‘Foon’ Chilton to share his love for the mountains

The snow is already flying and there are rumours the mountains might open early. As ski season approaches, it seems fitting that this month’s Speaker Series should feature one of the Sea to Sky’s most interesting ski mountaineers.

On Wednesday (Nov. 16) from 7 to 9 p.m. the Whistler Museum will welcome Johnny “Foon” Chilton as he presents “The Energy of the Mountains.”

Pemberton-based Chilton of Foon Skis has dozens of first descents throughout B.C.’s Coast Mountains to his credit. A cabinet-maker by trade, he has also embarked on designing handcrafted skis made specifically for the Coast Mountains’ legendary terrain, as well as for the very particular desires of the hardcore skiers who are determined to explore everything the local mountains have to offer. Foon Skis are created from trees grown right here in the Coast Mountains.

Chilton describes the inspiration for Foon Skis’ compelling life cycle: “The mountains are alive; alive as a greater organism. We, like the trees and animals that live on the mountains, are a part of them. Not the other way around. And as such I have been inspired to make skis that are part of the mountains, made from the trees of B.C.’s Coast Mountains with the hands and the energy of a man from B.C.’s Coast Mountains.”

In his presentation, Chilton will present his view on why people love the mountains: energy. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring magnitude of peaks that seem to touch the sky, the vitality experienced when immersed in the alpine, or the sometimes-spiritual experience of watching a sunrise in a sublime landscape, the mountain energy is undeniable.

Drawing from his first-hand experiences and knowledge of the history of coastal ski mountaineering, Chilton’s aim for the talk is to inspire and share what the mountains mean to him. Expect a presentation full of drama, passion and truly inspiring photographs.

Tickets are regular $7, or $5 for members, and are available at the Whistler Museum or by calling 604-932-2019. Purchase an individual museum membership for $25 and get a ticket for free, as well as discounts on all future museum events.

Seating has been limited to 50 for this event, so advance purchase is highly recommended. There will be complimentary tea and coffee courtesy of Whistler Roasting Company and of course there will be a cash bar.

This is the last Speaker Series installment of a very successful year. A whole new crop of interesting, inspiring and fabulous speakers is lined up for 2012, so stay tuned!

Leah Batisse is curator and executive director of the Whistler Museum.