Being the first event in Whistler this event was all about gaining the local support from the snow community and spreading the Aloha spirit in a fun and challenging environment. The initial target was to have sixty women join together for the first event on Whistler Blackcomb and we are thrilled that we met and surpassed the goal with 70 women taking part in the first Aloha Downhiller. As we spread the word we can only imagine what it will become next year. The most pleasing aspect of this event was that the local community came together with so much hospitality and support which helped to make the event so successful on a number of levels.

On March 21sh, the sun came out and Hawaii was on the slopes! Women were smiling, learning, laughing, playing, wearing their hula skirts and bikini tops over their snow clothes… everything was perfect!

 

The Aloha Friday started as we all rode up the Whistler Gondola to the Roundhouse. Tatiana Howard lead out with a Hula infused warm up and addresses the Butterflies. “No matter where we are, we need to take time out of each day and BE in the moment, make time for yourself to fill up on that ‘Aloha Spirit’ so others may be able to go out in the town, work, office, etc. and share that with others making one more smile to another.”

The ladies rode and improved with different clinics and coaches. Midday they crossed the Peak to Peak gondola, had a lunch break, and rode on the Blackcomb mountain a bit before crossing back over and to the top of the Peak chair for the “Aloha Downhiller” (instead of the water downwinder). All the girls rode down like surfers on a wave. Hooting and hollaring out of pure excitement. They reached the Garibaldi Lift Co. for dancing and apre. The day ended at the relaxing Scandinave Spa for the ladies. Just right after a full day on the hill .

 

Julia Murray and Kelsey Rose were our Snowboard and Ski group leaders through the day, and we broke into smaller groups of different levels from beginners to advanced.

 

“I took part in the Butterfly Effect as a volunteer coach because I thought it is a great concept. ‘Effecting change one butterfly at a time’ is one way it was explained to me.

Through a silent auction and a percentage of dinner sales from Creekbread in Whistler, the Butterfly Effect raised $3573 for the much needed service of the Howe Sound Women’s Centre. The event also raised awareness about how domestic violence affects people’s lives and how the Howe Sound Women’s Centre is able to support women and children exposed to it.

It was a beautiful day to ski and board all over both mountains with a lively, fun group of ‘butterflies’!” Said Stephanie Sloan (Head Ski Coach for The Butterfly Effect Whistler)

 

“After year in the making the butterfly effect has now graced Whistler! It was such an amazing day on and off the hill with the butterfly effect in full force. It was such a great group of ladies and the positive vibe was infectious. I can’t wait for next year already! Thank you Tatiana for getting me on board with an awesome event.”

- Julia Murray (Local BE Organizer for Whistler and Lead Ski Coach)