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: In early February 1986, “No Camping” signs were posted in the day skier lots and bylaw officers began placing notices on windshields advising people that camping there was no longer permitted. According to the municipality, the opening of the KOA, the valley’s first official campground, meant that the RMOW would be stricter in its enforcement of camping regulations. Other popular camping spots at the time were the VIP lot next to the Keg building and the parking lot at the gondola base (today’s Creekside).
Question: What do you think of the new “No Camping” regulation in the parking lots?
Herman Wilken – Businessman – Seattle
I ski all over Washington and Oregon and every area has overnight parking. They’re going to turn away a lot of people. We spend a lot of money on motor homes for convenience and the little bit lost on rooms is probably more than made up in spending at shops and restaurants. If they’re down the road it’s a problem. We need to be within walking distance of the skiing.
Tandy Terry – Law Student – Edmonds, WA
If you had no camping in other areas it would be different, but you kind of expect it. Most ski areas in Washington have parking lots for overnight camping within walking distance of the skiing. We got a notice in the first (day skier) lot yesterday and went to the KOA, but found it inconvenient. It’s kind of annoying, kind of deceiving because we saw RVs in here despite the No Camping signs.
Victoria Vadnais – Self-employed – Renton, WA
I don’t like the notices. To me it sounds unlike a south-western Canadian and more like someone from Big Apple. They could have given us an option. We have a motorhome because we like the convenience of being next to the ski area. We might as well got to Baker. They’re trying to make something survive, but they’re going to lost customers. Convenience is the main concern.