Tickets are on sale now for the 4th annual UBC Thunderbirds Winter Classic and they are sure to sell out! Enjoy action on the ice along with a festival atmosphere at the UBC Thunderbirds’ largest ever hockey game.
UBC Thunderbirds Winter Classic
Where: Thunderbird Arena at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
When: January 19th at 7:00pm (doors open 5:00pm)
Tickets: Available online now.
The UBC Thunderbirds Men’s Hockey Team will take on Lethbridge for this exciting event. Come early for the pre-game festival on the arena concourse (continues throughout game play). In addition to the main event hockey game, your ticket gets you access to:
- Outdoor festival zone in front of arena
- Live music & DJs
- Hockey skills games
- Mechanical bull
- Mascot hockey game during first period break
- Surprise 2nd period break show
- Lots of giveaways & prizes
- Face painting & poster making stations
- Food & drinks
Thunderbird Alumni can book a suite experience. You can skip the lines and enjoy the Alumni Blue Zone with great swag, upgraded private bar and concession, hosted snacks and exclusive seats for just $20.
Guest post contributed and written by Jen Murtagh..
Whistler for Beginners: Learning to Ski as an Adult
As a child of Irish immigrants, skiing wasn’t exactly at the top of our family activity list growing up, and although a classic Canadian tradition, I never felt like I was missing out. That all changed when I got to high school and my circle of friends seemed to spend every other weekend on a mountain. I was asked to join numerous times but always felt sheepish (actually downright embarrassed) that I hadn’t learned to ski.
In college, my FOMO reached an all-time high and I agreed to join a big ski trip with friends and overcome my fear. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time on my backside and was on the receiving end of one too many good spirited jabs from my friends to endear me enough to continue the sport. I decided I was fine with partaking in apres ski, cute toque and all and simply enjoying the clear, crisp mountain air. For years I have enjoyed coming to Whistler and hiking, snowshoeing, tubing and just being away from the city.
This year I felt something shift for me. I’ve realized that it’s been fear of failure that has been holding me back from learning to ski and I’ve decided my word for 2018 is going to be CHALLENGE. So I booked two days of skiing lessons and rentals in Whistler and accepted my internal challenge to get outside my fear bubble.
Whistler Blackcomb Snow School is regarded as one of the best ski and snowboard schools in North America and they offer a variety of lessons from first time skier to expert. I showed up to my lesson at the base of Whistler Mountain full of trepidation and a bit of skepticism. Was I really going to learn to ski in one or two days? Was it going to be me and a bunch of kids? As other adults began to show up I chatted nervously with a woman who was downright petrified, which actually made me feel a little better!
Our ski group resembled the United Nations with an American, Malaysian and Brit. Our instructor Rob had a lengthy 33 year skiing history and was a previous ski patroller. Nothing like having a leader with industrial first aid to guide you, just in case!
We skipped the gondola line-up and fast tracked up to mid-station on Whistler Mountain. The impressive and expansive learning area was full of every age group. To be honest, the four year olds might be the most terrifying part of the mountain as they go whizzing by you with no poles, or fear for that matter.
Before we hit the bunny hill, Rob walked us through a warm up and fundamentals of positioning. After much practice, we graduated to the magic carpet which guides you a little further up the hill so you can start putting your new techniques into action. We were moving from a V (snowplow position) into turns quite quickly and moved along to the “fantastic carpet” which is a little further up the hill. The learning area overall is not steep so you have ample opportunity to practice without picking up too much speed. I felt completely at ease as I looked around, marvelling at all the adults on the hill learning how to ski later in life, many of them in their 50s and 60s.
The lesson gave me the confidence and techniques I was looking for and the trepidation I was feeling earlier in the morning dissipated quickly into my lesson. Being out in the mountain air, surrounded by the beauty of Whistler with so many others gave me the sense of belonging to a real community and by day two, I was proudly able to glide down some green runs on my skis (and not my backside!) I am now looking into purchasing my own skis and will be returning to Whistler soon. Challenge accepted 2018!
Where to Après
Après-ski is a must. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ at the bottom of Whistler Creekside is a local’s favourite. Their ridiculously delicious nacho platters, beer specials and lively bands (check out The Hairfarmers) make this my must visit once your legs get too tired for any more runs.
If you’re skiing Blackcomb, give The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler a try – apparently they have a child-minding room.
For Dinner
Once you wake up from your post Apries-Ski nap, check out Hy’s Steakhouse for dinner. Located in the heart of Whistler village, Hy’s has been voted “Best Steak” by Whistler’s Pique Newspaper and recently received ‘Best Server’ award as well. Their extensive cocktail list, Canadian prime steaks and mouth-watering seafood choices never disappoint. My personal favourites include their famous cheese bread, sautéed prawns and seared jumbo scallops.
One of our new favourite travel activities is joining in on a cooking class, where we can meet locals and learn to cook with ingredients from the region we are visiting. John and I have participated in classes in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory and most recently in Ottawa. It wasn’t until this past Christmas season though that I took my first cooking (baking) class in Vancouver, and it was delightful!
Cooking Classes with Tartine & Maple
Every year since my niece was born, my sister, mother and I have met before the holidays to do a big cookie bake. Sugar cookie dough is prepared, warm aromas waft from the oven, and we decorate with icing, sprinkles, and cheer. This year we were all so busy that when Valentine Kitamura of Tartine & Maple sent me her usual monthly event listings, I had a bright idea.
Valentine was hosting a series of cookie baking classes at The Uncommon Cafe where they prepare the dough, we roll and cut it, they bake it, we decorate it (after getting some pro tips) and we get to take all of our scrumptious treats home. It was the perfect solution for our little group of busy women.
Valentine offers a wide array of cooking classes, often with seasonal themes, and The Uncommon Cafe is a charming venue. You can participate as a couple or group, or individually, and learn how to make delicious sweet or savoury entrees, appies, snacks, or entire meals.
People tend to gather in the kitchen during parties and events, snacking, chatting, pouring a glass of wine and catching up with friends and family. Tartine & Maple‘s classes provide this same atmosphere — and you won’t have to do any of the dishes!
Check out their upcoming events:
Make Brioche
January 17, 2018 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street
Easy Moroccan Vegetarian Dinner
January 21, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tout Lake Community Centre, 3350 Victoria Drive
French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pâtés
January 24, 2018 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Uncommon Cafe, 477 Powell St
Chocolate Lover’s Ultimate Class – Desserts for Valentine’s
February 1, 2018 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Kensington Community Centre, 5175 Dumfries Street
Eclairs and Cream Puff – Valentine’s Special
February 4, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Tout Lake Community Center, 3350 Victoria Drive
Valentine’s Couples Cooking Demo & Dinner
February 10, 2018 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Uncommon Cafe, 477 Powell St
Valentine’s Couples Cooking Demo & Dinner
February 14, 2018 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Uncommon Cafe, 477 Powell St
Follow Tartine & Maple on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about upcoming events and classes.
Wondering where to recycle your Christmas Tree this season? Bring your live cut Christmas trees to one of these Lower Mainland locations for chipping, and support a great local cause while you’re at it! Remember to remove all the tinsel and decorations from your tree.
Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Surrey
Central City Tree Chip for Charity
Where: Central City Shopping Centre (East lot off King George Blvd)
When: Sunday January 7, 2018 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Details: By Donation via the Surrey Central Lions Club, supporting the Surrey Food Bank.
Christmas Tree Chipping and Bottle Drive For Youth.
Where: Emmanuel Covenant Church (17029 16 Ave)
When: Saturday, January 6 from 10:00am to 4:00pm & Sunday, January 7 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Details: By donation, proceeds supporting the youth.
Christmas Tree Chipping and Bottle Drive in North Surrey
Where: North Surrey Secondary (15945 96 Ave)
When: Saturday, January 6 & Sunday, January 7 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Details: North Surrey Secondary will be set up and accepting donations in exchange for tree chipping services. Donations will benefit North Surrey Secondary’s 2018 Dry Grad fundraising committee. They will also gladly accept bottles during the weekend as part of the bottle drive.
The Surrey Tree Chip
Where: Guildford Town Centre (105 Ave & 150 St)
When: Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Surrey Fire Fighters will be on hand to chip your tree for a donation going to the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society.
The Surrey Tree Chip
Where: Guildford Town Centre (105 Ave & 150 St)
When: Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Surrey Fire Fighters will be on hand to chip your tree for a donation going to the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society.
Langley
Where: Willowbrook mall parking lot (19705 Fraser Hwy)
When: Saturday, January 6 & Sunday, January 7 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Details: By Donation. Proceeds to Brian Thornburn and Ride2Survive.
Vancouver
Christmas Tree Recycling at UBC Botanical Garden
Where: UBC Botanical Garden (6804 SW Marine Drive)
When: On now until January 8, 2018 from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Details: Suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. Drop off your tree at UBC Botanical Garden. Follow the signs and place your tree behind the orange posts. They will be chipped into mulch and used on garden trails. No yard trimmings – invasive plants from other areas can harm the Garden. Proceeds support Thunderbird Elementary School’s vulnerable students who have few other opportunities to learn about gardening.
Where: Riley Park (50 E 30 Avenue)
When: Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Details: By Donation. Proceeds to Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (Riley Park Garden Club)
Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Recycling
Where: Kerrisdale Community Ice Rink parking lot (5670 East Boulevard, north of West 41st)
When: Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Donations of cash and non-perishable food items are welcome and will be distributed to local charities.
Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Recycling
Where: Kitsilano Beach parking lot (Cornwall Ave & Arbutus)
When: Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Donations of cash and non-perishable food items are welcome and will be distributed to local charities.
Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Recycling
Where: Sunset Beach upper parking lot (Beach Ave & Broughton)
When: Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Donations of cash and non-perishable food items are welcome and will be distributed to local charities.
Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Recycling
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre parking lot (3360 Victoria Drive)
When: Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Donations of cash and non-perishable food items are welcome and will be distributed to local charities.
You can also set out your tree out for collection. Christmas trees will be collected city-wide in Vancouver the weekend of January 13 and 14, 2018.
Set it out before 7:00am on Saturday, January 13, 2018, on its own and lay it on its side. Do not put your tree inside your Green bin. Do not bag or bundle your tree. This is also a leaf collection weekend so residents may also set out their leaves in paper yard waste bags or store-bought bins.
North Vancouver
Tree Chip for North Shore Rescure & Covenant House
Where: Westview Shopping Centre parking lot (2601 Westview Dr)
When: Saturday, January 6 & Sunday, January 7 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Details: In support of Covenant House Vancouver and North Shore Rescue. There will be coffee, free car wash and oil change coupons, thousands of dollars of tree service coupons, a fleet of rescue trucks and tree trimming trucks, as well as give always and other info to learn more about supporting the community and staying safe in the beautiful north shore mountains. Sponsored by Vancity Credit Union, Mr.Lube, Bean Around the World, the District of North Vancouver, Ashton Fisher Real Estate, the North Shore News among others and put on by Western Tree Service and North Shore Rescue.
Christmas Tree Chipping
Where: Larson Elementary (2605 Larson Rd)
When: Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Details: Bring your Christmas tree for chipping (by cash donation) to Larson Elementary and drop off your bottles/cans and let them do the recycling. All funds raised will support year-end activities for the Larson Grade 7 class.
Scout Tree Chip Up
Where: Parkgate Village Shopping Centre (3650 Mt Seymour Pkwy)
When: Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Details: Christmas Tree chip up by donation. All proceeds go to Scouts program in the local community.
Know of any more events? Please leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the list.
