Wonderful Whistler

Unusually for Miss Glis (but luckily for us), she has been keeping us updated with photos of her skiing holiday. As they scattered Fiona’s ashes on Tuesday, now that’s over, they are getting on with the enjoying the rest of their time in Whistler. The weather looks to be amazing with sunshine and bluebird skies so they seem to be getting in a lot of skiing and “Apres” which will all help with the grieving process. And yesterday, they went exploring an impressive crevasse on the glacier. No doubt it helps to have a ski instructor as your mountain guide!

 

Wowed in Whistler

Although it’s purpose built, Whistler is delightful, especially at night.  Traffic free, it’s full of interesting symbols and beautiful pieces of public art that celebrate the environment, its origins and recent history.   Totems celebrate the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations who traded in the valley.  Bears and fish that inhabit the forests and rivers have been carved of local wood  or modelled in metal and there are references to the hugely successful 2010 Winter Olympics throughout the town.  Lights threaded through the trees light up the plazas each night and an illuminated Inukshuk welcomes visitors to the town.  It’s lovely!

 

 

Blackcomb Glacier

Blackcomb Glacier is one of the most amazing trails I’ll ever have the fortune to ski. Just reaching the headwall of the glacier is a minor achievement needing a short “skis-off” hike up from the Glacier T-Bar before traversing below a yawning crevasse. The superb, 12k run begins in a huge, wide bowl tapering into a narrower fissure before cascading onto a wide, flat plateau.  At the edge of the snow-field, there was a poignant tribute to a friend. Skiing past, I couldn’t help but think they must have been well loved to be remembered in such a beautiful place

Wonderful Whistler

Despite hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler hasn’t changed since our last visit. It’s a delightful village, despite being purpose built and although lacking the alpine charm of some European ski resorts, is a wonderful place to ski. 

The courteous hospitality for which it’s also famous was first class with friendly guests and locals alike. There was no jostling at the lifts and the few queues were well mannered.  The ski trails were impeccably maintained and the Peak to Peak Gondola linking the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains was a brilliant addition to the extensive network of resort lifts and runs

Christmas across the miles

We were able to have a quick Christmas morning Skype chat with Nerea before she made the most of Christmas in the snowy regions of Canada. She spent the rest of the day on the slopes with Alex and a crowd of Steph’s friends before returning home for a festive turkey meal.  Boxing Day involved a hair cut and colour so when we Skyped at the weekend, she looked great.  She’s been getting quite a bit of work so is pleased about that as it all helps her to stay solvent! It’s just a pity our “pressi” parcel hasn’t arrived!

Oh Canada

Miss Glis posted a comment on Facebook this morning:

“We’ve finally arrived [in Whistler]!!; So excited!!” 

The latter part of that posting must be the understatement of the year!  Despite her and Alex’s understandable nervousness over going on an adventure to another country without the parents, it’s another fantastic opportunity for her and Alex and one we are wholeheartedly behind as Canada is an amazing country. In our experience, it’s culturally closer to the UK than the USA with an attractive social culture that is welcoming, progressive and celebrates diversity.  As a place to work and live, it’s hugely attractive.

Whistler while you work

Andy and I are so proud of Nerea as she has just been accepted as a ski instructor on the Whistler Ski-Kids programme for next November.  She had a gruelling hour long  interview on Skype with a huge range of questions and scenarios before they offered her a place.  We’re absolutely delighted for her as not only does it mean that we’ll be ski-ing in Whistler next season (yippee)  but it’ll be yet more  experience for her future Primary Teacher plans.  The confidence and maturity she has shown for an 18 year old is astonishing and actually leaves me awestruck.