Whistler is a Snowboarder’s Paradise

Professional snowboarder Tadashi Fuse tells you what you can do in Whistler, British Columbia while you’re in between boarding runs.

Tadashio Fuse Bio

Brief bio, occupation: My name is Tadashi Fuse, and I’m a 30-year-old professional snowboarder originally from Japan. Some of my sponsors include Burton Snowboards and Red Bull. I also produce and direct films about snowboarding. http://www.heartfilms.com

Length of time in city: I’ve lived in Whistler on and off since 1999.

Eat & Drink

Favorite high-end restaurant:

Sushi-ya
230-4370 Lorimer Road
It’s not super high end, but it is my favorite restaurant in Whistler. Yama-san and Rob make the best sushi in Whistler!

Best deal restaurant:

Most restaurants offer great deals in the off-season.

Best street food:

Zogs Dogs,
4340 Sundial Crescent
It’s right outside Showcase, the snowboard store. They have tasty hot dogs and they also sell Beavertails, a fried pastry unique to Canada.

Best bar:

Brewhouse
4355 Blackcomb Way
In addition to their good chicken wings, they also have four in-house brews as well as seasonal specialty beers.

Read

Best magazine stand:

IGA Supermarket
4360 Lorimer Road inside the Marketplace
I usually read and buy magazines at the supermarket.

Shop

Best boutique:

Stuntwood
7-40437 Tantalus Road, Garibaldi Highlands, British Columbia
It’s my favorite skateboard shop! Skateboarder Mike Quesnel opened the shop a year and a half ago, so the kids in Squamish had a place to hang out and buy cool skate and snowboard stuff.

Sightsee

Favorite art space/gallery/museum:

Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
They always have really nice touring exhibitions. Catch Kutlug Ataman’s video installation from February to May 2008.

Favorite outdoor space:

Whistler Valley Trail
It’s a great place to spend the entire day. You’ll lose track of time.

Best touristy thing to do:

Snowboarding on Whistler, of course! My favorite trail is Peak to Creek. I like this trail when there is powder because I can literally ride from the top of Whistler to the bottom and feel the burn on my legs! There are pillows, trees, cliffs, jumps, moguls, a border-cross-style course just to get out—the whole nine yards!  Don’t get lost though, or you will need to get helicoptered out!  Also, if you want to ride the expert area of Blackcomb Park, you will need a special pass and don’t forget your helmet.

Things that only locals do, or know about:

There are beautiful lakes hidden all over Whistler. Stumbling upon them is like uncovering a secret. I also enjoy going to the indoor skate park in the Creekside underground. It was converted to a skate park from an underground parking lot due to the large number of skaters who would come here illegally.

The must-see thing in your city:

Black bears! They’re everywhere! But watch out, they might try and get into the food in your cooler.

Events

Best events in each season?

New Year’s Eve is the best event of the year. In the spring, the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival has arts, music, and the best freeskiers. Crankworx, the freeride mountain bike festival, and the Red Bull Elevation, a BMX competition, are both pretty crazy in the summer. And every November you can sample good eats and great wine at Cornucopia. You can also learn some new recipes from acclaimed chefs.

Tips

Best website for local info:

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com
I check this site for weather conditions every morning before I go up to the mountain. They also list local events and tips for planning your trip to Whistler. Don’t forget to sign up for lessons!

Anything else you want to mention?

I want everybody to know how beautiful this town is! There are so many people who love sports and enjoy the outdoors. Everybody can have an awesome experience here.