Mike Berard

What it takes to work in the ski industry

I wrote this while still working at SKIER magazine, and I am still in awe at the passion and the ingenuity it takes many of my comrades to maintain a living in this industry. This one goes out to all of you. I hope you kill it this winter and become as rich as Markewitz [...]

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Whistler Olympic Athlete Village and Whistler Aggregrate Asphalt Plant Proposal

A few days ago, I found out about a gravel pit and asphalt plant that is applying for a permit to continue operation after the Olympics. This operation (Whistler Aggregate) is right next door to my new home in Cheakamus Crossing, otherwise known as the Whistler Olympic Athlete Village. Naturally, I am concerned, as are [...]

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White Devil in the Details – A Japanese skiing experience

Japan is the land of deep snow and deeper loyalties, but with a fickle heart for trends, are they still as mega-super-crazy-time for park-and-pipe skiing as they were a decade ago?
text Mike Berard // Photo Felix Rioux

It’s often said that life is lived in the details: telling your wife you love her every day; flossing [...]

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A conversation with JP Auclair and Alpine Initiatives

Alpine Initiatives is a group of charitable humans doing helpful things for other humans. They also happen to be a members of the snowsports community. Currently, AI is helping to build a second community home in Kenya. Their mission statement:
Alpine Initiatives was created through our passion for the mountains and desire to have a positive [...]

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The power of words and Powder

Originally appeared in SKIER magazine, February 2007.
I picked up a dusty copy of Powder magazine today. Sometimes I dig through old issues in search of stories and images already burned to the hard drive in my head. It’s a journey through my past; a catalyst to unlock memories stored in the bank of useless [...]

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Looking back on looking up to JP Auclair

I used to wear Hawaiian shirts; I had a closet full of the floral-printed and nautical-themed shirts. It had nothing to do with my keen fashion sense or a resurgence in beach style. At the time, everyone had them. They were part of the standard-issue skier uniform—a pair of Salomon 1080s, punk-rock haircut and requisite [...]

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We are Douchebags

Someone needs to send this to the leader of the pack that infiltrates Whistler every long weekend. Yeah, you heard me right Surrey. Keep your gang of Ed Hardy-adorned testosterone junkies in the Lower Mainland – we’ve barely got a handle on the Australians. – MB

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Coveted – Oakley JP Auclair Crowbar review

Reviewing goggles is a bit retarded. If anything, I should be writing you a Guide to Picking Goggles because, to be honest, if goggles don’t fit you properly, then they don’t work worth a shit. And since all goggle companies make different fitting goggles, then there is a chance that you might love the looks [...]

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Pre-Season Training

For those of you who wonder how I keep my slim and trim skier’s physique, I’ve got two words for you: Competitive Aerobics. See you on the dance floor. – Mike Berard

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The Doug Coombs Line

This article was originally published in SKIER magazine sometime in 2007, shortly after Coombs’ death. Inspired by the recent release of Swift. Silent. Deep. which starred Coombs as a member of the Jackson Hole Air Force, and reminded of the fragility of what we do by the tragic death of Shane McConkey, I wanted to [...]

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