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Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is marking its arrival in Whistler with a new partnership supporting the volunteers who help keep people safe in the mountains.
Thanks to an agreement with Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR), five per cent of MEC Label pack sales at the Whistler store, along with funds raised through patch sales, will support the volunteer rescue organization.
The two groups also plan to work together to promote mountain safety and preparedness.
“As we open our first store in the Sea to Sky corridor, MEC is proud to support Whistler Search and Rescue,” said MEC CEO Peter Hlynsky in a release. “While our roles are different, we share a commitment to helping people enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.”
WSAR president Greg Newton said the collaboration will help the organization reach more people with important safety information.
“Whistler attracts people from around the world to experience our incredible mountains, but not everyone arrives with the same understanding of the terrain or the risks of exploring the backcountry,” Newton said.
“As a volunteer search and rescue organization, we see firsthand how important preparation and good decision-making are. Our collaboration with MEC gives us an opportunity to reach a wider audience with important mountain safety information and support our ongoing efforts to educate and prepare people for the outdoors.”
Grand opening celebrations planned
Located at 4338 Main Street in Whistler Village, the new 2,200-square-foot store is MEC’s 25th location in Canada. It features a smaller retail format with four-season outdoor gear, local staff and access to additional products online.
The company is planning two events later this month to celebrate its arrival.
A free Locals Night will take place at Hunter Gather on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature music from DJ Stache, refreshments, giveaways and appearances by MEC executives, including Hlynsky. The event will also support WSAR.
Attendance is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required through MEC’s website, linked here.
Grand opening celebrations will follow from Nov. 20 to 22, coinciding with Whistler Blackcomb’s ski season opening festivities.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, visitors can enjoy complimentary warm drinks, snacks, prize draws and scratch-and-win offers. The first 25 customers through the doors each morning will also receive an exclusive MEC Whistler tote bag filled with goodies.
The Whistler opening follows MEC’s return to Canadian ownership in 2025, as the company continues to expand its retail presence across the country.
Founded in 1972, WSAR has more than 35 volunteers trained in mountain, rope and avalanche rescue. The organization assists police and other agencies with emergencies while promoting wilderness safety.
MEC, meanwhile, has contributed more than $48 million to outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives since 1987, according to the company.
Photo: MEC’s 25th location is located at 4338 Main Street in Whistler Village. Photo courtesy of MEC