Relaxed and Un-Corporate br>Russ Wong was sitting around a dinner table with friends the night he came up with his store’s name. They had just suggested to Wong that he say the first place that came to mind. Katmandu seemed to embody everything his lifestyle and the Whistler surroundings represent. What started off as a consignment store in 1993 has burgeoned into a successful retail store that sells all the hottest brands while maintaining its “relaxed and un-corporate” atmosphere. Employees have described the store as an extension of Russ’s personality. Aside from sporting equipment, Katmandu is the only music store in town too; carrying guitars, strings, tuners and more. They are also working on expanding a jewelry section.

From Flow Bindings to Frisbee Golf
Katmandu chooses brands that spend less money on marketing and more on product development. They are one of the only stores in Whistler that carries Flux and Flow snowboard bindings. Dakine, Never Summer and Arbor are among the other brands. Katmandu also has an impressive selection of outdoor gear and has plans in the near future to expand its camping gear line. Come summer, Whistler has an extensive Frisbee golf course in Spruce Grove and Katmandu is one of the only stores in town that sells the right kind of discs.

Large Selection of Longboards & Cruiser Bikes
In the warmer months, it’s common to see stylish cruiser bikes, BMXs and longboards gracing Katmandu’s storefront. Amidst the Whistler rental shops that sell and rent row upon row of downhill bikes, Katmandu stands apart for catering to a different crowd. They do rent and do offer tune-ups and repairs, but you won’t find a burly downhill bike in sight.