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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!

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!

 

Why You Need A Power Bank

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Why You Need A Power Bank

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We’ve all been there before, your waiting on a text from someone important, your favourite song is about to drop or your relying heavily on google maps and then the unbelievable happens: Your phone dies. Only a few short years ago this would mean running into every establishment asking if they had a certain phone cord and if you could hang out at the bar while it charges. Not anymore, portable power banks are here. Before we get into why you need a power bank, let’s chat about what they even are.

The Technology

We’re not going to get all Bill Nye on you and lecture about how batteries work in case you’re interested, here is a summarized version: Power banks are comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy (deposit it in the bank) and then later use it to charge up a mobile device (withdraw it from the bank).

Types On The Market

  1. Universal Power Bank: These come in many sizes and varieties which can be tailored to your device requirements and to your budget.
  2. Blue Tooth Enabled Power Bank: Looking to run speakers and connect your music? This style of power bank is for you.
  3. Solar Charged Power Bank: These power banks have panels that can trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight. It’s known to not be as fast but hey, it’s eco-friendly and we like that.

How Many Charges Does A Power Bank Hold

This is a loaded question. You see, power banks come in all sizes and power bank capacities (this is the nerd term for “how much charge”). The power bank capacity should be stated on the packaging of your power bank but the power requirements of the device requiring the charge are not. So how many times a device (phone, tablet, computer, etc) can be charged cannot be accurately determined. This all being said, you should be able to get a few full phone charges of out of one power bank before it needs to be re-charged itself.

And finally…

Why You Need A Power Bank

There are a number of life moments that really can’t be missed as a result of your phone being flat. We’ve gathered a few to showcase when a power bank would really come in handy…

  1. Matched with Tinder dream girl/guy
  2. Sent a message to the wrong person.
  3. Need to check your bank balance to see if one more beer is possible.
  4. Phone flashlight required for navigating stairs.
  5. Going to be late for work.
  6. Lost all your homies while shredding the mountain.
  7. Being chased by a bear and require assistance.
  8. Your friend has lost their phone at Garfinkels and would like you to call it.
  9. The music at the party sucks and you know your playlist is way better.
  10. Directions to that little corner of Emerald that you never even knew existed.

If you’ve decided that a portable power bank is something you need in your life, just come on by McCoo’s, we’ll sort you out.

Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Sure, skiing solo has its perks- you can ride at your own pace, go wherever you like and listen to tunes as you fly down but we all know that the more, the merrier applies on the hill. Sometimes your friends can’t make it or they want to partake in some of the other activities that Whistler has to offer and that leaves you in a sticky situation if you would rather ride with a crew. Never fear, there is a place that you can meet shred buddies as easy as getting a date on Tinder: The Chairlift. We are going to let you in on a few secrets that will make you an expert in the art to friend finding on the chairlift.

Step One: The Singles Line

Think about how many lifts you ride in a single day and how many potential opportunities arise to meet a riding pal. Now… we know you may not like this but the Singles Line lets you get more laps in thus scientifically increasing (we won’t bother showing you the algorithm) your chance tenfold to buddy up!

Step Two: Eavesdrop

Once you’re on the lift, you don’t want to be that awkward, chatty Kathy. Take a few moments and suss out your comrades. Are they talking about the snow quality and throwing down lingo like shred, gnar, drop? If so, you know you are among your people and the rest should follow naturally.

Step Three: Ask Where Everyone Is From

A great and easy way to initiate conversation is to ask where everyone is from. It’s light conversation and most people have no problem partaking in whether they are a local, happy tourist or pro. From here, you can dive into some more titillating conversation topics such as:

• Snow
• What run’s they have been riding
• Snow
• Equipment and gear
• Snow
• More about snow

Step Four: Boast About Your Rad Day

Don’t brag, just casually suggest that you found untouched pow and lines so deep you nearly drowned. This will surely spark their interest and have them keen to follow you around for some laps.

Step Five: Be Brave And Ask

Now that you have their attention, you can drop the big guns. Ask your fellow chairlift riders if they want to join you in the search for even more pow, some pillow popping, drop sending kind of runs.

Alright, we’ve got your foot in the door but now it’s all up to you to show them your skills and sick outerwear! Missing the last part of that sentence? Okay, okay…we can help you in that department too, just stop by McCoo’s!

 

Your Packing List For Spring Break

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Your Packing List For Spring Break

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Spring Break in Whistler is a funny time. The sun is shining but there is still some of the best powder of the season to be had. Do you see the dilemma? How are you supposed to pack with such weather extremes going down? Well, we have made it easy for you by providing a packing list for spring break in Whistler so you can focus on what really matters, après duh!

MyBikini or RipCurl Board Shorts

There is nothing quite like skiing till you can’t feel your legs then recovering in the hot tub afterward. MyBikini and Rip Curl boardies look good, feel good and are right on trend. As an added bonus, this swimwear is built for surfers so don’t worry about it falling down or coming up when your cannon-balling into the pool.

HitCase

Your phone will your lifeline while in Whistler. Think about it, it’s how you’ll take pictures to create lasting memories, Tinder, or find your friends that ditched you for a pint instead of another run down Dave Murray Down Hill. Better protect it before you wreck it! Strap a HitCase on and forget about water or dropping it- this case makes it bomb proof!

Nixon Watch

Like you will need to tell time while on spring break but it’s a well-known fact that a watch, especially a classy, metal and functional Nixon watch, provides a great pick up line: “Have you got the time? [Gives the time] Cool, so you have a watch, me too, I’ll be here at 8, don’t be late.”

Smith Helmet

Trust us, when you get on to the mountain you will think you are Candide Thovex. It’s just the laws of being in the snow, the mountains and on skis. So also trust us and wear a helmet. Smith Helmets are the world’s best helmets and they are designed to take some pretty big impacts but that doesn’t mean the rest of you can!

Armada Base Layer

Don’t let the sun deceive you when you’re on the top of the mountain, it’s going to be cold! Armada Base Layers are fast drying as well as wicking so you can work up a sweat and then cool down without catching a chill.

Oakley Sunglasses

After a night out on the town, you’ll need a pair of sunnies to protect you from the light and that person you danced with for like, all night. Performace and lifestyle meet in a pair of Oakley Sunglasses. Some styles are now featuring the new PRIZM technology too!

Spring break should be all about having fun! If you missed packing anything or find yourself in a rare (but possible) March blizzard, come stop by the shop, we’ll sort you out.

The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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McCoo’s is very excited to announce that we will be carrying the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro in store. GoPro has only released a small amount of this product to retail stores in Canada and we can’t wait to get our hands on it! But what exactly is a stabilizer and why is this such a desired and sought after piece of equipment? We’ve got the lowdown on why the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro is a must have!

What is a stabilizer?

A stabilizer is a thing used to keep something steady or stable. For video footage, it is a device designed to hold the camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted movement such as shake. This is generally achieved with very small motors tilting to accommodate for changes on an axis.

Why use a stabilizer?

Generally speaking, if you are using a GoPro handheld or even on a mount, you will find that your footage is shaky. This can severely affect the overall quality of the footage and make watching it a challenge, to say the least. The electronic image stabilization in the new Hero5 camera can help reduce shakiness and there is the possibility of removing some of the unwanted movement in your editing program, but neither will be enough to make that smooth, shake-free and easy to watch video that you will want to post online. So, to get the high quality and consistent footage you need to make a killer snowboarding or skiing edit, a stabilizer is needed.

What Makes The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro so good?

There are many stabilizers on the market designed to carry a GoPro but if there is one thing they have it common, it’s that they don’t last. The Karma was made to hold your GoPro so you won’t have to struggle with it staying securely in place. What’s more, it works as a single unit meaning you can offload footage without unplugging and charge both devices at the same time. It is also handheld and wearable to maximize it’s capacity and your creativity when capturing incredibly smooth video.

Tech Specs for the nerds out there:

Karma Stabilizer:

Dimensions Length: 6in (149mm)
Width: 4.3in (109mm)
Height: 3.3in (83mm)
Weight: 8.5oz (242g)

Karma Grip:

Dimensions Length: 8in (205mm)
Width: 1.7in (43mm)
Height: 1.7in (43mm)
Weight: 8.62oz (244.6g)
Battery Life 1 hour 45 minutes
Voltage 5-15V, 3A
Charging Time Supercharger 1 hour 50 minutes
Charging Time Standard 1A Charger: 6 hours

The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro will help you create smooth and shake-free video footage like the pros do that can be made into an edit or integrated into other footage from another camera. To find our more about theKarma Stabilizer for GoPro or to speak directly to one of our staff members about purchasing one, contact McCoo’s today!

How to Solve Cold Hands

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How to Solve Cold Hands

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We’ve all been there. It’s clear blue sky after a dumping of fresh snow and the temperature is well into the negative. You get on the chair and by the time you reach the top, your hands are so cold that they hurt. It’s an unfortunate reality of being on the hill but that doesn’t mean you have to let cold hands put a damper on your day.

When your body gets cold, it reduces blood to the extremities in an effort to keep vital organs warm and functioning. It’s a natural response and generally isn’t cause for concern but it can cut your day short or even cause damage if the temperatures are cold enough. Luckily, there are a number of things to do that can solve having cold hands on the mountain!

Stop It Before It Starts

Let’s get this straight- Once your hands are cold, there is no going back. Even the most expensive gloves can’t warm already cold hands. In order to prevent them from getting to that point, you have to nip heat loss in the butt! Hands lose heat fast because they have blood vessels close to the surface. Wearing a thin liner underneath your gloves will keep them toasty but be very careful with this option as it can compromise breathability- then your back at square one!

Protect Your Core

As mentioned, if your body gets cold then your hands are going to be the first victim. By preventing your core from feeling the freeze, you can reduce your chances of suffering from cold hands. A proper base layer and mid layer are crucial- heck, just layer and the insulation will do it’s job. Also, don’t forget the power of snacks. A fed body will have the fuel to fight the cold and the very act of digestion can give off energy.

Gloves

Gloves are the most obvious solution to keep the cool temperatures out and choosing the right ones for your needs can take it one step further. Here are a few things to take into consideration when purchasing protection for your frigid fingers:

  • Mittens are warmer than gloves but you sacrifice dexterity.
  • Down is the best insulator and is known for being light and breathable. However, synthetic insulation dries a lot faster and can be more cost effective.
  • One word: Gore-Tex. This is the Grade A of fabrics since it is both breathable and water proof!

No one likes cold hands and there are many options that can drastically improve your chances of making it through even the coldest of temperatures. Still not sure how to personally solve the age old problem of cold hands on the ski hill? Come in and speak to our staff, your digits will thank you!

 

Fall Adventure Gear Guide

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Fall Adventure Gear Guide

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Fall in Whistler is considered a transitional season, meaning that we are sad summer is gone and can’t wait for winter get here. It may seem like a season that is forever spent anticipating what’s next but it is actually a great time to be outdoors. Hiking, biking, and adventuring are still possible but do require a bit more preparation with the variable conditions that accompanies the change in seasons. With autumn comes cooler days, rain and variable weather conditions that are sure to test your gear’s performance. We gathered up the best fall adventure gear so you can get out, have fun and get your mind off of waiting for snow!

Jacket

The consistency of summer has been left behind and in its place, fall with its unpredictable weather patterns has moved in. Don’t get caught in a rain storm or unseasonable cold winds- an Orage, Rip Curl or Oakley jacket will protect you from the elements and ensure that your adventure continues despite the weather!

Toque

Did you know most of the heat is lost through your head? Who are we kidding, we can’t confirm that fact but what we do know, is that it’s better and not wetter when your head is warm and dry! McCoo’s has got all the toques, in all the styles that are an easy transition from one season to the next. Did we mention toque season is the best season?

Socks

Wet feet can be the difference between a good time and a bad time. Stance socks not only look great but they are built for performance as well. Hook yourself up with a pair designed for snow and have warm tootsies until next year when your feet emerge from hibernation and are back in sandals again.

Action Cam

Summer is a bit more predictable- nice weather, bikinis, lake days, etc. But fall, who knows what fall is going to throw at you. Monsoons, wild winds, early snow… Okay, maybe we are exaggerating its wildness but whatever is going to happen, you’re going to want to catch it on camera. Get an action cam- either a GoPro, Contour or Ion camera and make everyone jealous of what a rad fall your having!

Tools

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Throw in an RC or a Bakoda tool in your backpack for leveling up on being prepared.

Base Layer

We haven’t decided if we love it or hate it yet, but it’s gotten cold. This may just be the ultimate limiting factor when getting outside and getting among all the autumn adventures. The best solution is to dress for the weather and a proper base later from Smart Wool or Kombi will help regulate your temperature.

Don’t make autumn a waiting game. With McCoo’s fall gear advice, there should be nothing stopping you from getting outside and enjoying all the adventures that you can before the snow arrives. If you pick your gear right, you’ll be getting ready for winter without even knowing it!

Christmas Gift Ideas from Mccoos

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Christmas Gift Ideas from Mccoos

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Christmas is quickly approaching and if you still have shopping left to do for the mountain enthusiasts in your world, Mccoos has got you covered. We know Whistler lifestyle here at Mccoos, we have been serving the local population here since 1987 and have the best selection of gear in Whistler Village. Here are Mccoos top Christmas gift ideas this year.

For Your Lover of Fine Things…

My Package Underwear and Toque Special

my-package-underwear

What man doesn’t love a good pair of underwear? Not only are My Package underwear good, they are the World’s Best Underwear. Gauranteed. With weekday, action, pro and weekend styles to choose from in a range of colours and patterns you cannot disappoint with My Package undies. Right now Mccoos is offering a special where you can buy a pair of My Package underwear plus a toque for $38!

For The Person Who Wants to be noticed…

Arcade Belts

arcade-belts

Arcade Belts are belts built different. They are comfortable, stretchy and just plain awesome. With tons of cool patterns to choose from and belts built specifically for play, work or both you can’t disappoint with this extremely practical yet surprisingly fun gift for the holidays.

For Your Adventure Junkie…

Action Base Layer

action-baselayer

Base layers don’t need to be boring! Action Base Layers have come out with a range of fun and funky patterns and designs so you can look cool in every layer of clothing this winter. For the adventure junkies in your life who love spending time on the mountain, a high quality base layer is a must. Ditch the boring duds and get them an Action Base Layer for Christmas this year.

For Your World Traveller…

Herschel Bags

herschel-bags

Made in Vancouver and sported around the world, Herschel Bags have revolutionized the way we carry stuff. Herschel Bags are artistically designed drawing inspiration from all corners of the globe. Not only are they a stylish accessory they are an absolute necessity for packing gear up, down and around the mountain.

For Your Star Warriors…

Star Wars Socks

starwars-socks

With the release of Star Wars The Force Awakens star warriors are coming out of the wood-works once again. Get the Star Wars fans in your life a pair of themed socks featuring favourites like Chewbacca, Darth Vador and R2-D2. Nothing says fun like a pair of Star Wars socks. Great stocking stuffers or presents for under the tree.

For Your Mountain Enthusiast…

Smith Goggles

smith-goggles

Smith Goggles are industry leaders in goggle technology featuring some of the most innovative designs enabling the highest performance on the mountain. Mccoos has Whistler’s largest collection of Goggles as well as the most equipped goggle repair shop in the Village. Give your Mountain Enthusiast a gift of high performance goggles this winter.

For Your Winter Warrior…

Toques

toques

Toques (or beanies for the Aussies) are a must-have winter accessory. We have a collection of toques in all shapes and colours- you can’t go wrong with a toque in the stocking this holiday season. Keep those noggins warm while cruising the pow this winter.

For Your Busy Body…

RipCurl Watches

ripcurl-watches

The busy bodies in your life will not be late for their next appointment or ski date with a Ripcurl Watch. Stylishly designed with colours and features, the watches look cool and have great functionality. Ensure your loved one is never late again with a RipCurl watch from Mccoos Too on the Village Stroll.

If you still have Christmas shopping to do- what are you waiting for? With these Christmas Gift Ideas you can get on down to Mccoos and start shopping! Check out our range of stocking stuffers and gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

Start Planning Your Winter Wardrobe

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Start Planning Your Winter Wardrobe

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It is always a bittersweet time of the year when swim suits and shorts get swapped for snow gear and sweaters. Long, lazy days at the lake and epic memories in the bike park begin to fade as anticipation for the winter season heightens. You want to make sure you are geared up for adventure as soon as the snow starts to fall, and Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing for the winter season. McCoo’s in Whistler has been around since 1987 and is the embodiment of everything Whistler. We stock everything a mountain enthusiast needs for a carefree mountain lifestyle or an adrenaline pumped season. Here are our carefully crafted tips and suggestions for planning your Whistler winter wardrobe:

Clothing

When in Whistler you want to look and feel the part. Mountain culture clothing is a unique style that expresses snow, fun, adventure and a laid-back lifestyle. Look for brands like Loose Riders, Fasthouse and Mons Royale. Essential pieces include a quality pair of pants, a warm hoodie and a few long sleeved shirts for underneath. Don’t forget a hat to top off the attire.

Outerwear

Your outerwear needs to get you from the lifts, to the runs and to the Apres, all while staying dry and comfortable. Buying quality outerwear is key for memorable days on the mountain. Look for durable, high performance jackets and snow pants. Ensure a waterproof rating of over 10,000mm and fully sealed seams which will guarantee the moisture stays out. Durable and quality apparel brands such as Rip Curl and Flylow will have you looking stylish while keeping you warm and dry at the same time. Layering is key to optimal comfort so don’t forget your base-layer underneath!

Accessories

Your winter wardrobe is not complete without your necessary winter accessories. You will need a good pair of gloves, a toque and some goggles at the very least. We have the largest selection of goggles in Whistler with staff specially trained to help you find the right pair (there really is a lot involved!). For extra chilly days on the mountain you may require a neck warmer or balaclava. Other accessories to consider include a helmet and backpack recommended for safety and practicality.

Gadgetry

For those who want to make some solid memories this winter, don’t be on the mountain without your action camera. Whether you want to create a high def film in the terrain park or simply capture your holiday to show friends and family make sure you have a GoPro camera on hand at all times. Outdoor Tech power banks and speakers will ensure the good times keep rolling.

Don’t be sad that summer is nearing an end. Be proactive and start planning your winter wardrobe while dreaming about the upcoming season. Come in and see us at McCoo’s in Whistler Village. We have helpful and friendly staff available to assist you in choosing the right gear and apparel plus quality brands and styles for all tastes.