Skipress - Index

Skipress - TWSSF Special Edition 2008 - Index

Photo: David McColm
Thumping. Sporadic but low-decibel thumps indicate a 6 a.m. start will
be mandatory. Fresh powder is ushered in by the deep arhythmic bassline
of avalanche-control bombs. Repetitive multilayered thumping, however,
suggests you’ve moved into the DJ Experience zone, an all-hours afterburner
that promises that Saturday 19 April will not end when the sun
goes down… but when it comes up again.
Heavy breathing. The sound of a sharp intake of breath followed by a
vocal exhalation that is half-sigh puts you amongst the 15,000-strong
crowd at the big-awe of Big Air. Combined with the heartbeat pounding
of drums and pyro going off, and an aural backdrop of wailing vocals, this
is the sound of a climax.
Rocking. Complex vibrations, melding drumbeats, guitar riffs and the
anthems of reggae, rock, hiphop and indie-funk turn the mountains into a
natural amphitheatre every day, when the likes of the John Butler Trio,
Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Trews, Julian Marley, Ill Scarlett, and Daniel
Wesley pound out the Outdoor Concert series’ daily 3 p.m. summons.
But neither the sounds nor the talent go gently into the good night once
dark falls. The Kokanee Freeride Series keeps the soundtrack pumping,
spread throughout Whistler’s epic night spots, where the tunes meld with
the clink of glasses and the non-stop buzz of club life conversations and
late-night bump’n’grinding.
Howling. You’re either moon-struck or singing along with the fat lady.
Our own correspondent, GD Maxwell, either in drag, or wearing an inukshuk
costume, has the honour of declaring post-Chairlift Revue, circa
11 p.m., Sunday 20, that the 13 th annual TELUS World Ski & Snowboard
Festival is now offi cially over.
Until next year.
Finger Eleven
Photo: David McColm
For a good seat, come early.
Oh. No seats.
Toots and the Maytals
The Festival’s goal:
No action goes
un-soundtracked.
Prevail prevail. So far.
THE TWSSF ISSUE 2008 23
Photos: TWSSF