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September Adventures

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September Adventures

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Take a look around. The leaves are starting to fall, the nighttime temperatures are cooling, and Starbuck’s has brought back their Pumpkin Spice latte. As if you needed any more clues, summer is drifting into fall. With the arrival of September 1st, many of us are leaving summer behind and if you what’s coming, you’re probably okay with that. Fall is one of the best times to adventure. Not only are the colours glorious, the conditions for many of our favourite activities are all time. To help inspire you for what’s to come, here are a few of our favourite September Adventures.

Mountain Biking

There’s a reason they call it all-time, fall-time. It’s because the dirt is tacky, the trails are begging to be ridden, and there’s still enough day light to do it all. How does it feel to know that some of the best mountain biking of the entire season is before you?

Our Fav: An epic day long adventure into the Sprout Alpine. 

Hiking

Of course the views during the pinnacle of summer are stunning. But have you ever laid eyes on endless mountains covered in red, yellow, and orange? September adventures in the mountains can lead to some beautiful displays of colour and hiking is great way to take in.

Our Fav: The Peak Chair closes operations mid-September so we are all about getting into the Whistler alpine before it is too late.

Paddling

Take in the autum scenery from on the water. It’s not too cold to partake in this September adventure. It can be common to think that now that summer is done, so are the water based activities. But that is further than the truth. Alta Lake, Green Lake, and Logger’s Lake are waiting to be explored.

Our Fav: We can’t get enough of crisp fall mornings on Alta Lake. Whether it’s in a canoe or on a paddle board. Just make sure you dress for a breeze!

Eating

Yes, eating is a fall adventure in Whistler. During this time, many of the local restuarants come out with their fall dining deals. It is a the perfect opportunity to go somewhere that you haven’t been before.

Our Fav: Araxi, Bearfoot Bistro or the RimRock, we love all anything that offers a multi-course menu option!

September adventures are full of fall magic. The weather is still great, the colors of out of this world, and the evening light is as golden as ever. To make sure that you’re properly geared up for fall activities, stop by McCoo’s.

Whistler Nighttime Adventures

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Whistler Nighttime Adventures

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When we were young, the waining sun usually meant that it was time to head home for the day. By the time we’re older, it’s almost engrained in us that outdoor activities need to be put on hold when the light finally leaves the sky. But what if the arrival of the stars meant that whole other set of adventures were waiting to be enjoyed and all by moonlight? Nighttime doesn’t have to put a spanner in getting outside, exploring and experiencing what the mountains have to offer. Open your eyes and perhaps, take on one of these Whistler nighttime adventures.

Night Mountain Biking

You haven’t lived until you’ve rode Lost Lake by headlamp. In fact, it’s probably the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in a video game. Weave in and out the trees, only seeing what is right in front of you. Once you’re done, stop for a quick moonlit dip in Lost Lake or to the Upper Village for a beer at HandleBar.

Watching The Stars At Rainbow Park

Stargazing is the perfect nighttime activity. Snuggle up on the dock at Rainbow Park and count the shooting stars. We can bet there will be more than you’ve ever seen before.

Vallea Lumina

A new addition to the Whistler round-up of activities, Vallea Lumina is walk through the woods at Cougar Mountain that is also a multimedia light show. Now, this isn’t just any light show. It’s a journey to a magical land and trust us, this is exactly what it is.

Hiking To The Train Wreck

Grab your headlamps and venture out to the Train Wreck. This is a perfect nighttime activity for those that like to put themselves in spooky situations. The glow of your headlamp on the 1960’s train wreck will surely make goosebumps appear on your arms. This hike is particularly great as you can take the bus back from Cheakamus right into the village for a post adventure beer.

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun leaves the sky and the moon takes it’s place- you just have to get creative with adventuring at nighttime. So grab your best friends, bundle up, and don’t forget some music when you head out on a moonlit evening full of activities. For all your nighttime adventure gear, come stop by McCoo’s…we’re even open late.

Disclaimer: As with all nighttime activities, it is important to be well-prepared and to be familiar with the area you are venturing into.

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.

 

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.

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!

4 Tips For The Best Ski Season Ever

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4 Tips For The Best Ski Season Ever

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The countdown to the start of the ski season is on. With less than a month until opening day, it’s safe to start getting excited. It’s also time to begin to prepare. Preparation for skiing and snowboarding season is key, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the best powder day ever? But what does it entail and how can it help you have the best ski season ever? Read on for tips and tricks that will keep you shredding right until spring.

Get Fit

It’s not too late to get your ski legs ready. Hit the gym armed with a total body workout and get ready to sweat. Once a week might not be enough for you to be able to charge right out of the gate. Commit to a few days, and you’ll see the benefits on opening day. What’s more, being fit can help prevent injury. So stay strong and you’ll cash in on as many powder days as you please.

Get The Right Gear

At some point, your gear is going to be the limiting factor in not just having fun but also progression. Before opening day, go through everything (jacket, pants, goggles, helmet, poles, gloves, etc.) with a fine tooth comb. Damaged gear can end the party early and even be dangerous. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to an expert to find what could do with an upgrade. Investing in certain parts of your kit can make all the difference.

Find The Right Crew

There is such thing as a friends on a powder day, just the right kind of friends. Find some peeps that will wake up for first chair, encourage you to challenge yourself, and are at a simialr skill level. With these kind of buddies in tow, everyday no matter how much snow, will be a good one.

Make Some Goals

This is one of the biggest secrets to having the best season ever. You see, if you set some goals and work towards them, even achieve them, you’ll look back at the season with a satisfaction like never before. To make sure you follow through, write them down or tell a friend to hold you accountable.

Staring the ski season off on the right foot is key to having a memorable few months on the hill. Get fit, check your gear, and find some rad people to shred the Whistler powder with. Don’t forget to stop by McCoo’s for the latest gear for any of your mountain adventures.

 

Everything You Need For A Lit Fall

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Everything You Need For A Lit Fall

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Summer has come and gone but we’re okay with that. You know why? Because fall in the mountains is AH-MA-ZING! You really can’t go wrong with some of the best biking and hiking of the whole year. And did we mention the weather? The sun and the crisp fall air is enough to inspire anyone to get out and adventure. Here’s our list of what you need to have the most lit fall yet.

RipCurl Flannel

Fall is all about layering. Stay warm against the unpredictable temperatures with a flannel. And when the sun is shining, it’s easy to take off to soak up those rays.

Herschel Backpack

The days are getting shorter and we can bet you’re going from work to an outdoor activity, maximizing the daylights hours. Don’t miss a beat by packing everything you need in a classy, timeless Herschel backpack.

S’well Water Bottle

You might not think so, but even as the days get colder, your body is loosing just as much water through the day as in summer. Stay hydrated and decrease your carbon footprint by investing in a S’well Water Bottle. These beautiful bottles were created to encourage people to stop buying disposable bottles.

Coal Beanie

It’s the moment all us Whistler locals have been waiting for. It’s beanie season. Yes, as soon as fall comes around, it’s perfectly acceptable to pull out that beanie that you retired to the closet during the summer months. In fact, it’s more than acceptable to go out and get a fresh one in this year’s colours.

Oakley Sunglasses

That autumn sun can be extra bright, especially with the reds, yellows, and oranges taking over the mountainside. Protect your eyes and even see more with a pair of Oakley sunglasses. Their PRIZM technology helps to maximize contrast, enhancing nature’s stunning fall colour scheme.

So, get out an adventure while you can. After all, autumn is short lived and the snow will be falling soon. If you need help outfitting yourself with the best gear for fall, come stop by McCoo’s. We’ve got you covered.

The Different Types Of Fun

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The Different Types Of Fun

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Fun. It’s universal. We all love it, search it out, and aim to have more of it. But even though we spend much of our lives seeking out experiences that provide good times, fun can come in many different forms; Some of which could be perceived as crazy, painful, and possibly, not even enjoyable at all. So if your hiking straight up a mountain, wondering what you were thinking when you embarked on this challenging adventure, then perhaps, you needed to be reminded of the different types of fun.

Type 1 Fun

Type 1 is the most obvious kind of enjoyment. It’s laughing, being present, and feeling pleasure. Skiing powder, biking your favorite trail or lounging at the lake. All of these activities are so obviously entertaining, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that you’re probably having a good time.

Gear necessary for Type 1 Fun: An Outdoor Technology Bluetooth Speaker to keep the party going or a RipCurl Bikini to get the party started. 

Type 2 Fun

Type 2 is the kind of fun that exists after the task, activity, or adventure is complete. Looking back at our hiking analogy, hating every step while you’re in the moment somehow seems like it was a good time when you look back on it. We would like to venture that Type 2 is the most common type of entertainment in Whistler. Think sub-zero temperatures, massive climbs, hikes for days, and earning your pow turns.

Gear necessary for Type 2 Fun: For activities involving Type 2 Fun, you should always have an action cam on hand. This way, you’ll be able to reflect on how much fun it actually was even though it might not have seemed like it at the time. 

Type 3 Fun

We don’t really understand this type of merriment but believe it or not, it exists. To sum it up, the word “sufferfest” comes to mind. You see, Type 3 is the variety that doesn’t become more enjoyable at any point. Even afterward, the situation doesn’t look any better, and quite possibly, even grimmer. Yet, for some reason, some of us chase this type as demonstrated by marathons, failed expeditions, and any other physically exhausting pursuit.

Gear necessary for Type 3 Fun: Oakley or Smith Sunglasses to hide your tears. 

It’s very possible in Whistler to find all of these types of fun. We’re guessing that’s probably one of the reasons you’re even here. So to make sure you can keep chasing activities that you love and enjoy, come to McCoo’s, your one-stop shop for all your adventures needs.

4 Epic Spring Camp Spots

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4 Epic Spring Camp Spots

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It’s adventure season! And with that comes hiking, biking, road trips, and of course, camping. While it can be a little chilly during the springtime, it’s nothing that a blazing campfire can’t solve. Choosing where to get your camp on for the first time this year can depend on a number of factors; The snow line and campground opening dates are just to name a few. Luckily, we’ve got the intel on epic spring camp spots located right outside Whistler.

Cal-Cheak

This recreation site lies just south of town. Due to its location, it’s one of the first areas to be free of snow. The campground officially opens on May 1st, or when it’s snow-free. Campsites are on a first come, first served basis, no reservation system exists. It’s heavily treed which means it can get cold, so pack layers! Firewood is for sale from the Site Operator when a campfire ban is not in place.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Hike

Wedge Mountain

Situated north of Whistler, right past Green Lake, there is another recreation site. At the base of Wedge Mountain, lining the river lies some informal campsites. The river is stunning and it’s rushing waters give the illusion that you’re deep in the forest. Be careful not to park your tent to close, the waters can change with the weather.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Bike

Lillooet Lake

A short drive from Whistler lies Lillooet Lake. It’s often free of snow early in the year. This is a popular recreation area as noted by the several inexpensive campgrounds that line the shore. The sandy beaches that are found at the Twin Lakes and Strawberry Point sites are a big hit with many of the locals. But don’t be fooled by the inviting clear blue waters- it’s actually really cold!

Fun Activity To Do While There: Fish

Callaghan Lake

This campground is often one of the last to be free of snow but if the temperatures are warm, you can expect for it to be open much earlier than normal. The area to camp hugs the stunning and picturesque Callaghan Lake. It’s dark surroundings, free from light pollution make this spot prime for when a solar storm is occurring and the Northern Lights are visible.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Stargaze

Grab your portable stereo, action cam, and something to bundle up in for when the sun goes down and get camping!