WHISTLER.

I used to make riding in Whistler an annual winter ritual. The first time I ever went to Whistler, the conditions were EPIC. It was like heaven on earth. Then I proceeded to go about 5 more years in hopes of capturing that feeling and never did. In fact, I was usually met with poor snow conditions, high prices in lift tickets/hotels and too much overcrowding...especially since they announced the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held there.
But I recently took a trip back with Hiroshi to product test some new designs we are working on as well as meet with FYI. FYI is a 2-person team that basically designs and develops most of the Burton AK Collection. The operation they have is incredible. They have a house in the middle of nowhere (Pemberton) that serves as their factory, sample room, design studio and home. It's just Tom, Susanne, P-nut and hundreds of acres of mountain to ride. Pretty much the ideal conditions to test top of the line snowboard equipment.


Susanne and Tom...founders of FYI...thanks for your great hospitality and education. I learned a lot these past couple of days.


P-Nut. Executive Producer.


In the middle of nowhere...and all of a sudden, this haven for design, science, technology and snow. So dope....its honestly what every designer would want, but doesn't have the balls to actually do. Me included.


The laboratory. Where water and wind have no chance of survival.


AK in the mAKing.


GD from Burton, HF and Tom showing us around the compound. Really spectacular and stunning views everywhere you look.


The view from their treehouse. Pretty damn high up!


Don't know many people who have one of these in their home. A Goretex machine...capable of making taped waterproof seams in the comfort of your own home! Damn, if I had this all my boxers would have taped seams.


Ever seen a NoBoard? Well now you have. Could this ridiculousness be the next level of snowboarding? I'll let you try and you can let me know. I ain't that stupid.


Hiroshi inspecting some fabrics using the Pentax microscope. A very hard to find instrument nowadays.


Susanne and Qoo...AK wonder twin powers!


Ended that night with dinner with the crew and Alan...who is the self proclaimed Mayor of Whistler. (Seen here with Greg D/Burton). This man has been thru a lot and see even more. Great dinner (like my Flintstone-sized piece of meat?) and great company. Alan had us thoroughly entertained the entire night.