There was a time when neon ruled the slopes. When goggles came a poor second to Wayfarers. When a bomber jacket over skin tight leggings was the height of snow style, and the mighty one-piece was everywhere. Yes, the 1980s were a golden era of ski fashion – the louder the better.

John Cusack and Diane Franklin showing some 80s ski style in the classic ‘Better Off Dead’










We’re not going all the way back there – for example, you wouldn’t want to turn the clock back on some of the technical advancements in snow outerwear. Modern gear is generally better insulated and has more of the features you take for granted, from gaiters to goggle wipes. But just as the nu-rave thing is influencing streetwear, ’80s design is having something of a revival in ski and snowboard fashion. Whether it’s a neon jacket, a pair of tight pants or just a simple pair of ray-bans, channel your inner ’80s child and style it out. And if you’ve got the real thing, there’s never been a better time to wear it. Own that one-piece, we say.

Check out the slideshow for some of the best 80s looks in our Whistler hall of fame, both vintage originals and new gear.

Nikita Coldplay jacket – ’80s bad-taste print and bomber jacket detailing. Nothing whatsoever to do with overrated British rock bands.

Airblaster Freedom suit (flick through the catalogue to find it) – 21st century neon from the undisputed kings of lurid snowboard clothing. Particularly popular with the Korean crowd in Whistler.

Westbeach Thirty pants – limited edition ‘heritage’ design, looking back to the ’80s to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Canadian brand.

North Face Jitterbug jacket – ’80s colours and on-trend puffy shape.

The Olympic flame was officially lit in Whistler yesterday, and the village is definitely beginning to get the party atmosphere going. This afternoon the sun was shining, the patios and bars were packed, and there were plenty of opportunities to have your photo taken with passing athletes, including these friendly bobsledders. Go Canada Go!



Today’s outstanding achievement award goes to this bunch (ha!) of Americans who were bringing a distinctly different take on ski fashion. Good effort you guys. Points deducted for the furry jockstrap though.

Over the course of this season and last we’ve got a number of people wearing Billabong and it’s slowly becoming one of my favourite brands, and although I’m not generally one to wear brand names slapped across my chest, this season’s snow gear is in a different league. Originally starting out as an Australian surf wear company making boardies they have now expanded into almost every avenue you can think of to do with “action-wear”, claiming the title of “Surf, Skate, Snow and Wake Clothing” manufacturers.

A massive selection has been released this year, with an understated confidence and minimal branding! They have covered all bases by covering the simple to the colourful styles for both the guys and gals this season. In terms of jackets for the men we are seeing them range from simple pastels with blocks of colour to graduated jackets like the Marius. Billabong’s most popular jackets are all outerwear that I’d be quite happy to be seen in, with special mention to the Quest Jackets (see right) which come in a range of colours with all the tech specs to keep you warm and dry on the mountains riding around in style, and at the relatively cheap end of the spectrum (USD $170) they seem like a winner to us.

The gals jackets. Firstly, the Tara Oh Jacket…simply awesome, whether you’ve chosen the bright or the white design its just a wicked jacket! For the quieter woman, maybe the Trouble Lover or even the T Riche (which has an interesting design in white for those who check it out!). These jackets aside, Billabong has kept most of their Women’s jackets quite appealing, with the simple full block colours to the tartan checked theme running through a number of the women’s outerwear this season.

Billabong’s men’s pants are based on simple brightly coloured pantones this year. Which means mixing and matching your outerwear get-up will be super easy! There have been some very interesting combinations which we have seen cruising around the mountain this season. Their use of a simple design means you can wear almost anything with them and still feel comfortable standing out.

The women’s pants cater for everybody, honestly, check them out! From the simple Love and Obsane pants to the more wild Suspense and Vanity bottoms. Whilst only a small collection, within each style there are a number of different colours, which means any woman is going to find something they like.

They say don’t wear anything too loud and out there while you’re learning but with Billabongs range this year I’m kind of tempted to say stuff em, because this gear is sweet!

This guest post is written by Nick Zafir.

So, with the Olympics (and Jez’s 30th) only 8 days away things are gearing up in Whistler. Parts of the mountain are now closed for training runs and preparation, the new bus schedules have kicked in and the town is holding its breath waiting for the get go.

With all that going on, What’s Whistler Wearing is going on the road for one week from 18th February to showcase seven different ski resorts in BC and Alberta. With the 2010 Olympics making Whistler more difficult to reach, many people are looking elsewhere in Western Canada for their fun in the white stuff, so we are taking a break from the mayhem and will be doing a series of articles on what other resorts in the region have to offer. If there is anything any of you want us to ask the resort or to check out, let us know and we’ll do our best to find out!

In addition, to doing a piece on each resort we’ll still be doing the hall of fame. Our itinerary is below so if you’re going to be there at the same time, get on your best togs and maybe you’ll get into the hall of fame.

Hemlock Valley Resort – 18th February
Crystal Mountain Resort – 19th February
Big White Ski Resort – 20th February
Silver Star Mountain Resort – 21st February
Revelstoke Mountain Resort – 22nd February
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – 23rd February
Sunshine Village (Banff) – 24th February

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Call me traditional, but I think ski fashion means keeping warm and dry on the slopes whilst looking good – in that order of importance. Style matters, but never at the expense of basic performance – if you’re too cold, your ski day is going to be short and not so sweet.  It’s a no-brainer, right?

Well, the good people at The Times seem to have a different view. Ski fashion, I now learn, is about dropping a small fortune in Harrods, then floating around in midriff-baring fur gilets and cable knit leggings. Seriously. Good luck with that guys, enjoy your hypothermia.

Check out their so-silly-it’s-awesome slideshow here.