Another winter (basically) in the books. I sent Essex off to Idaho for the summer last week (can’t wait to join him down there later this summer!), and I’m hitting the books extra hard for the next couple months. I’ll probably get another ski day in, but for the most part: bye winter! Anyway, it’s about time for another installment of the Shred Life series (find Episode 4 here), this time fully embracing the Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival week (WSSF), or as I like to call it: Snowchella. They do it every year so take these tips and put them in your pocket for next April. I’ll point out the major WSSF events, but mainly highlight the Tita version of the week (which it the best version). Also, I decided to make an official Shred Life category so you can easily find all the episodes (find Shred Life under the Adventure category of my homepage).
Aright, so first of all: WSSF. Back in the day when I was a wee high school tyke, this was called Telus Fest and it was the mecca of pro-skiing. The best from around the world would come to compete in their final contests of the season, there were free concerts daily, and the bar scene was next level (I mean, ahem, from what I heard from people over the legal drinking age mom…). It took a little downhill turn over the years, and by the time I got back from medical school in Europe it was no longer Telus Fest but WSSF, incorporating snowboarding and skiing. Although it doesn’t host the final event of the pro ski circuit anymore, it’s still a fun week with cool events showcasing ski/snowboard talent through photo, video, and on-snow competitions (this year they even brought back the epic Sudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme). There’s still a lively vibe around the village, and it’s becoming bigger and bigger again each year. This time around they brought the Big Air event back down to the base of the mountain, and had a sick outdoor concert afterwards (A Tribe Called Red). Making progress in the right direction. There’s film/photo events almost every evening (which you can easily purchase tickets for ahead of time), but my favorite to watch is Intersection. Selected teams spend a week filming and editing a short video (in March) and show the finished product on this night. Always some laughs and always some sick shredding. Such a fun and rowdy event! This year we had a kegger beforehand and it was such a fun afternoon with so many friends. Essex couldn’t make it, but Vin Diesel was there (sipping Coronas and all)…#imdatingvindiesel.
In between events and getting rowdy with your friends: go ski! There’s still tons of snow up the mountain, and more often than not, some fresh snow, to be had. Had some epic shred days last week, the best way to finish off a season.
Next up: food and drink! I always like to hit you guys with some Whistler spots that are approved by yours truly.
This week, I bring you a new discovery: Umbrella Bar! Located behind the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, this circular bar is covered by a huge umbrella and is going to be SO epic for warm spring ski days (I think they’ll close the umbrella actually, for a roofless vibe…so sick). Had the Caesar (super good) and I heard the margaritas are dope, too. A littler pricey, but worth hitting it up for a majestic beverage.
Brunch goals are brought to you by Elements. After a night of fun hitting up an event, there’s nothing better than brunch with a crew. One of my fave spots is Elements and I recommend any of the Eggs Benny as well as any of the morning drinks (Greyhound, Screwdriver, Mimosa, the list goes on). After brunch, depending on your level of living, either go ski or continue the chillness in the village.
Another new one for me this week is Zephyr Cafe. Granted, this is a little South of Whistler in Squamish, it still makes the list because it’s a great spot to hit up on the way to/from Whistler from Vancouver. They have tasty smoothies (the blue smoothie is my fave) and a super eclectic interior.
Finally, I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Mount Currie Coffee Company is a classic and delicious place to grab your morning java. Me and Essex hit up on our way out of Whistler, his truck fully-loaded with stuff, before his long drive to Idaho.
Snowchella <3
That’s it for now…there may or may not be another Shred Life episode coming your way before the snow officially melts away…but lots more to come next winter. I had such a fun final stint in Whistler with Essex and so many friends. Such a special little mountain town that will always be one of my favorite places in the world. Hope you all get to enjoy some spring skiing if you’re near a ski hill babeskillets, Tita xx
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