The Toronto Ski Show is the largest snow sport show in Canada and every year there is something new. This year there were some interesting updates.First, Canada's greatest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb has now been acquired by Vail Resorts Inc. The significance of this is that with climate change, southern exposure ski resorts are looking at methods to hedge against the reduction of cold temperatures and snowfall. For Vail of Colorado, that meant buying a Canadian resort further north with plenty of snowfall. I just learned that Whistler will have its best opening day ever this November.
When I went to visit the Whistler booth I was greeted by a very cheerful American lady from Colorado. I have no issues with skiers of any country, however, when it is Whistler that has become Americanized, that is something to make note of. We did a great job of developing the sleepy town of Whistler into one of the greatest ski destination on earth. Way to go Canadian entrepreneurship and Intrawest. I remember the negativity of Vancouver people who felt Whistler could never be like Colorado skiing.
When development began there was the nay sayers that said that Whistler snow was too wet and heavy and that we did not get the sunny days like Colorado or Utah. Well there goes the neighborhood as Whistler has proven to be the greatest ski resort in North America and now part of Vail.
The second most important change is the closure of Kenmark Ski Shop. The owner Ken East had been struggling with cancer for many years and succumbed in January 2017. He seemed a bit unhappy when I tried to gave him a copy of my book Ski Zen Love to read, I guess he had bigger problems. Unfortunately, they were not able to sell the business and keep its good name alive. Skiis and Bikes has graciously offered to step up an honor any of the kids program deals. It is very honorable the way Skiis and Bikes shows respect for their competitor of many years. Kenmark was a great place to test your skis before you buy and had a regular demo program at Mount St. Louis. Hope you are in a better place now Ken.As we age we grow spiritually but decline physically. Enjoy the now.
The last item was a new ski travel company initiated by a young Australian entrepreneur. A bus will pick you up in Calgary and take you on a route through the rockies based on your design. Watch out for this young entrepreneur.
It is now December 6, and not a drop of snow in Ontario. Climate change is stronger than ever, so consider your carbon footprint with all that you do. Drive less, bike more, take transit eat less meat, use water efficient toilets and consider alternative energy sources.
Look forward to another great season of skiing ( if it ever gets cold enough).
The Adventure Guy
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