RAVES & FAVES
A local’s perspective
NAME: Marielle Thompson OCCUPATION & EMPLOYER: Canadian Ski Cross Athlete, 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN WHISTLER: My entire life … Almost 22 years! ACHIEVEMENTS: Canadian Championships: 2010, 2nd - Calgary; 2011, 1st - Lake Louise; 2012, 1st - Nakiska. World Cup: Six 1st place finishes and Fourteen podium finishes; Crystal Globe ( overall World Champion) winner in 2012 and 2014. Olympic Gold Medallist: Sochi, Russia 2014.
FAVOURITE HIKE: My favourite hike is up to Rainbow Lake; it’s beautiful! It’s a bit hard on the legs with the long upward hike through the forest, but the great views of Wedge Mountain and the Whistler Valley from the top are spectacular.
FAVOURITE FOOD: My favourite food is sushi. Whether it’s for a quick meal or a sit down at one of the fancier restaurants, the sushi in Whistler is the best!
FAVOURITE PASTIME/ ACTIVITY: Of course, my favourite is skiing! The skiing on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is world- renowned. Sightseeing from the Peak 2 Peak gondola is also a must- do!
FAVOURITE SKI RUN: I really like anything in the Crystal Zone like ‘ Ridge Runner’ or ‘ Rock ‘ n’ Roll’. Both runs are fun on a groomer day, and the famous waffles at the Crystal Hut are great on any day!
FAVOURITE BIKE TRAIL: I enjoy the ‘ Zappa Trails’ in Lost Lake Park. They are great for most skill levels and close proximity to the village for easy access.
FAVOURITE DRIVE: The Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic I have ever driven. With views of Howe Sound and the Pacific Ocean, it is hard to compare to anywhere else!
FAVOURITE PLACE TO TAKE IN NATURE: I live near Lost Lake Park. It is great to take in nature just relaxing on one of the many benches throughout the park, and enjoy the beautiful views of Whistler, Blackcomb and the surrounding area!
FAVOURITE DATE PLACE: Crêpe Montagne is a great place for a date. With both sweet and savoury crêpes, it’s perfect for whatever you’re craving. Locally- owned with friendly staff, it’s a local favourite.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO TAKE IN THE HISTORY: The Whistler Museum is one of the only places to take in the history of the Whistler Valley. You can learn about local pioneers Myrtle and Alex Philip who settled on Alta Lake to more recent achievements of legendary Canadian sportsman like Crazy Canuck Dave Murray.
THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUMMER’S DAY: In the summer I enjoy hiking or biking on the mountains, followed by an afternoon of relaxing and cooling off at any of the local lakes.
THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A WINTER’S DAY: My perfect winter’s day would be spent skiing on Whistler and Blackcomb, followed by skating on one of the frozen lakes with friends. There is always a fun game of pond hockey to be played!
LUCKY YOU LIVE IN WHISTLER BECAUSE … I can do what I love, whether it is skiing during the winter or going for bike rides and runs on our many trails in the summer. Whistler is the best place to be for outdoor activities, and I am so fortunate to have grown up in such a supportive and active community.