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The Legends of Gaper Day

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The Legends of Gaper Day

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In typical Whistler fashion, any reason to celebrate is, well, a reason to celebrate. And that goes without saying, that the end of the ski season is a time to revel in all the powder days, the close calls, and the domination of lines that occurred over the course of the winter. The celebration goes hand in hand with costumes, and general tomfoolery… otherwise known as Gaper Day!

According to the Whistler Museum, Gaper Day has been around almost as long as McCoo’s, since 1996 in fact. It started out as “Ski In Jeans Day” and was an opportunity to unleash your on-hill style that has been confined to functional clothing since the snow began to fall. Over the years, jeans turned into more unique style choices like retro snow gear, bikinis, and more recently, animal onesies.

The chance to let loose on the hill and partake in fancy dress fast became a tradition. Since its incarnation in the 90’s, Gaper Day, celebrated on closing day, has evolved to be a local event of sorts. It might not be official, but everyone knows about it and plans ahead. This means booking the day off work and preparing a worthy outfit. So you maximize the season, right until the very last day, here’s a quick list of McCoo’s must-haves for Gaper Day:

  • Herschel Fanny Pack
  • Sunbum sunscreen
  • RipCurl Bikini
  • Oakley Prizm Goggles
  • Smith Chromapop Sunglasses
  • Oakley T-shirt for après
  • S’well Water Bottle to stay hydrated
  • GoPro Hero 7
  • Outdoor Tech portable stereo

Another part of Gaper Day is the celebration that follows skiing. After spending the day in the sunshine on your snow blades, head out for one last après with all your closest ski buddies. Visiting your local watering hole and dancing into the evening is just as much a part of the season send off as the retro ski suits.

Gaper Day is a chance to go out with a bang. Grab your best friends and shred the spring snow, dragging out the season as long as possible. If you find yourself stuck for Gaper Day apparel ideas, come stop by McCoo’s. We’ve been around since before Gaper Day, so we’ve seen it all!

Adventuring In The Rain

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Adventuring In The Rain

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April showers bring May flowers. Unfortunately, we are only going into April and not May. This time of year is known for being rainy but don’t let this hamper your springtime adventure plans. Adventuring in the rain can be just as much fun, you just have to be prepared. This can mean having a plan on what you’re going to do and having the gear to stay dry as well as warm. But there’s more to adventuring when the weather isn’t ideal. Here are some tips for adventuring in the rain.

Make A Plan

Trust us. A trick to making the rain more bearable is determining where you’re going to go and how long you will be out in it. With an end in sight, it won’t matter how wet you’ll get while on your adventure. This is because a warm fire place and dry clothes are waiting for you in the near future.

Bring A Pack

Another trick to playing in the rain is bringing a backpack with extra clothes in it. If a chill starts to creep in, just add a layer or take off the most wet item and replace it. Backpacks are also great for holding snacks, music, and other essentials that make braving the cooler weather that much easier.

It’s In The Socks

Performance socks will help make your rainy day activity that much more enjoyable by keeping your feet toasty warm. They won’t entirely be able to keep them from getting wet but they can help with how much moisture is sitting next to your skin. Check out anything from Mons Royale or Stance.

Wear A Waterproof Jacket

This might seem like an obvious solution but it can be overlooked. Where ever there is moisture, Gortex is the answer. Gortex is a special fabric that is the gold standard for waterproofing. Gortex works by having micro pores in the fabric that let sweat out and block water from getting in.

Bring A Warm Drink

Huddle under a tree and relax for a few minutes over a hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Any of the above can be stored in a thermos and brought in a back pack. You’ll be thankful for the warm up from in the inside out.

Rainy weather doesn’t have to mean that an adventure needs to be called off. Just follow the tips we mentioned and you’re sure to have a good time. For more information on what gear you might need for adventuring in the rain, come stop by McCoo’s.

 

Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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There’s no denying it any longer. Spring is officially here. We’re not going to lie, while winter is awesome,  the warmer weather and sunshine is always welcome. What’s more, with the change in seasons, comes a whole new set of exciting outdoor activities. From hiking to spending time on a patio, here’s a ton of reasons why you should be stoked for spring activities. We promise after reading this, you won’t be as sad putting your skis or snowboard away until next year.

Hiking

Hiking to get to the top of a rideable line can now be replaced with hiking to get to an epic view. As the snow melts, the hiking trails appear from underneath. Be prepared for the slushy conditions and changes in weather that come along with spring.

Must-Have Gear Item: A Mons Royale base layer that will wick away sweat while keeping you warm in the cool spring temperatures. 

Camping

The temperature is above zero and for many, that’s as good as any reason to break out the camping equipment. Bring on campfires, smores, and uncomfortable sleep!

Must-Have Gear Item: It’s not quite time to retire your toque. Bring a Coal Headwear beanie for those cool nights around the campfire.

Patios

Patio season! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer on a patio as the sun goes down. And now that the days are longer, there’s no excuse not to hit up your favourite after work spot.

Must-Have Gear Item: Layers are key in spring. Bring a RipCurl Sweater to bundle up in when the sun goes down. 

Mountain Biking

Trade the adrenaline rush of being on the hill for being on the trails. Mountain biking is always an exciting part of spring and a welcome change in activity. To make sure you get on the trails as soon as you can, check out TrailForks for the latest intel on what’s clear of snow.

Must-Have Gear Item: POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Pads for those variable conditions that make the risk of injury that much higher.

There’s plenty of reasons to be excited about spring. So when you find yourself packing up all your winter gear and putting it into storage, remember all the activities you can do outside. As with every change in season, there’s a change in what you’ll need to adventure and be comfortable while you’re at it. Come in and talk to our friendly staff about gearing up for your spring adventures.

Gearing Up For Spring Adventures

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Gearing Up For Spring Adventures

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March is upon us which means spring is right around the corner. And what sits right in from of us, is some of the best adventure time of the whole year. After being cooped up all winter, the longer days, warmer temperatures and sunshine make it all too inviting to get out and enjoy mother nature. To help you get stoked on what’s to come, here is what you should be looking forward to. Get ready to gear up for spring adventures!

Spring Skiing And Snowboarding

Sunscreen and t-shirts are in your future! Spring is all about hitting the slopes with friends and living it up on the mountain. That being said, make sure you’re dressed for the sunshine. This means wearing gear that protects you against the suns rays.

Must Have Item: SMITH Chromapop sunglasses and goggles offer 100% UV protection.

Hiking

As the snow melts, hiking trails emerge. Trekking through a spring forest is the stuff dreams are made of. Don’t be fooled by the sun and melting snow, the conditions can change on a dime. Be prepared by layering.

Must Have Item: The RipCurl Anti-Series protects against wind and rain. 

Camping

For some, it might be considered a bit too cold to venture out for an overnight trip; While for others, as soon as the temperatures hover above zero, it’s time to pack up the sleeping bag and tent. Don’t miss a beat by making sure you have enough power for Snapchat and Instagram.

Must Have Item: Outdoor Tech’s Kodiak Ultra is a waterproof, dust & dirt resistant, rugged power bank for your electronic devices.

Stargazing

The clear skies found during the springtime make it an ideal time for stargazing and for that reason, this time of year is also well-known for the Aurora Borealis being highly visible. Throw on come cozy clothes and hit up your favourite stargazing spot.

Must Have Item: A Coal Toque to keep your hair at bay and your ears warm. 

Spring in Whistler is incredible but who are we kidding, every season in the mountains is worth experiencing. For even more gear, stop by McCoo’s, your one-stop-shop for adventure.

Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Goggles are arguably one of the most important pieces of gear you could have. They can easily make or break a day on the hill and can cause dire consequences if malfunctioning. If they are so important, how come so many of us sacrifice for the ones that look the best or have the best price tag? This is often because the time when you need goggles usually means you’re about to go up the hill. Consequently, you’re in a rush. Take it from the staff at McCoo’s, shopping for goggles can be fun and pay off in the long run when you have the visibility you need, in varied conditions. To help you on your journey, here are some tips for choosing the right ski goggles.

Ask Questions

There are so many different products and features out there that it can be hard to choose on your own. Ask our staff as many questions as you need so that you know what goggles have the technology that you’re looking for.

Choose The Lenses That Work For You

Before going into the store, think about where you usually ski or ride: Are you hitting the park? Touring? Lapping groomers or shredding moguls? Also, consider what time of day you usually ride and if you are interested in switching lenses depending on the light.

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine what tint will provide a good combination of colour definition, contrast, depth perception and eye fatigue protection, all with the right visible light transmission (VLT) for your specific needs.

Learn About The Technology

Ah, good ol’ science. It’s helping many brands develop styles and technology that help to maintain visibility in even the most terrible conditions. Before you come to the store, nerd out a bit on what features brands are currently offering. Or, be prepared to get your very own science lesson when you come in. Upgrades in scratch-resistant coating, anti-fogging, colour contrast and even built-in GPS are just a few of the developments being seen in models on the market.

Try Them On

Goggles are like a pair of shoes: they might look good but they might not fit how you want them to. Don’t be shy, try on every pair. Bring your helmet and take the time to adjust the strap. Make sure that the goggles fit snuggly on your cheek bones and don’t inhibit your peripheral vision.

If you have any questions, which, we’re sure you do, come on down and let our staff help you find the best goggle for you.

Luxury Adventure Gear For That Someone Who Is Extra

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Luxury Adventure Gear For That Someone Who Is Extra

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Maybe you’ve given someone a sideways glance as they’ve pulled out the latest goggles or perhaps you are the owner of a brand new GoPro Hero 7. Whatever your choice in adventure gear, there’s always room for luxury items. After all, when in nature, a little bit more goes a long way. Maybe you’re racing to the stores to get the newest gadgets, or perhaps, you’re already rocking next seasons colours, just how extra are you when it comes to luxury adventure gear?

If it just came out, you probably already own it.

Everyone is raving about the latest gear announcement. But let’s face it, that’s already old news in your eyes. You know a guy, that knows a guy, that got the brand new gear item to you before it was released to stores. Obviously.

Luxury Item: GoPro Hero 7

New technology? Time for an IMMEDIATE upgrade.

“That is so last season,” might be one of your favourite sayings. As soon as there is a technology advancement, you have to have it. Of course, it doesn’t matter if the old one worked fine and was only a few months old, it’s a matter of principle, people!

Luxury Item: Spyoptic ACE EC, featuring electrochromic ONE Lens™ technology.

3 in 1, does it all? It’s in your backpack.

Ugh. No one has time for fumbling through a bag, looking for that single item to do that specific task. As if. No, your items do it all. Battery pack and a flashlight, all-in-one? That’s right, it’s in your bag.

Luxury Item: Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini Ultra

You’re always the warmest on the mountain.

You can brave all the elements because you have whatever it takes to be in your own self contained, temperature controlled climate. Heated boots, CHECK! Merino wool base layer, CHECK! If it keeps you toasty, you’re buying it in doubles, no, even triples.

Luxury Item: Mons Royale Merino Wool base layer and socks. 

Skincare is a must.

Goggle tan? Not for you. Chapped skin? That’s not in your vocabulary. You like to take the initiave and prevent your skin from suffering from the conditions. That way, you always look good.

Luxury Item: X-Treme Organics Winter Balm

If you can relate to all of the above, chances are, you’re extra when it comes to your adventure gear. Don’t worry, our friendly staff at McCoo’s can help you stay on top and always be rockin’ the most luxurious gear on the market.

New Years Resolutions For People Who Love To Adventure

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New Years Resolutions For People Who Love To Adventure

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With 2019 here, it is time to lock in our resolutions for the new year. For most of us, that usually includes getting out there and adventuring more.  To help you prioritize exploring, we’ve decided to pull together a few New Year’s resolutions for like-minded adventurers who are planning on taking on the world this year!

Make New Friends

Whether you change jobs, join a new group or just meet new people in daily life, make the extra effort to find out more about them and if your interests align. You might end up meeting someone who will introduce you to something new or be your next adventure partner.

Just Do It

Nike might have coined it but we can be the ones to put it into action. We resolve to stop making excuses to not go out. After all, we’ve worked hard and deserve to see this great big world while we can. Let’s get inspired, get motivated and get out there.

Put Down The Phone

Mindlessly scrolling through Facebook is not going to help us see the world and push boundaries. Put your phone away and see the world through your own two eyes, not through an Instagram filter.

Stop Worrying About Appearance

Let’s admit it — sometimes we worry a little too much about what we look like. We must accept the fact that adventuring means being flexible and pushing ourselves to extremes.  This can mean being sweaty or even dirty. Take solace in the fact that no one will be judging you for wearing the same denim shirt three days in a row — who even cares if you’re making it to the top of a mountain.

Pack Smart

There is an art and a skill to packing only the essentials. This year, learn what those essentials are and work towards being prepared while not carrying around excess.

Say YES

To everything. Say your friends want to go hike up Wedgemount and you hate hiking… guess what? You’re saying YES! The only way to try to things is to actually try them. You never know, you might find an activity you love!

Adventure more this year but before you do, stop by McCoo’s to get geared up for all the new things you’re going to be trying this year!

How To Save Phone Battery Life On The Mountain

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How To Save Phone Battery Life On The Mountain

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We’ve all been there. Your phone dies just when you need it the most. It could be right before you’re supposed to meet a friend or worse case, an emergency. No matter when it turns off, it’s an inconvenience. While it’s not possible to completely stop your battery from draining, you can substantially decrease how fast it depletes. Here are some tips to help you save phone battery life while on the mountain.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

According to Apple, extreme temperatures can play a role in draining your phone’s battery while on the hill and can even cause permanent damage. To prevent your phone from being exposed to cold temperatures, refrain from taking it out while on the chair and keep it close to your body for heat.

Use Airplane Mode

Switch your phone into airplane mode to prevent it from constantly searching for a signal. Whistler Blackcomb does have good service range but there are some areas where your phone might work extra hard for that one bar.

Turn on Low Battery Mode

Turning your phone to low battery mode reduces the amount of power that it uses when the battery gets low. This should prolong what little power you have left.

Dim Your Screen

Adjusting the brightness of your screen can have a huge effect on your phone’s battery life. Dim it when you know you’re going to be away from a charger for an extended period of time.

Be Smart About Your Battery Usage

Uploading that photo to Instagram might have to wait. Many apps drain battery life. You can check which apps are the culprits under settings and in the battery section. If some are worse than others, it might be time to delete them.

Turn off Push Notifications

Push notifications are an apps way of waving at you and also a huge power drain. Stop your home screen or lock screen from lighting up every few minutes by turning off push notifications.

Stop Location Services

Once again, those pesky apps are stealing your battery life. You can optimize your battery life by turning off location services in your apps.

Turn off Push Notifications

Stop your home screen or lock screen from lighting up every few minutes by turning off push notifications.

Know Your Charge Stations

Whistler Blackcomb has many charging stations that can provide you with a little boost should you be running low. Guest Services at Skiers Plaza and the Roundhouse are just to name a few.

Power Up

If you’re planning on spending the day on the mountain and know you’re going to be using your phone, bring up a battery pack. We would suggest one of Outdoor Technologies many battery packs that come with multi-function options such as a speaker or flashlight.

If you have any questions about using your phone on the mountain and related gear, come in and speak to the experts at McCoo’s. Your one-stop shop for adventures.

The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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Aries ♈

Aries is daring, active, courageous and energetic. Help them have the best season ever by getting them a tool that will facilitate the raddest adventures of all. Hestra gloves, Mons Royale base layers and Rip Curl outerwear are just to name a few.

Taurus ♉

The Taurus sign is known for having an eye for beauty. Get them an action cam such as the GoPro Hero 7 so that they can capture all of the breathtaking moments when out in nature.

Gemini ♊

Gemini’s are sociable, communicative and ready for fun. The perfect gift is one of our signature Shot Skis. This product is guaranteed to help them get the party started!

Cancer ♋

Cancer’s are the most nurturing signs of the zodiac. Get them something that can share and grow future relationships such as a S’well water bottle or tumbler. “Anyone need a drink,” will be their favorite catchphrase after they open your gift.

Leo ♌

Leo’s are warm, action-oriented and driven by the desire to be loved and admired. Grab an Oakley t-shirt or Ripcurl sweater to help them stand out in a crowd.

Virgo ♍

Virgo’s are intelligent, patient, and humble. They’ll want something they know is researched and the best technology out there. Spy Goggles with a Happy Lens or Oakley PRIZM goggles will help them see clearly, even if that means metaphorically.

Libra ♎

Their ruling planet is Venus which means that Libra’s are extremely romantic people. Let them pucker up with a HURRAW lip chap in any one of their delicious flavors.

Scorpio ♏

Scorpio’s are crazy observant and they’re constantly noticing things that others miss. A pair of Stance socks is just the attention to detail that a Scorpio loves.

Sagittarius ♐

Sagittarius is one of the biggest travelers among all zodiac signs. A Herschel backpack will allow them to carry all their belongings no matter where in the world or what adventure they are on.

Capricorn ♑

Capricorns are always forgetting to buy the practical items for themselves. Set them up for the year with a pair of Saxx Underwear or our newest addition to the McCoo’s line up, Mai Underwear.

Aquarius ♒

Aquarius is unpredictable, intelligent, social, independent and an excellent communicator. They will love anything that will keep them warm and allow them to change alongside the variable conditions. A Coal Toque is the perfect gift or stocking stuff for this star sign.

Pisces ♓

Certainly, this water sign will love a RipCurl MYBIKINI or a set of Mai Underwear from their deluxe line which also doubles as swimwear.

Gearing Up For Opening Weekend

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Gearing Up For Opening Weekend

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We’ve been waiting long and hard for the start of the season. Counting down the days in fact. Our gear has been sitting beside the door ready to go. Has yours? Gearing up last minute can lead to missing key pieces and ultimately put a kink in enjoying the first few days fo the season. Ride with ease and eliminate any unnecessary stress by gearing up with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist.

Goggles

You don’t want to leave this item behind. Sunny, windy, you name it. You’re going to need to see through every type of conditions, making goggles extremely important.

McCoo’s Recommendation: The Spy Ace Snow Goggle with the Happy Lens.

Action Cam

You’ll want to catch every first. First bails, first face shots, first après! Make sure your action cam is on your helmet or on a handheld gimble and ready to capture all the moments.

McCoo’s Recommendation: GoPro Hero 7.

Gloves

It’s no secret that ski gloves might be one of the most essential pieces of equipment in your pack. If you leave yours at home, you might as well not even go up the gondola. Well-fitted gloves provide greater dexterity, warmth, and comfort allowing you to ride all day long.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Hestra Army Leather Patrol Mittens.

Base Layer

The real secret to staying warm is having the right base layer. Forget wearing yesterdays sweatpants or even just your unmentionables. Believe it or not, you need fabric that can wick away sweat and breathe. That’s where Merino Wool comes in.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Mons Royale Merino Wool Yotei Tech LS Jersey

Outer Wear

It’s tough to leave these key pieces of your gear at home but never say never. If you did, you might just have left the house without pants. Stay warm and dry with the right outer wear. It’s also a bonus if you look good and can go right from the hill to après.

McCoo’s Recommendation: RipCurl Rebound Fancy Jacket and Pants. 

Battery Pack

Losing your riding buddy right before après is the worst! Don’t miss a beat because your phone is dead. Make sure your battery pack is charged and ready to keep you connected.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Outdoor Technology Kodak Ultra Battery Pack.

We’ve been ready for this weekend since closing day last year. You’ll be ready too with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist. If you left gear on the kitchen table, pop by the shop. We’ve got what you need to gear up for any Opening Day adventure.