Tag: Willie Whistler

Marmots and the MountainMarmots and the Mountain

July 9, 2024 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

Before landing on the name “Whistler” the mountain was known by a few other names. Whistler Mountain was first known as Cwítima/Kacwítima by the Lil’wat Nation and Sk̲wik̲w by the Squamish Nation. In the 1860s, the mountain was named London Mountain by British Naval Surveyors because the thick fog coating the area was reminiscent of the foggy skies of London. The name didn’t stick because of the connotations from the dangerous smog London suffered as a result of coal burning. The name Whistler or Whistle was used to refer to the mountain unofficially as early as the 1920s, inspired by the Hoary Marmots that populate the mountain and the whistling sound they make when trying to alert friends that danger is near. The name was officially changed in the 1960s. 

Photo: Hike to Russet Lake. Photo of courtesy Cliff Jennings.

British Columbia is home to four species of marmots: the Yellow-Bellied marmot, the Vancouver Island marmot, the Woodchuck, and, of course, the Hoary marmot.  Only the Hoary marmot lives in Whistler. While the local marmots appear to love to hang out on the mountain, sunbathing and entertaining tourists, they actually spend six to eight months underground hibernating every year. Marmots dig twenty three foot deep hibernation burrows to spend their winters in. In the months they are not hibernating (March-September), these critters’ diet consists of berries, roots, mosses, lichen, grasses, and other plants. These furry friends generally live in colonies of ten to twenty and a group of marmots is often called a madness. Whistler’s favorite rodent also happens to be the largest breed of ground squirrel, weighing a whopping eight to twenty pounds! Luckily, marmots are protected by the BC Wildlife Act so we can count on keeping the mountain full of these adorable, friendly faces.

Photo: Half Note hike. Photo of courtesy Cliff Jennings

It is not a stretch to consider the hoary marmot the mascot of Whistler given that they are the namesake of the mountain and the town. Back in the 1980s, the Whistler Resort Association (today known as Tourism Whistler) even made it official. A contest was held to name the new marmot mascot and the winner, eight year-old Tammi Wick, chose the name Willie. Willie Whistler became an active community member, attending ski races, giving out awards, and entertaining locals and visitors alike. Willie Whistler the marmot served as a mascot at local events into the 1990s.

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games introduced a second marmot mascot to Whistler, this one named MukMuk. An official sidekick to the Olympic and Paralympic mascots Miga, Sumi, and Quatchi, MukMuk also represented the Tsleil-Waututh First nation, one of the four host nations of the 2010 Games.  While MukMuk was a great representative for Whistler’s marmot community, he was actually modeled after the Vancouver Island marmot rather than the Hoary marmots found in Whistler.

Photo: Willie Whistler, Whistler Question Collection, July 1982

Though Whistler currently has no official mascot, the hoary marmot still holds a special place in the heart of locals and visitors. If you are lucky, you may spot the community’s muse while hiking around Wedgemount Lake or riding up the gondola. Marmots have played an important part of Whistler’s past and will continue to be a part of our future.

Ella Healey is the Summer Program Coordinator at the Whistler Museum through the Young Canada Works Program.

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Circles of W’s and a Marmot Named WillieCircles of W’s and a Marmot Named Willie

December 19, 2023 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

In the 1980s and 90s, two trademarked symbols of the Whistler Resort Association (WRA, now doing business as Tourism Whistler) could frequently be seen around the town: a circle of W’s and a marmot named Willie Whistler.

The circle of W’s was originally developed for the Whistler Village Land Company (WVLC) in 1978 by Robert McIlhargey (an architectural illustrator) and his colleagues Dave Clifford and Lori Brown. The Whistler Village had not yet been built at the time, but the logo was soon in use around the valley, such as on signs at the Whistler Village site. In 1979, Don Willoughby and Geoff Power of Willpower Enterprises were given permission to produce 1,000 t-shirts using the logo as souvenirs of the World Cup race that didn’t end up going ahead on Whistler Mountain. Similarly, the WRA later allowed full-members, corporate supporters, and members-at-large to use the logo. Though they did charge for commercial use, it cost nothing for members to add the circle of W’s to to their business cards and signs.

Signs put up in the area of the Whistler Village site by the Whistler Village Land Company. Whistler Question Collection

Though the WVLC did not survive the recession of the early 1980s, the logo did and was used widely by the WRA. In the January 3, 1985 issue of the Whistler Question, the circle of W’s was referred to by Stew Muir as “the official Whistler insignia” and it had become so popular that the WRA was beginning to “clamp down” on its unofficial use by other parties.

Looking back on his work in 1985, McIlhargey described the concept behind the logo. The design team reportedly decided to work with a circle because it was “a neat and tidy way of doing a symbol.” According to McIlhargey, the result was ideal for a four season resort because “it could be winter or it could be summer. In one sense it’s a snowflake, and in another you see a sunburst.” For the typeface of any words beneath the W’s, they chose Frankfurter because “it’s friendly, soft and looks a bit like a cornice or snow.”

The W’s and Frankfurter fonts were used on many signs throughout Whistler. Whistler Question Collection

The design guidelines developed with the logo suggested that in the “best circumstances,” the logo would be red with a silver background; however, most people are probably more familiar with it in white against a contrasting background, such as the wood of highway and Village signs.

By 1985, the circle of W’s could be found on signs, turtlenecks, letterheads, and the t-shirt and hat of Willie Whistler. Willie Whistler was developed as the WRA’s mascot in 1981. The marmot was named by eight-year-old Tammi Wick in a naming contest (she won a Blackcomb season pass for her idea) and introduced to the public at the first Fall Festival. From then, Willie Whistler could be found at most events in the resort. The mascot was reportedly trademarked in order to “prevent a doll manufacturer from reproducing mini-Willies without permission.”

When listing ideas for dolls of Willie Whistler, suggestions included “Willie golfing, Willie playing tennis, Willie meeting Barbie,” and more. He did, in fact, do most of these things (or close to them) during his time as Whistler’s mascot. Willie Whistler golfed with Arnold Palmer, competed in ski races, presented awards, and met visiting celebrities and dignitaries, including touring the Village with then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his son Justin in 1982.

Willie Whistler poses in his WRA logo wear with a ski class on Whistler Mountain. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection

Both the circle of W’s and Willie Whistler were still in use into the 1990s, though Willie Whistler’s appearances were becoming less frequent. Today, the Willie Whistler costume has been lost to the landfill and both the logo and the name of the WRA have changed. You can still find circles of W’s throughout Whistler, however, whether on a few original signs in the Village (take a look up at the buildings on Skiers Approach), now-vintage clothing, or some bridges on trails throughout the valley. You can find more recent productions of the logo on mugs and shirts available at the Whistle Museum or, this past summer, on hats from the Whistler Golf Club to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

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Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the ‘First Annual Mascot Race’Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the ‘First Annual Mascot Race’

March 28, 2023 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games it was common to see mascots Quatchi, Miga and Sumi around, as well as their sidekick Mukmuk the marmot. However, before these mascots descended on Whistler a different marmot mascot ruled Whistler. That marmot was known as Willie Whistler.

The Whistler Resort Association (WRA) began operations in 1980 with the aim ‘to promote, facilitate and encourage the development, maintenance and operation of the resort land.’ The new mascot of the WRA, Willie Whistler, was introduced in 1981 to promote Whistler. The name ‘Willie Whistler’ was chosen through a competition for local children to ‘Name the Whistler Marmot’. Eight-year-old Tammi Wick won a Blackcomb season pass for choosing the winning name.

Willie Whistler with Ski Scamps on Whistler Mountain, February 1982. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation (WMSC) Collection.

Willie’s first big event was the Fall Festival, an event to celebrate the upcoming winter and bring life to the time of year still known as the ‘shoulder season’. Each day of the festival had a scheduled meet and greet with Willie Whistler so everyone could get a picture with the new mascot.

Mascots were so popular in the 1980s that the ‘First Annual Mascot Race’ was held on Blackcomb Mountain on March 26, 1983. The race was held as part of the Yukon Jack Challenge, which also saw the Pacific Western Pro Tour Finals race on upper Springboard and a ‘Hospitality Cup’ – where local hospitality staff were tasked with minimising spillage while carrying loaded trays through a challenging obstacle course.

Mascots making their way up Blackcomb Mountain for the First Annual Mascot Race in 1983. Whistler Question Collection..

There was no shortage of local mascots to compete in the Mascot Race. The Whistler Question did not mince words when discussing the popularity of suited figures. ‘Though Pro Tour racers are supposed to hold centre stage for the weekend, they just might lose it for a while to a herd of furred, feathered, and finned mammals who will ramble, scramble and swim their ways up Blackcomb Mountain to participate in the First Annual Mascot Race.’

‘Confirmed entries in this unpredictable contest include: Whistler’s own famous marmot, Willie Whistler; the race’s sponsor Yukon Jack; E. Bunny, the mystery rabbit, from Blackcomb Mountain; The Mountain Inn’s Delta Duck; the A&W Root Bear, Hemlock the friendly sasquatch; and Bee Bob the Beluga Whale from the Vancouver Aquarium. It will be strictly a case of survival of the fittest in that event.’

From left to right: Delta Duck, Moose, Bee Bob the Beluga, Willie Whistler, Yukon Jack, E. Bunny, Hemlock the sasquatch and A&W Root Bear. Whistler Question Collection.

Though the mascots featured on the front cover of the Whistler Question the following week, it is unclear who won the First Annual Mascot Race. We also could not find any evidence of the mascot race continuing annually.

Willie Whistler was always in the middle of the action greeting visitors, shaking hands with dignitaries, playing golf, skiing and presenting awards. After a busy life eventually it was only mice that wanted to be inside the mascot suit. Ultimately, Willie went the way of Dusty the Horse and finished up in the landfill.

Willie Whistler was popular with celebrities and dignitaries. Here Willie Whistler tees off with Arnold Palmer during the construction of the Whistler Golf Course in 1981. Whistler Question Collection.
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Welcoming Fall to WhistlerWelcoming Fall to Whistler

September 17, 2019 Whistler MuseumWhistler Museum 0 Comments

In may technically still be (and at times even feel) like summer, but for many people the beginning of September signals the beginning of fall.  While many people will have spent this weekend celebrating a certain beverage at the Whistler Beer Festival, in the 1980s this past weekend would have featured a celebration of the upcoming season with the Whistler Fall Festival.

The Fall Festival was first organized by the Whistler Resort Association (WRA, now known as Tourism Whistler) in 1981.  At the time, the Whistler Village was beginning to emerge from a craze of construction and Blackcomb Mountain was looking forward to its second season of operations.  There was a lot to celebrate in Whistler and the festival featured many of the growing community’s arts, crafts, sports, and activities.

The Fall Festival also included a Paint a Snowflake contest, leaving the fences around construction sites covered in snowflakes. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection.

One of the local characters showcased at the Fall Festival was Willie Whistler, the new mascot of the WRA.  Willie’s name came from a “Name the Whistler Marmot” contest for children in the area in which the winner, eight-year-old Tammi Wick, won a Blackcomb season pass.  The mascot was created to promote Whistler at local and other events and the Fall Festival, which included time each day to “Meet Willie Whistler,” was his first big event.

Willie Whistler takes a ride with Bo Bo the Clown during the Fall Festival in Village Square. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection.

The festival also featured local artists and artisans who demonstrated their crafts in the village, including pottery, fibre spinning, stained glass, and painting.  Performers over the weekend included acts such as Evan Kemp and the Trail Riders, the Alpini Band, and local favourite Doc Fingers, as well as dance performances and Bo Bo the Clown.

For visitors and residents alike, the Fall Festival offered different ways to see the Whistler valley.  Snowgoose Transportation offered free 50 minute bus tours, showing off everything from residential areas to the gondola base in Creekside to the Blackcomb daylodge.  To see the valley from above, participants could enjoy a flight from Okanagan Helicopters, take advantage of Blackcomb Mountain’s offer of free chairlift rides, or, subject to wind conditions, go up in Chuck Bump’s hot air balloon, billed at the festival as the “World’s Largest Hot Air Balloon.”

Evan Kemp and the Trail Riders perform in Village Square. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection.

Perhaps not surprisingly, sports and competitions also featured prominently at the Fall Festival.  Spectators could take in volleyball, Pro/Celebrity tennis matches that paired pro players with notables from politics, business, and media, a softball game between the Whistler Contractors Association and the Whistler A’s, or even a parachuting demonstration.  For those looking to compete, the Waiters Race challenged Whistler’s servers to run a timed obstacle course without spilling a drop, and the Labatt’s Great Whistler Water Race relay covered four lakes and the River of Golden Dreams through canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.

A softball game was fun for participants and spectators. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection.

Though the Fall Festival was primarily about showcasing Whistler, it also raised money for several different causes.  On the Sunday, Whistler hosted a run as part of the first national Terry Fox Run, raising over $7,600.  The proceeds from a beer garden hosted by the Whistler Athletic Society that evening were also donated towards cancer research.

Local causes benefited as well.  The WRA donated enough funds from the Village Centre beer garden to replace the snowmobile of the Alta Lake Sports Club that had been destroyed in a fire.  Umberto Menghi, who was then opening his new restaurant Il Caminetto, contributed to the festival by both providing the firework display for the Saturday evening and hosting a gala dinner at Myrtle Philip School to benefit the Whistler Health Care Society.

If you look really closely, Chuck Bump’s balloon also featured some advertising for local restaurants. Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation.

According to Glenda Bartosh of The Whistler Question, the first Fall Festival was about far more than raising money and generating revenue for the resort.  She reported that the festival “created laughter, high energy and a true appreciation of what Whistler is all about.”  The WRA must have agreed, as they continued to organize the Fall Festival for at least three more years.

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