Whistler BizBeat: Forged Axe Throwing

Welcome to BizBeat, Pique’s newest web series profiling Whistler businesses and their employees who go above and beyond.

Each week, we will profile another resort employer and one of their staff, who have each agreed to answer the same questionnaire that has been sent to businesses and employees across the community.

This week it's Forged Axe Throwing, Whistler's favourite spot (only spot?) to huck sharp objects. Hear from co-owner James Anderson, before we publish a profile tomorrow of star employee and manager Jackie Stanton. 

The following interview has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. 

Pique: Describe your business and the products/services it provides, as well as when it launched.

Forged opened its doors back in April 2017 with four lanes. Over the years, we have expanded to have 10 indoor lanes, two outdoor lanes, a patio and a bar! We are open daily from 12 p.m. and offer hosted sessions for groups between two and 60 people. During our sessions, our hosts teach everyone how to throw, then we play team games and teach trickshots. As we approach our sixth birthday, some of our favourite things are getting our guests on our wall of fame, sabreing champagne with an axe, and celebration shot skis! 

What do you like the most about doing business in Whistler?

Whistler has become a destination for anyone and everyone during all times of the year. We talk to tourists from all over the world who come to Whistler to try new things. There is so much to see and do here that people keep coming back. Seeing Function Junction expand with awesome businesses over the years has been awesome; we love our location here.

What do you like the least about doing business in Whistler? 

Its quiet seasons during the spring and fall. It's also difficult to run a business in a town where most people come to live one to two years tops, so we are always hiring. 

If you were mayor for a day, what single policy would you implement in Whistler to best support local businesses?  

I would like for staff accommodation to be more accessible.

What’s a memorable moment or customer from your time doing business in Whistler?

The NHL's Washington Capitals coming through Forged was epic!

Learn more at forgedaxe.ca. 

Got a business or employee you'd like us to profile? Email reporter Brandon Barrett at [email protected].