WinterBoob A Wintery Winner

Insight Vacations' Cris David & Trafalgar's Doug Patterson help themselves to the pasta bar lunch

Mikala Morris of the Bahamas Tourist Office & Open Jaw's Suzanne Christie hit the slopes

Spa goers relax by the lounge fireplace

Open Jaw's Matthew Muszalski, the new record holder for the Great Bra Off

Open Jaw's Stuart Morcombe gets crafty & decorates a bra

Penny Martin of TPI & Transat's Nicole Bursey & Suzanne Diefenbaker team up for Name That Tune

How many travel professionals can fit in a photo booth?

If you were inconvenienced by last week’s snowstorm, please feel free to blame us.

It’s because at last year’s WinterBoob, at the very pretty Hockley Valley Resort, snow was conspicuous for its absence. “Where is the snow?” WinterBoobers wailed as we looked around the grounds, spying green lawns more suited to croquet than snowshoeing. “How could Mother Nature abandon WinterBoob?”

Well, clearly She was listening. This year, WinterBoob #10 was snowy indeed. Mother Nature delivered 1st class, call-the-army, in-your-face (literally) snow, and lots of it. Which meant that not all of the record 114 registrants could make it, but those who did had a lovely time.

Sadly, Ivanna Gabbalot was again a no-show, texting us that her car was stuck in a ditch and she was “struggling to stay warm” with Todd, the tow-truck driver.

Skiers certainly had no shortage of the white stuff and enjoyed run after run. Indoor, spa attendees sat by the cozy fireplace in the spa lounge and solved the problems of the travel industry (whew). Others played indoor games including the classic Great Bra Off, proudly won by Open Jaw’s own Matthew Muszalski in a race-to-the-finish with defending champ Trafalgar’s Doug Patterson.

Other winners included Wolf Paunic of Trafalgar and Dallyce Macas of Eminence Canada in the downhill Ski-Daddle.

As always, the afternoon was rounded off by a toast and reminder of why we had all come together: to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. One of the most poignant moments of the day was when V.com’s Christine James spoke to the crowd, recalling that even when she was undergoing breast cancer treatment, she didn’t miss a WinterBoob.

TPI’s Penny Martin says that it’s a great way to support the cause and meet up with friends in the industry. As Transat’s Suzanne Diefenbaker put it, “This cause is important and dear to Transat – with so many women working in the industry. Far too many have been involved.” Doug Patterson, who flew in that a.m. from YYJ said, “Everyone is touched by breast cancer - my mother is a survivor so there’s no way I won’t be here.” Christine Jeynes of CTC Travel Group calls WinterBoob “a one-day vacation in the middle of the winter” and she should know – she has attended each and every year.

The evening finished up with the always fun, live auction helmed by entertaining auctioneer Doug Patterson. Top bid of the evening was $4,750 for an Avalon Cruise. And look forward to seeing Travel Corporation’s prez Jeff Element on the Pink Couch, for which he bid $825 – what a bargain!

The OJ ‘boobers are still tallying up the proceeds, but at least $37,000 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

Thanks to all who came out and participated. It was a blast as always. See you next year at Winterboob XI!