The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your Winter Getaway in Whistler

So, you’ve mastered the art of shredding the slopes, huh? You’re no longer that skier who timidly edges down black diamonds – now you’re eyeing up those pristine looking powder bowls and gnarly backcountry lines that Whistler is famous for. Maybe you’ve already booked a day or two with Extremely Canadian, where the guides will take you where others fear to tread. But before you head off into the wild west coast wilderness (or at least some epic off-piste), let’s make sure you’re packed for success.

We’re talking the gear that makes you look like you were born on the mountain and the stuff you’ll need to party like you own the après. Here’s your ultimate packing guide for the advanced skier heading on a ski trip to Whistler.

1. The Essentials for On the Mountain

When you're stepping into the big leagues of backcountry skiing and freeride terrain, your gear game needs to be as strong as your turns. You’ll want to invest in top-tier equipment that keeps you safe, comfortable, and performing at your peak. Here's what to throw in your duffel: 

Guiding: Extremely Canadian Two-Day Steeps Clinic or Intro to Backcountry Group/Private Backcountry Tour

Skip the lift lines, find all the best stashes, and let somebody else do the guiding for once.  The trick to taking advantage of Whistler Blackcomb is making the most of the mind-blowing terrain available, and that’s where we come in. Pack our 20 years of local freeskiing/boarding experience into a Two-day Steeps Clinic complete with instruction, exploration and a wild ride.  Private Steep Clinics are also available for your elite group.

Or for the more adventurous type, join an Intro to Backcountry Group or a Private Backcountry Tour.  At an enjoyable pace to be able to take in the awe-inspiring Coast Mountains, we will accustom you to the gear, terrain, and lifestyle of a backcountry skier/snowboarder. An adventure you’ll not soon forget, but will certainly want to repeat.

Skis: Rossignol Sender Free 110

Sure, you could show up with any old pair of skis, but you're diving into off-piste terrain now – it's time to bring the big guns. The Rossignol Sender Free 110 is a ski that will eat up anything you throw at it. This bad boy is lightweight yet packs a serious punch with its Air Tip and Carbon Alloy Matrix technology. Translation: you get stability at high speeds and float in deep snow, but keep things nice and light at the tip/tail. At around $800, these skis scream "I’m not here to mess around," but they’re worth every penny.

Helmet & Goggles: Smith Summit MIPS & Smith 4D MAG

Safety and vision: two things you don't want to skimp on. For your helmet, you’ll want the Smith Summit MIPS. It’s all about maximum protection without sacrificing comfort – MIPS tech reduces rotational forces in a crash, which is a fancy way of saying you’ll have less of a headache after bailing on that cliff drop. Pair it with Smith 4D MAG Goggles, which offer insane peripheral vision and quick lens swaps for those foggy days. With this combo, you'll see every tree branch (and avoid it) while staying protected from the occasional yard sale wipeout.

Apparel: Smartwool and Columbia Sportswear

Listen, layering is an art form. You’ll want to start with Smartwool's Merino 250 Base Layer Crew and Bottoms, which are moisture-wicking, odor-resistant (because let’s be honest, backcountry sweat is a thing), and warm without being bulky. Their price tag? Around $100 each – but they’ll last longer than that trendy winter beanie your buddy got in Aspen.

For your outerwear, check out Columbia’s Platinum Peak™ Hooded Down Jacket ($280) . This jacket is a killer combination of lightweight warmth and water resistance, perfect for those deep powder days in Whistler. With 700-fill-power down insulation and Columbia’s Omni-Heat Reflective lining, it provides incredible warmth without weighing you down. The jacket also features water-resistant fabric to keep the snow out while you’re carving through fresh powder or skinning up to a pristine backcountry line. Pair it with the Columbia Men's Powder Keg II Pants ($300), which have built-in gaiters, reinforced knees, and thigh vents for breathability when you're hiking or skinning up to that untouched line.

Boots: Rossignol Alltrack Pro 130

Expert freeriders need boots that walk the line between performance and comfort. The Rossignol Alltrack Pro 130 is stiff enough for bombing down chutes, yet comfortable enough for long backcountry tours thanks to the Dynafit-certified tech inserts for pin bindings. They’ll run you about $700, but hey, your feet deserve it.

Other gear to consider:

• Avalanche Transceiver: Black Diamond Guide BT – Reliable, easy to use, and essential for backcountry safety.

• Ski Poles: Rossignol Escaper Poles – Adjustable length and sturdy for both powder and steep terrain.

• Climbing Skins: Black Diamond Glidelite Skins – Perfect for backcountry ascents with excellent grip and durability.

• Gloves: Columbia Highland Summit Mittens – Warm, waterproof, and tough for long days on the mountain.

• Neck Gaiter: Smartwool Merino Neck Gaiter – Keeps your neck and face warm without overheating.  All the cool kids wear one these days, so it’s kinda a must.

2. Off the Mountain – Après Like You Mean It

Now that you've slayed the mountain, it's time for the second part of the day – the après. Whether you’re hitting up the iconic Garfinkel’s or hosting a little get-together back at the chalet, here’s what you need to elevate your post-ski game:

Booze: Whistler Brewing Company and Top Shelf Canadian Whiskey

Nothing says après like a cold one. Stock up on local brews from Whistler Brewing Company – their Chestnut Ale is a wintertime classic. And for when the sun goes down? Bring out the J.P Wiser’s 18 year – winner of the 2024 Canadian Whiskey Awards, this a smooth Rye whisky that pairs nicely with a roaring fire and those tall tales of the day’s exploits. It’s about $80 a bottle, but it’ll last longer than your dignity after that last shot-ski.

Footwear: Sorel Caribou Boots

Keep those toes warm and stylish with the Sorel Caribou Boots ($180)  . These boots are made for walking through snow and slush while keeping your feet nice and toasty. They also look great with just about any après outfit, so you’ll fit right in at any bar or chalet.

Speakers: Ultimate Ears BOOM 4

No après session is complete without tunes. The Ultimate Ears Boom 4  is exactly what you need – it's portable, waterproof (spilled beer proof), and loud enough to keep the party going into the wee hours. At $200, it’s an investment in your future as the go-to host for ski trip after-parties.

Party Attire: Smartwool Everyday Socks and Columbia Sportswear Helvetia Half-Zip

It’s not all about being suited up in technical gear – even when you’re off the mountain, comfort and style are key. Keep it casual with Smartwool Everyday Popocorn Crew Socks ($25) because cold feet are for rookies. Throw on the Columbia Helvetia ($85) for lightweight, warmth when the après spills out into the streets (or just down to the hot tub).

Other après essentials:

• Portable Cooler: YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler – Keeps your beers ice-cold for those outdoor après sessions.

• Sunglasses: Smith Lowdown 2 – Stylish and protective when the sun is still shining.

• Beanie: Columbia Lost Lager Beanie – A classic look that’ll keep your head warm and stylish.

• Flask: Stanley Adventure Pre-Party Flask – Because sometimes a little sip on the lift is just what you need.

• Ski Boot Dryer: DryGuy DX Forced Air – Quickly dries boots, gloves, and gear between ski days.

3. The Hotel Room Essentials

After a long day of crushing lines and après-ing hard, you’ll need some downtime. Here's what to pack for the perfect recovery (so you can do it all again tomorrow):

Portable Shot Ski Kit: Swigos 4-Pack Collapsible Shot Ski

Take your après game to the next level with the Swigos 4-Pack Collapsible Shot Ski. Made from durable, flexible rubber, this portable shot ski is designed to bring the party anywhere. The collapsible design makes it easy to pack, transport, and store. Whether you’re at the chalet, tailgating, or hanging out with friends in the backyard, this shot ski is the ultimate party starter. At $45 for a set of four, it’s a fun and functional way to keep the ski party spirit alive, no matter where you are.

Massage Gun: Theragun Mini

Your legs are going to be wrecked after a day of backcountry laps. The Theragun Mini ($600) is like having your own personal masseuse on call. It gets deep into those sore muscles, prepping you for another epic day on the mountain.

Game Night Gear: Monopoly Deal

Oh, you had a great time on the mountain with your friends and feel like destroying any comradery and goodwill you had between each other?  Well then have we got the game for you.  Monopoly Deal ($10) has brought together the most eclectic groups and divided the closest friends.  The hottest game in Whistler right now…care to see how this will end?

Other hotel room must-haves:

• Portable Espresso Machine: Wacaco Nanopresso – Perfect for getting your caffeine fix without leaving your room.

• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Headphones – If you need a break from the party (or to recover the next morning).

• Travel-Sized Projector: Anker Nebula Capsule – Turn your hotel wall into a movie screen and relive your GoPro ski footage.

• Down Slippers: Columbia Lazy Bend Camper Shoe – Keep those toes cozy and warm when making the long journey to that outdoor hot tub in these toasty and very cool looking hut slippers.

Collapsible Travel Foam Roller: Brazyn Morph Collapsible Foam Roller – This innovative design packs down small and perfect for loosening up sore muscles.