What to Wear in Whistler, Winter Edition

Trying to pack your entire wardrobe into a single suitcase is never an easy task.

Luckily, when you’re coming to Whistler, there’s plenty you can leave behind. Dressing for Whistler is all about being comfortable and practical – so leave those stilettos at home!

Here’s what we recommend taking with you to Whistler. A word to the wise: don’t fill your suitcase to the brim. There’s lots of shopping to be done in Whistler Village, and you want to leave some space for a few souvenirs.

Practical Footwear

The single most important item you’ll bring with you on your Whistler winter trip is practical footwear. By practical, we mean warm, waterproof, and with a good tread. With snow – and often ice – blanketing the ground, good shoes will keep you comfortable and safe when strolling around Whistler. Besides, you’ll need a good pair of boots to see you through outdoor activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

A Toque

You may call it a “hat” or a “beanie” – but for those of us in Whistler, it’s a toque! The toque just may be Whistler’s most favoured accessory. Perfect for keeping your ears warm when you’re partaking in outdoor activities (like cross country skiing), the toque also comes in handy for dealing with post-ski helmet hair. If you ask us, there’s no wrong time to wearing a toque – they’re everywhere here!

A Waterproof Outer Shell

The key to staying comfortable is staying dry, and the best way to do that is with a waterproof outer shell or jacket. This will keep snow and rain from putting a damper on your day.

Save space in your suitcase by wearing your ski jacket as your everyday, around the Village jacket. Don’t worry about looking under dressed – Whistler is known for its very casual dress code.

Warm Mitts

Keep your hands warm with a good pair of gloves or mittens. These are a must for the mountain and for other winter activities, whether it be zip lining or just going on a walk along the Valley Trail. Be sure to dry them out every night – nothing is worse than sliding on a pair of damp mittens! You’ll find mitt warmers near some of the bathrooms on the mountain, or you can just pop them close to a heater in your rented condo or hotel. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t melt!

Casual Layers

Whistler weather can be fickle, particularly in the early spring. Down in the Valley, it might be warm enough to go for a bike ride, while there’s still plenty of skiing and snowboarding to be done up the mountain.

The trick to dealing with fluctuating weather is to dress in layers. It’s always a good idea to pack a pair of thermal base layers. One good, warm sweater or fleece is worth the real estate in your pack. And don’t forget the plaid button down shirt – a staple in any Whistler wardrobe.

A Bathing Suit

We know what you’re thinking – a bathing suit in a ski resort town in the middle of winter? But more likely than not, your hotel is going to have a swimming pool and/or hot tub – and you’re going to want to use it to treat your sore muscles after a day out on the mountain. It could also come in handy if you decide to take a day trip to the Scandinave Spa. A bathing suit takes up next to no space in your luggage, and odds are good that you’ll be wearing it almost every day of your trip.

Don't worry if you forget any item on this list -- you can buy everything you need in Whistler, if needed!