School Me On Banff/Calgary Temperature & Layering

[Alkasquawlik]

I'll be headed up to Calgary at the end of February for some wedding preparation and am planning on spending a few days up at Panorama, as well as potentially another day or two at Lake Louise. I've lived in Tahoe for a few years, but know the temperatures in Calgary can significantly surpass what I experienced in Tahoe. My wife who grew up in Calgary said that temperatures could reach -40 degrees with the wind chill, which is something I can't even comprehend in my tiny brain. School this California kid on what to expect and what I should be wearing. How fucking cold am I going to get?

I've got the 686 3L ATV bibs and jacket on rotation this year and will be bringing my merino wool Ninja Suit. My initial plan is to throw another base layer and a Patagonia/TNF vest or jacket on top, as well as a 3/4 shant base layer. Good enough or do I need to be looking for better layers/digging up some down jackets from storage?

[RiderEmeritus]

Hi Alka. When I rode with Doc, Geoff, and Adrian at Sunshine, a couple of the days were the coldest I ever experienced. As a California dude, I needed a lot to keep warm. For me, the best combo was base layer, heavy wool shirt, and down vest. If your hands get cold, wear mitts.

The other thing I'd recommend is to get your boards waxed in Calgary or near the hill. On those super cold days, all temp doesn't work at all and you need cold weather.

How do we get you to Mammoth for a meat up?

[Alkasquawlik]

Hi Alka. When I rode with Doc, Geoff, and Adrian at Sunshine, a couple of the days were the coldest I ever experienced. As a California dude, I needed a lot to keep warm. For me, the best combo was base layer, heavy wool shirt, and down vest. If your hands get cold, wear mitts.

The other thing I'd recommend is to get your boards waxed in Calgary or near the hill. On those super cold days, all temp doesn't work at all and you need cold weather.

How do we get you to Mammoth for a meat up?

Good to see you back kicking it around here Greg. I know I'm in for a different animal up in BC, compared to just throwing on a t-shirt or single base layer on when I'm in California. Might go poke around for a heavier wool shirt, but should be good with what I have in the closet.

Good tip on the waxing. Reminds me I actually need to wax my board this season as well lol.

I'd love to get down to Mammoth, haven't been down there since the last time we all met up, years ago. I caught up with Tommy back in November, maybe we can get something together for later in the season.

[peruna]

It *can* get effin' cold up here, but when the Chinook starts blowing it warms up in Calgary to a ridiculous degree. Banff might not get the same amount of warming but they still benefit from the warm winds.

Here in Calgary it was +10C on the way to work yesterday morning and is supposed to be -19C overnight tonight, cold for a few days then back above freezing by Tuesday. I would check the forecast close to your date and pack accordingly, but pretty much bring whatever you have lol. That said, my hands and face are what get cold so make sure your mitts/gloves are up to the task and some sort of facemask/balaclava is almost a requirement.

Tldr: it's possible to be warm and it's possible to be very cold, no telling which until a couple of days out.

[Alkasquawlik]

I'm definitely going to check the weather once the trip gets closer, just want to know what to expect in terms of worst case scenario. Worst case scenario, I'll just shell out some money in Calgary or on-hill for something, if needed, but ideally would get things here in CA since I can hit some friends up for discounted gear.

[peruna]

Honestly I don't really ride in colder than like -20C, and maybe I just don't get out enough anymore but even that cold is pretty rare? -5 to -12 maybe is more what I'd prepare for, but yeah worst case it could be -30. Beyond that I've seen Sunshine shut the gondola (and therefore the hill) down. I'm not sure about Louise.

Your USD means everything will be discounted for you lol

[Canuck]

Temp wise for end of Feb you will most likely be in that -5 to -10c for that time of year. You should be good with what you mentioned, ninja suit, and a thicker mid layer over top for the most part unless you run cold typically.

Def pack a facemark/balacalva as peruna mentioned as it can get quite windy up at the summit of Louise and even if its a light wind it has bite . They did shutdown the season before last for a couple of days due to extreme cold Lake Louise, Sunshine and marmot(jasper).

Panorama should be a bit warmer for the most part due to location . I can let you know how the conditions are there as I am heading there first week of Feb as kids are off school for a few days.

[g3greg]

merino base layers, synthetic mid layer, down puffy mid layer, shell.. this is for upper and lower. If you pack those options, you'll be able to use some combination of all of them to cover you into -25C, if it's colder then that it's gonna suck but maybe consider a half day?

[Alkasquawlik]

Your USD means everything will be discounted for you lol

This is always a perk when we head up north to visit her family lol

[Canuck]

Your USD means everything will be discounted for you lol

This is always a perk when we head up north to visit her family lol

Should be even better as it will be the start of sale season and you won’t have to pay for shipping haha.