Hey Whistler! We’re listening to your positive comments, as well as some of your concerns around our new show Après Ski. We’re pleased to see so much interest in the show but we also want to clear up any misconceptions. This is the first in a series of Q&A’s with Joey Gibbons, designed to set the record straight. Please feel free to email us directly with any concerns, comments or questions about the show.
Why is Gibbons Whistler doing this show?
Joey: When NBC approached me with the possibility of a show set in Whistler, I gave it a lot of consideration. In the end, I knew that NBC was coming, no matter what. I knew we could do a good job showcasing how beautiful Whistler is and how awesome the local businesses are.
Read more about our decision here: If Bravo knocked on your door, what would you do?
Where did you get your Gibbons Life team?
Joey: Gibbons Life is a start up company. We needed to hire new people for the role of concierges. The concierges are key to the success of Gibbons Life. Our current employees were already busy with their full time jobs. So, we looked for good people who had experience in the industry and who would also agree to be on T.V. In the end, we picked the best people for the job — they came with all the necessary credentials and they were also passionate about Whistler. For example, Tamara Moore has been in the luxury lifestyle industry for over 15 years and has worked with recognizable luxury brands and celebrities. James Duthie even calls her “Canada’s MVP for luxury lifestyle experiences”.
Were any locals involved in the show?
Joey: Throughout Après Ski season one you’ll see local guides plus other employees at local businesses. You will see our Gibbons staff plus three of the concierges are from the Sea to Sky area. In the first episode alone there are 10 local businesses mentioned; none of them are Gibbons Whistler businesses. The idea behind Après Ski is to show off Whistler, as a whole. I also know that this is a docu-series and that they want drama. So, protecting our team from any external controversy was very important to me when I agreed to be apart of the show.
The local reaction has been mixed. What are your thoughts?
Joey: The feedback from the Whistler business community has been positive and their exposure will attract a whole new audience to Whistler. There are several people who are finding it tough to relate to the culture amongst the team of concierges and calling the show “not real whistler.” These concierges are in their 30s and I think what makes Whistler special is that we are made up of a whole mix of group. Those who aren’t aligned with the luxury traveler or the culture amongst our concierges are, understandably, finding it hard to relate. We are closely watching all of the local blogs and forums. We care about the community’s voice and only want to do the best for Whistler.
