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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.

5 Gear Upgrades You Need To Do This Winter

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5 Gear Upgrades You Need To Do This Winter

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We know how much a beloved piece of gear makes you feel. It’s trustworthy, reliable, and worked in. That stinky old base layer that you’ve been holding onto since you first moved to Whistler. That shirt has kept you warm through countless pow days and après. You know the one we’re talking about. Its lifespan has been reached, possibly even exceeded. Do yourself a favor and upgrade it to newer technology for the best ski season yet. While you’re at it, here are 5 more gear upgrades you definitely need to do this winter.

Gloves

Your gloves see a ton of action. Through all the strapping in, and doing up ski boots, they can lose some of their durability. Retire last seasons gloves to the status of ‘back-up’ and grab a new pair of Hestra Gloves. The design and material choice of Hestra gloves will even see you into next season and beyond.

Socks

Socks are one of the most washed parts of your winter gear. This means that over time, the fabric weakens and their adaptability to changing temperature conditions can be altered. Invest in a decent pair and it can make a huge difference to your experience on the mountain.

Goggles

Goggle technology is always improving. There’s no need to suffer through fogging and light distortion issues associated with many of the older models.  Ditch what you’ve got and check out the Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggles. The lenses enhance contrast and visibility over a wide range of light conditions.

Action Cam

GoPro has recently released the GoPro Hero 7 and a Hero 5 just won’t do the trick anymore after you hear about the new features. On the Hero 7, you’ll find improved audio, live-streaming to sites like Facebook, and a new time-lapse mode. All necessities when it comes to making edits of your latest mountain antics an getting them on social ASAP.

Beanie

If you’re anything like the average Whistler local, you’re most likely wearing your beanie day in and day out. At work, the bar, and of course on the hill, it’s just part of your mountain wardrobe. Freshen up your look with this year’s colors and styles by snagging one of the latest COAL headwear toques, found at both of our locations.

We at McCoo’s know how important it is it to have gear that you love. Why not make the gear you love, also the latest technology by upgrading some of the essentials this winter?

GEAR FEATURE: Hestra Gloves

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GEAR FEATURE: Hestra Gloves

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It’s that time of the year when you start to think about your winter gear. What shape is it in and what’s missing are often the most common questions that begin to pop up. One of the more frequent new purchases is gloves. Keeping a set together is always a challenge and since your hands are required to do up boots and manipulate gear, gloves take their fair share of wear and tear. Hestra offers high-quality gloves in over 400 styles. While McCoo’s focuses primarily on the Hestra gloves required for sports, it’s no secret across all their lines why we continue to stay dedicated to their brand.

History

Hestra Gloves was started by two brothers, Claes and Svante Magnusson in Sweden in 1936. They begin developing gloves for everyone from mountaineers all the way to lumberjacks. Warmth, protection, and finger tip sensitivity were important in many of these fields and so the associated technology began to appear in the Hestra designs. The company is still run currently by third and fourth generation family members.

Technology

Glove making is considered a craft by Hestra. Having mastered the art of glove cutting, which is a skill possessed only by a few hundred in the world, Hestra starts with durable leather and then finishes the gloves by hand sewing them together. They continue to choose leather as it has both insulating and protecting properties, ideal for keeping hands warm as well as helping them maintain dexterity. Elk from either Sweden or Finland is a popular source of the leather used. Polyester is also introduced into the gloves for its wind proof nature.

Design

According to Hestra, the biggest source of their inspiration is nature. Simple and clean lines lend a classic look to many of their gloves. The timeless nature of their designs continue to keep them relevant year after year. Well placed inseams and additional features are found on all their gloves, making them well equip for whatever task they are meant to tackle.

Gloves are an essential part of your winter gear. Cold hands can turn the best day into the worst very quickly. For keeping out the conditions, maintaining use of your hands, and reliability, Hestra is a brand we at McCoo’s have grown to trust and be proud to offer. If you have any questions about what style of glove is best for your sport, come stop by the store where our knowledgable staff will help you choose the gloves right for you.

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.

Everything You Need For A Lit Day In The Park

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Everything You Need For A Lit Day In The Park

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Jump, berm, drop, repeat! Bike park season is going strong and chances are, you’re making the most of it. While it may seem like there’s endless riding, all good things do come to an end and winter is just around the corner. Don’t waste one minute shredding the gnar in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. To make the most of each and every day, go in kitted out in the best gear for the job. We’ve got everything you need for a lit day in the park!

POC Helmet

Your noggin needs protecting. Aside from the obvious, you can’t actually ride in the Bike Park without a helmet. We recommend a breathable POC helmet. State of the art technology combined with progressive design has resulted in one of the most breathable and safe helmets on the market.

Mons Royal Tee

Speaking of breathability, you’re going to want this feature in you’re cycling clothing. Sweat is no stranger but with Mons Royal, it can become more of an acquaintance. Using the latest German knitting and spinning equipment, the apparel helps to regulate your temperature, dries quickly and doesn’t stink. You’ll still probably want to change before hitting the GLC patio.

Stance Socks

Sure, black socks might seem like the go-to option for biking. With Stance socks, what’s covering your feet becomes a fashion statement. Get a few pairs and let what peeks out of your shoe do the talking each day. And just a heads up, when you’re sending the Canadian Open step-down under the chair, you can totally see your socks.

Oakley PRIZM Goggles

Years and years of research led to Oakley PRIZM technology. These goggles control light transmission resulting in colours so tuned, they maximize contrast and enhance visibility. No more glare or light distortions, you’ll see everything. Well, maybe not that bear hiding in the woods, but everything on the trail!

GoPro

Get the best POV with a GoPro HERO 6. You can make edits, post your big hits on social, or just relive the crash moments over and over again.

Much to our dismay, Whistler Mountain Bike Park season doesn’t last forever. Enjoy the hero dirt while you can and be comfortable in the latest and best gear from McCoo’s.

Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Crankworx is coming to Whistler and to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to be prepared. No, we’re not talking scheduling in what events you need to catch and what after parties you can’t miss- we’re talking about all the nitty gritty stuff, like your bike park kit, water bottle, and of course, beach gear. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need right here for lit Crankworx.

Bike Park Kit

Crankworx is the time to be seen. There are riders from all over the world showing off their skills but they don’t know about the double on Samari Pizza Cat or the sneaky lines on Dirt Merchant. Stand out in a Loose Riders Whistler Chapter kit. Colorful, functional, and oh so snazzy, you’re sure to get WHOOPS and YEAH BOSS’ while riding Family Cross.

Socks

Okay, so socks might not seem like a priority but trust us, they are. Reping some Stance socks in the bike park is just as important as having the newest Santa Cruz Nomad.

Water Bottle

Hello, #HEATWAVE2018. It’s almost as ridiculous to walk around without a water bottle as it is to be wearing pants in this weather. Grab a S’well Water Bottle that matches your look and keeps your beverage cool for up to 24 hours. The perks don’t stop there. These water bottles are eco-friendly.

Action Cam

Imagine this: A first-time trick gets thrown down at Redbull Joy Ride and you can’t believe your eyes. Was it a triple or a quadruple? Don’t settle for waiting for the rerun, watch it instantaneously on your GoPro. Then, let the cheering commence!

Beach Gear

Everyone knows that the place to go to cool down after watching Speed and Style or Fox Air DH is the lake. Show up with all the right gear. Hat, check, RipCurl My Bikini, check, Smith sunnies, check! Who knows, maybe you’ll chat your way into a wrist band or two for just one of the killer Crankworx parties.

Portable Battery Pack

Effectively hopping from after party to after party requires a tremendous amount of battery power. Make sure you aren’t caught with a dead phone by having an Outdoor Technology portable battery pack. Capable of multiple charges, you can graciously lend it to a buddy…if you please.

Crankworx is the festival of the summer season. Make sure you’re prepared to maximize fun for the most lit event of the season yet. Pop into McCoo’s and let us outfit you in everything you’ll need for the gravity-fed action!

 

 

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.

GEAR FEATURE: Outdoor Technology

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GEAR FEATURE: Outdoor Technology

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Let’s face it. Most of our experience with music technology lies in headphones being tangled, getting lost, or just plain breaking. But what if we told you there was a brand that made a goal of blending a modern lifestyle in the age of technology with the drive to be outdoors? Outdoor Technology does just that. They make products that last through all your adventures, letting the song carry on till the very end. Do you see what we did there?

Design

Outdoor Technology’s purpose is to create music products that serve real needs. This means their headphones, Bluetooth speakers, helmet audio, and earbuds fit active lifestyles. The design, style, and creation aims for comfort and durability.

Specs

Waterproofing/Water Resistance

Since Outdoor Technology aims to provide products that can endure all of your adventures, they possess some impressive specs. Many of the products vary in the level of water resistance, rated to at least IPX3 or better. That being said, most of the products are rated IPX6. For clarification, the IPX# refers to a products water resistance and waterproofing level, with IPX8 being the magic number and meaning the device can be submerged in water over 3 feet.

Bluetooth

Pretty much all of the Outdoor Technology devices come with Bluetooth technology. According to their website, if you own a laptop, desktop, crop top, carrottop, phone, bone, loan, tablet, phablet, or whatever else has Bluetooth, then it will connect. This is a great spec as no one wants to use their dirty hands to fumble with a button and that playlist you have for hiking, biking, shredding the gnar… it can be played no problem on whatever device!

Warranty

Outdoor Technology products come with a great warranty.  It entitles you, the original purchaser of the products, to normal use and/or operate as intended for a period of one year from the original purchase date and for goods to be free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is limited and is not applicable to damage caused by misuse or negligence, so don’t be throwing it off any cliffs and hoping it will still work!

We at McCoo’s pride ourselves on providing gear that you can adventure with and Outdoor Technology is perfect for all your Whistler activities. If you have any questions, come by the store and we’ll make sure we find you exactly what you need to play the background music to your most rad life.

5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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Summer is about the sun, long days, even longer nights, and music! While the latter might not seem like an important part, we can assure you that without it, summer just wouldn’t be the same. Listening to beats while on an adventure or while lazily hanging around the lake can set the perfect tone. It’s also an integral part of some of your warm-weather events. Here are 5 ways music makes a summer!

Festivals

Attending a music festival is a definite highlight of summer. Listening to the sweet melodies of music you’ve never heard before and making golden memories you can keep with you for the rest of your life will connect you with everyone in the crowd.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Tags 2.0 Wireless Earbuds so you don’t miss any phone calls and can re-live some of your favorite songs right after they play live.

A Song For Summer

When the snow is falling and you’re struggling to adjust to the sub-zero temperatures, just put on a song that reminds you of summer. You’ll instantly be whisked right back into warmer days.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Crusher Wireless Headphones to block out the bleak winter and bask in your sunny summer nostalgia.

Background Music For Your Perfect Adventure

Sure, the sound of sweet nature is important to take note of but sometimes, you just need a little more to set the mood. Having music playing while you’re griding through a hike or enjoying a drink with friends by the water will make the experience all that much better.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 3.0 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker to carry with you as you hike to Black Tusk or chill hard at Lakeside Park.

Shred Music

No matter what the season, biking, skiing, snowboarding- they all demand a playlist to shred too!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Method Sport Headphones will keep the tunes flowing while you shred the gnar. 

Tunes For Chillin’ On The Patio And BBQing

Summer is undoubtedly patio season. Whole days can be spent outside on a balcony or at your local spot on the patio, relishing in the summer sun. We also can’t forget the countless BBQ’s that come with the season. They just wouldn’t be the same without tunes!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Barricade XL BT Speaker for your backyard BBQ.

We at McCoo’s are die-hard music fans and can help connect you to your own must- have music accessory to make your summer one to remember.