andPOP » Stephanie Just

Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×5

Joelle Tomlinson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:14:15 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

This Week on Peak Season: Episode Five

Another Monday night has passed, and with it, another drama-filled episode of Peak Season. As I sat down with my twelve-pack of beer and snow globe (the closest I can get to be Whistler local), I realized this episode marks the halfway point of the first season. It’s almost like the six month anniversary of a relationship, when you decide to persist or ditch. Is it worth the emotional investment, the time and the mind games? In my opinion, yes. Sure, it’s maddening when your emotional other can only dedicate thirty minutes to you a week, but sometimes, that’s what these one-ended relationships consist of. I mean, what other show has tractors plowing snow as a riveting opening shot? It’s one-of-a-kind, and I’m excited to see where this season will take the psychologically-insane individuals of Whistler.

What happens:

Stephanie Just: The fearless snowboarder.

In this episode, a lot of focus is put on Steph and her snowboarding. Her pass for the slopes has been reinstated, and she wastes no time getting back on the hill. When watching Steph in the park, hitting every jump and rail possible, it’s hard not to feel inadequate in comparison. I find myself on my feet, carving and leaning as though she is my Wii character (outfitted in my baggy pants and Jamaican toque), and I’m (not her!) garnering points for every trick. It works wonders for temporary self-esteem boosts.

In shows like The Hills, Lauren and Lo can use their powers to bypass lines at celebrity-infested club events. However, in shows like Peak Season, Steph and her friend use their overwhelming star power to wheedle and talk their way into getting spots in full Snowboarding competitions, more specifically, the “Showcase Showdown.” This competition features inflatable Redbull, gnarly tricks and Steph’s announced “aggressive frontside board slide.” I feel as though this is a personality characteristic of girls in Whistler. Instead of long walks on the beach, the new thing to enjoy is aggressively grinding a rail (no inappropriate innuendo implied).

After placing a respectable fifth place in the competition, probably due to a tragic bail on her final run, Steph congratulates her third-placing companion with a reassuring “I told you, if you beat me, I would kill you.. Congratulations!”

It’s truly hard not to love this girl.

Amanda and Stoofie: The conversationalists.

Amanda and Stoofie have a great dynamic as best friends. Within every one of their pointless conversations lies an absolute truth: which is, we (being female, that is) must talk about pointless things in order to exist. They discuss the undefined relationship between Amanda and Denny, Dre, and the volatile situation between Stoofie and Ian. Apparently, dishing about dirty ‘sexts’ is unacceptable in the elegant Ian’s book, and Stoofie believes it just may be over. The poor girl gets to join the Ross-causality list- a lot of brave soldiers have been lost in those trenches, but they persist tenaciously against the enemy with shots in hand and Uggs on feet.

Ian: Always the gentleman.

Apparently, Ian hasn’t mastered the meaning of the word “hypocrisy,” as he so cunningly demonstrates by reading the texts Stoofie has sent him aloud to his motley crew. It is fairly obvious that his short-lived fascination with Stoofie is dwindling, and it’s time to move on for the oversized-hat wearing stud. Even more awkward than this ensemble is the double-date that ensues between him, Stoofie, Amanda and Denny at a restaurant, which I suspect moonlights as a bowling alley.

Sometimes, when I’m walking alone by a shifty-looking character, I’ll pull out the whole immersed-in-my-texts bit, but this act is strictly reserved for strangers. Unfortunately for Stoofie, this rule does not apply to Ian. At one point she could have been naked dancing on top of the table, and her three other technologically-astute companions would have been oblivious.

Elle: the advocate for “Gill’s Night.”

For those of you less accent-inclined, the Canadian translation is girl’s night. This ensues in an evening of pampering, curling 20-inch extensions and donning the biggest sparkly ring you can find. As the ladies, or gills, enjoy their estrogen-only party at Bazooka Joe’s, Elle is understandably disappointed when her Australian hubby, Matt, crashes the party with his posse. Even more disappointing, apparently, is when he proceeds to ignore her and the high-pitched clan. This ensues in the “weirdest” fighting match I have ever witnessed. Case in point:

Elle: “Why are you being such a weirdo to me?”

Matt: “What are you talking about, I’m not being a weirdo!”

Elle: “Yes you ARE, you ARE being weirdo!”

And thus it continues. At the commencement of this vocabulary-infused debate, Elle decides that perhaps Australia isn’t her breeding grounds, and the Switzerland boy in the bar is more to her liking. On a following, more-sober morning, she is inclined to question her relationship and whether staying in Whistler is the greatest option at the moment.

Matt: The perfect boyfriend.

Otherwise his touching display of affection for Elle at Bazooka Joe’s, there is not much of Matt in this episode. What’s the equivalent of a gills-night out? A mates-day-outing! Matt, Dane (his shaggy-haired roommate) and Rory (a visiting friend), go snowmobiling in the beautiful slopes of Whistler. They rip around with accompanying rap music and flurries, a combination that represents the new hot threesome in television.

Best Lines:

“Dude, I know I have you hooked, I can call her anytime of the day and she’d be here.” -Ian, about Stoofie.

“Switzerland!” – Elle beckoning to her new man/country of choice.

“That’s why we have the best group, because we have all the hot people.” -Ian

“It takes typing texts to wheel a chick … that’s sometimes how it goes.” -Ian

“Gnarly, Shred, Bummer, Let’s peace” -Whistler Lingo

“F**k this sh*t, F**ck boyfriends.” -Elle

Overall:

I think it may be virtually impossible to say anything negative about the show itself in throes of a growing addiction. I will say that this episode was surprisingly lonely without Lauren Horton, Dre Morel or Stephanie Weber. I felt a tension throughout the entire show, like something big, sorry…gnarly, was about to happen, and I believe next week will be brimming with an above-average quota of drama. Character descriptions are slowly solidifying, but there still hasn’t been a lot of meaningful advancements in understanding each person on the show. Essentially, Fraggalosch (the creator of the show), is doing his job impeccably, because it seems as though next Monday is light-years away, a far-too long period of time in which I will most likely re-watch episode five an admittedly embarrassing amount of times.

andPOP insider interview with Stephanie Just

Stephanie Just weighs in on the show, her snowboarding, and what it was like growing up in Whistler.

Loving the show, what do you think of it so far?

“I think it’s great! It’s definitely dramatic!”

You just made your big debut on the third episode.. do you think it accurately reflected your personality?

“So far, it’s pretty accurate!”

Describe growing up in Whistler.

“Growing up in whistler was amazing. I feel like I grew up outdoors. I was always doing something outside; whether it was swimming, skiing, snowboarding, or just playing nicky nicky nine doors on the neighbors. It’s a very small town though so you can’t get away with a whole lot. It teaches you to be honest because everyone’s going to know everything you do. My high school was small, and most of us were together since preschool. We’re kind of like a big family! I feel very fortunate to have grown up in such an amazing place. ”

How would you describe your style?

“Hmmm, my style? I don’t really know if I have a style. I like to dress how i feel, mostly comfortable. I love sweat pants. I love big baggy clothing, but i also like to dress like somewhat of a girl. I love hippie shirts! Sometimes when I’m feeling super sexy, I’ll dress like it.”

Have you and the other local on the show, Dre, always been friends?

“Dre and I have been friends for a long time. When I was younger I used to hang out with Dre’s older sister Nat. She’s the funniest girl. Nat, Dre, and I hung out a lot. We even traded pets. I traded my turtle for their two guinea pigs… ha ha!”

What about the rest of the cast? Did you know them all before Peak Season?

“I’ve know Amanda for a while. I met her at a snowboard contest a few years ago. I know Lauren and Ian from around town, and I met Matt and Elle while we were filming.”

What led you to snowboarding?

“My blood, my childhood, and my dad! My dad bought me my first snowboard. It was a rental SIMS for $75. I didn’t really want to snowboard, but I thought I’d give it a shot.”

Your parents are obviously big supporters of your boarding. What do they think of you being on Peak Season?

“My parents are really excited for me! We watch the show together every Monday night, and they love it! My dad calls it freak season. Ha!”

If boarding wasn’t an option what else would you want to do with your life career-wise?

“I think I would be somewhere out in the middle of know-where trying to save animals. Or I would be in architecture.”

You have to give up one thing: partying, guys or snowboarding. Which one would it be?

“I’d like to say boys, but that’s the whole reason we party in the first place. And if I cut boys, who would I snowboard with?”

Have you been signed on to a boarding company?

“I ride for Westbeach, Kombi, OGIO, Mayday, Spy, and Omatic.”

Can we expect anything romance-wise from you in coming episodes?

“Romance in Whistler… hardly. Ha!”

Tell us something about yourself that not a lot of people know.

“I’m kinda obsessive compulsive. I’m obsessed with numbers.”

Anything else you want to say about the show?

“I hope there’s a second season.”

Peak Season Insider Blog, Episode 1×4

Joelle Tomlinson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:14:12 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

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.”