was the prize that just kept on giving!

Not only did IWOOT pay for the flights and the hotel they also paid for the ski hire, my ski lessons, most of the food and the beer and the cocktails. We eventually felt so guilty we stumped up for one of our evening meals but it was really only a drop in the ocean.

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Photos From The Slopes

I believe below are the first photos showing us actually snowboarding and skiing in Whistler. It is not that we have been embarrassed of what we may look like in action, not at all, it was just that I am very protective of my beloved camera and the idea of getting it 2000 meters up a mountain in the snow terrified me.

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IWOOT In Toronto

It’s already been well documented on this site that our flight didn’t exactly go to plan. After BA cancelling due to a (rumoured) hungover pilot, we ended up being diverted via Toronto where we managed to grab some time to explore downtown.

Once we had re-checked our bags in at Toronto airport we jumped into two taxi’s and headed down to the CN Tower where we were treated to some simply astounding views of the city.

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