10 Reasons to be Pumped for Summer in Whistler
Posted by: Feet Banks
The ski hill doesn’t officially close until May 27th, 2013 but all over Whistler the locals are already getting pumped for summer. From the youngest kid at the water park to the old-time golfer who still walks the course every day there is a lot to love about summer in the mountains so here at The Insider we’ve compiled a list: Ten Reasons Whistler Summers Are Amazing.
1. Flip Flops
In Whistler, our feet suffer. All winter long we cram them into frozen ski boots or damp, stinking snowboard boots and thick wooly socks. In the summer, whether sandal-clad or bare, Whistler’s feet finally get a chance to air out and see the world.
2. Farmer’s Markets
Food is getting depressing: patented seeds, genetically modified everything, and overuse of pesticides are all the more reason to shop local. Pemberton and Squamish both have lots of great farms and The Whistler Farmer’s Market offers fresh, local, organic, and homemade food every Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. You are what you eat right?
3. Longer Days = Longer Patio Sessions
Due to Whistler being located firmly in the Nothern Hemisphere, our summer days see much more daylight than the rest of the year. For much of the summer Whistler Village patios will still be basking in sunlight till 8 PM. This means more time for people watching, margarita-consuming, and re-living the glory of the day.
4. Checking Out Everyone’s Tattoos
Whistler residents tend to be adventurous spirits so covering yourself in permanent artwork is not only accepted here, it’s cool as heck. The warm days of summer mean the local beaches transform into human galleries of living, moving artwork and since there is usually a story behind every tattoo it’s a great way to meet people. (Warning: there is a thin line between “meeting new people” and “cheesy attempt at picking up”. Respect it).
5. Extreme Bocce
While bocce is traditionally played on a 13 foot wide court this “extreme” version knows no such boundaries. The idea is to just meander around the beach, chucking the “pony” ball as close to objects (or good looking people) as possible and then hefting the clunky, heavy bocce balls at the pony. The sound of a few kilograms of lawn sport thudding towards them will make any sunbather sit up and notice you. The extreme part exists in riding the fine line of not hitting anyone and acting as casual as possible. This sport was “invented” at Rainbow Park on the west side of Alta Lake and that is where it is best played. You can buy a set of bocce balls at Whistler Hardware in the Village.
6. Ditching the Car
Cold Canadian winters make it difficult for Whistlerites to get from place to place without using some sort of heated, motorized vehicle. But in the summer we can simply hop on a bike and ride anywhere we need to go. Whistler’s Valley Trail provides an easy, safe riding route from one end of the valley to the other. Biking is also healthier, better for the environment and way more fun.
7. The Killer B’s of Summer
Boards, Bears, Balls, Bikes, BBQs, Beaches, Bellinis, Bikinis and, of course, Beer.
8. Music in the Mountains
The Whistler Olympic Plaza is hosting 9 free outdoor concerts from June 29 – July 27, 2013 plus the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra July 19-21, 2013. Plus there are big festivals like Wanderlust, Crankworx, BELIEVE Freedom Festival and the Squamish Valley Music Festival popping off throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor this summer. Sunshine and music go together like ice and cocktails. Crank it up!
9. Hiking and Fishing
Two of the best ways to soak in the true value of nature are to walk slowly through it, or stand in one place trying to coax it to play along. Our everyday lives are way too frantic and both hiking and fishing slow things down and force us to live at the speed of the planet. Maybe that sounds a bit Zen but it’s true nonetheless. Go for a walk, catch a fish (then let it go) and you will be a better person when you wake up the next morning.
10. Choosing Your Own Adventure
When you boil it all down, summer is really about exploring and discovery (and patio sessions). Do whatever makes you happy, try new stuff, and if you want some helpful suggestions on how to fill those gloriously long summer days hit up Whistler.com
Article source: http://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2013/04/24/whistler-summer-top-ten.aspx
