The event was presented by Newschoolers, Alpine Initiatives, and generously hosted by Whistler Blackcomb.
The day began in Function Junction, where I was to retrieve a flagpole from the Momentum office.
The old one was twelve feet tall, Doug Bishop had explained.
We used to call it getting flagged, when you got to the top.
He was basically the nicest dude ever though, and an exceptional coach.
Chris Turpin, 1st Hit.
They talk a lot about doing backend services for a company that monetizes endemic clicks.
Virtually none have paid any attention to freeskiing in the last 8 or so years.
Unlike them, Doug has stuck around.
He can still hear the music, even if it sometimes drives him insane.
Skiing, in that way, will always deliver.
Not going anywhere: TJ Schiller, Olympic broadcaster, on the mic.
Katie Hitchcock and Jarred Martin enjoying beverages at back left.
Its hard to explain, but its the perfect place to be.
Every evening is a party, everybody is excited to be there.
The people just look good.
Theyre steeped in a seasons worth of shredding and hard work, they have got cause for celebration.
So it was a welcome tribute to JP that the Memorial played part in the wider WSSF week.
Without JP, thered be no freeskiing as we know it; and without Whistler, no mecca.
Doug and Peter Matlashewski
Kye Peterson, hoping to get flagged.
| Ilana Barkusky photo.
The session got underway around noon.
Chris Turpin, recently returned to B.C.
after a stint coaching in Chinas fledgling freeski program, graced the QP with the first of many handplants.
Tanner Rainville was there shredding, and KC Deane.
Parker White was killing it, that was awesome to see.
Kye Peterson, Stan Rey, Nick McNutt all threw down.
He says, its tight to be able to come out and get together.
Its just like shredding with the homies.
Which is cool, because there were more on hand today than just your ordinary crew.
| Ilana Barkusky photo
Picture Mike Douglas dropping in on the quarter pipe, around 2:00pm.
Rather, each guest just wanted to stay inside, to greet old friends and make new acquaintances.
Laps were taken, drinks were poured.
Time slowed just down, just for one lovely afternoon.
To be continued in part 2…
