Whistler Blackcomb's Opening Day tradition is a kind of candy festival - the soft grey light of morning is skittled-through with bright new gear and buzzing skiers and riders, amped by the prospect of making that first turn in 6 months. Some are Opening Day regulars, some are cutting school, some are here for their first time. But when the gate drops, and the gondola starts to load, they are all riding the same wave of Stoke, right to the top.