[Georgieg]

Hey guys,

Me and my Partner are from Australia and are travelling around America next year and then heading to do a season in Canada... not too sure which mountain yet. Any ideas?

Also looking at getting a board and gear over there, heard it is cheaper in America. any suggestions.???

Thanks Georgieg

 

[Lamps]

Hey guys,

Me and my Partner are from Australia and are travelling around America next year and then heading to do a season in Canada... not too sure which mountain yet. Any ideas?

Also looking at getting a board and gear over there, heard it is cheaper in America. any suggestions.???

Thanks Georgieg

I've read here often that US brands tend to be cheaper in north America than in Australia.

Seems like half of Whistler is from Oz, many start there. I presume you're coming on the commonwealth visa program?

 

[Georgieg]

I'm looking at a working visa in Canada but need a new board
So either get one in America or when I get there on a staff discount??

 

[Justin]

Get a board in the usa, cheapest by far.

Banff is a great spot to be. Sunshine Village has a long season and there are other mountains close by. Search the forum, there has been some good stuff posted on the topic.

 

[SnowDragon]

I've read here often that US brands tend to be cheaper in north America than in Australia.

Seems like half of Whistler is from Oz, many start there. I presume you're coming on the commonwealth visa program?

Yah, I'd try Whistler. Lots of Aussies, and a good demo hut with different brands to try before you buy.

You can always buy in the U.S. after trying at Whistler. Prices are a bit better there.

 

[killclimbz]

Whistler also keeps you close enough to drive down to the states to buy a board too. Bellingham is not that far from the boarder. 3-4 hour drive? Maybe an hour or so more. Go to Baker and buy a board.

If you travel through Colorado before tou head north, you might look for a board here. There should be good prices on last years gear. I find if you are well ahead of the fall sales you can usually "negotiate" a price with a lot of the retailers.

 

[Georgieg]

Thanks for the advice guys,

yeah i spoke to one of the shops in Salt Lake City and he said there should be some sales early/mid next year and probably best to buy it in Canada.

only thing is i'm planning on go to America then Mexico then to Canada. Obviously i don't want to carry gear around Mexico.

So If i decide to go to Whistler will i be able to head back down to America for the day to get a board? Just don't want to have trouble with Visa's and what not.

 

[Lamps]

So If i decide to go to Whistler will i be able to head back down to America for the day to get a board? Just don't want to have trouble with Visa's and what not.

On any given day in Whistler there are tons of boards for sale on Whistler craigslist plus new ones in the various shops. At most you would drive 90 minutes to Vancouver, going to the US would be a waste of time and gas money, equipment in the US is only slightly cheaper and you pay duty crossing the border with it.

 

[roremc]

Hey guys,

Me and my Partner are from Australia and are travelling around America next year and then heading to do a season in Canada... not too sure which mountain yet. Any ideas?

Also looking at getting a board and gear over there, heard it is cheaper in America. any suggestions.???

Thanks Georgieg

So what do you want to get out of your season? Depending on whether you want to party and ride or just ride ride ride will depend on where you should go.

Boards are cheaper in the US as said above but if you are going to Mexico first don't bother it will be more trouble than its worth. The good news is its way cheaper that in Aus.

Can you afford to buy a car when you get here?

 

[rubin]

Thanks for the advice guys,

yeah i spoke to one of the shops in Salt Lake City and he said there should be some sales early/mid next year and probably best to buy it in Canada.

only thing is i'm planning on go to America then Mexico then to Canada. Obviously i don't want to carry gear around Mexico.

So If i decide to go to Whistler will i be able to head back down to America for the day to get a board? Just don't want to have trouble with Visa's and what not.

Mate, i did this a few years ago, and again last year.

First year was whistler, and whilst i learnt to ride there and had a good time, I had infinitely more fun the second time when i lived in Banff for 3 months.

My advice, if you can choose, go to Banff. More younger people, more relaxed and great parties. Plus "Calgary Night" is awesome (on a weekly basis - your partner might not be so keen for that though).

In terms of buying over there - That would also be my advice. Aus is the WORST in terms of pricing on anything snow. Even on sale, and the baggage costs are insane to get them over there as well. I also found that when i brought my stuff over there, the guys offered their services (for free mind you) in terms of adjusting your setup at any stage throughout the season (which if you haven't been before, will be worth it), and also gave a few free wax jobs as well.

 

[destroy]

It'll still be a hassle but the cost differences between Canada and the US can be way greater than lead on here.

For instance, my main pair of 686 pants: $350+ tax at retail during the regular season in Vancouver. $~200 something in the US regular. Online on clearance a few weeks ago: $109 with free shipping, and there was 100 pairs still in stock... guess who bought some more in a different colour for a backup?

Tax will be 13% (same as retail in Canada) for anything snowboarding related coming into Canada. Duty free on account of the new laws regarding sporting equipment and other goods. Any goods you buy online can be shipped to a package receiver in WA and brought back over the border. I'd even be willing to offer my services to someone who wants to pick up some cheap stuff since I'll probably be headed back and forth down to Seattle a couple times in the next few weeks.