WHISTLER, B.C., November 4th, 2026 – Canadian-owned Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is marking the upcoming opening of its new Whistler Village store with a partnership supporting the volunteer-run Whistler Search and Rescue Society (WSAR). The collaboration brings together two longstanding outdoor organizations united by a shared commitment to helping locals and visitors enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.
The partnership recognizes the distinct expertise each organization brings to the Whistler community. WSAR brings extensive local mountain knowledge and a focus on safety education and preparedness, while MEC contributes outdoor gear expertise and knowledgeable staff who help people prepare for their adventures. Both organizations recognize the importance of helping locals and visitors make informed decisions before heading into the mountains.
As an initial part of the partnership, 5% of all MEC Label pack sales at the MEC Whistler store along with funds from patch sales will go support WSAR's work. The collaboration builds on MEC's history of supporting outdoor communities and nonprofit organizations, with more than $48 million contributed to outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives since 1987.
"As we open our first store in the Sea to Sky corridor, MEC is proud to support Whistler Search and Rescue. While our roles are different, we share a commitment to helping people enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly,” said MEC CEO Peter Hlynsky. “For decades, MEC has made it our mission to equip people for a lifetime outdoors. Being well-prepared, with the right gear and knowledge, is an important part of making that experience a positive one.”
“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,” said Greg Newton, WSAR President. “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. It's about helping more people make informed decisions in the mountains and looking out for one another.”
A New Store, Rooted in the Local Community
Located at Unit 104, 4338 Main Street in Whistler Village, MEC's new 2,200-square-foot store is scheduled to soft open October 31. As MEC's first Sea to Sky location and 25th store nationally, it introduces a smaller retail format combining knowledgeable local staff, a curated four-season assortment and access to a broader selection through mec.ca.
The new location builds on MEC's continued investment in stores, products and communities since returning to Canadian ownership in 2025, with a focus on trusted advice, practical gear solutions and lasting relationships with the people who love the outdoors.
Locals Night and invitation to the community
The new partnership will take center stage at MEC’s Locals Night on Thursday, November 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hunter Gather in Whistler Village. The free, après-inspired event will invite Whistlers outdoor community to meet top MEC executives, including CEO Peter Hylnsky, and Chief Merchandising Officer Chris Speyer, along with the new local store team to celebrate MEC becoming part of the whistler community.
Residents, guides, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy music from DJ Stache, refreshments, snacks and stories from the local outdoor community, along with MEC Label gear showcases, giveaways and an exclusive MEC Whistler tote bag. Event proceeds are in support of Whistler Search and Rescue Society.
The event is free to attend. RSVP is required, sign up opens Nov 5th.
Grand Opening Weekend
MEC Whistler will continue the celebrations from November 20–22, joining Whistler Blackcomb’s 2026/27 ski season opening festivities. The first 25 customers each day will score exclusive MEC Whistler tote bags filled with goodies. Visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary warm drinks and snacks, with scratch-and-win offers and prize draws also on hand throughout the weekend.
Inside the store, locals and visitors can explore a curated selection of outdoor gear from leading brands, including MEC Label, MEC’s in-house collection designed in Vancouver and tested in Canadian conditions.
Event Details
MEC Whistler Locals Night
- Thursday, November 19 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Hunter Gather, Whistler Village
- Tickets are free, but spots are limited so reserve yours in advance.
MEC Whistler Grand Opening Celebrations
- Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- MEC Whistler, Unit 104, 4338 Main Street, Whistler Village
- Check out all the event details
Media contact | Jo Salamon – [email protected]
About MEC
MEC has been Canada’s leading outdoor specialty retailer since 1971 and is proudly Canadian-owned. Built on a legacy of expert staff, community connection and a passion for the outdoors, MEC exists to equip Canadians for a lifetime outdoors. MEC brings together trusted advice from experienced staff, leading outdoor brands and MEC Label, its Canadian-designed line of outdoor gear. With more than 5 million members nationwide and 25 stores following the opening of MEC Whistler, MEC is a trusted partner for Canadians at every stage of their outdoor journey.
About Whistler Search & Rescue Society (WSAR)
The Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR) Society is a registered non-profit organization in the province of British Columbia. Founded in 1972, WSAR has grown to become a 35+ member volunteer team comprised of highly trained mountain, rope, and avalanche rescue personnel. Its primary function is that of a community resource to assist the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies in a variety of search and rescue functions including civil emergencies and promote public education in mountain and wilderness safety.
