by Michelle Graf

Created on: November 24, 2009

Packing a suitcase for the Olympic Games in Vancouver/Whistler may pose a bit of a challenge. The City of Vancouver itself has a mild, temperate climate with February temperatures average around 7 degrees Celsius (44 degrees Fahrenheit). February is also one of Vancouver's rainiest months. Whistler, on the other hand, has a very different climate at that time of year. The Coastal Mountains rise sharply up from the river delta and seashore that moderate the cooler air and give Vancouver it's milder temperatures. In the village of Whistler, in the valley, temperatures can be a full ten degrees Celsius cooler, and up on the slopes, subtract another ten degrees. This also means that the rain falling in Vancouver during February is likely to be slow in the higher elevations. Nice for the ski slopes, but chilly for the spectators.

Here are some essentials that visitors should pack for Vancouver:

Layers- Every outdoorsy type knows that the best way to dress for cooler weather is in layers - the additional layers of fabric provide insulation. Layers should fit snugly, but not too tightly, and natural fibers such as cotton or wool provide superior warmth to acrylics and polyesters. Newer fabrics designed for cold temperatures, such as premium fleeces and Gore-Tex are also excellent insulators. Start with a long sleeved T-shirt, followed by a sweater or sweatshirt, with a warm coat on top. Layers not only provide better insulation than a single thick sweater, they also allow you to shed a layer inside the heated buildings and buses. Ladies may wish to wear tights or, along with the men, long underwear (long johns) under pants while at outdoor alpine events. Heavy, wind resistant pants should be worn - denim works well.

Outerwear - For alpine spectators, wear a coat that is rated to at least -10 degrees Celsius, and all outerwear should be water resistant. Outdoors in the city and in ice rinks, a lighter jacket, one rated to at least 0 degrees C should be sufficient. Hats and gloves or mittens are essentials for the alpine areas, as well as the ice rinks which are kept near freezing in order to preserve the ice surface. If hands, feet and head are kept warm, the rest of the body will follow.

Footwear- No matter how well organized, when several hundred thousand visitors arrive at once, there will be lines. Above all, footwear should be comfortable enough to stand in for several hours, water proof for dodging puddles, provide traction for ice and snow, and provide some warmth. Boots should be warn at the outdoor alpine events, both for warmth and for traction. Thick, warm socks are a must. Wool or insulated socks are best. If you find wool itchy, wear a thinner, but comfortable sock inside for comfort.

Accessories and Add-Ons- An umbrella is an essential in Vancouver. This is a very rainy city, and the cold, slushy rains of February are bone-chilling if you get caught unprepared. You may also want to consider bringing a small fleece or similar blanket (or a large scarf that can be used as such) while attending events in the ice arenas or on the stands at the alpine events. In addition to providing a softer surface to sit on, it can prevent heat loss from sitting on cold seats.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Graf.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.