In 2020, we embarked on a 10-part video series that aimed to answer the question – Why Whistler?
We wanted to know what drew people to this mountain resort in the Canadian Coast Mountains, and then wouldn’t let some of them go? What makes some people toss their secure, nine-to-five job out the window in exchange for some time on these slopes? What makes them raise a family here? Open a business? What gets under their skin and embeds itself so deep that Whistler becomes part of their soul?
Although we asked a variety of people with different occupations, ages and backgrounds, the answers shared some similarities, although each was unique to the perspective and life story of the Whistler local we connected with.
Here’s a recap of our five summer videos, which might give you some inspiration for joining us in the mountains; whether you stay for a few days, a season, or a lifetime.
Trevor Ferrao, Executive Director of WORCA
In video 6, we chatted with Trevor Ferrao, Executive Director of Whistler’s Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) about getting out of the city, the perks of working from home and how digging in the dirt builds more than bike trails.
“One of the things I love about my job is that I work from home. So, as long as I’m getting the work done I try to get out for a lunch ride. I live in Cheakamus and there are trails within a minute of my home. It’s awesome. When I lived back in London, it used to take me about an hour to get to any trails. Having world-class trails on my doorstep is amazing, I love that.”
Steph & Jason Redmond, Co-Owers of The Raven Room
In video 7, we chatted with Steph and Jason Redmond, co-owners of The Raven Room about developing high-quality products, running a business with friends and how Vermouth should be kept in the fridge.
“There’s a phrase you hear a lot – living the dream – and I actually feel like I’m living the dream here. We get to do what we love, hopefully, make some money and get to see happy, smiling faces on a daily basis.”
Allan Crawford, Founder & Co-Owner of CWA
In video 8, we chat with Allan Crawford, founder and co-owner of Canadian Wilderness Adventures about dumpster diving, fun-led business plans and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“We offer everything I found that I wanted to do. I found a way to take any inkling of a passion, a spark and turn it into business, so I could be working and playing at the same time – that’s been the focus of my life.”
Miranda Foord and Elise Savard, Co-Owners of Peak Performance
In video 9, we chat with Miranda Foord and Elise Savard, co-owners of Peak Performance clothing store in Whistler about meetings on chairlifts, taking risks and working with your bestie.
“Going to work every day is not really a job, it’s so enjoyable. Being able to talk about what run you did on the mountain that morning or how deep the powder was; it’s a special environment to own and run a business.”
Helen Hamilton and Charlie Stenner, Musicians
In video 10, we chat with musicians Helen Hamilton and Charlie Stenner of Little Earthquakes about drawing creative inspiration from the mountains, flow state and coffee art.
“I can combine all the things I love doing with outdoor sports. I can do the bike park, I can snowboard, skateboard, do yoga, but I can also make a living here through lots of different ways, and it’s a beautiful place to do that. Whistler is great for anyone who loves the outdoors and loves nature.”
Locals, like the people featured above, are the beating heart of Whistler, which is made up of passionate entrepreneurs, tireless workers and small business owners who all love to revel in the mountains. Check out the full 10-part series to hear what it’s like in the winter months.
We hope this might have inspired you to join us in the mountains sometime soon, for however long you choose to stay.
Ross Reid is our talented videographer on this project. To see more of his work visit his website.
