Retail/Rental
Introduction
Whistler Blackcomb features some of the biggest terrain and some of the heaviest snowfalls in North America. Serious mountains and serious weather calls for equipment that can handle all the elements. Whistler Blackcomb’s retail outlets feature the highest quality gear for every price point whether exploring the mountains in the winter or riding the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the summer. Whistler Blackcomb’s guests don’t necessarily visit to Whistler to shop, but the retail landscape is almost as inspiring as the mountains circling the village.
Don’t Lug Stuff –Rentals For All Conditions
While many airlines are imposing penalties for heavy baggage, not to mention in some cases charging travellers for all checked baggage, renting ski or snowboard equipment is a great option for Whistler Blackcomb’s visitors.
One of the best benefits to renting ski and snowboard equipment is the option to change out gear to suit the mountain’s conditions. Trading in the high-speed carvers for some fat powder skis the night before a forecasted big dump is no problem, and renters can rest assured they will have the right tools to make the most of each day’s conditions.
Whistler Blackcomb’s 13 rental locations are located across Whistler Village, Blackcomb’s Upper Village and Creekside Village to service the main hubs of hotel accommodations in Whistler. Online bookings allow guests to save 30 per cent and many rental shops feature secure overnight storage at their slopeside locations. With over 12,000 skis and snowboards, Whistler Blackcomb has the largest and newest selection of rental gear in Whistler.
Top Ten Gear for Here
Here are a few of the hottest products for the 2011.2012 season ensuring skiers and riders can go deep and play hard at Whistler Blackcomb:
1. Salomon Rocker 2 skis
A wide waist, and rocker tip and tail make this the perfect pair of skis for Whistler Blackcomb’s super deep, super steep days. Nice camber and sidecut make this a fun ski for the groomers too, but with another La Nina on tap, powder will be the word this season. Find this ski at CAN-SKI.
2. Endeavor Boyfriend snowboard
Endeavor Snowboards are based in Vancouver and Whistler-based artist Taka Sudo designed the graphics on this board. True twin shape and soft flex allow for stability in the park while reverse camber provides for smooth off-piste shredding. Find this board at Showcase Snowboards.
3. Atomic B120 ski boots
This is a high performance boot designed for aggressive skiing by advanced and expert skiers. Find these boots, and expert boot fitting at CAN-SKI.
4. Vans Matlock Boa snowboard boots
This plush boot is a versatile choice for any level of snowboarder. Designed for all-mountain versatility, the boa lacing system features quick and easy lace adjustability. Find these boots at Showcase Snowboards.
5. Oakley Crowbar goggles
King of eyewear, Oakley has the ultimate set-up at Showcase Snowboards – the Goggle Bar. Only a handful of retail outlets offer this set-up where skiers and snowboarders can customize their perfect goggle design from frame style and colour, to strap and lenses for all light conditions. Find the Goggle Bar at Showcase Snowboards.
6. Airhole facemask
“It’s a facemask, you idiot” is the tagline for Airhole, brainchild of local professional snowboarders Kale Stephens and Chris Brown. These facemasks provide protection from the elements and bring fashion to the face. Find Airhole at Showcase Snowboards.
7. North Face Point Five jacket
This jacket is a burly technical shell featuring a three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell. Taped seams keep the wet out and the warm in ensuring comfort for those top to bottom laps on the Peak. Find this jacket at The North Face Store.
8. Burton AK pants
This pant is constructed with breathable and weatherproof GORE-TEX® 2L fabric. A fleece-lined seat and knees keeps it toasty on the lifts while vents on the legs zip to the knee for hot park laps in the spring. Find these pants at the Burton Store.
9. Smartwool underlayers
Whistler Blackcomb features numerous micro-climates moving from the valley to the peak and layers are the ticket to a great day on the mountain. Smartwool’s merino layers will keep skiers and riders dry, warm, comfortable and able to do what they love all day long. Find these layers at CAN-SKI.
10. Dakine Heli Pro backpack
This is a trusted pack for the serious rider. Features multiple ski or snowboard carry-options perfect for hiking Flute Bowl and lots of room for everything else. Find this pack at CAN-SKI.
It’s As Easy As Renting A Bike
First time visitors to the Whistler Blackcomb Bike Park usually start their day at Whistler Blackcomb’s bike rental shop located at the base of the Village Gondola. Featuring the biggest and best high performance fleet of Kona bikes in Whistler, this bustling location can also outfit riders with all the safety gear they need to have a fun and safe day in the Bike Park.
Front and rear suspension help to cushion riders as they negotiate rough terrain and hydraulic disc brakes safely moderate speed. Taking any old bike into the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is not recommended and with a brand new fleet of bikes available every summer season, renting a bike to ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park ensures the best possible downhill experience.