Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

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Inside Your Beach Bag

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Inside Your Beach Bag

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In Whistler, a lot of hours are logged at one of the many lakes. BBQ’s, sun tanning, docks, rope swings and even outdoor movie nights become part of your every day. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing and not in the getting beach bod ready way! Here is what you need in your beach bag to have the best time lakeside!

Battery Pack

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Don’t be caught with no battery so you can’t find out where the party is! The Outdoor tech battery pack has 6000 milliamps of power and can even charge a tablet, which is basically unheard of in the battery pack world. Oh yeah, did we mention it’s water proof?

 Swim Suit

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There is clothing optional beaches in Whistler but for all those other ones, your going to need a some thing to cover yours bits and pieces. Ripcurl swim suits come in all shapes and sizes to show off as much or a little skin as you’d like.

Sandals

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With only a few lakes in Whistler located right by a parking lot, your going to find yourself walking and bare feet are’t going to cut it on the trails. Grab a pair of Reef Sandals and be prepared to trek to the wildest locations to find rope swings and secret docks. Isn’t that what summer is about?

Towel & Sunscreen

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This is an obvious but often over looked necessity. SunBum sunscreen is formulated to protect those that live in the sun and therefore, fits our Whistler mentality of forever being outside. Tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation so you can lather up and feel really good about it.

Sun Hat

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Hats are so right now. Oh and they protect you from the sun but we are focusing more on how good they look! From wide brimmed sun hats to caps, we have all of them!

Make your lake time the best time by being prepared. You can knock everything off your list in one swoop here at McCoo’s; After all, we are your one stop shop!

Mccoos Staff Picks: The Best Runs on Whistler Blackcomb

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Mccoos Staff Picks: The Best Runs on Whistler Blackcomb

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You can spend days, even weeks navigating the terrain on Whistler Blackcomb in search of the perfect run. You can read blog posts, online reviews and ask friends and family for their top picks but no one will provide you better advice than a Whistler local. And not just any Whistler local. Here at Mccoos Whistler our team is on the pulse of everything ski and snowboard. We know the mountains like the back of our hand and can navigate it with our eyes closed, backwards and shin deep in fresh pow. Mccoos was founded in 1987 by Whistler ski legends. If you want advice on anything related to Whistler Blackcomb, the team at Mccoos are the people to ask.

To make sure you have the best day possible on the mountain, our team thought we’d share our top picks for the best runs on Whistler Blackcomb.

Ry – Million Dollar Ridge

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If you’re looking for an off-piste option away from the crowds, Million Dollar Ridge is a local’s favourite. Ry loves the fresh face-shots and ultimate pow conditions. Since this one is just out-of-bounds you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a guide or are with experienced locals before exploring this back-country terrain.

Peter – The Family Zone

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So maybe not a double black, but the Family Zone is the place to be for families learning to ski or ride. Peter recommends the Family Zone to guests of the resort on a daily basis and says there is no better place on the mountain to practice your pizzas and French fries.

Ash – Peak to Creek

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If you’re craving some leg burning action then head to Whistler’s famous Peak to Creek run. This vertical expanses from Whistler’s peak to the Creekside Village and is 11km of pure excellence. The Peak to Creek has a variety of terrain and is a great place to race when groomed from top to bottom. The best part of the Peak to Creek according to Ash is Dusty’s Bar and Grill at the bottom, one of the best après ski spots in Whistler!

George – McConkeys

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George may be a bit biased when choosing McConkeys as his favourite run, it is named after his legendary ski family but we agree, it does credit a top pick. The McConkey family are a house-hold name in Whistler, George is one of the original founders of Mccoos and his father Jim (who the run is named after), was one of Whistler’s ski pioneers responsible for firmly establishing Whistler Mountain on the international stage.

Sarah – Callaghan Valley

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Downhill is not the only style of skiing Whistler is famous for. The Callaghan Valley, although not a run as such, is a utopia for cross country skiing and Nordic sports and is Sarah’s number one pick. The valley, which is located just south of Whistler, has 130km of terrain to explore by ski or snowshoe. The wilderness trails and stunning mountain scenery make the Callaghan Valley a well-deserved top pick.

Before heading to the mountain make sure to stop in at Mccoos and gear-up for adventure. The team at Mccoos would be happy to give tips and suggestions for your day and will ensure you are fully equipped for the adventures that lie ahead. Mccoos is located at the base of Whistler/Blackcomb and their sister store, Mccoos Too, is on the Village stroll. The best powder days always begin at Mccoos!

50 Years of Going Beyond- A Whistorical account of Whistler’s rise to fame

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50 Years of Going Beyond- A Whistorical account of Whistler’s rise to fame

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It is hard to imagine that 50 years ago Whistler officially opened for its first winter season. What has now been named the #1 Ski Resort in North America a multitude of times (the first being in 1991) was not long ago a humble fishing destination called Summit Lake; the most popular summer fishing destination west of the Rocky’s. From the 1920’s until the 1970’s Rainbow Lodge on Alta Lake attracted people from all over Western Canada for its plentiful fish, modern hospitality and stunning location. The Pacific Great Eastern Railway opened Whistler to the outside world and the popular fishing destination became accessible from Vancouver in under a day.

It wasn’t until the 1960’s Whistler’s fate as a worldly acclaimed ski destination came into manifestation. In 1960 a group of Vancouver Businessmen formed Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. with the goal of creating an alpine ski mountain on what was then called London Mountain; at this time there was no road, no sewage and no electricity servicing Alta Lake at the base of the new mountain site. London Mountain was re-named Whistler Mountain in 1965 and the year after, Whistler Mountain opened for its inaugural season featuring a four person gondola, a double chair-lift, two T bars, a day lodge and several runs. At this time it was still a 5-6 hour journey from Vancouver on a single lane road but the arduous journey did not stop the world from experiencing Whistler and the legendary snow conditions it offered.

In 1978 construction began on Whistler Village, which was once the town dumpsite, and in 1980 Blackcomb Mountain opened for business featuring 5 triple chairs and 4067 ft. of vertical. Owned and operated by separate entities, Whistler was quick to come back by developing a series of new runs. The healthy competition between the two mountains saw a battle for supremacy and ultimately it was the customers who were privy to the latest and greatest runs, lifts and mountain upgrades. It wasn’t until 1997 that Whistler and Blackcomb merged to create one of the biggest and best mountain resort destinations in the world.

Now firmly established on the world stage as a must-visit winter destination, in 1999 the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened offering a whole other world of mountain exploration in the summer months. In 2000 Creekside Village, the original base area, received a major facelift and it 2008 the Peak 2 Peak Gondola opened, a 4.4 kilometer expanse connecting Whistler and Blackcomb’s alpines together. The Peak to Peak smashed 3 world records: The longest unsupported span in the world, the highest lift of its kind in the world and the world’s longest continuous lift system. Not only did the Peak to Peak offer skiers and riders more accessibility in the winter months but it opened the alpine to hikers and sight seers in the summer months too.

The long-time vision of Whistler’s founders was finally realized in 2010 with the Winter Olympic Games. In the year’s leading up to the Olympics Whistler received upgrades such as the Whistler Olympic Park, Sliding Centre, Athlete’s Village, Olympic Plaza and a new highway connecting Whistler to Vancouver in under 2 hours. Although the Olympics has now come and gone, Whistler remains with these Olympic legacies and the residual benefits that come from hosting the Olympics continue to flow.

Mccoos Whistler has proudly been part of Whistler’s story since 1987 when Jeff Coombs and George McConkey had a hand written business plan and a dream to create a true local’s shop with a focus on service, selection and local relationships. Fast forward 28 years and Mccoos is still locally owned and is true to its core culture, values and products that were established back in the 80’s. Happy 50th anniversary Whistler/Blackcomb- glad we could be part of the story!

Start Planning Your Winter Wardrobe

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Start Planning Your Winter Wardrobe

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It is always a bittersweet time of the year when swim suits and shorts get swapped for snow gear and sweaters. Long, lazy days at the lake and epic memories in the bike park begin to fade as anticipation for the winter season heightens. You want to make sure you are geared up for adventure as soon as the snow starts to fall, and Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing for the winter season. McCoo’s in Whistler has been around since 1987 and is the embodiment of everything Whistler. We stock everything a mountain enthusiast needs for a carefree mountain lifestyle or an adrenaline pumped season. Here are our carefully crafted tips and suggestions for planning your Whistler winter wardrobe:

Clothing

When in Whistler you want to look and feel the part. Mountain culture clothing is a unique style that expresses snow, fun, adventure and a laid-back lifestyle. Look for brands like Loose Riders, Fasthouse and Mons Royale. Essential pieces include a quality pair of pants, a warm hoodie and a few long sleeved shirts for underneath. Don’t forget a hat to top off the attire.

Outerwear

Your outerwear needs to get you from the lifts, to the runs and to the Apres, all while staying dry and comfortable. Buying quality outerwear is key for memorable days on the mountain. Look for durable, high performance jackets and snow pants. Ensure a waterproof rating of over 10,000mm and fully sealed seams which will guarantee the moisture stays out. Durable and quality apparel brands such as Rip Curl and Flylow will have you looking stylish while keeping you warm and dry at the same time. Layering is key to optimal comfort so don’t forget your base-layer underneath!

Accessories

Your winter wardrobe is not complete without your necessary winter accessories. You will need a good pair of gloves, a toque and some goggles at the very least. We have the largest selection of goggles in Whistler with staff specially trained to help you find the right pair (there really is a lot involved!). For extra chilly days on the mountain you may require a neck warmer or balaclava. Other accessories to consider include a helmet and backpack recommended for safety and practicality.

Gadgetry

For those who want to make some solid memories this winter, don’t be on the mountain without your action camera. Whether you want to create a high def film in the terrain park or simply capture your holiday to show friends and family make sure you have a GoPro camera on hand at all times. Outdoor Tech power banks and speakers will ensure the good times keep rolling.

Don’t be sad that summer is nearing an end. Be proactive and start planning your winter wardrobe while dreaming about the upcoming season. Come in and see us at McCoo’s in Whistler Village. We have helpful and friendly staff available to assist you in choosing the right gear and apparel plus quality brands and styles for all tastes.

 

Golfing Necessities

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Golfing Necessities

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While we can’t improve your golf score, we can help improve your over all golfing experience. McCoo’s might not be your traditional golf store, but we’ve got the golfing necessities you need for your next game. Here are a few things we think you should bring along to your next game of golf for an extra good time.

First things first, the outfit. Our current line up of Oakley clothing doubles as street wear and golf wear. A shirt can that look the part and can perform for multiple activities is a shirt worth investing in. We’ve got plenty of shorts that you can rock on the fairway or in the bike park. So for the folks that like to do it all, get your Oakley get up here and wear it all day long.

The golf hat is a key accessory that any golfer will attest to. The Silicon Oakley Cap 2.0 in white will keep your head cooler by reflecting the sun and let it breath through the extremely breathable material.

The right eyewear is crucial to your comfort while golfing. Be sure to pack your sunnies or stop in to try on the new Oakley Prizm line up. The Prizm line offers a full line of sport specific sunglasses for busy bodies and serious athletes. For golf specific shades try on the Prizm Golf Flak 2.0 XL. Want more info on choosing the right shades for you? Check out our recent post: 4 Tips for Finding the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses.

The Suncloud Eye Retainer is a little accessory that will make you wonder what you ever did with out one! Pick up an eye retainer to keep those fancy new shades around your neck when they aren’t working hard to protect your eyes. It’s a game changer for the notorious sunglass “miss-placer”, “scratch-er” or “dropper”.

We would be silly to not mention sunscreen. Don’t head to the course with out some Sunbum sunscreen with an SPF protection rating of your choice.

What golfing necessity is the most fun? Your GoPro of course! GoPro’s all you to get up close and personal with your swing shots or nice and wide with your mountain view images. Our arsenal of GoPros, accessories and mounts can help you get the perfect shot.

Last but not least, don’t forget your beer cozy! We aren’t encouraging grabbing a beer for the cart, but if you do, you can have the most stylish one with one of our cozies!

We really do hope you score well, but at the very least we hope you’re comfortable in your stylish get up and gear from McCoo’s! Stop in to see what we are talking about and get ready for your next round in Whistler.

Local’s Only Hint: If you dig a casual approach to golf with a laid back vibe we recommend stopping by The Meadows at Pemberton for a round or two! We think our style and yours will be on par with their atmosphere.

The 5 Bags You Need in Whistler

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The 5 Bags You Need in Whistler

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Whistler has four distinct seasons, each with its own weather and sports to enjoy. Cross over is key in gear so you can get the most of it, so we’ve come up with the 5 bags you need in Whistler to accommodate almost all sports and seasons.

Ski Bag

Whether you are pounding out laps on the chairlift all day, venturing into the backcountry or getting a heli drop into a gnarly line, you’ll need a ski pack for your winter outings. When searching for the perfect ski bag think about if the majority of your winter will be on the resort, in the backcountry or a mix of both. If the backcountry is your playground, purchasing an avalanche float pack might be the best decision you’ve ever made. Some float packs have a removable portion so it can be worn as a regular pack as well. McCoo’s has a large selection of different capacity bags geared towards your favorite type of skiing. Making sure your gear fits in your new bag is key, so feel free to bring your gear shopping with you to make sure it fits into the bag you’ve been eying, with room to spare! If you’re more of a resort cruiser, we’ve got plenty of smaller options for you too!

Beach Bag

Summer living means plenty of days at the beach. Beach bags come in all shapes and sizes, so pick one that will hold all of your beach necessities. We’ve got you covered with a separate blog post about beach bag essentials to make sure you’re ready for a summer filled with lake days.

Camping Pack

Whistler has endless places to escape for a night, or a week of camping by foot or by car. With so many options it’s nice to have a camping pack that can handle it all. A minimum of 35L is recommended for overnight camping to allow adequate room for your sleeping bag, tent, food, water and other camping supplies. The longer the trip, the bigger the pack should be. It’s important to be fitted for your pack as well. Most camping packs come in sizes based on your body frame, so keep that in mind to get the pack with the perfect fit for you. Another camping pack tip is to look for a pack with more than one point of entry so that if you pack something at the bottom you can get to it with out unpacking the whole bag. Bags with outside straps are great for hauling a tent on the outside as well.

Day Pack

Your daily backpack will be the most well used packs in your quiver, so choose wisely. Invest in this bag, as it will be the pack you wear for the most missions. This pack should have room for the essentials and then some so that it can accommodate a variety of activities with out too much bulk. Ideally your backpack will with stand dusty bike rides, day hikes and even an impromptu snowshoe adventure with ease.

Multi-purpose Bag

Heading to the gym? A sleepover at a friends? Maybe out for some sight seeing? This is the bag you’ll need at your side, or on your back. We are especially loving the variety of bags for both guys and gals by Herschel Supply Co bags right now. This bag doesn’t need to be a heavy-duty pack, but it should be something you’re ready to grab for all your random outings.

McCoo’s has you covered year round for all your bag needs. We love to see you play in our beautiful backyard, so we’ll set you up with the right bags so you can make the most out of every season. Come see our brand and product selection in stores and then get busy exploring!

Essentials for Your Whistler Beach Bag

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Essentials for Your Whistler Beach Bag

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With beaches-galore and the long summer days already here, it’s time to get the essentials for your Whistler beach bag in order. You’ll want to be ready for those last minute invites to the beach with your bases covered. Here’s what we think you’ll need in your kit this summer:

Sun Screen

Playing in the sun is fun, but be smart about it friends! One in five is sadly diagnosed with skin cancer, so product the flesh and lather up with Beach Bum Sunscreen SPF 15, 30 or 50. Water magnifies the suns UV rays, so reapply a few times so you can do it all over again tomorrow, sans sunburn.

Camera

If you aren’t already a proud owner of a GoPro camera, we can change that. We know you are going to make the most of your summer, so be sure to share it!

Sandals

You can’t go wrong with a classic Reef sandal. There is a reason these guys are the standard in the surf industry for footwear and are still making a name. It’s because their Eco-friendly, fashion forward – yet low profile design, and durable sandal just can’t be beat.

Sunnies

We just wrote an awesome post with tips on how to pick out your perfect pair of shades, so give it a read here and don’t forget to pack them!

Towel

Our favorite towel is the RVCA Balance Box Towel. This beach towel may inspire you to wear it as a toga with its soft feel and rad camo print, and we won’t judge you for that. But seriously, if you’re going to the beach you need a towel.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is so important when enjoying the outdoors. A water bottle is usually just a water bottle, but the Oakley Water Tank 20oz is something else. This BPA free bottle has a separate twist off bottom that can hold ice to keep your beverage cool when inverted. Its tough stainless steel construction and eye pleasing design is a practical statement piece – yes we just said statement piece about a water bottle, you clearly need to check it out.

Tunes

Whether you are looking for a portable speaker or low profile headphones Skull Candy has you covered.

Hat

Nothing says summer living like a floral hat. One of our favorites is the RFLF Co Summer Vacation Hat. RFLF Co. is a brand that got its roots right here in Whistler. They have an array of lifestyle clothing and accessories including, you guessed it, lots of awesome hats!

Bag

The kit holder. Choosing the right beach bag can be tricky, but we know this awesome Vancouver based company that makes killer backpacks and totes. Herschel Supply Company has a big selection of packs that will hold all your beach necessities and more. Come see what we’ve got in stock to get you to the beach!

Now that you’ve got the bases covered, chuck them in your beach bag and head to the beach already! Or maybe swing by and visit us at Mcoo’s first to piece together your summer kit!

7 Items Found in Every Whistler Closet

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7 Items Found in Every Whistler Closet

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There are a lot of things you won’t find in a Whistler closet.

High heels, for instance, don’t tend to do well in snow, dirt, and puddles. You’d be hard-pressed to find a suit (business, that is) that was purchased in the last 10 years.

But there are few key items that you could probably find in just about every closet in town. These are the Whistler staples. Some are practical, others are aesthetic – either way, they’re important ingredients for perfecting the mountain lifestyle. Here are some of our favourite Whistler must-haves.

A Low Light Lens

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Bluebird days in Whistler are awesome, but we’re notorious for our low light days on the mountain. Every Whistlerite knows that having the right goggle lens makes a huge difference: a low light lens will help you see in tricky conditions. And when you’re hucking it off a cornice or dodging trees, it’s good to be able to see.

A Good Toque

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Toque, beanie, whatever you want to call it, every Whistler resident owns a toque – or, more realistically, dozens of them. Wear them underneath your helmet, waiting for the bus, at work when you haven’t had time to wash your hair… heck, wear them out for a formal dinner. Consider your toque an extension of your physical body.

GoreTex

We live in the coastal rainforest – it’s going to get wet.

Our heavier snow is great because it sticks to stuff, giving us great coverage, but it can also get you soaked. Waterproof fabrics like GoreTex are essential parts of the Whistler kit.

The Perfect Flannel

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Once you’ve found the perfect flannel shirt, you’ll quickly realize that it is suitable for each and every occasion you’ll ever come across. Flannels are comfortable, but they still look sharp (hey, there are buttons and a collar!) You’re in the mountains – it’s okay to embrace the mountain man look.

Boots That Fit

Had to cut the day short because your ski boots were torturing your feet? Rookie mistake. Everyone in Whistler knows that it’s worth investing in a good pair of ski boots that have been properly fitted to your foot (hey – isn’t McCoo’s known for being the best at that?)

When you realize that you’ll spend more time in your ski boots than any other footwear, it’ll all make sense.

A Full Quiver

McCoos Skis

No one in Whistler just has skis. They have rock skis for early season conditions, pow skis for when Ullr is feeling extra generous, park skis for those bluebird spring day sessions, cross country skis for when they want to work on their cardio (that includes both classic skis and skate skis)…

As they say, variety is the spice of life. Living in Whistler, it’s impossible not to accumulate a set of skis for every potential condition.

A Frolf Disc

It’s not Frisbee, it’s not golf – it’s frolf. A favourite Whistler pastime involves heading into the woods to one of our awesome frolf courses and tossing the disc for a few hours with some buddies. Frolf is the perfect laid-back way to enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors. You can guarantee that there’s a frolf disc tucked away somewhere in every front hall closet in Whistler.

Dressing in Whistler, From Head to Toe

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Dressing in Whistler, From Head to Toe

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Here in Whistler, we put a lot of thought into what we wear every day. It’s not that we’re vain – it’s that we demand a lot out of our gear.

We need to it keep us warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. We need it to be solid enough to protect us from slips and bails, while being flexible enough to let us move and flow.

And, of course, it doesn’t hurt if it makes us look good, too. Here’s what you need to get geared up for a day on the mountain in Whistler.

Your Base Layer

It all starts with the base layer: this is the layer that’s closest to your skin. A good base layer is the secret to comfort: if it can wick sweat away from you, keeping you dry, you’ll be a lot happier on the mountain.

Look for technical fabrics meant to keep you dry, and aim for pieces that are fitted without being constrictive.

Socks

The difference between wearing technical socks and regular socks on the mountain is night and day. Invest in a couple of pairs of good ski socks to show your feet little love. Good socks will keep your tootsies dry, warm, and comfortable – plus, you won’t need to worry about your boots rubbing and chafing your legs and ankles. Don’t skimp on socks!

Your Outerwear

Choose your outerwear wisely: this is how your friends will be able to identify you on the mountain! Function is your first priority: look for pieces that will let you move comfortably on your skis.

Other things to look for: sleeves that are long enough to cover your arms (to avoid that horrible feeling of getting snow up your sleeves), a hood large enough to pop over your helmet, and plenty of pockets for your pass, phone, keys, and other extras.
The weather on Whistler Blackcomb can get wet: waterproof materials like Gore-Tex are good.

If you’re concerned that a jacket won’t keep you warm enough, keep in mind that you can always add a mid-layer to keep you toasty.

Gear for Your Head

You want to keep your head warm, and you want to keep your head safe. Start with a thin toque (beanie) to keep the heat in, and look for a face mask to protect you from the wind.

Next, find a good helmet to keep your noggin protected. Try on a few until you find one that fits comfortably.

Gloves and Mittens

A good pair of gloves or mittens is a must! If you’ve got perpetually cold hands, choose a pair of mittens – they’ll keep you warmer. If you like having the extra exterity, you can go for gloves instead.

Eventually, you’ll likely have a few pairs in your repertoire – after all, a stormy pow day calls for different gloves than spring skiing.

Goggles

With Whistler’s largest selection of goggles, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about good goggles. Look for goggles that fit comfortably around your face and that don’t squish down on your nose. You’ll want to make sure they fit nicely with your helmet, too.

Once you’ve found the right fit, the fun really starts – we can help you sort your way through interchangeable lenses, anti-fog technology, and tons of different colours and styles.

Boots

Some would argue that your ski boots are the number one most important piece of gear you wear on the mountain. Properly fitting boots will change the way you ski. Stop by and see George McConkey – he’s known as one of the best boot fitters in the world!

Check out McCoo’s full list of quality products and brands and get geared up for adventure!