A Whistler Snow Day With Olympic Alpine Skiing Racer Manuel Osborne-Paradis

Olympic alpine skiing racer Manuel (Manny) Osborne-Paradis has been getting fresh tracks and making fast laps in Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine playground since the age of three. Whether he’s competing in an Olympic event or sharing smiles, epic vertical and good times on the slopes with friends, Manny’s love of skiing, dedication to his sport and unbelievable talent always shines. We asked Manny to share his ideal Whistler snow day — when he’s not training or racing — from first run to last chair and beyond:

How many years have you been skiing in Whistler?
I’ve been a passholder since 1988.

You wake up to your perfect Whistler snow day. What do you see outside your window, or on the snow report, weather-wise?
What I usually look forward to most for a fun day on the mountain is having a good group of friends to ski with.

Do you have a favorite pre-ski breakfast or coffee spot?
When I was younger, I always loved it when we got Fresh Tracks Breakfast tickets that included breakfast at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain before skiing — it was a special treat.

You’re in Skiers Plaza ready to get on the Gondola.  Which mountain do you upload to first? Whistler or Blackcomb?
Whistler — via Creekside.

What’s your favorite scenic groomer?
We always used to do Fisheye

…and your preferred powder run?
West Cirque

If you could have a run named after you, would it be on Whistler Mountain or on Blackcomb Mountain?
Whistler Mountain

Where do you take a ski-break for lunch?  What’s your favorite patio on the Mountains?
If it isn’t sunny, probably lunch at the Roundhouse. If it’s sunny, I’d ski down to the Village and go to the Longhorn patio.

Where are you, and what food is on the table at your ideal après session?
Either the Longhorn or Dusty’s. If it’s Dusty’s, the food would be the pulled pork sandwich with extra butt rub mayo.

Lately you’ve had plenty of reasons to celebrate.  How do you celebrate in Whistler?
After a race I’d go to the Weasel Tent and celebrate with those guys first. They help us a lot.
Note: the Whistler Weasel Workers is an independent organization of volunteer alpine ski race workers dedicated to the advancement of ski racing in Whistler and throughout Canada. Weasels have international experience in building and maintaining alpine ski racing courses.

You travel so much for competitions, you must have friends in many countries around the world.  When your buddies come to Whistler for the first time, what are some of the things that you recommend that they experience in the winter? In the summer?
Last year I took friends from out of town to a luge world cup event and that was cool. The Longhorn, a Splitz burger, Dusty’s… In the summer, if they’re mountain bikers, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park or hang out at Rainbow Park.

What’s your favorite off-mountain cross-training activity?
Surfing — Tofino, Sombrio, Maui, Sayulita...

Three words that best describe how the ideal Whistler snow day makes you feel:
Wicked. Awesome. Sweaty.

If you would like to check out Manuel Osborne-Paradis’ website, visit www.manuelracing.com.