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10 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Skiing

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10 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Skiing

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January 1st marks the first day of the year, and that’s a natural reason for committing to new beginnings. Rather than the usual attempt to save money or cut back on drinking, why not use this time to really make some self-improvements. From stretching after a day on the hill to eating properly – our suggested resolutions are ideal for anyone looking to improve their skiing or snowboarding.

Stretch

It’s simple, yoga can decrease your chances of injury. Even a short stretch routine can aid in prevention. So find a class or search for a video online, there’s really no excuses.

Improve Your Gear

At one point, your gear is going to be the limiting factor. Don’t fall victim to having to leave the mountain because you’re wet or goggles are fogged. Get gear that works and works for you all day long.

Take A Lesson

Yeah, yeah, we get it. Lessons aren’t really where you want to spend your free time. But if you are serious about improving your ski game, then taking a lesson is a sure fire way to get tips that will have you moving in a forward direction (literally). Bottom line, there’s no substitute for the impartial advice of someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Wake Up Early

After a night out, this is the last thing you probably want to hear. Waking up early will allow you to ride longer, get in more laps and get the best snow. No brainer right?

Eat Your Greens

A steady diet of Kraft Dinner isn’t going to provide enough (or any) nutrition for you to ride day in and day out. Think about adding some broccoli or spinach to that pasta dish.

Challenge Yourself

Now, we don’t mean go out and take risks but do go out and ride with better riders and on more challenging terrain.

Have Friends On A Pow Day

Keep your friends close and your ski buddies closer. Having a good friend that is always down to ride, even if it’s just groomers will help you log more hours and more days than if you are always flying solo.

Get Your Hike On

Not only can you access some incredible terrain but hiking or touring is a great way to get in shape. The better shape you’re in, the better your overall riding will be.

Tune Your Equipment

The last thing you want is to deal with a broken binding or rough edges on a powder day. Schedule in those regular tunes and perform regular maintenance!

Educate Yourself

Every one of us can learn more and should focus on learning something new every day. Take another avalanche course, learn how to tune your own skis, or get certified in first aid.

The Best Gift Ideas For The Last Minute Shopper

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The Best Gift Ideas For The Last Minute Shopper

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December always seems to fly by, expecially when the ski season has just kicked off. When the days are filled with chasing pow and lift lines, there’s little room for anything else. But before you know it, it’s that holiday time of year. The lights are up, trees are being decorated, and carols are being sung. If you’re like us, this means the usual panic associated with last minute shopping for gifts. Let us guess, you probably just want to get it over with and get back on the slopes or into the eggnog. So to lighten your load and maximize efficiency, we’ve made a list of the best gift ideas for the last minute shopper, AKA you, me and every ski bum in Whistler!

For Mom

A S’WELL WATERBOTTLE

S’Well Water Bottles aren’t just any old water bottle, they are a hydration accessory. What’s more, by purchasing a bottle, you are helping support S’wells mission to rid the world of plastic water bottles. Mom would just love that!

For Dad

A NIXON WATCH

Sleek, stylish and timeless, a Nixon Watch is a mixture of luxury and functionality. Dear dad will love to remind you how late you are for a holiday dinner or picking up Grandma but then you can just remind him who bought the watch!

For The Significant Other

THE LATEST OUTERWEAR

Buying for your partner can be tough but not at McCoo’s. Opt for the latest technology in outerwear and you can’t go wrong. Then, the next time you’re on the slopes together, you can avoid going in early to warm up or dry off. Actually, might be better to get yourself a new jacket and pants too while you’re at it!

For Siblings

GOPRO

You really can’t go wrong with the latest action-cam technology. And besides, you can always swipe it or ‘borrow’ from your brother or sister.

For The Grandparents

A GOGGLESOC

Grandparents are all about practicality and the Gogglesoc is just that.  A gogglesoc is a protective cover for your goggles so that they don’t get scratched when you aren’t wearing them. Hands down, your grandparents will praise your responsible present choice!

Secret Santa

STANCE SOCKS

Stance Socks are all about individuality so grab a pair that best suits your colleague. Yes, there is everything from Yoda to cats so everyone can be accommodated, even Janice from accounting.

Finding that perfect gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming with our list for the last minute shopper. And, if you’re just starting your Christmas shopping, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Breathe, go forth, and shop. You got this. And once it’s all done, enjoy the holidays as you should. Merry Christmas from McCoo’s!

What’s So Great About Oakley PRIZM Lenses?

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What’s So Great About Oakley PRIZM Lenses?

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Goggles are crucial. You need them to navigate your way around the mountain and with the current technologies, that’s possible in virtually all conditions. You’ve probably seen or heard about the Oakley PRIZM lenses, but do you really know what it’s all about? Oakley has launched their PRIZM lenses with vision fine-tuning technology and they’re the talk of the town. But really, what’s so great about these PRIZM lenses anyway?

What is a PRIZM lense?

PRIZM is a new Oakley lens technology that fine-tunes vision for sport-specific environments. The lenses work to emphasize colors, specifically contrast, where the eye is most sensitive to detail, which in return, helps to enhance performance and safety. What’s more, this now happens through a wide range of light conditions whereas other goggles have specific lenses for certain light conditions. Even then, many of them don’t work as well as we need them to.

KEY BENEFITS OF OAKLEY PRIZM LENSES:

– Sharpens visual perception to help you see more clearly and react faster.
– Enhances color recognition to help you quickly spot what you need to see.
– Optimizes your ability to better see the important moving objects in your periphery.

How Do Oakley PRIZM Lenses Work?

Tons and tons of research but more specifically, the lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility. This happens through the use of specially engineered lens tints. Basically, light that could interfere with vision is filtered out while emphasizing the colors that aid your brain creating a more precise visual understanding of the surrounding area. A simpler way of looking at this is in terms of contrast. Oakley achieved this innovation by utilizing “hyperspectral imaging,” a technique used by spy satellites that helps analyze light in real-world environments with levels of detail and precision that is previously un-heard of. What’s more, their design allows for increased peripheral vision.

Sport-Specific PRIZM Lenses

There are PRIZM lenses for all sports as well as daily wear (sunglasses). And for the eyewear to perform at the highest level, they have been tested until the cows come home. Oakley made sure that each sport specific eyewear had the capability to see the perfect colors in the environment that the sport is performed in. In each environment, the lenses enhance the colors you need to see for maximum sports performance and filter out the rest. The improved color contrasts leads to better vision and ultimately, performance.

Do you have more questions about what the Oakley PRIZM technology entails and how it can help you on the hill? Be sure to speak to one of our staff members!

Top Cliffs To Drop In Whistler

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Top Cliffs To Drop In Whistler

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That feeling that you get when you’re weightless, it’s part of our love of powder…and our love of sending it. For many, that’s the very soul of their addiction to skiing or snowboarding. Once they’ve embraced gravity and put their own mortality into the back of their mind, it’s only on to bigger drops and gnarlier sends. And there is no shortage of those on Whistler Blackcomb. With over 4,757 acres to shred, there’s bound to be a few (or more) cliffs to get sendy on. Here are the top ones to drop in Whistler!

1. Tower 47

As the name eludes, this drop of next to Tower 47 of the Whistler Gondola- like right next to it. In fact, you not only have to deal with the usual cliff dropping factors but also that there are moving objects within proximity. Thankfully, you won’t be able to get closer than closer than ten meters to the cabins but it can still be enough to make an impact on your focus. This drop is not very easy to find and there isn’t as much opportunity for show but it’s all about the high fives anyway, isn’t it?

2. Air Jordan Cliff Drop

The infamous Air Jordan. It features a 15ft step down on to a lily pad and then right into the grand finale of oh, say, around 60 feet. Two for the price of one. What’s more, this cliff is located to the right of the Peak Chair, directly in front of the peanut gallery. Once someone even looks like they are considering it, the heckeling begins.

3. Cafe Cliffs

These cliffs are a great way to get warmed up since they offer a wide variety of options ranging from 2-6m high. It’s also a crowd pleaser since all the action can be seen from the Jersey Cream charilift. Located right off of Blackcomb’s intermediate groomed run, the entrance can be unassuming but when done right, can put on a show for all to see!

4. The Lone Pine AKA The Curl

Loacted in the not so secret, Secret Bowl, the entrance of this drop might be worse than the actual drop itself. This makes it a very techincal line as a side slip above a cliff band is required to get to the launch pad.  Once there, you can choose a few drop heights but most go big or go home and do the full 9m.

If you’re hell bent on hitting some of these this winter, be sure to stay safe and to ride well within your ability. Remember skiing off cliffs can be dangerous and these ones are no different. Start small, warm up and develop your ability before you send the big Kahunas. And don’t forget your helmet and your GoPro, beacuse if no one saw it, it didn’t happen!

How Long Should Gear Last

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How Long Should Gear Last

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Being comfortable in your gear could be the difference between the best day ever and the worst. And sometimes, it takes time to work that beloved jacket or pants into the point of fitting you in all the right places. Now, those favorite ski boots or even long underwear may be nearing the end of its life and it could be sooner than you think. Just how long should gear last?

Ski Socks-Approximately 1 year depending on the brand

According to Smartwool, their socks should last a year if the washing directions and fit are properly executed.

Tips to prolong life:

  • Avoid wearing on the carpet.
  • Do not use fabric softener.

Helmet- 1 Impact

This is debatable but generally speaking, if you have taken an impact on your helmet, experts suggest it’s time for a new one. This is because most helmets are designed to only withstand a certain amount of force in order to perform optimally

Tips to prolong life:

  • Don’t crash on your head. Duh.
  • Store away from factors that can alter the effectiveness of the materials. This includes heat and extreme cold.

Outerwear- Anywhere from a season to a lifetime

How long your outerwear lasts depends on how often it is being used, how well you take care of it and the material that it is made out of. Current technologies can see Gortex jackets lasting years and years, even lifetimes in some cases.

Tips to prolong life:

  • Wash them. Really it’s okay. The sweat and beer will degrade the waterproofing faster than an occasion spin cycle.

Goggles- A really long time

Goggles can last a really long time but that really depends on the quality purchased and the level of care given to maintain them.

  • When you get snow in your goggles, don’t brush it off with a jacket sleeve or glove. Snow is made with abrasive ice crystals that can actually scratch the lenses. Use a special cloth.

Ski Gloves- A season

Your gloves take quite the beating and it can be hard to maintain the durability as well as the waterproofness of the fabric.

  • Hang dry them out after each use.

Most ski gear can last more than a season but the key is to take really good care of it. With these helpful tips, you should be able to prolong the life of some of your most beloved items. If you’re finding that some of your gear needs an upgrade, come to McCoo’s. We can help sort you out so you won’t have to live through another ‘breaking in’ period and can go right to into wearing the most comfortable gear ever!

 

The Importance Of Sun Protection Year Round

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The Importance Of Sun Protection Year Round

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Chances are, you’ve heard about the damage that the sun can do. If you haven’t, you must have been living under a rock and in that case, you need not worry about sun damage! Despite all the warnings we are subjected to on a regular basis, many think that utilizing sun protection is only for those hot and sunny days. This is wrong and can lead to serious skin problems later on. In fact, the sun rays on a winter day and on a cloudy day still possess a threat. Now, we don’t want to sound like Mom and scold anyone for not lathering in sunscreen but we can provide some more information on the importance of sun protection year round.

Fall/Winter

We hate to break it to you, but you’re not just trying to protect yourself from one set of UV rays but two: UVA and UVB. First the good news: You only have to worry about UVA in the winter months and not UVB. You see, UVA is around as long as there is sunlight and is at the same level all year round. When the earth rotates and tilts away from the sun, we experience winter, and the UVB is less intense as some of it barely reaches the surface. UVB is responsible for that golden tan we all love in the summer months and since it’s lacking in the winter, you can’t really get a suntan. Now the bad news: UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus causing more damage.

Options:

  • SunBum Suncare. These guys know their stuff and create a bunch of products that fit with your lifestyle.
  • Airhole Facemask. What’s covered up doesn’t get touched by the sun!

Spring/Summer

It’s really no surprise that the summer sun can hurt your skin and since the sun is at its closest point to the earth,  both those pesky UVB and UVA rays are hitting home. You may be able to get a nice tan but you’re also subject to more damage. What’s more, the rays of the summer sun, high in the sky, arrive at a steep angle and heat the land (and your skin!) much more than those of the winter sun, which hit at a shallow angle. All the more reason to play it safe.

Options:

  • Use the whole range of SunBum Suncare products. Their lines are formulated to protect against both types of UV rays, not just one.
  • Throw on a hat. The RipCurl sunhats are a great option or a Herschel SnapBack.

Don’t be afraid of the sun, just be wise. When heading out on your next adventure, make sure to pack the appropriate sun protection. Still not sure what gear you can use to minimize the impact of the suns rays? Ask one of our staff at McCoo’s! 

An Ode To The Ski Bum

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An Ode To The Ski Bum

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The ski bum is not dead! You’ve adapted to the modern ways and are currently still shredding the pow, maybe even getting in over 100 days on the hill this winter, in-between the multiple jobs of course. We’ve seen you and we’re paying homage to your awesome ways. Without you, mountain culture wouldn’t exist. It’s time to glorify your contributions and so, McCoo’s would like to present, “An ode to the ski bum.”

You’ll live anywhere

Whether it’s in a bus, with 5 to 20 friends or maybe some foreigners… it’s doesn’t matter as long as you have a roof over you head and place to store your most prized possession- your gear.

Your headwear is the most crucial part your getup

Toques, beanies, hats- You may have one or two and they magically go with every outfit. We love your dedication to the shred and your rational that showering isn’t necessary since you’re just going to be back on the hill again tomorrow.

You live in the moment

We love that you are present. Well, as present as you can be when you’re checking the forecast every few hours, trying to get the day off work and estimating how to navigate the lift lines to maximize your pow riding.

You can live off KD and Mr. Noodles

Fuel. That’s what food is and food groups are for sissys. You just need something to keep you going and make those endless laps possible.

You care about the mountains

Whatever happens, these mountains, they are your home. You respect them and all that they stand for. And that alpine code of conduct, you can recite it word for word. You recycle and avoid plastic. Whatever it takes to make sure winter is here to stay.

You’re local and local matters

You pride yourself on being a local and with that comes supporting local companies. The shared passion of the outdoors and Whistler itself binds you all together.

Which brings us to your priorities…

Shredding as often and as hard as possible is your number one priority. This is where McCoo’s comes in. With our outerwear, gear, and accessories, you can hit the slopes functionally and in style. We want you to be king of the mountain, know where the goods are on a powder day, hit Air Jordan and live to tell about it. So you keep doing you and we’ll be right here behind you, gearing you up for adventure.

The After Adventure Beer

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The After Adventure Beer

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Your adventure was a complete sufferfest. There was sweat, tears and maybe even a little bit of blood. But once you arrived at the destination, it was all worth it. That is, until you had to get back to where you started from. At this point, the motivation to continue onwards becomes that cold and frothy beer that’s waiting at the bottom. In Whistler, there are loads of places to relive what happened out in the woods, only then, it’s amid smiles and laughter. We’ve rounded up our favourite locations to enjoy an after adventure beer.

HandleBar Cafe And Apres

Chances are you’re going to be hungry after your activities so head to HandleBar for some Germanic street food and tasty craft beer. Fried pickles, Currywurst and made in house sauces are all done to perfection. If that doesn’t entice you, the four daily happy hours will!

The Beacon

The Beacon’s patio might be one of the best locations to people watch but guaranteed you will either be a) to tired to care about what’s going on around you or b) way to immersed in what went down in the back country. The Beacon boasts 12 craft beers on tap and an impressive menu to satisfy your empty belly.

Fitzsimmons Pub

Snuggle up in the cozy Fitzsimmons Pub, located in upper village. Over a board game and a craft beer, re-hash the close calls and epic dirt or snow.

Coast Mountain Brewing

With names like Field Guide Ale and Daydreams NE IPA, your going to be inspired to get out in the mountains even if that’s where you just came from. What’s more, all the beers are brewed in house. Got a little bit of time? Visit their tasting room to sample and chat about how your own adventure unfolded.

Brickworks Public House

If you plan it right, you can catch one of the local bands playing. With music in the back ground, savor one of the many craft beers or spirits that have been careful curated for your enjoyment. Have a few too many then stumble next door to the Delta Hotel and get a room. If your up for it, head out on another adventure the next day!

Brandy’s

A local spot, Brandy’s is a much loved sports bar. Keep the stoke level high by watching the big screens which usually have new and old ski movies playing as well as a current hockey game. If you feeling peckish, order from the Keg Steak House, located right upstairs.

The after adventure beer is almost as important as the adventure itself. Make sure that you have plans for one in place to keep team moral high and the motivation to persevere in place.

Summer To Fall Fashion Tips

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Summer To Fall Fashion Tips

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It’s that time of year when we bid farewell to bikinis and say hello to sweaters. For many, they can’t wait to get cozy in their fall fashions. For others, its a different story. Holding on to wearing your shorts and sandals is all fine and dandy until the temperature drops. So how can we make the seasonal shift comfortably, fashionably and still get some wear out of beloved warm weather pieces? Here are some summer to fall fashion tips!

Extend your sleeve length

Start switching up your tank tops for long sleeves to ward off the chill. Even wear one under a strappy dress for the perfect fall outfit.

Throw a jacket over it

Dresses and shorts can still be worn through cooler weather patterns, just throw a blazer or light jacket on to make the outfit autumn ready. Investing in a versatile jacket is also an easy way to keep your fall wardrobe simple yet updated.

Start wearing dark colours

Maroon, grey, brown, deep red and black. Mix these seasonal colours in with your warm weather wardrobe as the leaves start to change.

Hold on to your maxi dress

Maxi dresses are equally nice on the beach and while shopping. This comfortable favourite doesn’t have to be retired to the back of the closet until next season. Try adding a chunky-knit sweater, or even a knotted chambray shirt to carry them through until winter.

Throw on some tights

To keep wearing some of your favourite summer pieces, add opaque tights into the mix. These may hide your tan but they will keep your beloved summer dress in rotation. If you’re not into tights, try leggings.

Sweater + Dress = Awesomeness

You really can’t go wrong with a sweater over dress. In fact, layering isn’t just fashionable, its functional too! As the air gets crisper, you can regulate your temperature while still wearing some your more skin bearing clothing items. Try wearing thicker pieces over slimmer, for example, a longer shirt over tighter jeans. This rule never fails.

All about the boots

Boots are an autumn staple that can be worn right into the next season and beyond. Don’t be afraid to invest in a good pair of boots that can be paired with jeans, shorts and skirts.

You can freely wear your toque

Now that the temperature is beginning to decrease, wear your toque from morning until night without getting stared at.

Grab a scarf

We just love functional pieces and a scarf is just that. A light scarf can keep away a chill and make an outfit chic.

Keep the sunnies close by

Autumn is home to some of the sunniest and brightest days of the year so keep your sunnies close by!

Fall might be in the air but you can ward it off feeling like it is by still wearing all your bright and light summer clothes. If you are looking to upgrade a few items for autumn, stop by McCoo’s to see what we have in store!

 

 

 

How To Make Summer Last

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How To Make Summer Last

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August. It’s both a blessing and a curse. With this month comes fun, hot weather and often more sunny days than not. Yet, there is always a looming sense of it all coming to an end. With the arrival of fall becoming more apparent as the month goes on, the need to get all those summer adventures in starts to take priority.  But what if you could prolong the exploits and feels that come along with the hot season? We’ve got some ideas for how to make summer last in Whistler.

Wear your swimsuit more often than not

Remember back in May or June when you first got to done your new swimsuit. Could it have been the defining moment that summer had officially started? Board shorts and bikinis embody hot days at the lake or lounging in a floaty. So wear those seasonal icons until you have to trade them for a sweater.

Camp

Campfires and sleeping under the stars are what summer is made of. Before the weather turns, get in as many of these memorable nights as you can. Luckily, Whistler is filled with places to camp that only require a short drive or hike.

And bike, hike, swim

All those activities that come with the season. Biking, hiking and of course, swimming should be done in mass quantity. We know that you will miss these when the snow hits.

Hit up all the patios

There is nothing quite as quintessentially summer as lounging on a patio sipping on a cold drink. The GLC, Longhorn, Merlins and even the Roundhouse are open every day so there’s no excuse to not log some serious patio hours.

Lather up in sunscreen

The smell of sunscreen is enough to bring on a wave of summer nostalgia. To keep this time of year with you, consider trading in your signature scent for that of sunscreen. And hey, your skin will thank you!

Munch on fruit

Indulge as much a you can in the seasonal bounty. This may mean bi-weekly trips to the farmers market but that’s just part of summer isn’t it?

Chill at the skate park

Sit back and take in an evening session at skate park. The warm night air, sounds of skate boards passing by and street lights will have you feeling like it’s July and not edging into September. Enjoy it while it lasts, before you know it, the skate park will be under a few metres of snow.

All about the sandals

Snow doesn’t really go well with wearing sandals. Test it out if you don’t believe us. Even if you do, you’ll want to wear those bad boys while the ground is still bare.

We love winter and all but summer, you have our heart. Making the hot season last requires a small amount of commitment but it is possible to keep those vibes going strong well into the fall. If you’re already thinking of next year, stock up on all your summer gear at McCoo’s now while supplies last.