I used to be a weekend warrior-- getting up early Saturday to head to the mountains, not to return to the city until late Sunday evening. I spent a lot of time in Whistler and I thought I knew what was up. And then I moved here.
Most people think life in Whistler is just shredding all day, eating nachos all evening and bar hopping all night. Actually, that’s pretty accurate. But there are a few things nobody told me about living in a ski resort town.
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In a Ski Resort Town, Things Don’t Cost Money
I came from a lifestyle that was centred around money: how much you made, how hard you worked to get it, and how quickly you saved it up in order to buy a (house, car, boat, whatever).
Then I discovered the magic that is Whistler Currency. Those in the know don’t pay for things, they trade. You receive an unbelievable amount of free stuff, and you give it back in whatever way you can: baked goods (my specialty), oil changes, free cab rides, gear tuning, drinks, you name it. It gives me a very warm everyone-is-looking-out-for-each-other vibe and is surprisingly effective.
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In a Ski Resort Town, Nobody Has a Mom
We come from far and wide (mostly Australia and Ontario), but very few among us were actually born and raised in our sweet resort municipality. Most of us can’t bring our laundry home, drop in for Sunday dinner, or crash on the couch when we have a flu wait for mum to make us some soup.
When everyone is an orphan, something very neat happens: your friends become your family. Whoever has the biggest dining room table will host a holiday dinner, your roommate folds your laundry ( 
) and when the thought of leaving your bed sounds as daunting as climbing Everest, a buddy will appear out of nowhere with some flat ginger ale and popsicles.
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In a Ski Resort Town, Hitchhiking is Normal
In my sheltered, suburban youth, the term hitchhiking conjured up two images in my head: hippies in the 60s and crazy dangerous people. Here, it is a normal transportation method, right up there with bus, cab or bike riding. Miss the bus? Ain’t no thang, stick up your thumb. I admit that I am still learning to grow comfortable with the concept of hitchhiking. My mom will be grateful to hear that I have not partaken in any hitchhiking transactions, save for one ride from a mother with her children on Bowen Island.
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In a Ski Resort Town, You're a Permanent Host
Imagine being the guy who plays Mickey Mouse at Disney World. That's how living in a ski resort town can sometimes feel.
There is something positively delightful about living in a place where people choose to spend their most precious and valuable vacation time. But, especially if you work in hospitality or in a role where you interact with tourists regularly, playing host can be intense. It's like hosting a never ending dinner party-- you want the house to be spotless and the meal to be perfect without it looking like you're really working all that hard-- but sometimes, you just want to put on your sweatpants and order pizza.
One nice thing about living and working in a vacation destination is that when you eventually go somewhere on holidays, it feels soooo good to have others waiting on you. Bask in that, locals.
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In a Ski Resort Town, Nobody Ever Gets Old
The 70 year olds out here look younger than 40 year olds everywhere else on this planet. Who knew that the great outdoors, extreme sports and having fun was more effective than Botox? I’m going to put this one to the test, because I am never leaving THIS AWESOME PLACE!
