Usually, when spring takes hold of the interior, I flee to the Rockies. The decision to roll out to the Coast Mountains in the middle of April was counterintuitive, but I can’t picture myself anywhere else.

Winter’s last stand has turned the green light back on for shredding the goods. Bottomless bombholes and tracks in impossible places are a constant reminder that the best in the world reside here. It seems every time you crane your neck upwards, you see gnarlers getting serious amongst the rocks.

This town’s unique ski culture is showcased during the après ski activities. The filmmaker and photographer showdowns are the ski/snowboard community’s answer to haute couture art shows. And although I have mustard stains on my jeans, I don't feel at all out of place.
The Ski and Snowboard festival is well underway — hip hop heavyweights Jurassic 5 and Blackalicious are going to light up the stage this weekend. Where else other than Whistler can you ski down after a pow day and watch J5's Charlie Tuna flirt with the ladies between verses. It’s a fascinating mix between mountain living and metropolitan extravagance. I’ll likely make a few more sacrifices to keep myself balls deep in this springtime gift from Mother Nature.