Many are the books that have been published on the birth, growth and maturation of Whistler-Blackcomb. Many also are the multiple guide books for trekking, climbing, biking and huts-camping. The books are aplenty on ski runs worth the doing for all levels from beginners to advanced, off piste also on the agenda of many. But, the collection and publication by Whistler Museum of the whacky and on the edge ski antics of the Peak Bros. is more than worth the purchase and lively reads.
The graphic and short comic tales were published in The Whistler Answer and The Whistler Review—there are 21 short comics, often racy, ribald and tensions at the highest pitch between ski patrol and a pushing the limits of on the slopes safety (and much else) of the Peak Bros.
Those who have some interest in the rawer, more unconventional and testing the boundaries phase of on and all the slopes life of Whistler being birthed will glean much from the Peak Bros.: A Whistler Strip 1979-1992. Obviously, much had occurred in Whistler life and growth before 1979 (and much afterwards) but the 21 snap shot comic strips offer the interested an animated gaze into a slice of Whistler life between 1979-1992.
The black and white comic strips were published in memory of Gord “Rox” Harder (1957-2020) who was the “original Peak Bro. and creator of the Peak Bros. comics”. The photo on the back cover of the comic booklet highlights Harder in colour with his rather dated thin skis, forest and blue ski in the background, snow at his feet, cigarette hanging out of his mouth —all quite sedate and the opposite of the actual comics—the front cover is much more a taster and teaser of what the reader is about to encounter in text and images, skiing ever the focus of the multiple melodramas and challenges between mountains, ski patrol and Peak Bros.
Those who have some minimal interest in the history of Whistler-Blackcomb and have read most of the books, booklets and much else on the mountaineering community will, decidedly and definitely, need to purchase and enjoy the romp through Peak Bros.: A Whistler Comic Strip 1979-1992—the booklet can be purchased through Whistler Museum and the Museum offers, needless to say, a more comprehensive approach to the birth, growth, maturation and contemporary reality of Whistler culture and life.
Roxy was my buddy and co-worker on Whistler Mt. Ski Corp. in the late 80’s / early 90’s. We both worked for Building Mtnc., as carpenters / maintenance men. I was sad to hear of his passing – he was a very unique dude…