Preparing for Whistler
-To pack, this is what I did (and it worked well).
-pack waterproof gloves, long socks (I packed the really long grey ones that go almost to your knees, plus the long grey ones that go to your calves) and goggles for snowboarding, but rent everything else
-bring a waterproof and wind resistant winter jacket (remember you’re a size x-small), but you also need to bring your inner cloth jacket
-Bring boots (with socks that go above the height of the boots)
-pack ear muffs and scarf
-pack small, non waterproof gloves
-for regular clothes, I brought a light weight hoodie (the grey express one), and a heavier one the black roots hoodie). I also brought a couple of black inner shirts, thermal underwear, one nice shirt and one not so thick outer layer.
-should also pack an umbrella, thermal underwear,
-next time bring a small flask for the mountain 🙂
Getting up to Whistler
-driving up and down with an all wheel drive car rental was fine (but there wasn’t really snow on the roads. But black ice could exist). Although none of the cars rented were verified for winter tires (I think next time just calling the rental place is easiest to see if they have winter tires)
-the other alternative I did not try was epicrides.ca. I bought a ticket, but didn’t end up needing to take the bus
Rentals in Whistler
-you can rent a jacket, pants, helmet, boots and board. Gloves and goggles you can’t (so bring them!). For boots, remember to get the ones with the laces
Getting Around Whistler
-there wasn’t any Uber or Lyft drivers up there (even though there were some in Vancouver). I ended up either getting rides, or calling a taxi: +1 (604) 938-1515
-Parking is interesting. Under the village (most convenient) it was $40 for 6 hours. Also the space under there is pretty tight. Above ground, 7 minute walk from the village, it’s only $10
Gondola’s in Whistler
-there’s a difference between the chair lifts and Gondola/. Gondolas are better since you don’t have to have one of your snowboards already strapped
Mountains in Whistler
-Blackmomb’s easiest Green is far easier than Whistler’s (and shorter). I would start off on that mountain for training
Snowboarding
-Fresh powder makes turning and controlling your board easier. It also hurts WAY less when you fall
-doing a “falling leaf” is good practice for controlling your board, but it’s really only using your heals (which means you’ll never get good if you only do that since you’re not using your toes for control). For falling leafs, always have your board popping out away from the mountain, while you have your weight on your heals
-falling leaf is also good for practicing breaking also
-in general for turning, always have your weight TOwARDS the mountain, and the board slightly up away from the mountain
-stance is really important. Always be relaxed (not tensed up with your legs). It’s less tiring that way, and it’s easier to control your board
-having a shot really helped, since it made me less afraid, and more able to go with it (should bring a flask up there!)
-not sure if I’m a goofy or regular. I sorta kept switching with falling leaf. But this I think I primarily stayed as a regular
-goggles were fogging up often when using them. I think I should get ones with more vents, or just stick to sunglasses
