The Infamous Whistler Opening day. There have been times where the line up for first chair has been 4 hrs long. This day of November 19th, 2010 was no exception. The line was a mile long if it was an inch. Most had to wait for hours in frigid conditions, but if you have enough opening day experience there are some shortcuts that one can take. Allow me to walk you through this:

5:00am: A line begins to form for first chair,  even though the lift doesn’t start until 8:45. I pay no attention to this, and proceed to enjoy my extra 3 hrs of precious sleep.
8:15am: I stroll into Showcase Snowboard Shop at this time to get my board waxed for the big day. My good man Brad inserts my board ahead of the lineup, and  gives it a quick once over.
8:20am: During the waxing, I walk to the front of the 3000 man line, and scan for someone/anyone I know. A friend, acquaintance, work mate… anybody.  I locate a group of 3 associates. I make eye contact, and give an unsuspecting nod. The “package” has been “marked”.
8:25am: I proceed to Starbucks where I purchase… nothing. Instead I fill two coffee cups full of water. Water is one of the only things in life that is free, for now anyway.
8:35: I return to Showcase Snowboards to retrieve my board. At this point the line has yet to move,  so I stay inside Showcase for 10 more minutes watching videos and keeping warm.
8:45: Cheering begins which means it’s go time, and the line starts to move. I race up to the front, where I spot my “mark”. I then casually slide into the line, handing off the coffee cups to two of my associates. By  posing as the “good friend” who ran over to get coffee for all,  no one will suspect a thing. They will assume you have been in the line the whole time.  Besides, at this moment the mob is focused on gathering their equipment and racing to the chair.  At this point you are home free.
8:50am: Viola! That’s how you get on one of the first rides up the lift for opening day at Whistler. That’s how you debate.

Note - It is imperative this form of attack only be performed solo. If you have so much as one other person with you, it will never work. The mob will surely eat you alive. Shred carefully my friends.

Trini.

Back to back Opening days, Mammoth to Whistler. Back to back boarding brosef.

Brad from Showcase hooks it up with a fresh wax.

This is one tenth the line. Gross.

Showcase, a great spot to stay warm.

Success!

It sure gets lonely at the top. Actually, Not at all. There is powder everywhere!