 Poster: A snowHead
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Hey guys and girls,
I'm going to be working in Whistler this season as an instructor, but i have never skied in Canada before. I have two jackets, a Cross one ( dont know the model) and a Orage Aaron one. Both these jackets have been warm enough in Europe with a t-shirt, or a thin fleece on cold days. My question is what kind of base layers etc and how many will i need to survive?
Thanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I moved to British Columbia last September and skied in the Coast mountains a few hours north of Whistler last year (Smithers). The coldest I skied in was -34C which was unbelieveable....both in terms of squeaky snow quality and painfully cold.
Whistler is generally much warmer than that but is nearer the coast so can feel colder than it really is....humidity and all that.
Generally a decent base layer, thin fleece and windproof shell are fine most of the time.
BTW.....I live near Williams Lake (easy to find on Google Maps) it's snowing here now.....2" this afternoon!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Can't believe what I'm seeing, I asked exactly the same question about 3 weeks ago or something, I am going to Whistler this season to get my instructors qualifications with nonstop ski. Will se you there ollie_90, can't wait.
I have been looking at getting some new gear and I spoke to this chick in a shop over in the US somewhere and she reckons its worth me waiting till I get there and buying my gear out there (clothes I mean) because they have loads of choive in Whistler and it'll be cheaper because of the exchange rate, the US $ might have dive bombed but the CAD is still going up around 2:1.
Who are you working for this season?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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ollie_90, if you're working as an instructor they will provide some kit. For a rough idea, search on YouTube for Guide to Whistler Ski Bum.
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ollie_90, best of luck - and Welcome to 
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Canada can get pretty cold, I have experienced -55 at Sunshine Village and had to quit after two runs. (The snow doesn't really slide that well when it's that cold) Saying that, -20,-30,-40 doesn't feel as cold there as it would here and that's mainly to do with it being a dry cold. Then again that was Alberta and if you're close to the BC coast it might feel colder. Your jacket will be fine, I find base layer, fleece and hard shell deals with most conditions and then add an extra layer, micro fleece or gilet when it gets -30+.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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went to whistler last christmas and new year. being near the coast it was quite windy and it snows alot - upper part of mountain shut for at least 5 out of 14 days.
but..... it wasn't as cold as europe for the same time in previous years.
Wrap up for staying dry i'd say.
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When I went on rugby tour a couple of years ago I wore shorts and t-shirt
Though when I skied there I dressed up warm - very warm!
Presumably if you are going for the season you can buy extras ot there!! you might need them.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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ollie_90, If you need more kit , head down the valley to Squamish outlet shops soooo much cheaper 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Whistler doesn't get very cold. Normally there is 1 or 2 weeks a season where its -15 to -20 C.
The rest of the season, the coldest you would expect would be -10 and 75% of the time its around -5.
I generally wear a base thermal, thin fleece and a shell jacket - when its cold, I wear a thicker fleece.
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if ur going whistler - I recommend 2 places to eat out:
Apres - this is the best food I have ever eaten in my whole life (it is in the street behind KFC - kinda up the hill towards whistler on the left - i think it might be directly behind the market sq supermarket) the guy who owns this place used to be head chef at the bear foot bistro - that restaurant has the reputation because of him and it ain't up to much without him - so may as well follow him where he has gone to get the good grub
Whistler village Japanese - actually cheapest sushi and jap food i've ever had - but been dreaming of it since
40 days and 40 nights to go til i go to Alpe D'huez
bring on the winter
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You know it makes sense.
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| wbsr wrote: |
Whistler doesn't get very cold. Normally there is 1 or 2 weeks a season where its -15 to -20 C.
The rest of the season, the coldest you would expect would be -10 and 75% of the time its around -5.
I generally wear a base thermal, thin fleece and a shell jacket - when its cold, I wear a thicker fleece. |
I agree. The cold reputation comes from the Alberta resorts. Lake Louise can get seriously cold, but over on the coast it's fairly mild most of the time in single figure minus temps.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I was luck enough to get a few weeks out there last season! At the peaks a few times it was hitting -20ish maybe lower. I was in a thermal, fleece, face protector and jacket even with all this I was cold a few times. Helmets are also good at protecting from the wind and keep you surprisingly warm. But it can vary easier just to bring a rucsac with you and put some extra layers in!
Would also recommend waiting till you get out there much cheaper than her, I will be going back again this year in Feb and I was looking at some new skis as I will be skiing in Europe later in the season, in the UK the skis I want were about £599 with bindings and in Whistler £420!!!! No brainer! Plus you should be classed as a local so should get a card which some shops will take, giving a decent discount!
Also highly recommend going to the Whistler Ski factory, Prior. Mostly do boards but also got some good skis.
Sushi Village hmmmmmmm
Also really like Hy's Steakhouse!
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