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10 Things That Happen When You Move to Whistler

Whistler Student Work
by Paul K Porter Dec 18, 2015

1. You head straight to the base of the Peak Chair after a huge dump.

This is the best place to see if anyone hits Air Jordan, a huge cliff jump to the right of the Peak Chair, which is split into two parts. In 2013 Julian Carr forgot about the second part and just jumped the whole 185 feet in one go for a ski movie. And he front flipped at the same time.

2. You’ll be blown away by how many people can live together in a tiny apartment.

The rumors of 10 people in a two-bedroom apartment are definitely not just rumors.

3. No matter what, you will never have enough money.

Regardless of how much money you start with, rent, the lift pass, ski gear from Prior and the Turkey Sale, the $10 beef dip and beer at Brandy’s, and the Oyster special at the Bearfoot Bistro will keep depleting your bank account.

4. You will constantly argue which is better.

Skiing vs. snowboarding? Whistler vs. Blackcomb? Crystal Zone, Seventh Heaven and the back of the Glacier vs. Harmony, Symphony or the epic Peak to Creek runs? Can’t we just agree that neither is better, just so long as you are on a mountain? Nope.

5. You will automatically know when somebody is out of their comfort zone on the mountain.

Rather than admitting that they are a little scared, they will blame their equipment. ‘Boots hurting’ is the best excuse and a perfectly acceptable way to bail.

6. You will end up in A&E, or at the very least physiotherapy.

At some point, if it’s not you, it will be a friend.

7. Your days will become absurdly long.

Wake up early, ski or board for the day, mandatory après then dinner. You are then left with further decisions; either continue partying, go to the movies or go to sleep. This will continue for the next six months. You will also have to fit the necessary evil that is work somewhere in there, too.

8. Nightlife involves fireworks and people back flipping through flaming hoops.

This is every Sunday night at the base of Whistler Mountain, accompanied by ultra-loud dance music and an MC.

9. You’ll realize all the ‘locals’ are from somewhere other than British Columbia.

Everybody you speak to will more than likely have a different accent, and you will learn that having friends from all over the world is a huge bonus. Those who have grown up in the area will most probably be better at skiing than you will and you should not even think about trying to keep up. You will also learn that a lot of people consider themselves local as soon as they unpack.

10. You will do anything to figure out a way to stay.

The tiny little village will suck you in. Tourists who go for a couple of weeks hardly scratch the surface. The mountains need exploring. You meet people with the same mentality, with the same passions and goals as you and you will find it difficult to leave.

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