Ian Ross Peak - Season

Peak Season: The Finale

All good things must come to an end. Just like Christmas, your birthday, and a really good buzz, Peak Season is joining the ranks of these time-expired events. How do I feel about this? Right now I’m in shock in denial, the first of the seven stages of grief. On Monday nights, you can find me staring blankly at the screen for thirty minutes, remote in hand, laughing at who knows what. It’s like the phantom limb syndrome, and Peak Season is my missing appendage.

What happens:

I decided to switch it up a bit for the Peak Season finale. With the incessant repetition of  Christmas carols drilling in my head, being offended by a rude name and realizing it was just a fake Santa and shortbread, I’ve decided to make this a festive special. So without further ado, here is possibly the longest Christmas card ever written:

Hello Peak Season cast, Merry Christmas! This will take a while, so put down the fuchsia shots, take off your fur-lined coats and put your fighting fists down. I’ve got a message for each and every one of you in the finale:

Dear Stephanie Just:

I’ve got a very important message for this Jamaican-loving snowboarder. It comes from a time-honored song produced by the wise profits known as Smash Mouth. “I get knocked down, but I get up again” is an ancient proverb that you should live your life by, because these guru’s know what they’re talking about. Of course, they also mention drinking whiskey and vodka in excess, but I’m sure you have that covered in Whistler.

Dear Lauren Horton:

First of all, thank you for teaching me how to deal with my problems. I always knew that kindergarten “love thy neighbor” boogus was crap. Second of all, I heartily agree with Debbie on the three detours of life: guys, flirting and alcohol, because seeing you cry is like saying goodbye to someone and then walking in the same direction. Painful, unnecessary and to be avoided at all costs. So, enjoy your wine (but only with Debbie), and my Christmas wish for you is for Blackout Promotions to succeed in doing exactly what the company name implies.

Dear Dre Morel:

After pulling out the white-rimmed shades and fitted fedora, it didn’t turn out to be enough to win back the lovely Amanda from the clutches of her long-haired companion. It’s okay though, because this is the season of milk and hunnies. I’m positive he will find another snow bunny to drink lemon-flavored water with. Besides, you know what you get when you cross Christmas with a vampire? Frostbite.

Dear Ian Ross:

From the expired milk debacle to skipping gaily through the bar, Ian has never had an dull moment. And that, my friends, is the greatest Christmas present of all. You know the coaches that can awkwardly sit three people, but out of consideration, the third person always finds somewhere else to land? Not in Ian’s house! It’s three men to a coach as a rule, and their heartwarming display of bromance can melt any Scrooge’s heart. Thanks Ian, for showing everyone what true Christmas spirit is, every hour of every day.

Dear Scoot:

My heart breaks for Scoot in this episode. All I could think about during Lauren’s verbal beating of him in front of Momma Bear was the fact that he was wearing a crisply-ironed button-up shirt. It’s like the first time I saw a hairless cat. It’s just not natural, but look how hard he was trying! So bravo to you for style, schoolboy Scoot, and I hope this Christmas season has you wearing oversized knit sweaters and corduroy pants. Tis’ the season.

Dear Amanda Scheller:

I’m sorry if I was a wee bit hard on Amanda this season. I think she is talented, beautiful and hilarious. I’ll confess my laughter to be sometimes of the “at, not with you” variety, but Christmas is also about forgiving, so since I forgive her for choosing Colton, I can only ask the same. Besides, that “blinder’s” schtick was the best advice I’ve gotten for partying yet. I wish her the best with snowboarding, modeling and avoiding any more terribly-awkward love triangles.

Dear Matt James:

Hey babe. Canada misses you and Elle, but it misses you guys extra when it’s drunk. Christmas without snow baffles me, so I think it’s time to hop off the Australia train and ride the express to Whistler. Oi, just try to avoid any sucky situations these holidays alright?

Dear Steph Weber:

Fact: I love Steph Weber. Not just for her facebook flirting skills or her amnesia either. She’s one of those underrated characters that end up being integral to the whole show. It’s like Lo from “The Hills,” without her, thousands of people around the world would not have incorporated the saying “totes m’gotes.” Well, without Steph, thousands of people around the world wouldn’t know that they are not alone in their mystifying memory loss. So Merry Christmas Steph, and I hope this one is as fun-filled and blurry as the last!

Dear Stoofie:

Though we didn’t see much of her this season, I think Stoofie deserves some recognition for her embodiment of what Whistler is. She boards, she parties and she sexts. This blonde bombshell does it all! In fact, I bet she can do all three at the same time. Now that’s some Christmas skills.

Overall:

I hope everyone enjoyed my elongated card, and wishes to Santa for a second season of the show. It’s been a great ten episodes, and though my liver may not agree with me, I feel like I learned a lot from the lessons of Whistler. Happy holidays!

Best Lines:

“He’s got a frickin’ ponytail!” – Mike, Dre’s friend

“How much drama would it start if i just got up and K.O’d this guy?” – Colton’s friend

“Let’s…DO THIS!” -Scoot

“Are we going to fight?” -Dre

andPOP insider interview with Ian and Scoot:

It’s the bromance of the century. Not only do the proudly don matching shirts, they have been secretly been working on a handshake that involves some legitimate posing. What do these two hilarious friends have to say about Peak Season? Read it here:

Did you predict the show would reach such heights of popularity?

Scoot: “I don’t know about Ian, but myself, I didn’t know, and I didn’t hold any expectations to it. You know, I didn’t bank on it doing so well, but once we started hearing ratings around the fifth episode that we were starting to beat The Hills I think we were really shocked. Like, we obviously hope its going to do well but we had no clue to the level that it would go and it’s just been crazy.”

Ian: “There’s no way we could have ever expected this. There was no expectation, and I think that’s why it blew up so much, there was nothing to say ‘it’s going to do well.’ But we just blew everything out of the water, and it’s pretty exciting to be a part of that too.”

Any news on a second season?

Scoot: “We haven’t at all actually. As soon as we do, everyone will know. It will be on twitter, we’ll tell the whole world!”

Ian: “Tweet tweet tweet!”

How would you be with just being a one-season show?

Ian: “I think we’re going to get a second season so I’m not really going to answer it. It’s going to happen.”

Scoot: “You only live once, so I don’t have any regrets. If this is it, and that’s all that there was, I was stoked to do it. Like we said, we don’t hold expectations, we didn’t expect it to do as well as it did, so if there’s a second season, awesome. If not, that’s alright too.”

Ian: “At least you can say you’re a part of the first ever Canadian reality show at the end of the day. So that’s pretty cool I guess.”

You have to convince a person to watch the show, what would you two say is that BEST quality of Peak Season.

Ian: “I think it kind of leaves you wanting to come back more every time you watch it. And the fact that it’s a docu-drama, that it is real. There’s this misconception that people think it is plotted, when it’s not. There’s nothing in there that’s been plotted, that’s how we live and how we did it, and I just hate the perception around the fact that people say that it’s scripted. I also think that it’s actually real, and people are like ‘holy smokes that actually happened…what’s going to happen next?’ And I think that actually worked  out really well in our favor.”

Scoot: “Yeah, I’d say the realness of it and the relateability to it. I think a lot of kids that watch can relate to something that’s going on in the show whether it’s people’s attitudes or their characteristics they can relate to. Or it’s the couples, you know, everyone’s been in the break-up. I think that everyone who watches can say ‘I’ve been there,’ and relate to one of the characters, or at least what they’re going through.”

Ian: “And I think that, say with ‘The Hills’ or ‘The City,’ you can’t identify with the people in L.A. or Santa Monica driving around in $400,000 dollar BMW truck. When you see the show, you see people in Dre’s four-runner, and I’ve been there and our demographic reaches out to more people. And that’s what really helped us get those ratings up too.”

Scoot: “Yeah, you don’t really hear anyone in any other show worrying about whether they’re able to afford a snowboard magazine. We’re real people who enjoy real things that our viewers are doing as well.”

Ian: “When our group gets together, it’s almost like we’re toxic together, it’s like this formula of people and we all just explode. We’re all such good friends and close people that we feed off each other.”

In regard to the show, who would you say is portrayed as the craziest person in Whistler?

Ian: “I’d say Scheller’s pretty psycho.”

Scoot: “Yeah, I’ll go with Amanda. I think the crazy factor is the fact that she doesn’t seem like that. I was surprised when I saw it on camera. But Amanda is a bit Jekell and Hyde.”

Ian: “It’s like she’s undercover.”

Scoot: “She’s such a sweetheart when you meet her, and then you see things and you’re like, did she really do that?”

What was filmed last year that you guys wish was on the show?

Ian: “There’s one that comes to mind right away, and it’s when we had a dinner at my house one night between me, Scoot, Colin and Lauren. When all the filmers were there I think they thought we were just joking around, playing like we don’t know what were doing. But my passion is cooking, I love to cook, and I think Scoot too has something deep inside him as well. We whipped up the best curry you’ve ever had in your entire life, and they were all trying it after we finished filming, and we had a really good set that night. It was super bossy curry, I think we kind of blew them away.”

Scoot: “Yeah, it’s just this misconception, you see us partying but we actually do stuff too, we work hard, we’ve got good jobs and we cook and we do normal things as well. We don’t just do shots out of other girl’s cleavages. Another one for me that didn’t make it was we went zip-trucking one day with the boys, and we basically harassed our tour guide the whole time, and everything she started saying we would just turn it into this sexual line. We were in tears the whole time, the crew was in tears, and that’s probably why it didn’t go to air, because there was too much laughter going on.”

Ian: “It was so irrelevant to what was going on with the plot. I would pay to see this again. None of us had slept, we had partied all night, it was -10 degrees and raining, and we had her in tears the whole time.”

Bests

Moment:

Scoot: “My new best moment in the season is Ian and Dre, right before that bar fight, when they’re skipping through the bar, that’s one of my favorite moments.”

Ian: “I don’t even remember that. I honestly think the cooking scene that I just talked about with the curry was my favorite moment. It was just a really good time, and it sticks out as a moment to remember.”

Couple:

Ian: “Denny and Amanda (laughs)”

Scoot: “I’ll go with Dre and Amanda.”

Ian: “No, Colton and Amanda.”

Scoot: “Amanda and everybody.”

Ian: “Okay, amanda and ‘FRIENDS’.”

Line:

Ian and Scoot: “Expired milk.”

Scoot: “I got so many comments after Ian dropped that line from my friends that didn’t know him, and they were like ‘who is this guy!’ I was just like, stay tuned to our life.”

Ian: “Also the ‘al dente’ line between Jason and Dre. That was a really funny one.”

Scoot: “Oh, and the “wah woow” from me to Lauren. I totally forgot about that. I was in tears when I saw that because you forget, you filmed that almost a year ago.”

Friends:

Scoot: “The boys!”

Ian: “Yeah, the boys. Me and Scoot and Denny, that’s the bromance. Chicks love it, they eat it up!”

In Scoot’s case, it would be Lauren, and in Ian’s case, Stoofie. Was it weird watching conversations about you guys between the girls when you weren’t around?

Scoot: “No, it’s like you always know it’s happening, but to see it was actually kind of interesting. I didn’t really worry about it because when I started filming, Lauren and I weren’t together, so I started filming with the boys first. So it was super natural and super easy, and that’s what helped you get used to it. I don’t think they said anything super out of the ordinary.”

Ian: “We had a big boys trip-out one night, because we thought everybody was setting us up for stuff, and we had a big sit-down where everybody had to come clean. We just said ‘let’s not talk bad about each other.’ I was kind of expecting to hear more negativity about myself, but if anything, we’re closer as friends now. Like me and Dre didn’t hang out, but now we’ll go party together.”

Scoot: “Yeah definitely. Our core group, it can’t really be messed with, like someone would have to go really low, and it would have to be a big thing. And when you see other cast members in town, you have that relateability now because you’ve all gone through it. It just brings you closer to the people that were just acquaintances before, and we’re friends now. It’s fun, it’s good.”

Favorite thing to do together:

Scoot: “Uh, party.”

Ian: “Party, cooking, fishing.”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×9
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×8
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×7

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

Peak Season: Episode Nine

Some say you’ve made it in life when you pay off your mortgage. Others say it’s when you get married, or have children. Well I disagree. The surefire way to tell if you’ve made it is if your life has a censorship warning. How many other people in the world can say, “let’s hang out, but I gotta’ let you know, I may contain coarse language, sexuality and mature subject matter.” This should be Whistler’s new welcome sign.

What Happens:

Lauren: Muhammed Ali’s Ring Partner

In this day and age, it seems as though Facebook is the newest form of foreplay. Why put in the physical effort when a simple semicolon can do the trick? It seems to work for the hilarious Steph Weber and the newly-deserted Matt James. I like Lauren and Steph’s analysis of Matt as a potential prospect. Apparently he’s “cute but he’s Aussie and has a girlfriend.” Hopefully that statement isn’t in order of importance.

After Matt pushes Lauren’s hot buttons by insulting her and Scoot, she decides to abandon her anger management steps and let her fists do the talking. Unfortunately, I’ll admit to being notable distracted by the small dog growing on Matt’s forearm the entire time. After decking Matt with a right hook that would make Chuck Liddell’s knees quiver, Lauren is pulled away from the cursing Aussie. In fact, the whole spectacle is like a twisted version of Jerry Springer, but with better looking people. In fact, I was tempted to jump up and scream for Lauren to use her formidable hoop earrings as a weapon.

Scoot: The Social Butterfly

Scoot always looks so comfy in his oversized parka and hat. If I were to go strictly by clothing, the idea that opposites attract would be completely accurate. Lauren’s hard-edge leather jacket pairs perfectly with Scoot’s soft parka, and that, my friends, is my attempt at a relevant metaphor. These university classes are truly paying off well.

It’s too bad this eternal bliss doesn’t last forever, because Scoot can’t hide in the jacket forever. You know those couples in your group that seem to fight as a form of foreplay? They scream, yell, smoke fiercely and sulk, all the while having no clue what they’re mad about? Scoot and Lauren seem to have the textbook symptoms of being one of those couples. He leaves her in a sullen smoking mess to barhop to the Beagle (bar-hopping in Whistler is literally that, hopping a block away), and we’re left to wonder if this volatile couple will make it.

Steph Just: A wounded soldier.

Poor Steph just can’t cut a break. If there was a poverty line in the snowboarding world, Steph could officially be classified as a third-world country. Luckily, the ambassador of Just Nation, Fabia, comes bearing multiple gifts for the blonde snowboarder. I was half expecting her to pull our a feather earring and jamaican hair wrap to match the rest of her ensemble.

Sadly, after Steph limps off the gondola in a walk that resembles my 81-year-old grandmother, it’s apparent she’s either injured or has a really cruel sense of humor against the elderly. Turns out she has hurt her knee pretty badly, and it may be canes and walkers, not snowboards and bindings, in her future.

Dre: A man of many emotions.

You have to give the guy credit. Dre has been through the ringer in this season. After being hunted, hit, pushed and bitten, Dre decides to brave the 115-pound ball of fur (formerly known as Amanda) and admits that he still thinks of her every day at dinner. I mean, why does Dre think Amanda still wants to be with him? She hasn’t shown any signs all season of being interested in him… unless a marriage proposal constitutes as interest? Nope, I don’t see it. He’s obviously delusional.

Amanda: Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

In all recovery programs, the first step is to admit that you have a problem. It’s reassuring to see that Amanda has taken this step, and admits to her photographer, K that she is crazy. Another step has to do with social support, which Karolina offers with the classy advice of: “Don’t let f**cking Dre or any douche-bag that away from you.” I don’t know what’s more frightening, the fact that “douche-bag” sounded so much like “any dudes you bang,”  I’m so comfortable and familiar with the steps of addiction counseling…

After this, Amanda proceeds to go on a date with the “babe,” Colton, who I strongly suspect smells  overpoweringly of axe and hair gel. After some suggestive “handsies” under the table, I half expected the Grease look-a-like to break out in musical theatre. The romantic evening commences with a kiss. Don’t get too excited, the kiss resembled the ones I’m forced to give my aunties and uncles at family reunions after getting murderous threats from my parents.

Best Lines:

“Now that his girlfriend isn’t here he’ll just probably go bonkers.” -Lauren

“I almost had you deleted.” -Dre to Amanda

“I will bury you until you have no idea what you’re doing.” -Lauren to Matt

“He don’t like me at all.” – Colton, about Dre.

“Ya dumb beetch!” -Matt to Lauren

Overall:

The season is almost over, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to say bye to our new friends on Peak Season. This episode was fairly decent, but the whole time I was fighting the foreboding feeling that it was all almost over. The only complaint I have is that there wasn’t enough camera time for the always-amusing Mr. Ian Ross. Otherwise this, the adventure and drama in Whistler has taught me a few life lessons that I shall not take lightly.

Lesson 1) Jersey’s and oversized hats land the hunnies

Lesson 2) Share the love: spitting alcohol in each others mouths is twice as fun

Lesson 3) Grow a male ponytail. It’s irresistible to vampires.

Lesson 4) Insulting someone in an accent doesn’t make it any less offensive.

These are only a few handpicked tips of the many I’ve acquired throughout season one of Peak Season. It’s a great situation: instead of learning from my own mistakes, I can learn from theirs. I’m sure the finale will be brimming with the usual quota of adventure, spewing alcohol, shots, snowboarding and drama to top off the end of a great season.

andPop insider interview with Scoot:

Scoot has been one of my favorite characters of Peak Season. His laid-back attitude and closeness with his boys makes him extremely likeable, as well as extremely easy to talk to. Listen to what Scoot has to say on the emergence and success of Peak Season.

What’s your actual name?

“My actual name is Craig. The story behind Scoot is the high school I went to, we always spoke a lot of slang, like most high schools. It was just random one day, one of my buddies was like ‘you’re Scoot’ and it stuck. When I moved out here to Whistler originally, I moved out with some friends that were from back home. So the nickname kind of followed me out here. I’ve more than gotten used to it now.”

Where’s home?

“Home is Peterborough. Just outside Toronto! I try to go home at least twice a year. I try to go home for summer and I try to go home for Christmas. I’m actually not going to be able to go home for this Christmas, which sucks.”

Did you know anything about Peak Season before filming?

“I didn’t actually. Lauren and Ian filled out for it and I’d kind of heard about it through the grapevine once word spread through Whistler that they were thinking of doing a show here. It wasn’t something I applied for or that I checked out.”

Has being on the show changed your life?

“Originally, it was something that I was probably the most skeptical about. Like I said, I didn’t sign up for it and it was just one of those things that I got thrown into them mix for. Lauren and I weren’t together when they started the filming and we were starting to get back together and I wasn’t really a big fan of having my personal life aired on national television! When I filmed with Ian and the boys it was super natural, and really easy, and it was just one of those things that I fell into and I was like ‘you know what, might as well just go with it.’ It’s not every day that you get to be on television.”

What brought you to Whistler?

“I finished high school, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college. One of my best friends was out here at the time and he had come out here the month before me and he was like ‘Dude, you gotta’ get out here, you have to check this place out.’ My parents were supportive and I came out for a couple months, went back home, saved every penny I could, moved out and haven’t went back since.”

So do you board as well?

“I do. I snowboard, I skateboard and I fish a lot.”

How long have you been buddies with Ian and the crew?

“We’ve been friends for probably about three years now. Ian, Colin, Denny and I, it’s a great pack of guys and it’s all about having a good time with those boys.”

Do you think Ian has a tiny man-crush on herself?

“On himself? (laughs) No. I think Ian is just confident. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with that, and if you’re not confident yourself, you know, who’s going to be? Ian can use it a lot.”

We’ve seen Amanda’s treatment of Dre during more intoxicated moments. Anything like that between you and Lauren?

“Um, no. Thankfully. I haven’t been hit in the bar, or outside the bar, which is definitely a good thing. Lauren definitely has a fiery side to her sometimes, but never anything violent like that.”

We haven’t seen much of you outside the boys place, the bar and with Lauren. What do you do for a living?

“I have my own cleaning company in town. I’ve just started it since the show actually finished!”

Favorite moment?

“I really like the fly fishing scene with Ian and I. It’s good. And that bar fight from last week was pretty awesome too. I was off to the side enjoying it, so I just sat back and soaked it all in. I’m not a fighter, unless the situation calls for it. I was dating Lauren when we were filming that season, so she’s got that under control.”

Least favorite?

“That would be thoroughly enjoying my salad on national television. Taking such a small bite…”

Anything else you would like to say to your fans?

“It’s been a shock, and a little bit crazy to see everything. People come up and recognize us in town, it’s just been awesome and something that I’m really glad that I did. I would just like to thank all the fans for their support, and it made the show what it’s been. Yeah, it’s just been something else, and I’m really glad that I’ve been a part of it. It’s just been crazy.”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×8
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×7
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×6

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

This Week on Peak Season: Episode Eight

Mondays are the perfect day for my weekly dose of Whistler. Typically, I stumble around like a madwoman, scattering children and cute old ladies aside on the streets, with nothing to look forward to except Tuesday. I’m usually ashamed of my weekend, having thrown away any hopes of productivity as soon as Friday night rolls around. But, hark, what’s the only solution to making yourself feel better about yourself, thereby your boosting self-esteem on the dreaded day-after-the-weekend? Why, just find people that behave worse than you do, of course. Thus, Peak Season comes on the scene. I’m a true believer in fate. Monday nights plus Peak Season = the best combination since gravy, cheese and fries.

What happens:

Dre: The girl-whisperer.

It looks like we have a triple threat on our hands with this Dre character. He can DJ, he can snowboard and he can take lethal bites without even a grimace.

As Dre discusses last episode’s events with his friend, Jason, at the ski lodge, it becomes apparent that he is speaking in code. Tricky bastard. Thankfully, after scourging the internet for Whister-translation, I was able to translate his foreign language to common tongue.  Case in point:

“I just calmed her down.” Translation: “I held her hair back until she passed out.”

“I said the right words.” Translation: “I got lucky.”

This week, Dre spins the fashion show event that Amanda is modeling in, and the only thing hotter than his mixes was the eye-contact between the two on the runway.

Lauren: Just one of the guys.

Lauren tucks away the sweet innocent side we’ve been growing to accept, and brings back the burly gruff alter-ego that we’ve loved from the beginning. Out for Caesars with Scoot, Ian and Doyle, at first glance it just looks as though she is the exceptionally beautiful man out of the group, she blends in so well. Next thing you know she’ll be pumping iron with Ian in the gym, commenting on how sculpted and handsome they both are.

Unfortunately, no amount of weight training will ever blow Lauren up to the proportions of the gorilla-sized Mr. Clean that develops a man-crush on Scoot at the bar. I’m still not sure if it’s socially acceptable for this man to bring up his hot tub to Scoot within two minutes of meeting him, but I highly suspect it’s his innovative method of boiling and cleansing his food before he cooks it. Poor Scoot, not only is he being sized up as an appetizer, but his victimization results in a not-so-clear fight between him and Lauren. Perhaps she’s threatened that Scoot might be attracted to the one person in Whistler that could possibly beat her in an arm-wrestling match.

Amanda: The player.

In a way, I can relate to Amanda. I’ve always been the indecisive one at the restaurant, the one that agonizes over every choice on the menu, sends away the waiter several times, and ends up with the grilled cheese sandwich in the end. I think Amanda is like this too, but substitute the menu items for men. We all know what she’s going to order in the end, but it’s still amusing to watch her agonize over the choices.

Denny, unfortunately, is the bread served at the beginning of the meal. Amanda has had her fill, and now she doesn’t need any more carbs to ruin the rest of her restaurant experience. Colton, who disconcertedly resembles Dre with a widows peak and a ponytail, is the new dessert on the menu, perhaps an exquisite creme brule that Amanda won’t be able to finish herself. And then there’s Dre himself, the grilled cheese sandwich, the reliable choice that everyone (except for yourself, that is) knows you’re going to pick in the end.

This is painstakingly evident in the “sex-me” eyes that the two exchange over the runway at a Fashion Show that Dre is spinning for, and Amanda is walking in. Those looks are more sexually loaded than twenty of Ian’s text messages. I don’t know who she’s trying to fool with the nonchalance in terms of Dre- you can’t go from bridezilla to singleton in one week. Time will only tell if her bipolar dating strategy will work out in the end.

Matt and Elle: Destined for Distance.

I don’t know what this show is going to do without Matt and Elle’s PDA. After deciding that it’s time for her to go home, Elle breaks the news to Matt, who is heartbroken enough to say that it “sucks,” instead of it’s “sucky.” I’m truly going to miss the international vocabulary these two brought out of each other.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Elle just missed her sun-kissed glow, and was just sick of curling her hair every day, only to put a toque overtop of it. It’s just another perk of being a Canadian.

After a final night out for sushi, Elle packs up and departs on the Pacific Coach bus to head back to the land of sunshine and surfer’s. Poor Matt, who’s he going to go dogsledding and jumping off bridge with? I suppose he will have to go drown his sorrows in a pint, or perhaps celebrate his freedom… with a pint. Either way, Matt without female supervision will is bound to involve some drunken trouble.

Best Lines:

“We’re high school sweethearts.” -Matt

“I think that high school sweethearts have the highest rate of divorce.” -Elle’s friend.

“I love putting the fear in girls that are screwing around.” -Lauren

“I’ll be staring right into your eyes when I’m walking…” -Amanda

“Don’t trip.” -Dre

Overall:

Romance is in the air in Whistler, and it seems toxic to breathe in. With the word “love” tossed around like an easy girl, it seems as though all the opposite sex causes is trouble in this resort town. The thing I love most about this show is that it’s the only time I’m allowed to say “dude,” “sick,” and “stoked” without sounding like Steven Hyde on That ‘70s Show. I also love how it completley contradicts the stereotype that all Canadians are peacemakers. Peak Season encompasses a lot of themes, but I wouldn’t say that “peace” is ever one of them. Dramatic, yes. Crazy, of course. Nearing legally insane at some points? Absolutely. All in all, it’s fantastic that a Canadian show can generate this big of a fan base. Within these past eight episodes, the characters of Peak Season have stumbled, slurred, bitten and charmed their way into my cynical heart.

andPOP insider interview with Andreas (Dre) Morel:

What’s not to love? Dre Morel writes in to let us know what it’s like living in Whistler, spinning in Whistler, and what the show has done to change his life.

Did you have any idea that Peak Season would get this huge?

“While filming I would always think of how the show would turn out, but I honestly had no idea that it would be this successful. Being filmed in Whistler, obviously the show has the right recipe to generate interest with all the beautiful scenery, action, and of course… drama.”

Do you feel like you’ve become a celebrity, or is that hard to grasp?

“When I walk around town or go to Vancouver I’m getting recognized here and there from people that watch the show. It’s cool when people come up to me and say ‘Hey, you’re Dre from Peak Season. I love that show’ and then they talk to me about my mixes. Its kind of weird but I would have say its definitely helping my DJ career.”

Have you been seeing more people coming to Whistler for your spinning at the Beagle and Garf’s to come see the stars of Peak Season?

“For sure. Ian also works at Garfs so there are Peak Season fans there every weekend.”

Best moment on the show?

“That would have to be the scene where I’m playing hockey with my boys on Alta Lake. That was an early sunny morning and the ice was just perfect.”

Anything you’ve said on air that you wish you could have taken back?

“There are a couple things I’ve said on air that I kind of regret. There’s one scene where I’m playing pool with Jason and I call Amanda ‘the one’. Don’t remember saying that. I definitely regret calling Amanda a psycho on The After Show cause my mother gave me so much grief for that one… whoops!”

We’ve already seen you get scratched, bitten and chased after in the bar by Amanda. Was this a regular occurrence while you were dating as well?

“I would have to say it’s happened more than once but only when Amanda is under the influence. All my friends have witnessed her antics so if you don’t believe me ask any of them.”

Why did you two break up in the first place? You were already moving out by the first episode.

“There were a lot of reasons why we broke up as there are in most break-ups, we’ve tried breaking up like a hundred times. I think living with Amanda at the young age that we were at was definitely the main issue for our break-up. Living with your girlfriend at that age is a serious move and commitment that I wasn’t ready for. I had no time for the things I wanted to do cause I would be with Amanda 24/7.”

Are you currently single?

“Yup.”

Still friends with Amanda?

“Definitely. I still talk to Amanda here and there and try to support her through this crazy Peak Season ride. Its hard especially for her to go through the whole break-up scenes again since we filmed this a year ago.”

In the last episode, we see that your friend Mike also doubles as a waiter. Do you have a second job aside from DJ’ing?

“I am a man of many trades. I do a whole bunch of odd jobs here and there like construction, landscaping, snow shovelling, and this summer I was even delivering sculptures for this gallery in Whistler.”

Tell me something about you that people can’t tell from watching Peak Season.

“It’s hard to tell what kind of music I play from all the episodes because of editing. I usually play electro/house.”

Anything else to say to your fans?

“Thank you for watching the show and if you like house/electro music check out my blog andreasmorel.blogspot.com or soundcloud.com/dremorel to download all my mixes. If you’re ever in Whistler come check me out at Garfinkles or the Savage Beagle!”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×9
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×7
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×6

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

Peak Season Episode 1×7

I relate Peak Season to my friend’s cool parents who let me stay over to supper. Before you completely dismiss this seemingly far-fetched idea, hear me out. Do you remember those parents? The ones who let you watch television while eating, served pop with the meal and didn’t make you finish your vegetables. I never wanted to leave, but sadly, the moment would always come, when that last bite was taken, and it was time to trudge back home to your much-inferior parents. Now, instead of 30-minute suppers, it is 30-minute television segments in Whistler, and at 10:30 p.m. every night, I turn off the television with a sense of loss, and already looking forward to a dinner date for next week. This episode was more of a buffet (can you sense my hunger?). Peak Season this week brought love, chocolate factories, birthdays and brawls for dessert.

What Happens:

Lauren: The igniter of old flames.

Want to know how to tell if you’re hardcore? Take some tips from Lauren. It’s dumping buckets in Whistler and she is rolling around in a leather jacket. I’m wearing a sweater in my lukewarm condo, does that count as even a little fierce?

In this episode, Lauren admits to her best friend, Steph Weber, that she went home with Scoot and still loves him. The thing I really like about Lauren is how upfront and unapologetic she is for staying true to herself. There’s no playing around for this nose-ring wearing chick. When her and Scoot go out for a lovely dinner date, that’s when you see the delicate flower inside she succeeds in covering up most of the time. Playing with her hair, bringing up feelings and talking about love? I felt like she needed to punch someone in the face to make up for this unexpected overload of femininity. You can witness the inner battle in Lauren when she says vulnerable things like, “when you love someone you just can’t turn it off,” immediately followed by a very impressive swig of wine.

Amanda: The one with “control.”

What I’m about to write should not come as a complete shock to fans of the show. Amanda turns on the waterworks for this episode once again- she’d be perfect in a soap opera. For her audition tapes, she could just send in episodes of Peak Season.  When the girls get together to talk strategy and pre-game before Ian’s birthday at the Beagle,  Amanda plays the “insult the one you love” game that was popular in grade five. Hence, she coined the nickname for Dre, “DJ Suck.” If opening for Pete Tong makes you DJ Suck, I wonder what David Guetta’s name would be, perhaps “DJ Tone Deaf.”

My favorite part of the science fairs at school were always the booths with beer goggles in them (perhaps not a good indicator for my future). I feel as though Amanda should invest in a pair, and practice until she can walk a straight line while singing the ABC’s backwards. In any case, she take shot, after shot, after shot, until it looks as though she is in immense pain before taking down another one. Unfortunately, we’ve all become familiar with the volatile formula of Amanda + alcohol, which equals Injured Dre. This episode, Amanda manages keeps her teeth to herself, and instead ends up thrown to the floor after physically pursuing Dre once again. She chases after him on four-inch heels in the show with sudden impressive use of coordination, just to be stiff-armed over and over again. She should put “tenacious” on her resume- she’s like a pit-bull when it comes to getting what she wants.

Dre: DJ Schmuck.

Dre gets to open up for the talented Pete Tong in this episode, and also gets some sick swag for his DJ’ing, including Skull Candy headphones, which apparently double as ear-warmers. In Whistler talk, he’s so totally stoked about it.There’s something very subtly hilarious about Dre. Just when you’re not expecting it, he whips out a funny line that catches you off-guard. Case in point: when asked about Amanda by his mixing-buddy, Mike, all he has to say on the matter is that the brunette went from “classy to assy.” Bravo Dre, you have graduated from pasta to rhyming.

On a cute, but slightly awkward date with Alex, Dre (looking snazzy in a button-up white dress shirt), opens up the conversation with, “sorry I deleted you for so long.” What a sad reflection of our society. I half-expected her next sentence to be, “yeah, wtf h8er, i totally poked you three times.” Luckily, his smooth moves seem to work wonders on both his date and the male waiter, who declares them the cutest couple in the restaurant.  While Alex tosses him sex eyes all night, Dre then follows to break the cardinal rule of dating: bringing your ex-girlfriend into the conversation. All in all, not a complete success, but no failure either. Bravo once again.

The next time we see Dre, he’s spinning the opening act for Pete Tong. You know he’s really into the music because he mixes, bobs his head and literally chews his gum to the same beat. Now that’s talent folks. After a brawl ensues, leaving me completley confused as to how it started, Dre is calmed down by his pacifist fuzzy-haired friend, Doyle. He meets up with the tearful Amanda, and manages to reject her about four times with a “talk-to-the-hand” brush-off. Everyone’s heard of “Just Say No To Drugs,” but Dre’s personal motto seems to be “Just Say No To Amanda.” Too bad the 12 step program seems to be ineffective for the intoxicated DJ, because he ends up stumbling his way to Amanda’s apartment at the end of the night. It turns out acting like a crazed madwoman does, in fact, always get you your man.

Steph Just: Boarding her way to fame.

In this episode, Steph lands a big advertisement in Transworld Snowboarding magazine, but unfortunately, her job at the Chocolate Factory doesn’t quite cover the $5.00 needed to purchase it. It’s okay though, because she knows she “can’t work in the Chocolate my whole life. I got big dreams and big plans for the world.” After checking out the ad in their trademark baggy ensembles, her roommate, Jenelle spots her the change to buy the magazine. Who knows, maybe she’ll get killer maple fudge out of the deal.

Ian: The Birthday Boy.

Guess who behaved for another episode? Our favorite beauty queen, that’s who. Except for an excessive spraying of champagne (which is totally allowable on your birthday), Ian continues to impress me with his innocent act. I stress the word “act,” because who knows how long it will last. You can’t keep keep down this jersey-wearing fellow for long. In fact, my suspicions were raised by the bashful look on his face when he comes downstairs to celebrate his birthday with the guys, It’s a good mask, but personally, I think all we need is some expired milk to set Ian into action once again. On a completely random note (and I expect a twitter reply Ian), what does “perfect plus” mean when you take a shot? I guess “cheers” doesn’t suffice for these creative Whistler characters.

Best Lines:

“You are such a skid.” -Steph Weber to Lauren

“Oh, my perfect face!” – Amanda about Ian

“It’s not driving me insane, but I know I could go up to him and make out with him. But, I’m not gonna’, cause’ I have control.” -Amanda

“I WANT TO GET MARRIED TO HIM.” – Amanda

“It’s not your girl, it’s just your turn.” -Mike, Dre’s friend.

“Last time I saw her she… bit me and stuff.” -Dre to Alex

Overall

First of all, I apologize for the unacceptable length of this blog. If your attention span has survived to this point, congratulations. I know how an overload of sarcasm and Peak Season can wreck havoc on the brain. This episode was fantastic. We were left hanging with the Matt and Elle situation, but everyone knows that single people make for crazier television anyway. Amanda and Dre are perfect examples of this unspoken rule. It seems as though love is in the air for future episodes, and I’m excited to see where the Lauren-Scoot, Amanda-Dre and Matt-Elle couplings work out. Can’t wait for my date with the “cool parents” next Monday!

Last but not least, a quick poem I scribbled about my favorite people on television:

The resort town of Whistler,

isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you know how to triple-fist,

I would say that’s just a start.

Carving through powder by day,

and tequila shots by night.

Sometimes Amanda Scheller

gives me quite a fright.

Dre bumps music for the club

while Ian wheels like a pro.

Lauren dresses like a pirate

and Steph shreds in the snow.

Matt makes a few mistakes,

while Elle forgives them all.

Peak Season is the show to watch

for all your drama this fall!

andPOP insider interview with Lauren Horton

She’s a shot-taking, blue-eyed businesswoman who knows how to stand up for herself. Listen to what Lauren has to say about the show, and what she thinks of Peak Season since she attended the premiere in Toronto.

We’re at over half a season now. Has the show turned out any different than you expected from the beginning of it all?

I wouldn’t say its quite different. I mean, I know what happened, I’m there, and I know what’s going on. I know kind of what direction it’s going, I just don’t know exactly what stuff they’re going to use. They have so much captured on film, and they have it cram it into such a short amount of time, so it’s just surprising to see what they use.”

Do you ever feel as though it needs to be an hour long, rather than the half-hour segment it is now?

“I think that sometimes it should be, just because there is a lot that they couldn’t put in because the had to compress it into a half-hour. I think if the did a take of all the mini-bloopers and deleted scenes it would be a mini-series on its own, it would be so funny! There are definitely things, that as its gone on I’ll be like ‘Aw, they didn’t show that!’ I’ll get bummed that there’s scenes they didn’t show, but they pretty much picked all the really good key pieces.”

Does the cast have a Monday night ritual to get together and watch Peak Season together?

“As of right now, we’ve been going to the Amsterdam in Whistler, it’s a pub. We’ve been going there every Monday night, and they’ve been hooking us up with free food, and just basically really looking after us. Not everybody goes, but the majority of us go, and I’m sure we’ll be there tonight as well. It’s really fun.”

Do you find when you’re watching the other cast member’s story lines, you look at them in a different light?

“No, not really! I was pretty on point with my opinions on everybody. I guess with the example with Matt and Elle, I always just thought Elle was a sweetheart, and that Matt wasn’t such a nice boyfriend, and that was just my opinion, but watching the show, it’s pretty much turning out to be true [chuckles]. And you know, with Dre and Amanda, I was already kind of around for all of that, so in terms of that, my opinion was pretty accurate as well, because I already knew what was going down. So no, I didn’t really look at anyone in a different light, I like to think that I was pretty on the mark with everyone.”

Have you been treated any differently since Peak Season has been airing, especially in Whistler?

“Yeah, it’s definitely getting crazier as our, I don’t know, ‘celebrity status’, becomes a big larger! The cool thing about Whistler is that it’s just so laid-back that we don’t really get bothered, and people don’t really look at us any different that live here or that know us. It’s people from the city or people that are from out-of-town that are coming into town and finding out about the show, that’s where we kind of see a difference with the way people treat us. ”

Any crazy fan experiences?

“I’ve had quite a few crazy experiences! It’s getting to be quite crazy, we didn’t really expect this at all so it’s quite a shock. If we go out on weekends, we’ve been mobbed, I remember the weekend before the last, the moment we entered the club to the moment we left we were taking pictures with fans. Yeah, it’s really cool. I can give you examples of awesome ones, and some that are not-so-awesome ones. The other day I was at the bank, and I was actually standing right at the teller speaking with her and I had my money out, and as I was digging around I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a guy, and he was like ‘I’m really sorry to bother you but my sister’s a really big fan, and we saw you and she has some questions she wants me to ask you.’ You know, I don’t mind, it’s flattering and it’s cool when someone is stoked on you, but I was in the middle of personal banking, so that was a little bit weird. He started asking questions, and one of his questions was how much did I make! It was a little awkward. Another time a girl in the city grabbed my arm and spun me around really fast and yelled to take a picture with her, so that was pretty aggressive. But there’s been way more positive feedback and situations than negative ones. A girl in the bathroom was actually hyperventilating in there because she was so excited to see me. It was so cool to see that I’d made their night. A girl approached me in Whistler, at Garf’s, and she was just really stoked, and told me that I was a role model and that she looked up to me because she felt that I was strong and stuck up for myself. So that is definitely the best part abotu the whole thing, because you can see that you have a positive effect on people, though sometimes I wonder why, because I’ve had vodka spit in my mouth [laughs]. Like I said, I go through a roller-coaster in my life, and I know people can relate to it.”

In the show, we’re just getting introduced to your company, Blackout Promotions. How is the business now?

“It was really slow over the summertime, because the economy was really bad, and a lot of people weren’t hiring for promotions. But now, with the season starting, I have a lot of work coming up for the Olympics, and I’m actually getting quite a few emails and phone calls from people wondering if they’d like me to work their parties. I’m trying to take it step by step, because it’s getting a little bit overwhelming, but it’s definitely picked back up, I had a bit of a hiatus, but it will be full-swing soon enough.”

Can you and Steph Weber laugh now about the awkward business conversations that have been aired?

“We laugh about it now, sometimes when people see things on the TV, and they were in the wrong, it’s hard for them to see. But, it was documented and it happened, so we can’t really take it back. At first it may have been awkward, but now I just laugh it off. There’s things on the show that I’ve done that I wasn’t too stoked on, but I know what I was getting myself into. It’s funny to see all the things we went through together, but if you’re truly good friends, something so simple as that… we can get through it, laugh about it and talk about it.”

What’s been your favorite moment so far on Peak Season?

“I would definitely say, as of up to now, the success of my pirate party, my first party. I was really proud of myself. The place was packed, we were sold out, and it was something huge in my life.”

Least favorite?

“Probably, this is going to sound funny, but I’m going to be honest. It would probably be the really low-cut V-neck shirt that I wore. I’m not one to show off my boobs, and I guess I was wearing a spectacular bra that night! I look at it now and I’m just like ‘Oh my god, they’re just out there!’ I wasn’t proud of that. Some things in the show are hard to look back at, but it’s all learning, and we’ve yet to see all that is to happen. I don’t regret doing any of this though.”

Is there anything else you would like to say to everyone?

“I know I have a lot of people asking if this is real, or if we’re paid to say these things. I just want everyone to know what they’re seeing is exactly real, and I hope that everyone can take all our stories and relate and learn from them, and take them in a positive way. Mainly, what you see is what you get, and I hope everyone likes the show so far.”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×9
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×6
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×5

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

This week on Peak Season: Episode Six

Episode six of Peak Season was, for lack of a better word, overwhelming. To clarify, take the best parts of the Real World, Twilight and Intervention, mash them together, and you’ve got an imitation of life in Whistler. Don’t let those serene snowflakes at the beginning fool you, that’s what some people refer to as the calm before the storm, and this episode was a level nine on the Richter scale.

What happens:

Matt and Elle: Adrenaline-Junkies.

On a coffee date, Elle questions the value of remaining in Whistler to Matt, while he sheepishly defends his actions at the club earlier. One thing I really like about the Australians is their lingo, which consists of talking how I did in elementary school. I mean, how can Elle even consider leaving after hearing how “sucky” it will be for poor Matt?

Fortunately, all it takes is accompanying Elle to a skills competition, consisting of jumps, backflips and your typical ring of fire. I half-expected a bearded lady to Allie Oop through the ring after the competitors. After this, they continue on to complete their couple bonding by tandem bungee-jumping off a bridge. I’ll give it to Matt, he certainly knows how to make unique apologies. These Canadian fellows need to step it up!

Matt continues his new gentleman act at the bar when the Australian posse meets up for beers. When Elle is hit on, he immediately gets defensive, which translates into standing on the bar and making faces at the perpetrator. The poor guy is already single, don’t you think he has enough problems? A bar fight ensues, where they end up sloppy-UFC’ing outside in slippery conditions. Elle cries, because that’s what girls do best when someone else gets hit, and Matt the manly man comforts her outside the bar. All’s well that ends well.

Lauren: The Head-Honcho of Blackout Promotions.

Lauren and Fabia visit Peak to Pear novelties, to promote Blackout Promotions and select costumes for a snowboarding video premiere event. After picking out the most elegant options in pirate-wear, she moves on to complain about the elusive Steph Weber, who won’t answer her cellphone.

Later on, at Lily’s boutique, the two model their costumes (or lack, thereof) for the night to follow, and apparently that consists of skull tattoo’s on your boob for Fabia. Lauren then demonstrates what Whistleronians do best: fight on speakerphone (with Steph). This ensues in an awkwardness between the two pirates at the event later on, and a bit of a temporary downfall for their relationship. Hopefully the two work it out, they go together better than tequila and lime.

Amanda: The estrogen-pumped Chris Brown.

I think Amanda’s role in this episode would be much better explained in discovery channel mode:

It is commonly believed that the species, “Amanda”, attack mainly smaller, lip-pierced specimens, while this is not actually the case, and DJ’s in their prime are often stalked. Amanda’s have little stamina, and will usually get up close to the prey before charging. In about 10 per cent of kills, the prey is ambushed. The Amanda’s final charge is usually made from as close as 10 metres, seldom exceeding 20 metres. Attacks are best orchestrated under poor lighting conditions, wherein the victim (in this case, the species “Andreas”) will be unable to see and fend off the vicious female.

After this engaging display, Amanda is physically escorted from the bar. I remember this game I used to play with my 6”4, 200 pound father, where I would grab hold of his leg and he would obligingly drag me around the house. Imagine Dre as the father, and Amanda as my former eight-year-old self, and you’ve got the perfect reenactment of my youth.

Dre: Apparently this makes him the Barbadian victim.

After witnessing the bruises and scratches on Dre’s arm, I was surprised he didn’t call 9-1-1, but then I realized that it’s probably one of his friends on a snowmobile with a siren and a first-aid kit.

I wonder if he found anyone to lick his wounds after the attack. If not, it was certainly on his mind during his boys-bonding moment shoveling the drive. He contemplates his female options in the city, which admittedly, must be excessive. Then again, maybe it’s time for Dre to take a break from the dating game, and focus on his bros. Their touching snow-flinging shovel fight is reminiscent of female pillow-fighting fantasies. It doesn’t seem like a fair trade in the fantasy game, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?

Ian: The perfect picture of innocence.

I kind of missed the ever-witty Ian in this episode. Fans were treated to his and Amanda’s shredding skills and high-pitched screams on the jumps (yes, both of them), and the east-coast stud showed that he’s worth more than his dirty texting abilities. After talking with Amanda about the biting incident at the Savage Beagle, I’ll admit he gives some pretty solid advice. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite hear it, as I was too absorbed in the disarming pom-pom on his toque. I’ll give him some credit this week, good choice of headgear, and top-notch behaviour points.

Steph Weber: The sad pirate.

It appears that Steph takes styling advice from Ian in this episode, as she proudly dons her oversized pink feathered pirate hat to Blackout’s first big event. It’s a battle of the wenches between  her, Fabia and Lauren, as she is told to surrender and set sail from the bar. In this case, I perceived the villain to be Fabia, who was (perhaps) a little too the pirate theme, and showed no mercy to the crying wee lass. All in all, it’s another bump in the road for Steph and Lauren’s friendship, but this busty blonde has staying power.

Best lines:

“Like, that’s going to be so sucky..like..yeah.” -Matt about Elle leaving.

“Just don’t bite him, ever again.” -Ian

“Keep your teeth to yourself.” -Amanda

“Is that your girlfriend? …That must be spectacular” – Random guy in the bar to Matt

“Just trying to import.” -Dre, in reference to city girls.

“Classy chicks don’t bone on couches, do they.” -Dre’s friend, Jason.

“You’re a f**cking liar, you’re a f**cking liar… kiss me.” -Amanda to Dre

Overall:

What an episode. Abusive relationships, bar fights and pirates are all in a day’s work for Peak Season. I wouldn’t recommend taking relationship advice from this show, you might end up picking skin of out your teeth for a few days. I have an almost-maternalistic pride for Lauren and her company, as though my watching has helped her mature from the world of cleavage shots into the world of business. In conclusion, not too sucky at all Peak Season, not too sucky at all!

andPOP insider interview with Amanda Scheller:

It’s about time we hear from this firecracker. Drama seems to encircle her like a hungry vulture. Read and see what she has to say about her life in Whistler.

Describe Peak Season in one sentence

“It’s just a group of 20-somethings, and we’re just living our life in Whistler.”

Did you have to audition for the show?

“No, I didn’t. I met the producers after they had all of their cast, and I guess they really liked me and Dre so I got on the show.”

What has been your favorite moment in the show so far?

“Favorite moment? Well (chuckles), the funniest moment is the date that me and Stoof went on with the boys. It was so funny to watch!”

What about least favorite moment?

“Probably the scene with me and Dre, and the little fight that we got into. That was the worst.”

When you re-watch the arguments between you and Dre, does it feel like you are living the fight over again?

“Actually, I’ve teared up a few times, because it was so hurtful.”

Do you think the show has shown all sides of you as a person yet?

“No. Not yet, there’s lots more to come.”

What drew you to live in Whistler?

“Well, after high school I came straight up to Whistler to snowboard because I did the whole-sponsored thing and I did contests and everything. Dre was living in Vancouver at the time, but I met him around then in Whistler.”

Were you dating Dre before you started working for his mom?

“Yeah, I was. I was dating him and then I started helping his mom out and got a job with the company. It wasn’t so much awkward between me and his mom, because it was on a professional aspect, but he would come into the office sometimes, and it was just super weird.”

Were you riding for anyone during this first season?

“Yup! I rode, and am still riding for Electric, Home and Forum, I was on the program. I think there’s a few more shots of me snowboarding, and there was that one already in the beginning with me and Dre. I’m sure there’s more shots.”

You also model, what led you to that?

“One of my friends is a photographer, and she just kind of set everything up for me, and was like ‘you should model.’ So it was just, ‘do this, and do that.’ I definitely think being in the show will help my modeling career, there’s a lot more in the show to come, so watch!”

Have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of you?

“Yeah, like being in Vancouver, a bunch of people stop me on the street, and they’re like ‘Oh my god, you’re from Peak Season, I love you!’. It’s so crazy and weird, they know me by name.”

Do you ever regret signing up for the show?

“No, most definitely not. No regrets at all.”

Is there anything else you want to let the Peak Season fans know?

“Thanks for the support! And, I just came out with a calendar, and the proceeds go to spinal cord research. You can get it on my blog at http://www.amandascheller.blogspot.com or my fan page.”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×9
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×8
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×7

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance

Peak Season's Matt James

This Week on Peak Season: Episode Four

As this past Sunday night drew to a close, I couldn’t fathom what that anxious and excited feeling was in the pit of my stomach. I haven’t had this feeling since Heidi still had her original nose on Laguna Beach. Perhaps it was hunger, but perhaps it was the signs of another dilemma. Then I realized it. I have officially become addicted to a television show.

The affliction, commonly recognized by symptoms which include: placing a half-hour segment of television before things such as personal hygiene, university papers, and essentially shunning social interaction, is a serious one. Yes, admittedly, I have googled Whistler on more than one occasion, and I blame my recently terrible social graces on Grant Fraggalosch, the guy who created Peak Season. He can answer to those who wonder where I disappear to on Monday nights, and then reemerge, with an insatiable appetite for alcohol, snowboarding and drama.

This episode of Peak Season revealed a lot, and while it seemed sort-of like a base to set up all the adventures to come, it was definitely essential.

What Happens:

Who is Stephanie Just?

In what appears to be a car reminiscent of the Toyota Camry I remember from childhood, the boys (men?) of Peak Season head to Stephanie Just’s house for a backyard barbeque. For clarification: in Whistler, this means jumping off roofs, and grinding homemade rails, commonly referred to as ladders. Don’t worry, it’s safe, as justified by Just’s “200-pound” father who set the lovely contraption up. It almost seems like an “America’s funniest home videos” moment waiting to happen, but instead, the audience is treated to Just’s snowboarding skills, and can appreciate the loud-mouthed daredevil for her passion to her craft. Unfortunately, the brash snowboarder gets caught for “speeding” on the mountain (does that go on your record?), and her pass is suspended. Cue the heroine of the story: Just’s mom, who also happens to be her sponsor. Remember cunningly asking your parents for help with that long division, slyly slipping the pencil into their hand, and watching the homework magically do itself? Apply this notion to Steph’s apology letter, and you’ve got one happy, marijuana sweater-wearing boarder.

Amanda Scheller: The ever-graceful crier.

Romance is budding in the air for the brunette beauty, Amanda Scheller. After coming down with an illness, she receives soup and a flower from Ians friend, Denny (get it…budding?). Her girlfriend, Stoofie, is there to discuss the implications of what this means, and also, to discuss her growing infatuation with the ever-classy Ian. And by infatuation, I mean, ability to sex text, also known as “sexting,” and dirty talk on the phone.

Later that night at Moe Joe’s, among the throes of platinum blonde hair and flaming shots, things heat up between the two couples (Denny and Amanda, Stoofie and Ian). While Stoofie disappears with Ian into the darkness of the night, Amanda generously shares her little sickness with Denny on the dance floor. Okay, they made out. After playing some hide-and-seek with her oversized parka, Denny and Amanda leave the bar, and leave viewers to their far-too-developed imaginations.

Ian Ross: The always-enlightening ladies man.

Does Ian truly like Stoofie? If he does, it certainly isn’t for her nickname, though it happens to be growing on me every time I say it. If his dirty texting doesn’t show it, certainly his dirty talk on speakerphone with the boys says nothing clearer than “I respect you.” Right? He also lets Amanda know that boys like the chase when it comes to the opposite sex. Wow, this is news to me. Men like the chase? I think I’m going to invent this new mating technique called “hard-to-get” as well, while we’re compiling all this new and foreign dating advice.

Lauren Horton: A burgeoning career woman?

This episode showcases a whole new outlook on the feisty Lauren. Her and best friend, Stephanie Weber, discuss starting up her promotions company, and even I tensed up watching the awkward conversation. Stephanie wants to be a big part of the company, and Lauren is hesitant to mix business and friendship. Being the absolute epitome of a non-confrontational person, I found myself squirming with the implications of their conversation, especially when it leads to Lauren lecturing Stephanie later on about shopping in Vancouver when she needed help. Could this be a new Lauren on Peak Season? I have a feeling she has more sides than people allot her. Swan-rider by day, corporate demon by night.

Dre Morel: The Iron-Man of emotions.

Dre returns for a visit to his once-shared apartment with Amanda, and is greeted with a barrage of tears, confrontation and single stemmed roses. Though undeniably upset by Amanda’s new love interest, he comes across as a stone-cold killer in this episode. And by killer, I mean mean of Amanda’s spirit and heart. Something tells me the two of them are like a warped science experiment though: highly volatile and combustible. I’m looking forward to what shenanigans this non-couple has in store for the next few weeks.

Best Lines:

“A really good-looking dude brings you soup and a flower, your stock went through the roof.” -Ian to Denny, still showing a dedicated admiration of his friends.

“Anyone who is over 200 pounds get off the f**cking rail.” -Stephanie Just’s opening line… to her father.

Ian- “What are you wearing?” Stoofie- “You.”

“I am fighting this, I have done nothing wrong… let’s get drunk.” -Stephanie Just after her pass is revoked on the slopes.

Overall:

At first, I initially thought not much had transpired in this episode. It comes across as more of a transition episode, but it definitely sets the setting and tensions that are sure to explode in the following episodes. I really enjoyed finding out there was more to Lauren than intimidating drinking skills, and watching Stephanie showoff her talents (both physically and verbally) on the mountain. In a completely unrelated point, I also liked the shot of the mother and child walking around the village. It made me realize that other people actually do exist in Whistler. Who knew? I give this episode three-and-a-half dirty text messages out of five.

andPOP insider interview with the Australian couple, Matt James and Elle Hetherington:

This imported couple have already fought, made up, and gone for dog-sledding rides in two episodes. I absolutely love some of the discrepancy between the two answers. Though Matt and Elle aren’t really shown much in this episode, their relationship is sure to turn heads this season.

What is your favorite part about being on Peak Season?

Elle: “I would say for me it was meeting the crew. They were all such an amazing bunch of people and they were there to experience some serious highs and lows in my life. We really had a great time. It is also a great thing and rare to have a part of your life documented that you can look back on and think “did i say that?” Was i really thinking and feeling that.”

Elle, you were in Whistler the previous winter season. Was the show a part of your return? And what drew you guys to Whistler in the first place?

Elle: “No,it wasn’t the reason I returned. I decided that 7 months was too long to be away from Matt and I booked my ticket before we knew about being on the show. It worked out well because Matt would have been so boring without me… ” (she laughs)

Matt: “I visited on a family holiday when I was 14 and was stoked on the place. At that age I was just pumped on the mountain, the powder and the thought of being able to ride everyday. Also loved the idea of Whistler over any other resorts around the world because of Canadian people, very similar to Aussie people apart from the accent. I never realized how good, and intense, the social and nightlife was in Whistler.”

Are you making it an annual visit, Matt?

“I did want to make a good go at living there for a lot longer than I did, but when you have a girlfriend on the other side of the world for half the season, it takes the decision out of your hands. Hopefully second time around I can get settled to just keep living the dream!”

How hard is it to be dating and in Whistler?

Elle: “It’s not that its hard, it’s just different. You can’t expect things to be normal when you are living in this town that is just craziness 24/7.  You are busy so much and there isn’t much down time where you can be alone together, and I think that is important in relationships so that you can communicate and talk about the experience and up and downs that you are going through.  Also it’s easy to take each other for granted because there are so many other distractions. Nobody wants to miss out on the Whistler experience and in my case at any cost i guess…”

Matt: “I never expected such a focus on my relationship, but then again I never thought all the stuff that has happened would actually happen to Elle and I. I was sweet with the cameras being around, they blend into the background after a little while. I don’t think it was them that made it hard for Elle and I to communicate, it was more the living in each others pockets, not having lots of money and the influence of ‘the party scene’ in your system more days than not.”

Would you recommend it to other people?

Elle: “Of course! All relationships are different and as much as I’ve seen broken ones i seen happy couples come and go. Its case by case. Don’t miss out on Whistler just because you have a partner.”

Matt: “HELL NO… Never again in all my life would I attempt a long distance relationship, especially when I was living the dream in Whistler and Elle was back in Australia working the hard yards. Puts you both of such different wavelengths. It is hard to ever understand what the other person is going through, and can make you feel guilty for having such a good time, knowing that your girl is on other side of world. I am not saying it is impossible, because if you love the person it is worth it, just try avoid it more than anything. It can be a massive downer at times.”

Elle, is it hard to look back and watch scenes of the bickering between you and Matt?

“Yeah it’s weird. It can stir emotions but then you’re like no don’t go there we’ve dealt with that and its in the past. Plus its just so funny to watch yourself angry – who wants to see that?”

How about the more.. loving scenes?

Elle: “Yeah I’m not a fan of the kissy noises but i suppose its better than the bickering scenes.”

Matt (on whether it felt odd looking back on those scenes): “Not at all. Elle and I have such an intense relationship that the bad things are always really messed up and the good things are Epic. So when we are in the moment like that nothing feels odd, i think that night was quite boring compared to other nights we have had.”

Matt, would you consider yourself a romantic guy?

“I am the king of romance, you just got to be lucky enough to experience it for yourself. I am not about being all soft and mushy all the time, but just spoiling the girl when the situation calls for it. If guys don’t fight the romance all the time, they would realize it can be a massive turn on for them as well. I will say that was one of the bigger gestures I have done in the past, but that’s because I was in Whistler and it brings that out in people. There is a lot more of me in Whistler to come, so you will definitely be shocked by things you haven’t seen yet this season.

Being in the Whistler “bubble,” did you find it suffocating to see and party with the same people day in, day out?

Elle: “Not really for me that was no different than partying with your friends back home. The most suffocating part was living away from home. Sleeping on couches and squeezing in time with Matt. But it was all worth it.”

Matt, in your opinion, what are the best things that Peak Season has to offer?

“Peak Season gives the outside world a look into how the most intense snow resort city in the world can affect different peoples lives. I watch some of it back in shock and think Whistler is the only place some of this stuff can go on. It also gets rid of that scripted stuff on other ‘reality’ shows, it is as real a show as you can get.”

Anything else you want to say to your Canadian fans?

Matt: “Keep watching. Lots more of me to love or hate and hope you all learn to take the guys side, that being me every now and again. Also hope I see you all out partying in Whistler or Australia one day, you are only young once.”

Related posts:

1. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×8
2. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×7
3. Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×6

Read more at andPOP. andPOP - POP Culture with Substance