Just like that, 2016 is almost done. No year passes without its ups and downs but we’re incredibly grateful for the year that was here in Whistler – even the rainy days have a bright side after all.
It’s become a bit of a tradition here at the Insider to ask our talented contributors – photographer Mike Crane, photographer Justa Jeskova and photographer/filmmaker Brian Hockenstein for their favourite moments for a Year in Review. There’s always two reasons – the end of the year is not only a chance to appreciate everything that happened, it’s also a time to look at the year ahead and say – ‘right, what’s next?’. With Canada making it to number 1 on Lonely Planet’s list of countries to visit in 2017 and Whistler reaching no 2 on TripAdvisor’s Top Destinations On the Rise, not to mention Canada celebrating its 150th anniversary of Confederation, there’s more than the usual amount of reasons to come visit. Next year is shaping up to be something special.
So here’s a look at Whistler 2016 through the lenses of people who live, work and play here – a gallery of big pictures and little details, colour and action, peace and quiet, sunny days and cloudy ones. We’ve lived it and loved it, and can’t wait to see what 2017 will bring.
April: Winter wonderland to rainforest retreat – spring snow melt uncovers hero dirt on Whistler’s bike trails. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
April: Not a bad venue. DJs take over the Roundhouse at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
May: Soaking up the spring sunshine on Alta Lake, Whistler. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
May: Learning to sail on Alta Lake as part of GO Fest, a spring festival of the outdoors. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
May: Capturing the high energy, do-it-all vibe of a spring day. VIDEO BRIAN HOCKENSTEIN
June 2016: Happy days in the Whistler Bike Park with news of more trails going into the Creekside zone. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
June: The snow walls on Whistler, just one of the things to see in the alpine. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
July: Spectators cheer athletes across the finish for the Subaru IRONMAN Canada® race. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
July: Another extreme race – the Red Bull 400 sees competitors run up the ski lifts at Whistler Olympic Park. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
July: The Whistler Children’s Festival brings colour and creativity to Whistler Olympic Plaza. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
August: Ziplining, rafting, UTVs and bungee jumping in 360 degrees(Viewing tips here) VIDEO BRIAN HOCKENSTEIN
August: Crankworx Whistler, two-wheeled jewel in the crown of Whistler’s summer festivals. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
August: The new Blackcomb Ascent Hiking Trail climbs through soft, mossy forest. PHOTO BRIAN HOCKENSTEIN
August: Finding breathing room on alpine hiking trails. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
September: Blackcomb Helicopters invited us along for a heli-picnic. Epic is the only word. VIDEO BRIAN HOCKENSTEIN
September 2016: Paddlers take to Alta Lake on misty early mornings. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
September: A fall moon looks down on the last of Whistler’s free outdoor concerts. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
September: Dog walking is high on the list of ideas for fall first dates. PHOTO BRIAN HOCKENSTEIN
October: Summer gives way to fall, and frost touches the forest for the first time. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
October: Early snow and vibrant fall colours are the perfect decorations for Canadian Thanksgiving. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
November: Snow and festive lights in Whistler Village for the start of the new snow season. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
November: Pastry creations kick off the 20th anniversary of Cornucopia Whistler. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
November: Powder to the armpits, just how we like it. And it’s still snowing. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
December: The Whistler Sliding Centre hosts the Viessman Luge World Cup. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA
December: May 2017 be as breathtaking, peaceful and beautiful as the mountains at sunset. Even if it takes a bit of work to get there. PHOTO MIKE CRANE
Thanks for coming along for the ride and remember, you’re always welcome to be part of the picture. For more information on visiting Whistler – visit Whistler.com
