In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: On January 30, 1986, the Whistler Question published a letter from Doug Garnett that outlined his experience with the telephone snow report, or “Plastic Pam” offered by Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. He and his friends were promised fresh snow and great skiing by the recorded ski report in the morning and were then confronted by rain and sleet on the chairlifts, strong winds, low visibility, and no powder to speak of. The following week, Dennis Hansen and Bob Dufour (the marketing directors for Blackcomb and Whistler respectively) responded in a letter that addressed the concerns of Garnett and explained the delay between when conditions were monitored to when the report was recorded, which could lead to discrepancies due to the “fickle” nature of Whistler’s weather.
Question: What do you think of the telephone snow reports offered by the mountains?
Victoria Vanderkloot – Psychologist – Chatsworth, CA
The reports gave a less favourable picture of the snow conditions than what we actually found. We had the best day in the world at the top of Whistler Mountain. We’ve enjoyed ourselves so much. It was absolutely fantastic. We always come to ski in Canada because we find it more enjoyable than resorts in California.
Nigel Williams – Insurance Agent – Vancouver
It’s difficult to get through in the morning sometimes. They could use some more lines, but I’ve found them to be pretty accurate. Hell, if you ski a lot, you pretty well know what you’re going to find anyway.
Ross Smith – Chartered Accountant – Vancouver
I don’t find them that bad. Our kids went up skiing that day (Jan. 18) when it rained so hard and they certainly had an awful time. On days like that you should get a rain check – it was terrible. We know from experience that it can turn like that, but it must be discouraging to visitors. Basically I don’t think the reports are that bad.