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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.

The Legends of Gaper Day

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The Legends of Gaper Day

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In typical Whistler fashion, any reason to celebrate is, well, a reason to celebrate. And that goes without saying, that the end of the ski season is a time to revel in all the powder days, the close calls, and the domination of lines that occurred over the course of the winter. The celebration goes hand in hand with costumes, and general tomfoolery… otherwise known as Gaper Day!

According to the Whistler Museum, Gaper Day has been around almost as long as McCoo’s, since 1996 in fact. It started out as “Ski In Jeans Day” and was an opportunity to unleash your on-hill style that has been confined to functional clothing since the snow began to fall. Over the years, jeans turned into more unique style choices like retro snow gear, bikinis, and more recently, animal onesies.

The chance to let loose on the hill and partake in fancy dress fast became a tradition. Since its incarnation in the 90’s, Gaper Day, celebrated on closing day, has evolved to be a local event of sorts. It might not be official, but everyone knows about it and plans ahead. This means booking the day off work and preparing a worthy outfit. So you maximize the season, right until the very last day, here’s a quick list of McCoo’s must-haves for Gaper Day:

  • Herschel Fanny Pack
  • Sunbum sunscreen
  • RipCurl Bikini
  • Oakley Prizm Goggles
  • Smith Chromapop Sunglasses
  • Oakley T-shirt for après
  • S’well Water Bottle to stay hydrated
  • GoPro Hero 7
  • Outdoor Tech portable stereo

Another part of Gaper Day is the celebration that follows skiing. After spending the day in the sunshine on your snow blades, head out for one last après with all your closest ski buddies. Visiting your local watering hole and dancing into the evening is just as much a part of the season send off as the retro ski suits.

Gaper Day is a chance to go out with a bang. Grab your best friends and shred the spring snow, dragging out the season as long as possible. If you find yourself stuck for Gaper Day apparel ideas, come stop by McCoo’s. We’ve been around since before Gaper Day, so we’ve seen it all!

Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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There’s no denying it any longer. Spring is officially here. We’re not going to lie, while winter is awesome,  the warmer weather and sunshine is always welcome. What’s more, with the change in seasons, comes a whole new set of exciting outdoor activities. From hiking to spending time on a patio, here’s a ton of reasons why you should be stoked for spring activities. We promise after reading this, you won’t be as sad putting your skis or snowboard away until next year.

Hiking

Hiking to get to the top of a rideable line can now be replaced with hiking to get to an epic view. As the snow melts, the hiking trails appear from underneath. Be prepared for the slushy conditions and changes in weather that come along with spring.

Must-Have Gear Item: A Mons Royale base layer that will wick away sweat while keeping you warm in the cool spring temperatures. 

Camping

The temperature is above zero and for many, that’s as good as any reason to break out the camping equipment. Bring on campfires, smores, and uncomfortable sleep!

Must-Have Gear Item: It’s not quite time to retire your toque. Bring a Coal Headwear beanie for those cool nights around the campfire.

Patios

Patio season! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer on a patio as the sun goes down. And now that the days are longer, there’s no excuse not to hit up your favourite after work spot.

Must-Have Gear Item: Layers are key in spring. Bring a RipCurl Sweater to bundle up in when the sun goes down. 

Mountain Biking

Trade the adrenaline rush of being on the hill for being on the trails. Mountain biking is always an exciting part of spring and a welcome change in activity. To make sure you get on the trails as soon as you can, check out TrailForks for the latest intel on what’s clear of snow.

Must-Have Gear Item: POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Pads for those variable conditions that make the risk of injury that much higher.

There’s plenty of reasons to be excited about spring. So when you find yourself packing up all your winter gear and putting it into storage, remember all the activities you can do outside. As with every change in season, there’s a change in what you’ll need to adventure and be comfortable while you’re at it. Come in and talk to our friendly staff about gearing up for your spring adventures.

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.

Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Goggles are arguably one of the most important pieces of gear you could have. They can easily make or break a day on the hill and can cause dire consequences if malfunctioning. If they are so important, how come so many of us sacrifice for the ones that look the best or have the best price tag? This is often because the time when you need goggles usually means you’re about to go up the hill. Consequently, you’re in a rush. Take it from the staff at McCoo’s, shopping for goggles can be fun and pay off in the long run when you have the visibility you need, in varied conditions. To help you on your journey, here are some tips for choosing the right ski goggles.

Ask Questions

There are so many different products and features out there that it can be hard to choose on your own. Ask our staff as many questions as you need so that you know what goggles have the technology that you’re looking for.

Choose The Lenses That Work For You

Before going into the store, think about where you usually ski or ride: Are you hitting the park? Touring? Lapping groomers or shredding moguls? Also, consider what time of day you usually ride and if you are interested in switching lenses depending on the light.

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine what tint will provide a good combination of colour definition, contrast, depth perception and eye fatigue protection, all with the right visible light transmission (VLT) for your specific needs.

Learn About The Technology

Ah, good ol’ science. It’s helping many brands develop styles and technology that help to maintain visibility in even the most terrible conditions. Before you come to the store, nerd out a bit on what features brands are currently offering. Or, be prepared to get your very own science lesson when you come in. Upgrades in scratch-resistant coating, anti-fogging, colour contrast and even built-in GPS are just a few of the developments being seen in models on the market.

Try Them On

Goggles are like a pair of shoes: they might look good but they might not fit how you want them to. Don’t be shy, try on every pair. Bring your helmet and take the time to adjust the strap. Make sure that the goggles fit snuggly on your cheek bones and don’t inhibit your peripheral vision.

If you have any questions, which, we’re sure you do, come on down and let our staff help you find the best goggle for you.

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!

The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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Aries ♈

Aries is daring, active, courageous and energetic. Help them have the best season ever by getting them a tool that will facilitate the raddest adventures of all. Hestra gloves, Mons Royale base layers and Rip Curl outerwear are just to name a few.

Taurus ♉

The Taurus sign is known for having an eye for beauty. Get them an action cam such as the GoPro Hero 7 so that they can capture all of the breathtaking moments when out in nature.

Gemini ♊

Gemini’s are sociable, communicative and ready for fun. The perfect gift is one of our signature Shot Skis. This product is guaranteed to help them get the party started!

Cancer ♋

Cancer’s are the most nurturing signs of the zodiac. Get them something that can share and grow future relationships such as a S’well water bottle or tumbler. “Anyone need a drink,” will be their favorite catchphrase after they open your gift.

Leo ♌

Leo’s are warm, action-oriented and driven by the desire to be loved and admired. Grab an Oakley t-shirt or Ripcurl sweater to help them stand out in a crowd.

Virgo ♍

Virgo’s are intelligent, patient, and humble. They’ll want something they know is researched and the best technology out there. Spy Goggles with a Happy Lens or Oakley PRIZM goggles will help them see clearly, even if that means metaphorically.

Libra ♎

Their ruling planet is Venus which means that Libra’s are extremely romantic people. Let them pucker up with a HURRAW lip chap in any one of their delicious flavors.

Scorpio ♏

Scorpio’s are crazy observant and they’re constantly noticing things that others miss. A pair of Stance socks is just the attention to detail that a Scorpio loves.

Sagittarius ♐

Sagittarius is one of the biggest travelers among all zodiac signs. A Herschel backpack will allow them to carry all their belongings no matter where in the world or what adventure they are on.

Capricorn ♑

Capricorns are always forgetting to buy the practical items for themselves. Set them up for the year with a pair of Saxx Underwear or our newest addition to the McCoo’s line up, Mai Underwear.

Aquarius ♒

Aquarius is unpredictable, intelligent, social, independent and an excellent communicator. They will love anything that will keep them warm and allow them to change alongside the variable conditions. A Coal Toque is the perfect gift or stocking stuff for this star sign.

Pisces ♓

Certainly, this water sign will love a RipCurl MYBIKINI or a set of Mai Underwear from their deluxe line which also doubles as swimwear.

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.

 

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 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!