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: From March 15 – 16, 1986, Whistler hosted the Molson World Downhill and Super GS. Reportedly, the weather and conditions for the downhill race were “perfect racing conditions on a sunny morning” and the race was won by Austria’s Anton Steiner. The course was the same as the 1984 race, but, unlike in 1984, there was no Winterfest that coincided with the race.
Question: What did you think were the high and low points of the 1986 World Cup in Whistler?
Tim Robertson – Bartender – Gondola Base
It went wonderfully, other than the fact that it wasn’t as busy as expected in the village, but I enjoyed that as well. I had a great time watching the race. It couldn’t have been a better World Cup.
Jeff Wuolle – Property Manager – Alpine Meadows
I think the media exposure was a phenomenal opportunity for Whistler. The race was very well run and the course was in great shape, a tribute to the Weasel Workers. I don’t know whether the event was what it could be. We should have given the festival society approach a second chance. There really wasn’t that much in the village to let you know what was going on. A festival society can work if you stay on top of it 12 months of the year.
Jim Cloutier – Self-employed – Alpine Meadows
I felt the opening ceremony was very poor. The skiers were waiting in the background to be introduced, and all we had was the president of Molson and Dave Murray. A lot of people took the day off from work to come and see it. The closing ceremony was definitely better, but they went to all that expense of setting up the opening ceremony and the only people who really benefitted were the Molson crew. They were great World Cup races and the weather was fantastic.