The Escape Route was founded in 1980 by two people who were passionate skiers and outdoor aficionados. Tom Duguid and Jayson Faulkner were young, Whistler was young and it was growing rapidly. The climbers were clad in yellow spandex and walking through town to the lift with your 215 cm skis was a cool statement. We had an outdoor climbing wall on the side of the Nancy Green lodge and the store was about the size of a large walk in closet. We shared our location on the Village Stroll with Whistler Heli Ski. Fun times had by all.
We outgrew that store and moved to another location in Whistler before moving again and settling into the Marketplace where we are today. Over the years Tom and Jayson moved out and James Retty moved in. The Marketplace at the time was separated from the village by trees and was very much a destination unto its own. After a few store renos in that location, we doubled in size and look pretty much as it is today.
We have had many brands in and out of the store. All supported our ethos of quality and innovation. One of our best brand success stories (and there are definitely a few flops as well!) was a little brand called Rock Solid. This brand ended up growing into ARC’TERYX and we are proud to be one of the first stores to ever sell Rock Solid and ARC’TERYX gear. We have grown with many other great brands as well,. Dynafit, G3, Black Diamond, Patagonia, Mammut and many others. We really enjoy our relationships with all of these great brands.
Our internet business started in 2006. Offering quality service and products over the web has been a very dynamic and interesting arena to work within. Our goal has always been to offer the best service. This continues to be the main driver of innovation on our website.
Right after the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Winter Olympics, we opened a new store in Squamish to offer our services and focus on backcountry skiing, trail running, mountaineering, paddleboarding and cool outdoor threads to the corridor. Squamish has welcomed us with open arms and we are very proud to be part of that community as well.
In 2015, we are celebrated our 25th year of business, no small feat in today’s fast paced world. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for great staff offering great service to great customers.
Thanks for being part of the team and Adventure On!” — James Retty
