Clothes for Whistler

[Dreadnought]

I'm not going (not a fan of Arctic weather conditions), but a friend is. Given that it's winter, that it's a ski resort and that my friend is from Hong Kong - with cold weather tolerance ranging from 15 - 20 degrees Celsius - what should she be shopping for to ensure she doesn't freezer her butt off?

I got working on a list for her and came up with the following:

- thermals
- woollen socks
- down jacket (I think she has one already)
- winter gloves
- boots
- beanie
- probably a scarf

Any other specialist stuff required that I haven't thought of? Is there oxygen up there?

Speaking of thermals, where does one get them around here?

[flameproof]

What for? Hiking, ski, long outdoor stuff?

Thumb rule for a down jacket - if you can wear it in HK when it's around +20ºC you can't wear in places that have REAL winders with snow.

For ski, just get good quality ski underwear and ski socks. The pants and jacket you can rent (a good ski jacked is easiliy a few HK$1000).

When ski I prefer to dress very lite. Just my running skins and ski pants (just nylon or goretex with no padding), thin sox, then a long sleeve t-shirt and the ski jacket over it. As long as you keep moving you don't feel cold.

BTW, last time had to buy a ski scarf, otherwise at -29ºC my happy face would've been freeze fixed.

PS: good quality stuff can be really expensive in HK, I would rather get in in CA, shops can advise you better too. In HK +10ºC brings already out the cold weather warning.

[closedcasket]

Make sure your friend has a good thermal base layer. This is essential. There is a difference between just staying warm in the cold and dressing for skiing. You need a good base layer that will wick away moisture/sweat and allow your mid and outlayers to work. Usually polyester or some other synthetic.

Typically you will want a base layer, a mid layer and than an outer shell. I am not a fan of a down jacket for skiing. Too restrictive and not condusive to all conditions. Layers are the key.

Apart from that, the obvious hat, goggles, neck gator, good socks, gloves etc. As a former ski instructor, I would also recommend a helmet. Whistle is a big mountain, and helmets save lives.

You will notice some effects from the elevation. Best advice is to take it easy and don't over exert yourself. Also, be aware that the body processes alcohol differently at altitude, so go easy on the drinks.

Have fun, wish I could go.

[closedcasket]

I forgot to add, you might find some good thermals at Patagonia. I believe there is a Patagonia store at the Festival Walk in KT.

[flameproof]

You will notice some effects from the elevation.

Whistler is only 600m over sea level, highest ski maybe 2000m. I don't think this will be much noticeable. I went a bit over 3000m and didn't notice a thing. According to Wiki below 2400m there is nothing to worry.

IMHO helmets are a MUST. Not only for safety, they are more comfortable then other headgear and keep warm too. I thought that was total BS, till I tried one. Helmets can be rented too.

One more thing, in HK I saw lots of fake Northface, Spyder etc. alpine stuff - that will work well down to about +18ºC, but not in sub zero conditions, plus, they may take water, then they get heavy and cold.

They were in my mail recently, looked quite good: http://www.overlander.com.hk

[carang]

i agree with the suggestion that she get stuff here (i'm in vancouver now...;-) ) much more selection, cheaper price and made for the weather here....

[imparanoic]

http://www1.funnsnow.com/showroom/mo...=1193876899737

most likely more pricer in HK than cooler places, similar situation trying to buy a heater in india or a lawn mower in sahara

[gilleshk]

There are loads of outdoor shop in Vancouver, if you go to the MEC http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary.../Vancouver.jsp
then you can have an idea of what's on offer at middle of the range prices. It would be a good place to pick up thermal underwear and you usually get decent advice. There are also loads of stores which are walking distance from MEC. Of course there are plenty of stores in Whistler but the prices will likely be higher.

There are no significant effect from altitude and the weather is usually quite mild there. It's often barely below freezing in the village(0C today) and usually not much colder than -10C at the top which she may not get to since I wold assume she's a beginner. When I ski, I usually wear a base layer, a fleece(variable thickness depending on weather) and a windbreak. It's a very bad idea to have one big down jacket especially for beginner. They exert themselves, work up a sweat, get soaked and then cold. Having layers allow you a lot more flexibility and comfort. It's also easy to change a shirt at lunch if it's wet and a windbreak will dry in a few minutes whereas the down jacket will be wet all day and wet down has little insulation property.

I wouldn't wear a scarf but instead either a turtleneck, a collared jacket or you can buy a little tube roll that's around your neck and can go up to your face if it gets cold. She may need ski goggles depending on the temperature, if it's not blowing and the usual temperature sunglasses can be enough otherwise you tear up and it freezes and close your eyes shut. Sunscreen is important if it gets sunny, your nose and face can get burnt very badly... She may need more than one pair of gloves and mitts are much warmer if it gets cold. There are also little chemical heat packs you can buy over there than can help with extra heat but I've never needed those in a warm place like Whistler.

There's a little store in Wanchai that sells decent gear very cheap. It's on the South side of the street after Burrows st if you're going East. It's a very small shop right on the street before the entrance to the small mall.

[jgl]

Crap, my original reply got lost. Generally I agree with the "buy it in Vancouver" approach, but the most important thing that hasn't been answered is what is your friend going to do?

It makes a big difference if she's a typical 'HK girl' who will make a desultory attempt on the slopes and then wander around town a lot, vs someone who is fairly fit and will really be exerting a lot of energy. Generally the former would go for a big-assed down jacket, and the latter would be better served with multiple thinner layers that give thermal adjustability and won't lead to overheating, sweating and subsequent chilling.

I generally agree with Giles, but I would caution against buying from cheap HK stores. Pretty much everything that I've checked in the cheap stores in Wanchai and over in Kowloon carries fakes, which don't matter so much when wandering out HK trails, but could be important when sweating heavily in -10C on a Canadian mountain top.

You friend should shop at MEC. It's amazing, and the staff know what they are talking about.

[flameproof]

Original Post Deleted

...and they are heated, no point to buy any warm clothes at all then.

Alternately, what one can play when there is snow: