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Skiing Tips for Beginners, Intermediates, and Experts

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Skiing Tips for Beginners, Intermediates, and Experts

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If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking to improve on the mountain. And since it’s the start of a new year, there’s no better time to start levelling up. After all, better technique only leads to a higher quality of shredding and more of it for that matter. Floating through untouched powder on a crisp, bluebird day is one of the greatest feelings ever. To help you make the most of your time on the hill and develop your passion, here are some skiing tips for beginners, intermediates and experts!

For everyone…

Protect your skin – from the sun, wind and cold! Snow reflects the suns rays which is great for tanning but can also lead to a nasty burn and also skin damage. Cover up and layer on sunscreen that protects against all the elements.

Dress Code – You’re going to want to regulate your body temperature as well as stay dry. It is best to check the weather forecast every morning before you get dressed to make sure you have adequate layers and pack the right goggle lens for the light that day.

For Beginners…

Moving your skis – News flash, your skis are attached to your boots which should be on your feet. So if you turn your foot to the right then your ski will also turn to the right. It may seem that simple, but it will take some practice and getting used to.

For Intermediates…

Upper Body – Move your feet to turn your skis not your shoulders. Skis are fixed to your feet not arms so swinging your shoulders won’t turn your skis any faster and can throw your balance off.

Edging – Use your edges on your skis to gain control and for easier and sharper turns! To use your edges, simply roll your ankles and knees uphill as you flex down towards the end of the turn. This should roll your skis on to edge, giving you more grip.

For Experts…

Weight Distribution – Try to keep your weight central and evenly distributed across both skis. There is more resistance in powder, so you have to steer both skis through it – putting all your weight on the downhill ski (as you should on the piste!) gives your uphill ski the chance to trip you up in powder.

What’s Next…

Outfit yourself with the latest gear from McCoo’s so that you can enjoy your time on the mountain and work on your turns, pizzas, and of course, après!

10 New Year’s Resolutions For Skiers And Snowboarders

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10 New Year’s Resolutions For Skiers And Snowboarders

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Can you believe that 2020 is only days away? While many are writing down resolutions of eating right and exercising more, we’re using this time to day dream about all of the things we can achieve while in the mountains. And the first thing that comes to mind is more skiing and snowboarding! But we can do better than that. From getting up earlier to branching out to other ski resorts, here are 10 New Year’s resolutions for skiers and snowboarders.

Wake Up For Powder Days

If only there were endless powder days. Since there are only limited amount per season, we’re going to commit to waking up and enjoying every single one that we can!

Ski Your Bucket List

Life’s too short and so is the ski season. Make the time to get out and experience other resorts.

Get Fit For Skiing And Snowboarding

Hit the gym and train for your sport. Trust us, your legs will thank you and you’ll find it much easier to break new ground on the mountain.

Go Heli Skiing

Get a group of experienced skiers or snowboarders together and fly to untouched snow for jaw-dropping views from the sky and once in a lifetime descents.

Take An Avalanche Course

You really can never be too prepared when it comes to being in the mountains. Acquire the knowledge to go further and be safe while you’re at it by taking an avalanche course.

Try Something New

If you’re a skier, why not spend a day snowboarding and vice versa?

Buy Locally

Your equipment, gear, meals… Support the local communities that make ski resorts the places we love. Look out for independent shops and try the small restaurant round the corner that you’ve never heard of.

Improve Your Technique

Take a lesson and make this the year to boost your technique and ride the terrain you’ve always imagined.

Be More Sustainable

This year, try to change some of the small things like packing your lunch in a reusable bag or bringing your own water bottle to help protect the mountains we know and love.

Take A Snow Cat

Experience the Whistler backcountry with a guided cat-ski adventure. This adventure is generally cheaper than heli skiing but equally as amazing. With a few operations close to town, you’ll be driven by snow-cat to mountain tops for breathtaking descents.

New Year’s is a chance to start fresh and to dedicate yourself to working on some things that you’ve wanted to tackle. And really, what’s better than trying to ski and snowboard more often? To help get started, stop by McCoo’s, your one stop shop for adventure.

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.

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!