Local Vibe
Giving you the inside information on what’s happening, what’s fun, and what’s new in Whistler.
Story by Katherine Fawcett
Local Lingo
Your Guide to B.C. Mountain Biking Slang
Whistler is a mountain biking mecca, a bucket-list experience for riders from all over the world. The dirt here is loamier than your grandma’s garden and the bikes can cost more than your car. But before you drop into O Sin and let gravity have its way, you'll want to brush up on the local biking lingo.
Here’s your essential (and very unofficial) glossary of B.C. mountain biking slang — Whistler edition. Thanks to the guys at Spicy Sports for their expertise and translations!
Send It
Verb. To go big, fast, and hard. Do something reckless with maximum confidence and minimal forethought. (Formerly known as Give ’er).
Caution: May result in hospitalization, high-fives, or both.
“You’re gonna hit Crabapple Hits on your first day? Buddy, SEND IT.”
Loam/A Loamer
Noun. Hero dirt. Moist, rich, decadent soil that grips like Velcro and smells like happiness. Loam is sacred. Treat it with respect.
“Bro, that new trail in Creekside was a loamer yesterday. Unreal.”
Tech
Noun/Adjective. Short for “technical.” Rocky, rooty, off-camber terrain where gravity has opinions and your brakes are merely suggestions. If someone says, it’s “spicy tech,” just assume you’re about to meet several trees personally.
“Girl, that line down Duffman is proper tech.”
Sketch/Sketchy
Adjective. Dangerous, unpredictable, unreliable, or held together with zip ties and good wishes.
“I rode that North Shore ladder feature — it was super sketch.”
Brake Bumps
Noun. The spine-rattling ripples of dirt formed by thousands of terrified riders slamming their brakes before every feature or turn. Pro tip: Ride faster.
“My fillings fell out from the brake bumps on A-Line.”
Trail Karma
Noun. Cosmic mountain biking justice. Earned by digging trails, letting faster riders pass, or sacrificing a tube to the gods of flat tires.
“You dropped a Clif bar wrapper on the trail? No wonder your derailleur exploded. That's trail karma!”
Gnar
Noun. Short for “gnarly.” Used to describe anything extreme, difficult, or top-shelf cool. “Mega gnar” and “ultra gnar” are amped-up versions that imply a genuine lack of fear.
“Dude, that chute was so gnar.”
Après
Noun. The sacred ritual of consuming beer, nachos, and ttelling all tales after a day on the trails. Required gear: helmet hair, bruises, a bit of a stink, and a story that starts with “seriously, I was this close to landing it…”
“I almost died on Dirt Merchant. Let’s après at RMU/Longhorn/Handlebar.”
Whether you’re here to cruise the easy green trails or huck body and bike off massive doubles like a caffeinated goat, Whistler’s got a ride for you — and a whole dialect to go with it. So, gear up, get dirty, and remember: When in doubt, just check that your GoPro is on and send it!
Story by Bronwyn Preece | Images by Joern Rohde
Whistler Farmers' Market
Every Sunday until Oct. 12, the Upper Village is transformed by the colourful offerings and energy of the Whistler Farmers’ Market. Canopied tents burst forth with seasonal fruits and vegetables; scintillating aromas emanate from local food trucks and vendors; live music carries through the air; and the handmade crafts and original art from creative artisans offer something not only for every appetite, but every aesthetic. It is a weekend “must” for visitors and locals alike.
“All products sold at the market must be made, baked, grown, raised, caught, or wild-harvested by the vendor,” explains Market Manager Bree Eagles. The market — open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — offers “a welcoming space where the community and visitors can connect directly with the people behind the products.”
The Whistler Farmers’ Market is a local institution, having operated for more than 30 years, showcasing local/B.C. farmers, producers, artisans, and food-and-beverage vendors. It has grown “from a small cluster of vendors to [an] experience that welcomes around 130 over the season, with 70 participating on any given market day,” Eagles says.
Visit some of our favourites like French’eese Whistler for the delicious, authentic flavours of their Raclette cheese baguette sandwich, melty grilled cheese on sourdough and more; Whistler Wood Fired Pizza to get your favourite pie straight out of the oven; Sargent Poppers Kettle Korn to satisfy your sweet-and-savoury popcorn cravings, and enjoy their refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade; or Frostbites Syrup Co. to beat the heat with a shaved ice cone topped with their all-natural craft syrups… just to mention a few!
Whistler Farmers' Market and B.C. farmers' markets in general have an important story to tell: these markets aren’t just about fresh tomatoes and artisan sourdough - they’re vibrant community spaces that connect neighbours, support small-scale farmers and food makers, and help build a more resilient local economy. B.C.’s farmers’ markets contribute more than $232 million to the local economy and generate positive ripple effects for surrounding businesses. You can find a market near you by visiting bcfarmersmarkettrail.com.
The British Columbia Association of Farmers' Markets invites you to take part in their new five-step challenge initiative.
Visit bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/summerchallenge to learn more.
The market serves as a vital connector, playing many roles in the community, from economic and cultural to social and environmental. Sustainability is prioritized with an active zero-waste initiative facilitated by the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE). In addition, “the market supports important community programs and food accessibility. In 2024, through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (a province-wide program administered by the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets) in partnership with Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), nearly $24,000 in fresh food was distributed to Whistler's community members in need.” Eagles continues . “On top of that, many vendors donate products weekly to the local Food Bank, reinforcing the market’s deeper social impact.”
People are encouraged to extend their visit beyond the market by checking out the surrounding shops and patios, making memories with the kids in the Family Adventure Zone, or heading up the Blackcomb Gondola and riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (with a freshly bought picnic!).
Story by David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
Hosts with the Mostest
For nearly 20 years, resort guests in need of help with wayfinding, activities, services, and dining options — or just interested in meeting smiling, helpful Whistler locals — have had a ready resource in the heart of Whistler Village.
The Village Host program, run by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and funded entirely through the B.C. government’s Municipal and Regional District Tax, has so far helped more than 3 million people, most of whom stopped by the organization’s kiosk near Village Square, according to Coordinator Cathie Wood.
Its precursor, launched in 2004 just after Vancouver-Whistler were awarded the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, then called iHost, was operated jointly by the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee, the RMOW, and Tourism Whistler. The project helped some 10,000 visitors during the pilot period. RMOW Council approved Village Host in 2005, and it launched in 2006.
Approximately 80 dedicated and friendly volunteers work at the booths for three hours at a time.
“It’s a personal, face-to-face service that aims to help people get answers to all manner of questions,” Wood said. “We try to be a conduit to help people find things they need.”
Since it began, the program has done more than just provide information. Wood said Village Hosts have helped reunite children who became separated from their families. Occasionally, the assistance goes even further than that.
In December 2024, Highway 99 was closed by a landslide near Lions Bay. Three young German snowboarders who had been staying in Vancouver approached the booth for help.
“The volunteer that they talked to herself has sons who are only a little bit older than them, and she took them home, fed them, and put them up for the night,” Wood said. “Before they left, [the visitors] shoveled their driveway.”
For the past few summers, the RMOW has also operated a Bike Host program that aims “to enhance the resort experience on trails and in our parks, ensuring that visitors’ expectations are consistently met and exceeded,” according to a program description.
Village Host welcomes new volunteers.
For information, contact Wood at 604-935-8478 or email or visit whistler.ca.
Story by Bronwyn Preece | Images by Joern Rohde
Musical Vibes in the Plaza
This season’s Whistler Summer Concert Series features 13 evenings of outdoor, free music, on stage at Olympic Plaza. Running until the end of August, the series lineup is packed with celebrated Canadian and international touring artists. The outdoor shows take place every Thursday and Friday, with a pause for the Crankworx Whistler mountain bike festival in mid-August.
The annual event, produced by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), began shortly after the Olympics and “has grown into a professionally produced celebration of music and mountain culture — bringing together visitors and locals alike in a uniquely Whistler setting,” producers said. The venue is wheelchair accessible, conveniently located near parking, transit, free bike valet, and is family-friendly. Each evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with an opening live DJ, and the headliners hit the stage at 7:30 p.m.
The concert series is funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Municipal and Regional District Tax (hotel tax) program. This year’s focus “celebrates the power of live music with a diverse mix of genres from indie and soul to folk, funk, and beyond. With exciting new discoveries and the return of fan favourites, the series promises another unforgettable soundtrack to summer in the mountains,” the producers said.
Artists this year include Bahamas, Sam Roberts Band, Moontricks, Chantal Kreviazuk, 54•40, Hollow Caves, and many more.
With the RMOW celebrating its 50th anniversary, this year’s iteration of the Summer Concert Series promises to be extra special. Each show will bring its own energy and vibe — “families dancing on the lawn, visitors discovering new favourites, and unforgettable sunsets framing it all,” producers said.
Bring your blanket and your best grass-dancing shoes! Check out the full lineup at whistler.com/concerts.