Rider Spotlight: A Whistler Deep Dive with Gillian Andrewshenko
Gillian Andrewshenko remembers her first day on Whistler like it was yesterday, landing in the middle of the Telus Ski & Snowboard Festival in 2007, when the park was overflowing with perfect rails, down boxes, and triple-line jumps. It felt like stepping into a video game, and it's the energy that hooked her on the West Coast for good. Her go-to lap today runs from Mountain Bike Trails into a Red Chair hit lap, always tagging the classic Island "Oakley" hit. And when it comes to navigating Whistler crowds, Gill keeps it simple: jump into the singles line, fill the chairs, and make friends. "The people in line are sleepers"
If friends are coming to chase pow, Gillian doesn't hesitate: March is money. And when it gets brutally cold, she heads to the Peak Chair lineup with a Yeti full of tea, snacks, and an endless set of warm-up squats. She also spends plenty of time in the backcountry, taking advantage of Whistler and Blackcomb's extensive touring access, including single-upload tickets that cut hours off the approach. During the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, she recommends catching Intersection, the Pro Photo Showdown, and the 72-Hour Filmmaker Challenge - local, high-energy showcases she never misses.
Gear matters in Whistler, and Gill has her setup dialed.
PB: It's all about having the right gear in Whistler. Can you break down your current setup?
You gotta have the Gore-Tex. I love the outerwear and midlayer options from Mountain Hardwear and Arc'teryx. Dakine Gore-Tex mitts stay dry, warm, and durable. Smartwool socks and base layers. Airhole Laser facemask to keep my face warm and a Sandbox helmet to protect my noggin. Vans Viaje Range or Luna Pro Boots. Union Trilogy bindings or Burton Lexa EST bindings if I'm riding my channel boards. Endeavor Scout or Live snowboards in 148cm.
PB: It never hurts to have a quiver of boards for a big mountain like Whistler. What are your top picks for riding park, surfing pow, carving, hit runs, and everything in between?
For park, IMO you can't beat traditional camber boards. The Burton Blossom is tried, tested and true by the world's best (and me). If it dumps, then I like to ride camber between the feet with an early rise nose and I love a nice tail taper, boards like the K2 Passport and Endeavor Archetype swallowtail for bottomless days (two thumbs up). For fresh cord and carving, I mean has anyone done this better than Korua? And for lapping hits runs, I’m stoked on the Lib Tech Lib Rig by Austen Sweetin; speed, power, flow, say no more.
Off the hill, GIll's apres style is low-key and very her: ramen and sweet treats from Samurai Bowl in Creekside or Ohyama & Fuji Market in the Village. When asked to choose between Whistler and Blackcomb, she picks Whistler - but recommends heading to Blackcomb on storm mornings since the alpine usually opens first. Her secret stashes? The gladed zones on Blackcomb like Where's Joe and Yard Sale, and the park pow on Whistler that delivers soft rollers and fresh landing all day.
Gillian signs off with the same energy she rides: "I'll be there!"
