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Gearing Up For Spring Riding

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Gearing Up For Spring Riding

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Spring is just around the corner and that means that spring riding too! Bring on the longer days, sunshine, and Booterville sessions. But with the change in seasons, comes the need to change up your gear. Trust us. Wearing your usual winter attire can lead to excessive sweating, improper lenses, and even sunburns. So with a little planning, you can make the most of what’s left of the remaining season and spring riding.

Backpack

Hot one minute, cold the next. With the arrival of springtime, also comes varying temperatures. Ride with a backpack and be prepared to layer up or layer down at any point of the day. Your pack can also act as place to hold your sunscreen, shades, and of course, snacks!

Sunscreen

You can burn at any point of the year but obviously, when the sun is out the risk of getting a sunburn is higher. Protect your face with some SPF before hitting the slopes. It’s recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher for better protection and also, don’t skip out on the lip sunscreen either. Remember to reapply a couple of times during the day.

Gloves

Ditch the heavy duty gloves. There’s no need for them when the temperatures hover above zero as they will be too warm. Instead, opt for a lightweight glove that allows for dexterity and breathability. Light gloves will also provide just the right amount of protection from that sometimes sharp spring snow.

Sunglasses

Yup, we said it. Sunglasses! Throw a pair in your backpack for when you’re hanging out with buddies or getting to and from the hill. They will even come in handy during an impromptu après session or dance party at Glacier Lodge.

Action Cam

From parties on the hill to park sessions to après, you’re really going to want to capture all that can go down during a spring day on the mountain. Check out the new GoPro Hero 8 with HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, perfect for whatever ends up happening.

Goggles

It’s time trade in your cloudy, low light lenses for something better fitted for bright sun. Not only will this allow you to see, this lens change can also protect your eyes against squinting and the extra UV rays.

All time, springtime is coming in hot and we can’t wait for this part of the season. Be prepared for those Peak Parties, longer days, and beaming sunshine by spending a little time re-organizing your riding attire. For any questions, come stop into McCoo’s. Otherwise, happy spring shredding!

Buying The Perfect Gift

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Buying The Perfect Gift

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Tis’ the season for gift giving! And if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to find the perfect something for that perfect someone. You can just go ahead and ask what they want, and if you’re really lucky, they’ll tell you exactly what that is then you can go buy it, but that takes all the romance out of the event. Then there’s the easy route of grabbing a gift card, however, that is pretty impersonal. So without asking, how does one buy the perfect gift? We’ve got the ultimate gift giving guide to make both you and your special someone happy!

  1. Decide what your budget is.
  2. Think about what’s happening in the persons life. Did they just move? Are they starting a new job?
  3. Ask yourself, what does the person dislike? It’s just as important to be able to rule out lots of things that they don’t like as it is to know what they DO like.
  4. Make a list of all the things the person is interested in and things that define who they are. Now, you’ve got to make this list long—spend at least two full minutes writing down as many things as you can. Once you’re done, brainstorm something to go with every item on that list, small or big.
  5. Does the person like objects or experiences? Experiences such as a Ziptrek zip line adventure or tickets to a DJ are generally more memorable than objects. But don’t forget that some objects such as goggles, a GoPro or a Herschel backpack can also be appreciated.
  6. If you’re opting for something wearable, take some ideas from what they wear if you can – as this will tell you a lot about what they like.
  7. Give something that both of you can share in, like an adventure. This shows that you want to spend more time with the person, and also provides you with the perfect excuse to treat yourself!
  8. Write a nice card and take the time to wrap your gift. It makes it more special.
  9. Do some stalking. If all else fails, stalk. Most people have a wish list, and they’ll be pretty surprised and delighted if you somehow found just the thing they wanted without even asking.

Now remember, ultimately it’s not the gift, but the thought that counts, so think about your gift carefully and you really can’t go wrong. If you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift, stop McCoo’s, our expert staff can help you out!

Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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It’s common knowledge to invest in a visit to the boot fitter to make sure that your ski boots fit perfectly. What’s not given much attention in terms of ski apparel, is socks. Wearing appropriate socks can be the difference between cold feet and toasty toes that can last the day and keep you on the slope. So what do you need to keep in mind when purchasing the layer between you and your boots? Here’s everything you need to know about ski socks.

Material

Ski socks are made from special materials that can aid in wicking away moisture while holding heat in. It’s also important that they are anti-microbial which helps to reduce bacteria that can lead to smelly feet. Materials commonly used include polyester, nylon, lycra, acrylics, or double-spun merino wool.

Fit

There’s no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to ski socks. Socks that are too big can bunch, cause blisters, and have reduced warmness. Socks that are too tight can cause a decrease in circulation which can in turn, can result in cold feet. You want your ski socks to fit snuggly, have no extra material, and allow for free movement of your toes. Some socks on the market are designed with fabric that causes the sock to stay snug and move with the foot.

Breathability

This could be one of the most important aspects of choosing sock. The key to warm and happy feet is keeping them dry. Most performance socks keep this in mind and are made with fabrics that promote breathability while not sacrificing warmth. The fabric works by pulling moisture away from the foot to the exterior of the sock so that it is not trapped between your skin and the inside of the sock. This allows sweat to easily evaporate.

Durability

Your socks are logging the same vertical as you are and with just as much force. Ensuring that your socks will last the season or more is also part of the selection process.

Technology

Length, cushioning, reinforcements, padding, and flat seams and are just a few of the modifications out there that can help with warmness, comfort and of course, performance. A thicker sock doesn’t always mean warmer. Advancements in fabric technology have improved the thickness-to-warmth ratio, enabling skiers and snowboarders alike to get thinner socks.

Have more questions on what ski sock will work the best for you? Stop by McCoo’s. We can help outfit you from head to toe.

New And Improved Bike Park Trails

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New And Improved Bike Park Trails

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The Whistler Mountain Bike Park trail crew has been busy this season! There have been some new additions to the park as well as some upgrades to already existing trails. Hips, drops, and loads of loam are popping up in all sorts of places, making the bike park even more exciting than before. Now, we know that discovering where the trail crew has been moving dirt is all part of the fun, but to get you riding the goods right away, we’ve gathered up some of the new and improved bike park trails. Yes, you’re welcome!

DIRT MERCHANT

The Dirt Merchant rebuild started last season and as of late, has been completed. The wait seemed like it would never end but let us be the first to say, it was well worth it. What used to be a double black trail is now a pro line with the addition of some burly features. New drops, hips, and doubles have made their way into the build, and wow, is it good.

ORIGINAL SIN

This classic has seen some love and even the addition of a few new hits. The lower section now finishes with a hip right above the Oakley jump. This smooth exit might just keep you coming back for more Original Sin hits than ever before.

RIPPIN’ RUTABAGA

Rutabaga has made a come back and it’s so good! This trail had faded into the background and was able to be accessed through Dirt Merchant but often didn’t see much action. Since Dirt Merchant’s ascent into pro status, Rutabaga has turned into an option that riders can take instead of carrying on through the hardest part of the trail. Nice dirt and jumps will have you opting for this line more than you probably think.

CREEKSIDE ZONE

The Creekside Zone has seen the addition of a few new trails and even some new features. This part of Whistler Mountain is known for it’s nice dirt and beautiful builds. A word of advice is to pay attention for changes to some of your beloved favourites from last year. As the trails have become bedded in, new lines are appearing and can catch riders off guard.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has had some wicked updates and even some entirely new trails making their way onto the map. As if riding laps all day long could get better but now, there’s even more to choose from. Make sure your ready for the park with the latest and greatest mountain bike gear on the market. Come on into McCoo’s and let us outfit you for a season you won’t soon forget.

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!

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.

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.

 

Why You Should Get Outside NOW!

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Why You Should Get Outside NOW!

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As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it can be a challenge to get outside. The rain, limited light, and lack of activities are all contributing factors to the decrease in motivation. You may even be struggling to remember why you moved to the mountains in the first place. Regardless of the difficulties of mustering up the will to brave the unpleasant conditions, you have to just do it. Being outside is why you live in Whistler and among other things, it helps you stay connected. If you’re lacking the drive to be in nature, here are some more reasons why should get outside NOW!

Feel Alive

It’s no secret that nature majorly boosts vitality levels and zest for life. However, according to research, people who spend just 20 minutes outside report better physical, mental, and emotional health overall.

Reduce Stress

Tense? Stressed? Head for the trees! There is nothing like a peaceful walk in nature to refresh the mind, rejuvenate the soul, and ground yourself. De-clutter your mind and stay centered by spending time outside every day.

Exercise

The research is endless on how good exercise is for you but add in doing it outside and you’ve got a miracle cure on your hands. Depression is out the window and your energy levels will be through the roof! What’s more, exercising outside helps your body produce the essential vitamin D, necessary for bone health.

Improve Mood

Are the winter blues kicking in? Forests and natural environments are considered therapeutic and exposure has been shown to have many positive psychological effects. Studies have found that being around forests and trees leads to increased liveliness, and decreased levels of stress, hostility, and depression.

Refocus

In this day and age, we are constantly subjected to stimuli and consequently, it can be hard to stay on track of a task. Take to the outdoors for a chance to refocus your concentration. Scientists have proven that a mere walk outside can help mute distractions and realign where your energy is being put.

Boost Your Immunity

How this exposure to green space leads to better health has remained a mystery but that doesn’t make it any less effective. It’s proven time and time again that breathing in the fresh air and the essential oils from the trees, leaves and soil help to improve immune system function.

Spending time outdoors can be hard when the weather is less than inviting. Get the right gear at McCoo’s and you’re one step closer to braving the elements and enjoying all the benefits of being in nature.