Whistler 10 Reasons to go

Over two million people visit Whistler every year. It has been ranked Number 1 ski resort in North America by Skiing Magazine for 12 years in a row. I have been to Whistler snowboarding several times and never tire of the place. I love everything about the resort and here are 10 reasons why I love snowboarding in Whistler and why I think you will love Whistler too.

Reason 10 - Vancouver
The accessibility from Vancouver, one of the coolest cities in the World. Only 2 hours from the airport and the Sea to Sky road is a 2 hour journey you will never forget - truly unbelievable scenery!

Reason 9 - The 2010 Olympics
It’s going to be so cool to watch the downhill events on television and say, “Hey — I just rode that.” Check out the Official 2010 Olympics website

Reason 8 - The locals
Pique Magazine, the Whistler Question, local delicacies like Splitz Grill, the folks who staff the stores and hills - the friendly, party-like atmosphere of Whistler makes it a really enjoyable place to stay.

Reason 7 - New Peak to Peak Gondola
The Peak to Peak Gondola, opening 12th December 2008. I haven’t been on the thing, obviously, but holy crap — now you don’t have to travel all the way down one mountain and up another (usually at lunch). Now you can do both mountains easily.

Reason 6 - Awesome Snowboard Runs and Scenery
Seventh Heaven, Harmony Ridge, Peak to Creek - These have got to be some of the best snowboard runs in the world.

Reason 5 - Whistler Accommodations
Whistler has some simply stunning hotels including the Four Seasons, Fairmont and Westin Hotel and Spa. From the luxury to self catering options, everyone is catered for.

Reason 4 - Whistler Shopping
Whistler has so many cool snowboard shops such as Burton and Quiksilver that you will be spoilt for choice whether buying a new board, bindings or hand warmers...it's all here!

Reason 3 - Arrival Day
I find one of the most exciting times during a trip to Whistler to be the day I get there. Generally, its too late by the time I arrive to shred. I spend the evening in the village, maybe at a bar, just looking at the base of Whistler Mountain, giddy with anticipation.

Reason 2 - Apres Ski...or Snowboard!
From the giant heated patio at Longhorn’s to Seppo’s on top of Whistler Mountain to testosterone-filled locals’ nights at Buffalo Bills, there’s always something to do. The Whistler Guide lists the good and the bad, check it out.

Reason 1 - Huge Terrain for all Snowboard levels
8,100+ acres and more than 200 marked trails means no two days are alike, ever. Few places in the world compare to Whistler when it comes to snowboarding. With the most varied terrain in North America spread over two huge, side-by-side mountains, Whistler offers something for every level of rider, from total beginner to expert. Try out the terrain parks and half pipes, cruise down some perfectly groomed corduroy or rip down a tree run - no matter what you like to ride, Whistler can give you the big mountain experience you crave.

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Terje Haakonsen - Epic First Descent Video

Video of Terje Haakonsen going down 7601 on First Descent. Truly an amazing epic extreme snowboarding video. Those who think this video is fake, think again!

Terje Håkonsen, was born October 11th, 1974 in Vinje, Norway. Terje is a Norwegian snowboarder widely considered one of the most influential snowboarders of all time and was one of the sport's early icons.


Terje Håkonsen dominated freestyle snowboarding in the 1990s winning the ISF World Championships in half-pipe three times in a row, in 1993, 1995 and 1997. He has also won 5 European championships in half-pipe (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997), the U.S. Open in half-pipe 3 times (1992, 1993, 1995), and the Mt. Baker Banked Slalom 6 times (1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004). He also won the Innsbruck Air & Style Contest in 1995.


Terje Håkonsen set the world record for highest 'air' during the qualifying round of the Arctic Challenge in Oslo 2007 when he reached 9.8 meters out of the top of the quarterpipe with a backside 360.


He is the creator of an aerial snowboard maneuver named The Haakon Flip.

Håkonsen is also credited to have developed the T6, the world's first snowboard to be made out of a material named "Alumafly," an aluminum honeycomb construction and as a co-creator of the Burton Fish (a powder-specific board) and the Burton Malolo, a cross-breed between a freestyle and powder board.

He starred in the documentary First Descent, along with five other exceptional snowboarders, including Shaun White, Hannah Teter and Travis Rice.



Other films include The Haakonson Factor and Subjekt Haakonson by filmaker Dave Seoane.

In 2007 Håkonsen created a documentary series called Terjes Sesongkort (Terje's Season Pass) following him through a year of free riding, contests and his life as a professional snowboarder.

The series featured other accomplished snowboarders such as Nicolas Müller, Shaun White, Mads Jonsson and Kevin Pearce. Håkonsen has referred to the late snowboard legend Craig Kelly as his mentor.

Like Terje...check out more Terje snowboarding pictures and videos.

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