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Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, April 13, 2009
How is it April already?! It seems like just yesterday we were getting daily powder dumps and I was riding untouched trees… But wait, that wasn’t very long ago! That’s what spring riding is all about here on these West Coast mountains. So always remember “If it’s raining in the village, it’s snowing in the alpine!”
This week I took it easy, hitting up groomers all over Blackcomb. The snow is super fun but only after a hot wax! The warmer temperatures have definitely changed the snow conditions, making it softer and slushy near the bottom. I rode mainly the Crystal zone, everything was groomed and the sun was out! We then spent most of the weekend soaking in the rays from Merlin’s patio; it’s all about the après!
Spring has hit us full force; Sunny blue bird days followed by cloudy stormy days and you can’t walk through the village without seeing goggle tans all over. The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard festival is only 7 days away and the parks are groomed to perfection, so what you waiting for?! Throw some wax on those shred sticks, some zinc on those cheeks and come on up for a visit!
Keep on Shredding
-Alex
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, April 13, 2009
The countdown is on and the party begins this Friday. The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival kicks into high gear April 17-26, 2009. The only thing to do is get yourself to the centre of the action. Here are some highlights of what's on the adjenda, including some new events you'll want to check out.
The best things in life are still free. Zune Concert Series line-up promises 10 days of pilgrim-worthy free outdoor concerts, featuring Ozomatli, Ten Second Epic, The Stills, Metric, and DJ Ztrip.
Grenade Games lobs into town. Snowboarding’s infamous end of season party is by the riders, for the riders. Giving Canadians the chance to become Grenadians for the first time in its history, the Grenade Games’ line-up includes a Poker Run, dual slalom moguls course, pipe and slopestyle comp, and entices legends of snowboarding out of retirement to ride alongside current pros and up-and-comers.
Discover tomorrow’s artistic superstars. Debuting at this year’s Festival is the mutant sibling of the Pro Photographer Showdown, the ThreePointOh Multimedia Challenge. Plus, State of the Art, the Canada-wide Designer Search and Expose, and the new Chef Challenge.
Skate comes to the party. The new Festival opener, Skate & Deploy, followed by the Skate of the Art Opening party offers the perfect segue from winter to spring for fans of flow.
Graphic mastery gains momentum. Enter year four of the open crowd-sourcing collaboration that introduces graphic design talent to snowboards as canvass. Masterpiece in Motion entries are due March 1.
Ticketed events are known to sell out in advance so avoid disappointment and get your tickets early. Get yours online now at the Festival E-Store.
Faces of the Fest prepare to face-off to be the Festival’s 2009 on-air video host. Our very own Alex Hearn, voice of the Whistler Blackcomb snowphone, is one of the five finalists! "VOTE HARD, VOTE HEARN" VOTE NOW! Last day to vote is today, Monday, April 13th.
Looking to come up and enjoy all of the action? There are some awesome deals on now, including 2 day lift & lodging from just $82 pp/pn. MORE INFO
Another sweet deal...Buy your 5 or 10-Day 2009.10 EDGE Card now to ski at Whistler Blackcomb from $57 per day next season plus get unlimited spring skiing NOW for just $79! BUY NOW
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Tags:whistler, blackcomb, telus, world, ski, and, snowboard, festival, edge, card, spring, pass
Published by whistlerblackcomb: 10:55 AM
Updated On: 4/13/2009 at 11:32 AM
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Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Saturday, March 21, 2009
Day 15/30: As I’m trying to decide which adventure to write about, I’m getting far too distracted by the thought of fresh snow in the alpine. Could yesterday really have been the first day of spring?! Not on the mountains, not in the trees and not in my mind.
The other day I uploaded with two good buddies; Stu and Derek. Stu had his Vholdr cam so we were on a tree mission! It’s no secret the coverage hasn’t been good enough to venture too deeply into the woods this season. That was until last weekend when a huge storm hit Whistler Blackcomb dumping 158cms in total. So that was our cue to head out and rip some pow!
Stu’s been around these parts for ages, so I was expecting him to teach us a thing or two, but it just so happens we showed him some sweet spots he had never hit before. We started in Crystal by dropping off our bags at the snow fort, from there we headed to a super fun & short section of trees referred to as “the picnic table.” It’s literally a picnic table sitting on top of a knoll in the trees. It has an awesome view of the valley but that’s not why you go there. Below the table is a sweet pillow line, but watch your speed as it ends in tight trees and comes out onto a cat track.
Next we ducked into some tight trees to skier’s right of Rider’s Revenge; this took so much out of us! There was a big cliff in there that we had to maneuver around and that wasn’t too much fun. My advice, stick to marked gladed runs if you don’t know the area. These trails are actually protected bear habitat in the summer, so keep an eye out for the signage explaining the bear program. I would suggest checking out a glade like Arthur’s Choice or Outer Limits in the Crystal zone to get some good turns in spaced-out trees.
After lunch we zipped over to 7th Heaven to session the trees there. It was waist deep and untouched in places! I had such a great day laughing and shouting the whole time with good friends. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than a powdery tree run on Blackcomb!
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Just four weeks until the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival rolls in to take over Whistler for 10 days and 10 nights of adenaline packed sports, arts, and music events.
The Zune Concert Series line up is set and ready to rock the valley of Whistler with live music from Thornley, The Stills, Ozomatli, The Arkells, 54 40, DJ ZTrip, and Metric to name just a few. For more info on the Zune Concert Series visit: wssf.com
This year marks the return of the Orage Masters, World Skiing Invitational's Big Air and Superpipe, and the addition of the Park'n'Fly Skate Jam and Monster's Grenade Games.
Also returning this year and bigger than ever are the infamous arts events including the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown, 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown, Schick Fashion Exposed, State of the Art, Whistler Chef Challenge, and the new ThreePointOh Multimedia Challenge.
The festival doesn't stop there. When the sun sets the party is just getting started! The Kokanee Freeride Club Series, along with an onslaught of legendary parties, offers party-goers endless opportunities to rub elbows with the who's who of the industry. This year the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival really lives up to its modo: Party in April. Sleep in May.
TWSSF is also offering one lucky person the ultimate VIP status for this year's festival with the Face of the Festival Contest. To find out how to apply visit: wssf.com/faceofthefestival
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Tags:whistler, blackcomb, TWSSF, TELUS, Ski, and, Snowboard, Festival, music, concerts, contest, competition
Published by whistlerblackcomb: 3:54 PM
Updated On: 3/19/2009 at 3:55 PM
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Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, March 13, 2009
Follow the Park Ranger updates on Twitter. Get regular updates on new features, changes and events happening on all Whistler Blackcomb Nintendo Terrain Parks. Stay connected to the Parks team as they shape up your favorite jibs, jumps and the superpipe. Follow the Park Rangers at http://twitter.com/whistlerparks
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, March 13, 2009
Pushing for Perfection
Hey Jibbers and Jumpers,
The past couple of weeks in The Parks have been really exciting times for everyone. We've seen lots of sun and snow. Our Parks are now pretty much built to capacity, giving our teams the opportunity to really pimp out our features. We've been switching rails and jumps in and out to keep things fresh. Both mountains are changing daily. The Showcase Showdown this year was a huge success. Big shout out to Brad Broughton from the shop, and his team of volunteers for their help with design and building. The Atomic Supercross is this weekend; results to come.
On Blackcomb
- The Snowcross track has a new line this year that everyone should check it out. The course is open daily.
- The Highest Level, and Choker lines are riding perfectly every day, the lines are dialed right in nicely. The Highest Level is rounded out at the bottom by a massive re-entry platform with an Up-Rail to Wallride. The Choker line finishes with an awesome Quarter Pipe that is Zaugged daily.
On Whistler
- The Bobcat line (right side of the park) has been filled out with an A-frame rail combo, a couple more jumps, and tweaks to the other jibs.
- The Chipmunk line is fully built out as well, with a couple new jumps, and changes to the jib lines Park Events
- The next King of the Rail comp is going to be March 21st. This is event is the last KOR of the season, and may even be moved to the base of Whistler (next to the GLC) this time. So make sure you register
- The following day (March 22nd), will be the Park Rider Series Slopestyle, on Whistler Mountain. The course will be on Whistler's Bobcat line (right side of park). All levels of riders and skiers are welcome so come on up, and ride in this fun event
See you all up here!
- James Sayers
CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 2/30: Big Timber mission & more! I must admit, there have been a few hurdles this season, but I am having SO much fun! I’ve started the 30 day snowboard challenge for myself and this was Day Two. It is about more than just physically and mentally pushing myself - it’s about looking at this playground in a new and different way, finding new places and doing things I haven’t done before. I headed out early on Monday morning with my aggressive skier friend Derek - he wanted to show me a cabin in Big Timber on Whistler Mountain. It was SO cold! -21C to be exact, so I was all layered up, ready for a long day! After coffees and chats on the Whistler Village Gondola we headed up Peak Chair and down the Peak to Creek. We cut through some perfectly spaced trees off Upper Peak to Creek and guess what?! Fresh lines! I was floating through huge old growth trees and at that moment I felt like I was somewhere completely new! After a short hike we came to the cabin in the woods. It was built in honor of a fellow rider who lost his life doing what he loved. We took a moment to enjoy - it’s so awesome finding little spots like that. We cruised back down through the trees to the long cat track to Creekside. Again I was floating along with only a couple of tracks in front of me! The sun was shining and the views of Sprout and Rainbow mountains were amazing. I passed by Kadenwood and continued onto Lower Peak to Creek, which was a bit icy. It took at least 2 hours in total, the snow was dry and fluffy and there was not another person in sight. After lunch we uploaded the Creekside Gondola, to Big Red Express and across PEAK 2 PEAK to end the day with a few laps in the Crystal zone. Getting fresh groomers after lunch is practically unheard of and I loved every minute of it. Nothing beats a 4pm ride out to the valley! Keep on shredding! -Alex Snowboarder   
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, March 05, 2009
Favorites. We all have them; whether its ride buddies, afternoon snacks or secret spots. I frequently get asked on chairlift rides, “Where’s your favorite spot? What’s your favorite mountain?” I could answer that question very quickly and easily but I won’t get into that now. What I will say is that 7th Heaven doesn’t usually fall under the “favorite” category for me, but for some reason I was drawn there every day of my weekend. Perhaps it was the sunny skies, fresh lines or good group of friends, but regardless it was awesome. It started, as it always does, early Sunday morning with a coffee and a few calls to friends. A bunch of us met at the base of the Excalibur Gondola and headed up Blackcomb. Most of the mountain was pretty busy as it snowed 17cms the night before and the alpine hadn’t opened yet, so we cruised around the Jersey Cream area to get a feel for the snow - soft and cold but it was warming up fast! As soon as the light board switched 7th Heaven to green (open!) we shot over to 7th Ave and cut down through the trees to Expressway. Nothing beats cutting fresh lines and hearing your friends holler as they do the same! It was clearly a tree run day so at the top of 7th we headed far skier’s right for the trees under the water reservoir. It was as if no one knew they existed! The only tracks I encountered were those of my friends in front of me. I must admit, after many years riding these mountains, it was the first time I have ever paid those trees any attention and now I get why so many people are in love with 7th Heaven! I then spent the next couple of days exploring that whole zone, revisiting the trees and doing a few zippy laps on Cloud 9. I most definitely had a good time and as that classic Whistler bumper sticker says, “Go to Heaven, Ski like Hell!” I did exactly that! (Minus the skiing part…) Keep on shredding!
-Alex Snowboarder
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Whistler Blackcomb's annual Showcase Showdown went off last Saturday as onlookers crowded into Skiers' Plaza and onto patios to watch the action at the base of Whistler Mountain. After a hard fought battle, Caley Vanular claimed first place in the women's category. Second place went to Molly Milligan and third went to Janelle Prtichard. Meanwhile, Andrew Burns took first in the men's category, while Rusty Ockeneden claimed second place and Mike Osachuk took third.
The six riders, who won a total of $5,000 cash and prizes from event sponsors, including Nixon headphones and Sandbox helmets, will also be featured in Sandbox's next snowboard film "Shine On."
In its twelfth year, the Showcase Showdown has enjoyed another successful transformation and has proven once again why Whistler Blackcomb's Nintendo Terrain Parks are ranked No. 1 in North America.
This year's course was inspired by the mini-parks in locals' backyards all over Whistler. The slopestyle course design, which included rails and industrial-style jib features with happy faces, was a collaboration of Showcase Team Manager Brad Broughton; Kevin Sansalone of Sandbox Films; Steve Petrie master park-builder and designer and builder of the 2010 Olympic Halfpipe; and Whistler Blackcomb's Park Rangers.
For a complete results list visit www.showcaseshowdown.ca. Showcase Snowboards is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. For all the latest gear and apparel, shop online at www.showcasesnowboards.com.
MORE PHOTOS
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, February 27, 2009
What a week! It all started Monday morning... I opened my eyes to see something that caught me off guard; fluffy snow covering the trees outside my window! Snowphone Steve assured me there was at least 25cms of pow in the alpine, so after a flurry of phone calls to friends, I headed up the hill.
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE powder days, but it's always such a scramble! We had a tough time sticking together in a group of 5 with 3 snowboarders and 2 skiers. We all met up doing a couple of Jersey Cream laps, getting fresh lines and face shots on Cougar Milk. Pretty much all of the alpine was still closed for Avi-control, so we chose to line up at Crystal Chair. We waited and waited... Some trouble maker in the line started throwing snowballs and that was it, a full on snowball war ensued! Our group decided to bail and go riding and it opened after we left! ALWAYS stick with the lift line you choose, that was my lesson of the day.
Over the next couple days the skies opened up and puked a whopping 84cms! My next day to ride was Thursday, so I headed up for a cruise and I couldn't believe it, blue bird! New snow & sunny skies = perfection. The week isn’t even over yet, the Showcase Showdown returns on Saturday (tomorrow) with a different style; the Backyard Slopestyle. Inspired by the mini-parks in locals' backyards all over Whistler, the Showdown will blow the scene up with a snowboard slopestyle at the base of Whistler Mountain. I cannot wait to check it out! Get more info at showcaseshowdown.ca
Keep on shredding!
-Alex
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 26, 2009
With 82 cms of fresh snow since Sunday, 5 cms overnight, and even more in the forecast, it's been one sweet week at Whistler Blackcomb. Check out this video from yesterday for some powder action.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Whistler Blackcomb’s Showcase Showdown is back Saturday, February 28 with a new format; the Backyard Slopestyle. Inspired by the mini-parks in locals’ backyards all over Whistler, the Showdown will blow the scene up with a snowboard slopestyle at the base of Whistler Mountain. Despite the larger venue and cash prizes on the line, the chill vibe of the backyard throwdown will remain. The top three men and women will feature in Sandbox’s next snowboard film “Shine On,” and $5000 cash and prizes from event sponsors including Nixon headphones are up for grabs. The Women’s competition will take place from 9am to 11am. The Men’s competition will start at 11am with Finals starting around 4pm. Athlete Registration InformationAthletes can register in person at any Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations desk. Registration is $50+GST per rider and is open to 60 men and 20 women. Competitor’s check in will take place on Friday, February 27 at the Village Showcase Snowboards from 5-7pm. ******Helmets and bibs are mandatory for all runs including practice.For registration and more event information call 1-800-766-0449 or visit
www.showcaseshowdown.ca
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 12, 2009
King of the Rail Jib Session - Sat. Feb. 14th
King of the Rail is a series of rail jam contests which run on selected Saturday nights under the Magic Chair at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Separate categories for snowboarders and skiers, male and female and adult and youth. Click here for more info about the event and how to register.
Park Rider Sessions presented by TELUS – Sun. Feb. 15th
Park Rider Sessions presented by TELUS features Slopestyle, Rail Jams and Halfpipe. The upcoming Park Rider Session is the Slopestyle being held at the Blackcomb Terrain Park. Competitions open to skiers and snowboarders, all ages welcome. Click here for more info about the event and how to register.
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 12, 2009
SPECIAL EVENTS ALL WEEK. FREE DEMOS FROM THE SALOMON STORE. ALL GEAR 30% OFF.
(Whistler Mountainside)
The SALOMON Photo Contest.
February 14th - 20th.
Calling all budding photographers! Enter to win an $800 shopping spree at the Salomon Store and 10 tickets to the exclusive Salomon VIP Party! Submit your best photo in a ski, snowboard or lifestyle setting taken during the week representing the Salomon brand.
Visit whistlerblackcomb.com/salomonphotocontest for full contest & submission details.
Saint SALOMON Valentines Day BBQ.
Saturday 14th. 1-3pm @ Glacier Creek On Blackcomb Mountain.
Free BBQ for the first 200 people who show up wearing Salomon gear!
Salomon Fashion Show featuring next year’s gear.
Thursday 19th. 6pm @ Salomon store.
DJ, FREE cheese & beverages and preview of next year’s collection.
Visit the following locations in Whistler for discounts and more event information: Showcase Snow.Skate.Surf., Glacier Shop, CAN-SKI and Salomon Store.
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 12, 2009
If you were in Whistler this past Monday morning chances are you didn’t hit the snooze button. The forecast called for 4cms of snow the night before but 11cms fell instead. Check out some recent videos and photos, as well as the latest Snowcast podcasts.
If you're a Canadian or Washington State resident looking for the best deal on lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb, check out the EDGE Card. It’s being offered at a discounted rate right now but sale ends Feb. 13th so get yours now.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, February 29, 2008
The level of skill being displayed in all of the Whistler Blackcomb Parks is astonishing these days. The progression we are seeing in athletes is at light speed and tricks formerly reserved for the rare mutants are now being thrown with ease by local kids skipping school to ski and ride. (Don’t skip school!) This week I witnessed 16-year-olds throwing double back flips, 19-year-olds spinning corked 10s and a 4-year-old slide a four foot round bar. This progression has pushed the Park crew to step up and create the best possible playground for these athletes and then work backwards to ensure we have a smooth progression. The bar is being set high for the next generation and we are doing our best to evolve at the same rate.
The Parks all got new set-ups this week, some even seeing changes daily. On Whistler Mountain we changed up the top section to include a new barrel bonk in addition to the stump jibs as well as freshening up Bobcat with a never-been-tired-before combo box with a quad kink. There are also new jump styles on Chipmunk and two “Skate Style” spines with log and metal coping for every transfer trick imaginable.
The Choker Park saw the addition of the Quicksilver and Nintendo boxes set up in series as mellow up-boxes as well as the addition of a mini shack booter style step over jump. The Superpipe rebuild has resulted in the best pipe I have ridden in a long time and special props go out to Andy Morrison for his epic 17 hour shift grooming the pipe se we can all rip it this week!
The Terrain Garden continues to be one of the busiest parks with hordes of newbie riders getting their legs on the small jumps, mini spine, boxes and rails offered up in this line. We are hoping to add a few more basic flat boxes to the mix so trick development can progress here too.
The HL Park has basically been split into Lucas Land’s rail line for metal grinders and the main park for jumpers. The left line continues to be the BIG XL line while the right side offers up the L / XL multi-takeoff options.
If you have not been up in the parks yet this year, you are missing out! Don’t wait to see it in next year’s vids, come on up today.
See the Photos
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Thursday, February 28, 2008
Check out the Sapient Showcase Showdown happening in Whistler, BC this weekend!
The Sapient Showcase Showdown follows a new format dubbed “Pipestyle”. The Pipestyle incorporates tombstones, rails, boxes and spines into Whistler Blackcomb’s Super Night Pipe, creating a whole new style of halfpipe competition. Totaling $50,000, this year’s prize purse includes $25,000 in cold hard cash & $25,000 worth of awesome prizes. Make sure to come down to check out all of the action. Spectators can upload via the Blackcomb Gondola for free. There are 20 Free Sapient Snowboards to give away and a Kokanee Beer Garden at the base of the Superpipe.
FRIDAY FEB 29
Registration
1 – 2:30pm at 18 Below (Base II)
Qualifiers
4:30 – 5:30pm: Women’s Heat
5:45 - 7:00pm: Heat 1 Men’s
7:15 – 8:30pm: Heat 2 Men’s
SATURDAY MAR 1
Semi Qualifiers
3:30 - 4:20pm: Women’s Heat
4:30 - 5:40pm: Heat 1 Men’s
5:50 - 7:00pm: Heat 2 Men’s
Finals
7:30pm
www.showcaseshowdown.ca
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Check today's alpine forecast and tell me it doesn't look like winter's already here. freezing levels, snow, the whole works, and it's early October... might be cause for some backcountry shredding this weekend.
Alpine Recreation Forecast For The South Coast Mountains Issued By Environment Canada At 2 Pm Pdt Wednesday 3 October 2007.
The Next Mountain Forecast Will Be Issued At 5 Am Thursday.
Synopsis..An Upper Trough Of Low Pressure Combined With Moist Westerly Onshore Flow Will Give Cloudy Conditions With The Chance Of Flurries Tonight Through Thursday.
Whistler - Blackcomb.
Tonight..Cloudy With Flurries. Alpine Low Minus 4.
Snowfall Accumulation 5 To 10 Cm.
Freezing Level 1000 Metres.
Mountain Top Winds Light And Variable.
Thursday..Cloudy With A Few Flurries. Risk Of A Thundershower In The Afternoon. Alpine High Minus 1.
Snowfall Accumulation 1 To 3 Cm.
Freezing Level 1000 Metres Rising To 1600 In The Late Afternoon.
Mountain Top Winds Light And Variable.
5 Day Trend..A Weak Ridge Of High Pressure Will Build Over The Region On Friday To Give Mainly Sunny Skies. A Frontal System Will Approach The Region On Saturday Giving A Mix Of Rain And Snow.
A Second Frontal System Will Approach The Region On Sunday To Give Another Mix Of Rain And Snow.
Friday.. A Mix Of Sun And Cloud. Freezing Level 1200 Metres.
Saturday.. A Few Flurries Changing To Rain Showers. Snowfall Accumulation 3 To 5 Cm. Rainfall Amounts 1 To 3 Mm. Freezing Level 1600 Metres.
Sunday.. Rain Changing To Snow. Snowfall Accumulation 10 To 15 Cm.
Rainfall Amounts 5 To 10 Mm. Freezing Level 2200 Metres Falling To 1400 In The Afternoon.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Wednesday, March 07, 2007
The Whistler Park groomers are the key to the success of the Whistler Habitat Park. Even though the Whistler Park team, day & night, are a smaller crew compared to Blackcomb, they continue to deliver a quality park that riders keep coming back for more. The popularity of the Whistler park continues to grow with a variety of different jumps & rail set ups & enough diversity that riders can choose from S to M to L lines to hit. The Whistler Park groomers have been instrumental in the planning & layout of the Park areas & it helps that 50% of the team came from the day time Parks crew & they all ride the goods they deliver! The Whistler drivers also run the Park Bully snow cats to build the Whistler park which is 100% built out of natural snow. Here’s a little back ground on our Whistler drivers:
Dave Murphy
With 7 years under his belt & coming from grooming the Blackcomb park, Dave was the natural choice to be our Whistler Park grooming lead hand. Dave also diversifies his skills by working in the Bike Park in the summer and volunteering his time for the Whistler Skateboard Association by assisting in the ramp construction in Creekside. Dave is an avid skateboarder & rides what he builds in the parks. “I like to be creative & try to make everyone happy with what I build. I ride what I build. I contribute my skate experience to the park grooming & shaping.” 
Anto Orts
First season operating a snow cat full time but Anto has been in snow cats for several years via summer glacier operations & helping out the Park drivers last season. Anto was the lead hand for the Whistler Park for 5 years & knows what it takes to make a great park. Now on the other side of the wheel, so to say, Anto brings realism to the park product & ensures what we dream up is achievable to build & maintain via the snow cat. Anto is also responsible for most of the rail creations in the Whistler Park & assisted for the artwork on them. “I like to keep the park fun to ride & creative”.
Chris Lamb
Second season driving and previously a Park host & lead hand. Chris “Chops” Lamb got his first go @ driving a snow cat for summer glacier operations. Chops also works in the Whistler Bike Park during the summer months. “I really enjoy building jumps & riding them the next day unless it’s a pow day then I’m off to tear up the deep stuff. I’m really happy with the park set up over here as it’s all connected. I find this park is a bit more human as it offers features for never evers up to the seasoned shredders”.
KC Anderson
Second season running the rig & comes from a snowboard retail background. KC used to work for Showcase Snowboard Shop in the village and has been involved in front line sales in snowboard shops since 1997. “I ride & relate my work to snowboarding. I get to drive the best machines out there & be part of one of the largest grooming fleets in North America. I get top use my creativity in shaping & creating the hits. Go ride the Park!”
Events/News - Whistler Blackcomb: Friday, February 23, 2007
The parks are getting blanketed again, and the big mountain terrain is getting prime…
With 3 months left in a winter season that extends to June 3, Whistler Blackcomb surpassed its annual average snowfall before the end of February. As of February 20, the resort had received 1026 centimetres or 404 inches of snowfall this year, with the annual average sitting at 1,006 centimetres or 396 inches. Now days later it’s already up at 1041cms or 410 inches, and to top it off… there’s up to 80 cm’s (32 inches) in the forecast for this week!
Record breaking snowfall in November, solid snowfall throughout December and January, and currently tracking to be the second snowiest year on record by the end of February, Whistler locals are enjoying an epic season. February has seen more sunny skies in the earlier part of the month, until deep winter returned to the resort this past weekend, and it doesn’t look like it’s ready to quit any time soon.
Here’s the forecast… http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/forecast/index.htm
Enjoy. Again.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, February 05, 2007
We are very lucky to have 7 dedicated Park groomers on Blackcomb, Marty Gautrey, Oleksander Iskat, Kirby Litzenberger, Jason Josling, Lucas Ouellete & missing from the photos, Tim Austin & Andy Morrison. Marty is the lead hand & Kirby & Andy are our pipe shapers. Our grooming team is the best ever, bringing grooming experience & a Park background to the team. Nothing happens in our parks & pipe without our Groomers who continue to deliver quality building & grooming each night.
The Park staff take care of the hits during the day & the lead hands, Fred Lepage & Eric Gendron, pass on the maintenance & new build requests to Marty & Olex @ the start of their grooming shift. Our Groomers use Pisten Bully snow cats & specifically the Park Bully model. Specialized combing teeth have been added to the Park cat blades for even better ramp shaping when back blading. The Park groomers also use forks which attach to the snow cat blade to move & install the rails. We all owe a huge thank you to our Park groomers on Blackcomb for all their hard work & dedication in bringing you the best Parks & Pipe experience. Here’s a little back ground on our drivers:
Marty Guatrey – Lead hand & grooming the B Park since 1990. Marty started in Lake Louise, made the move to Whistler & has been working in the Parks in winter & Bike Park in the summer. Marty likes working with the younger crew & enjoys skiing what he builds. “I love building jumps. It’s challenging to build & progress with the skiers & snowboarders needs. It’s great to watch people having fun & enjoying my work & I do have a beautiful work environment”.
Oleksander Iskat – Works opposite shifts to Marty & leads the team on Marty’s days off. Olex has been grooming in the Park for 5 years & also has been a key member of the Bike Park in the summer. “I get to build what I want to ride & have the freedom to build an idea. I try to make everything I build as safe as possible. I may not ride the biggest hits but I’m happy to see people progress on our features”.
Jason Josling – 2nd year in the park grooming. J was mostly in the Terrain Garden last season and now grooms the main Nintendo Park & helps out in the Highest Level when needed. “I’m still learning but feel I’m 100% better than last season. My job takes precision, a skilled eye & attention to detail. I try to make everything safe, rideable & fun”.
left to right: Oleksander, Lucas, Kirby, Marty & Jason
Lucas Ouellette – 1st season grooming & worked on the Parks day crew last season. Lucas is mostly in the Terrain Garden but is also working on the secret jib & jump section in the Highest Level Park “I like building stuff & hitting it the next day. It can be lonely @ times yet peaceful inside the snow cat. I crank up the punk rock tunes & build the jumps.”
Kirby Litzenberger – 6 seasons @ Whistler & specifically grooming the super pipe. Kirby took a couple of seasons off but we are stoked that he is back on our pipe team once again. Top riders know when Kirby has cut the pipe, it rides perfect. Kirby built his first pipe in 1988. “It takes vigilance to build the best pipe possible. I want to build & maintain the best pipe. Being rated #2 for pipe is not good enough. Southern Cali is all hype”.
Tim Austin – 2nd year Grooming the Parks & also came from Park day crew. Tim rides what he builds & rides hard. Tim started grooming the Terrain Garden his first season & is now involved in the main Nintendo Park grooming team.
Andy Morrison – Our longest serving groomer with over 16 years of grooming experience, Andy works on the winter & summer Glacier half pipes. Andy has been pipe shaping for over 5 years & has used the Pipe Dragon & the Zaugg Pipe shapers.
left to right back row: Lucas, Oleksander, Marty. Front row = Kirby & Jason
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, February 05, 2007
OK nobody was stalking him, but Stu's update does read a bit like that... here it is.
Olympic gold medal in half pipe, multiple gold in the X Games & one of the most recognized & sought after riders is here in Whistler. Shaun White graced Whistler Blackcomb with his presence & un real riding skills while filming for some TV commercials. Shaun was riding in both the Whistler & Blackcomb Parks but the filming was set to occur in the Highest Level & Super Pipe on Blackcomb. I had the chance to hook up & chat with Shaun @ the top of the super pipe. Shaun was stoked on our Parks & really liked our set ups & mentioned we had a lot more snow than @ other resorts he had checked out in his travels. Although sponsored by another ski resort, it was obvious Shaun was impressed with the Whistler Blackcomb Parks & Pipe! Shaun blew on lookers minds with huge tricks in the pipe and off our various rails & booters on his runs. Snow & flat light shut down the HL booter shoot on the weekend so next action is in the half pipe early this week.
This shot's a bit papparazzi, but hey, why not.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, January 15, 2007
Excellent snow conditions combined with outstanding building by the Park groomers has brought the Highest Level Park to an all time high. The HL Park is entertaining the top riders & skiers & blowing the on lookers minds. A new combo rail by the shack booter followed by the 50 foot flat bar plus there is another single pipe kink rail going in below that which will keep the jibbers challenged.
All the table tops have received some love and are now getting into the huge category. Looks like the weather will continue to hold the high pressure so more advancements will be made on the right line for the HL park along with more rails to go in. In the Nintendo Park extra rail and table tops have been added so there’s lots to choose from outside the HL Park. Park riding has never been so good, come up & experience it for yourself.
Park & Pipes - Whistler Blackcomb: Monday, January 15, 2007
Our W park has never looked so good. Lots of action on the new Bobcat hit & rail line…
Whistler Habitat Park Expansion
The Habitat Park on Whistler now has two distinct & separate lines to meet everyone’s needs. The lower line or Chipmunk run of Habitat continues to offer S to M features and now has snow & rail features top to bottom. The park groomers & staff have now extended the upper line or Bobcat run to include several L table tops, a huge step up, a series of street style rails and a barrel bonk to finish it off. The new Bobcat line is packed with riders & skiers trying out new & old tricks. Great weather & warmer temperatures up top is making for excellent riding in the Parks so come see why the Whistler Habitat park is the best it’s ever been!
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