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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

**Heads up: this post is **not**a substitute for actual avalanche skills training; please be safe out there! Sign up for an AST course in your area via [Avalanche Canada](https://www.avalanche.ca) and [Avalanche Quebec](https://avalanchequebec.ca/)*. *MEC has been a proud [partner](/en/explore/partnerships) of Avalanche Canada for over 25 years.*

Skiers love to talk a big game about powder. It’s the ultimate trophy – and frankly, a lot easier to come by in the backcountry. As someone who has been resort skiing all my life, my bragging rights only went so far. Meanwhile, friends and colleagues would return from a weekend of fresh lines and waist-deep powder. Serious envy would set in.

Backcountry skiing was always the next logical step, but I knew I needed to be trained for the possibility of an avalanche. From a friend getting caught in one of Kananaskis Country’s notorious slides to MEC Ambassador Bruce Kirkby [living to tell the tale](/en/article/the-finger-of-god-an-avalanche-story) to the [unprecedented rescue](https://www.avalanche.ca/cherry-bowl/#/intro) at Cherry Bowl (a size 3.5 avalanche big enough to destroy a small building buried a group of skiers), the necessity of an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course was clear. So, I corralled a crew of MEC staffers to come with me to Whistler and get certified. My first backcountry ski outing was going to be on this course – find out what I learned along the way.



Our crew was eight strong: Elyse and Brian were avid backcountry skiers and were taking the course as a refresher; the rest of us – Jaime, Matty, Lauren, Matt, Alyson and I – were intermediate to advanced resort skiers, ready to learn the ropes. The weekend consisted of classroom sessions and field time over two days, all led by our expert [Extremely Canadian](http://www.extremelycanadian.com/) instructor, Mitch.

We started in the classroom the evening we arrived, diving right into lessons in snowpack, crosswinds and travel techniques. We learned the difference between alpine, treeline and below treeline terrain; the importance of direction in avalanche reports (winds SE, slabs in NW, for example); and how avalanches over the last 48 hours are the number one indicator of more avalanches. We left our classroom buzzing with new information, things we would put into practice the next day on the hill.

> Avalanches over the last 48 hours are the number one indicator of more avalanches.
>
Suited up with touring skis, skins, transceivers, layers and snacks (we followed this [touring pack list](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)), we met Mitch and took a couple lifts to an on-mountain lodge to plan our day. Topographic maps, the [Avalanche Canada app](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/avalanche-canada/id1440069335) (also for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.avalanche.mobile.v2)), and a couple of phone calls to listen to snow reports gave us our base information for the day: new snowfall, winds, number of avalanches in the past 24 hours, danger ratings, signs of instability, weather changes, and recent loading. Using our [Avaluator cards](/en/product/5024-830/Avaluator-English-V2-0), we went over the conditions and terrain characteristics to determine what was skiable.



Once outside, Mitch had us circle up and test our transceivers to make sure our transmitting and receiving modes were working. Elyse was tasked with finding the rest of us. “I got you, Kim. Got you Matt.”

Mitch was in for a bit of a surprise when he realized he’d be giving a few of us an impromptu lesson on skinning and kick-turns. Most backcountry courses assume that you’ll know how to use touring gear and apply/remove your skins beforehand, so grab some rental gear and ask an experienced backcountry skier to show you the ropes on a small hill near your home or just off the side of a resort run. There’s so much to learn during an AST1 course,  and the last thing you want to think about is fussing with your gear or learning kick-turns on the fly. It’s surprisingly fun to head uphill, although you learn very quickly why backcountry ski clothing is a finessed layering system – you’re going to get warm hiking up a mountain.

> This is what skiers mean when they say you earn your turns.
>
Even in a small crop of trees off the side of a popular run, it felt like we were in another world. Things were suddenly more silent and serene; the snow was unimaginably soft and forgiving. The climb added a whole new element to a day on the hill. This is what skiers mean when they say you earn your turns; every time we slid our skis higher, taking turns breaking trail, we thought more about the sweetness of the descent.



We skinned and traversed from slope to slope, seeing real-life examples of top- and cross-loading snow as well as terrain types: simple, challenging and complex. Mitch spoke about the grainy quality of the snow, its elasticity and red-alert warning signs: rain causes the fastest changes in the snowpack; 35- to 45-degrees are the most frequent avalanche angles; when there are rocks at the top of a slope dotted with snow, avoid them; if you can hear water running under the snow in the spring, get off the snow!



On our second day, Mitch gathered us for a test profile, sawing into the snow like a layer cake. After looking and feeling for strong and weak layers, he took a chunk off on his shovel and bumped it with his palm from below. The snow jumped and shifted, and we could instantly see the stresses placed on the pack by gravity.

> The window for a successful rescue is just 10 minutes.
>
After dismantling our test site to keep it safe for other skiers, we practiced a rescue. This drill really underscored how hard it is to successfully retrieve avalanche victims. Finding a signal, probing and digging – even in our V formation – is exhausting. The window for a successful rescue is just 10 minutes. Nearly 80% of buried victims survive if they are out in that time, but at 15 minutes, survival drops to 40%, and after 35 minutes, it’s less than 10%.

Backcountry skiing is as alarming as it is alluring, and there is so much to avalanche training that I haven’t mentioned here. The only way to really be ready is to take courses available through [Avalanche Canada](https://www.avalanche.ca), [Avalanche Quebec](https://avalanchequebec.ca/) and other accredited organizations, and then get out and practice your skills.

While I have my AST1 certification now, the learning never really stops. I plan to upgrade my avalanche skills with refresher and companion rescue courses as I go. In the meantime, you can find me tagging along with experienced backcountry riders on the weekend, gearing up for a hut trip, or practicing my #humblebrag with stories of sweet, sweet pow.



### 

*MEC is committed to supporting avalanche skills training, public awareness and good times outside. Special thanks to Mitch for his careful instruction and good humour on our AST1 course.*



### Related articles
- [Avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)
- [How to choose backcountry skis](/en/explore/backcountry-skis)
- [What to pack for a day of backcountry skiing](/en/article/what-to-pack-for-a-day-of-backcountry-skiing)



After a lifetime of sticking to resort slopes, one experienced skier gets a hands-on lesson in the risk and reward of backcountry pow.

My first time backcountry skiing

*Helping people get active outdoors is what we’re all about. But living in a major city without access to a vehicle can make it challenging to get into wild spaces. So when we hear about projects that break down these barriers, like Ottawa’s [Sir John A. MacDonald Winter Trail](http://www.wintertrail.ca/) (SJAM), we’re all ears. Dave Adams championed and developed the trail, and continues to manage and maintain it. He shares an inside look at what it means to create a new public-transit-accessible winter recreation area in our nation’s capital.*

**How do you like to spend time outdoors?**

I like it to be easy to get outside. I don’t want it to be a big production or require a lot of planning or a long commute. And that’s why the SJAM Winter Trail is so great: it’s right next to a huge population base in Ottawa and it’s accessible by public transit.

**What activities can you do on the trail?**

The SJAM Winter Trail is an urban-based recreational winter pathway open to human-powered modes of transportation. We groom it for cross-country skis, snowshoes, fat bikes and pedestrians.



**The trail opened in winter 2016 as a test. Will it be open every winter?**

The 2016 Proof-of-Concept was a very successful test. I borrowed grooming equipment from my local ski club, brought it to town and prepared a trail along the Ottawa River on National Capital Commission park land. Something like this had never been done before, and the news spread like wildfire. People dropped what they were doing and rushed out to start skiing.

At that point, we knew there was no turning back and we’ve been going steady ever since. And, yes, the plan is to bring it back year after year. Introducing the SJAM Winter Trail has turned this area into a four-season recreational facility.

**What’s the most surprising or challenging thing about grooming a trail like the SJAM?**

Let’s start with “surprising.” I’ve been blown away by the degree of civility I’ve observed out on the trail. I’ve seen skiers, walkers, fat bikers and snowshoers happily sharing the path in harmony.

Raising the money to fund the trail was by far the biggest hurdle, but I expected that. Dealing with climate change has been the next challenge. Wildly fluctuating temperatures and inconsistent snow conditions make it extremely difficult to keep the SJAM Winter Trail in good and usable condition all winter long.



**How is the Dovercourt Recreation Centre involved in the trail?**

Dovercourt is critical to the success of the SJAM Winter Trail, from purchasing equipment and acquiring insurance to issuing charitable tax receipts.

In addition, as a well-known entity in Ottawa, Dovercourt gives the project credibility. Having Dovercourt and its board of directors standing behind me helps open doors. Without Dovercourt, the SJAM Winter Trail would only be an idea.

**Is there a lot of volunteer involvement in maintaining the trail?**

By nature, the SJAM Winter Trail is volunteer-run. We simply don’t have the money to pay people. Accountants, graphics artists, mechanics, social media and web specialists, lobbyists, editors, management consultants and groomers have all helped make this project possible.

**What inspires you to do this work?**

The personal stories from people who use the SJAM Winter Trail. People recovering from serious injuries have told me they use the trail to help themselves heal. Stay-at-home parents have said they’ve felt cornered because they don’t have the money or time to travel long distances to go skiing. I often hear people saying “I hadn’t picked up cross-country skis in 40 years, and then I discovered the SJAM Winter Trail. You have changed my life.”

On more than one occasion, a trail user has made me cry. I’m touched, and I draw my inspiration from these stories.



**Can you share a story from the trail?**

One day, while working out on the trail, I was approached by a woman with tears streaming down her face. She was a stranger, but to my surprise, she gave me a big hug. After regaining her composure, she explained that she had been seriously injured and lost her driver’s license after an accident, which radically changed her living circumstances. She felt confined to her home and mourned the loss of the lifestyle she was accustomed to. While she knew activity would help her recover from her injury, it was winter, and she had no idea where to go. With no solution in sight, she became depressed. And then she discovered the SJAM Winter Trail, only a few minutes’ walk from her apartment. She looked me in the eye and said that the trail had saved her life.

I never would have imagined that a recreational winter pathway could be so fundamental to people’s physical and mental health and well-being.



**When did you become an MEC member?**

I remember becoming a member of MEC when you first came out with that simple, well-built Cordura backpack. It was one of your signature products back when you were just two stores in Vancouver and Toronto. Yes, I’m dating myself.

**How cold does it get? How do you stay warm while you’re outside all day?**

Working in extremely cold conditions is part of the job. While grooming, -35°C with windchill in the dark is not uncommon. And I am perfectly comfortable and at ease in these conditions.

My plastic climbing boots, [down](/en/products/clothing/jackets/down-jackets/c/1022), [neck gaiter](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/neck-gaiters-and-scarves/c/1001?f=CFfabricContent%3AMerino+wool%3ACFfabricContent%3ASynthetic%3ACFfabricContent%3AWool) and multiple layers are critical. [Merino wool](/en/products/clothing/c/981?f=CFfabricContent%3AMerino+wool) is excellent for wicking moisture, and cotton should be left at home for when you get back into a controlled environment.

**Do you have any tips for people who are new to outdoor winter activities?**

Keep an eye on garage sales and swap meets for secondhand skis or snowshoes, borrow gear from a friend, or rent equipment for your first time. Once you’re hooked, you can buy your own.

Since the SJAM Winter Trail is free to use and accessible via public transit, trying a new winter sport doesn’t take a lot of money or commitment.



### 

*MEC is proud to have provided $20,000 to support the grooming of the SJAM Winter Trail and to help Dave and his crew make this recreation area accessible year-round.*



*Photos courtesy of Dave Adams.*

### related articles
- [How to start snowshoeing](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing)
- [For the love of winter: teaching adaptive skiing](/en/article/for-the-love-of-winter-teaching-adaptive-skiing)
- [5 ways to get funded by MEC](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)



This snowshoe and cross-country ski trail is right in Ottawa. Even better: you can get to it on public transit.

The SJAM Winter Trail: Ottawa’s winter wonderland | MEC Blog

The SJAM Winter Trail: Ottawa’s winter wonderland

Setting goals for the new year?

If you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. From ski-traversing an entire mountain range to trying backpacking for the first time, MEC members embarked on some incredible adventures this year. Check out the goals they achieved with support from our expedition grants – and then get busy planning your own epic 2018 adventure.

## Team up to tackle an ambitious objective
“We created this traverse in the hopes of experiencing something so immense, so incredible, so epic that it would change our lives forever.” And epic it was.

The dynamic mother-daughter duo of Tania and Martina Halik successfully [ski-traversed the entire BC Coast Mountain range](/en/article/i-did-a-5-month-ski-traverse-with-my-mum) from Squamish to Skagway. Along the way, they faced whiteouts, frigid river crossings and “unrelenting, soul-crushing, gear-snapping cold” – and enjoyed some lighter moments.



## Set a record
Want to see your name in the record books? 2017 saw several members achieve this goal.

Fifteen-year-old [Naomi Prohaska](/en/article/record-setting-climb-naomi-prohaskas-mount-logan-summit) became the youngest person to summit Canada’s tallest mountain, the Yukon’s Mount Logan. At age 26, Liz Rose became the youngest Canadian to climb the Seven Summits.



## Chart new territory
As part of Expedition Ikivuq, a team of six paddlers explored northern Quebec’s Lestage River, which runs through Arctic tundra that has never been mapped or documented. Along the way, they endured harsh weather and gruelling portages, and were awed by the incredible landscapes and massive herds of caribou they encountered.



## Find new trails
When the local terrain got old, this group of mountain bikers set off for some new lines to ride… in [northern India](/en/article/mountain-biking-in-northern-india)! From trails in the Himalayas to living root bridges in the remote northeastern corner of the country, they laid fresh tread in areas that had never previously been ridden.



## Be the first to do something
Steve Tersmette and Shawn Emmett were the first people to traverse the Purcell Mountains entirely on foot. During their 24-day journey, they travelled 271km and lost/gained just over 21,000 vertical metres.



## Try something new
Be prepared, but don’t be scared. Leaving your comfort zone can be a life-changing experience – just ask first-time hiker and camper [Bruce Persaud](/en/article/surviving-the-fundy-footpath), who tackled New Brunswick’s rugged Fundy Footpath. Start with episode 1 of his 6-part journey below – these videos are a fun must-watch before you head out on a challenging hike:



Episode 1: Is He Ready? (CENSORED)

## What’s next?
In 2018, MEC is supporting more expeditions, both close to home and around the world. From big-wall climbs in Powell River, BC, and free ascents of Patagonia peaks, to epic canoe trips from Florida to Seattle, members and grantees are bringing the stoke and ticking off some major goals. Follow @MEC on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/?hl=en) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec/) to see updates from their trips.

Where will 2018 take you?

*MEC is proud to support these explorers and more through [expedition support grants](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Check them out as you plan for your own 2018 adventures.*

*Top photo: Tania and Martina Halik*



Get stoked for your own adventures by checking out the epic trips MEC members took this year, supported by expedition grants.

Goal-setting inspiration for an adventurous 2018 | MEC Blog

Setting goals for 2018? Here’s some inspiration

Think back to the most fun you had as a kid. Chances are, whatever comes to mind, it probably wasn’t time spent glued to a screen. Turns out (unsurprisingly), cold creek water on our skin, awe at the distance of the stars, the taste of gooey, melty s’mores – all those outdoor childhood moments – shape who we are.

Early outdoor activity and play are inextricably linked to physical and cognitive development. Exploring new spaces gives us a sense of our place in the world, fires up our senses and helps us develop muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, gross and fine motor skills, and self-confidence. We feel accomplishment at crossing a log, develop personal preferences in trying new activities, and build character when things don’t go our way. Over time, we build a relationship with nature and start to identify with our favourite activities; we become skiers, paddleboarders, campers, hikers, bikers, runners and so on.



“*I first learned about climbing from outdated copies of*Freedom of the Hills* and*Basic Rockcraft* that I’d discovered on my parents’ bookshelf. Naturally, I decided to practice my hip belay technique on my unsuspecting sister. My adventures eventually moved from the backyard to mountains around the world, but I’m thankful for my early exposure to the outdoors and for my parents who clearly thought it was more important to take a photo than to immediately get their kids down off the fence.” – MEC Ambassador [Nick Elson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pWw7Qcfy0).*

## Where we’re at
Yet, the 2017 edition of the [Coleman Canada Outdoor Report](http://torontosun.com/2017/06/16/about-30-of-canadians-spend-less-than-5-minutes-outside-a-day/wcm/625dec97-7496-494e-bbac-9366d44c62b1) found that as adults, 29% of us spend less than half an hour outside each week – that’s less than 5 minutes per day. Meanwhile, data collected by Statista revealed we’re watching [17 hours of TV](https://www.statista.com/statistics/234311/weekly-time-spent-watching-tv-in-canada-by-age-group/) per week. It’s not that we don’t know it’s good for us; the Coleman study found 98% of Canadians agreed being outdoors improves our well-being and 95% agreed it reduces stress. If most of us are having such a tough time doing it, how can we change things so the next generation spends 17 hours outside each week and watches only a half hour of TV?

> Kids should be getting *at least*60 minutes per day of vigorous activity, several hours of light activity, and no more than 2 hours of screen time.
>
The [Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth](https://csepguidelines.ca/) recommends *at least* 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, accompanied by several hours of light activity and muscle and bone strengthening activities incorporated 3 days per week. As for screen time? No more than 2 hours per day. Currently, only 15% of preschoolers and 24% of 5- to 17-year-olds meet the Canadian Sedentary Behavior Guidelines.

Participaction [similarly recommends](https://www.participaction.com/the-science/benefits-and-guidelines/early-years-0-to-4/) that preschoolers 1–4 years old get 180 minutes of physical activity of any intensity throughout the day, with kids aged 3 and 4 getting less than 1 hour of screen time per day and kids under 2 abstaining from screen time altogether.



*“My dad shared his passion for mountain sports with me as soon as I could walk rocky trails, slide on skis, and scramble up holds. Safety was important and he’d make it fun and funny, promising potato chips or jelly beans as he counted my turns (so I wouldn’t go straight downhill). Being active in the mountains is deeply-rooted as my happy place. Though I took that passion forward to become an Olympian and an X Games gold medallist, it was never about competing when I was a child, it was always about fun and taking on new challenges.” – MEC Ambassador [Roz Groenewoud](https://olympic.ca/team-canada/roz-groenewoud-2/)*



The guidelines make sense. As kids we have stores of energy and curiosity. I bet if we could ask our younger selves how they wanted to grow up, they might suggest something in line with Hackschooling prodigy Logan LaPlante’s approach to growing up. In his [2013 TED Talk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11u3vtcpaY), a 13-year-old Logan posited, “What if we based education on the study and practice of being happy and healthy? Because that’s what it is, a practice.” In short, we should make getting outside a habit and routine as early and consistently as we can, so we continue to prioritize it as adults.

## The rise of forest and nature school
Enter [Child and Nature Alliance of Canada](http://childnature.ca/) (CNAC). This national charitable organization (and MEC community partner) is dedicated to connecting Canadian kids with nature in a meaningful way. CNAC’s flagship program, Forest School Canada, is leading the child and youth nature education movement across Canada. To date, they’ve worked with over 300 educators who are now supporting child-directed and play-based learning initiatives in their own settings. The Ottawa Forest and Nature School (CNAC headquarters) sits on 900 acres of land ripe for exploring, learning and reintroducing risky play into kids’ lives.

[Risky play](https://www.bu.edu/childrens-center/files/2020/07/Risky-Play.pdf) is thrilling and exciting play where children engage with the probability of danger. From a child’s perspective, it can feel both scary and funny. Testing new swing designs, building bridges out of rocks, identifying bugs and fossils, taking note of the different animals in the area, growing leaves to feed caterpillars, drawing and writing about things found in the schoolyard, even climbing trees all help them thrive developmentally.



While the play may [seem arbitrary](http://childnature.ca/but-it-looks-like-theyre-just-playing/) to onlookers, kids who attend the Ottawa school gain ample benefits associated with risky play time, including improvements in test scores, positive social interactions, decreased ADD and ADHD symptoms, and decreased stress, among others.



Great Teaching: Petra Eperjesi, OCT

## Young outdoor leaders
Toronto-area [Trails Youth Initiatives](http://www.trails.ca/) has graduated year-long programming to help vulnerable youth from the Greater Toronto Area reap benefits similar to those of CNAC’s students. At their 143-acre natural environment facility, students attend one weekend per month during the school year and two weeks each summer over the course of four years, with the option to return for a fifth leadership year. Across kilometres of hiking trails, campsites and playing fields – not to mention three lakes – participants explore yoga and equine therapy, go on canoe trips, swim, snowshoe, hike, cross-country ski and camp.

Trails’ programs assist in building self-awareness, empathy, mindfulness, non-violent communication strategy and more; giving them the skills and confidence to become community leaders (of the 2015 graduates, 98% took on a service or leadership role following their time with Trails). MEC is proud to support this programming through grant funds and gear donations.



*“Car camping was the name of the game growing up in southern Ontario. Every summer, like so many Ontarians, my dad and mom would pack us up for 2 weeks of thrashing about. It was fun – really fun. My brother and I would be gone for hours off in the woods exploring. I’m so grateful for the long leash our parents gave us, because I think it was that freedom that taught me how to trust my gut in the wilderness, and feel comfortable decision-making on my own – skills that have become very useful in my career as an alpinist.” –MEC Ambassador [Sarah Hart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgnEUknjUjk&list=PLiGBs8TAKXgN5A4xc9tAmOtV1FPjaqbFM&index=10)*

## Recreational reconciliation
As the CEO of [Spirit North](http://www.spiritnorthxc.ca/), MEC Ambassador Beckie Scott works with Indigenous communities and local schools to break down racial and socio-economic barriers through cross-country skiing. Since its inception, Spirit North has grown from 4 participating communities to 32, reaching 6023 Indigenous children and youth every year. Participants learn basic skiing techniques, play games and develop skills that transfer back to the classroom and community.

The program is holistic in many respects; not only does it promote good mental health and nutrition while keeping kids inspired and active, but it also promotes cultural exchange and understanding through multi-community festival days, Powwow drumming and dance, as well as Métis jig activities. After participating in Spirit North programming, 90% of kids wanted to exercise more, 93% felt supported, and after just one day with Spirit North, 95% of students said, “I feel like I matter” – what’s better than that?



*“Spending winters outside on my skis, immersed in nature and loving the great outdoors were some of the most formative and enduring moments of my childhood. Those years spent gliding through the parks and trails of Vermilion, Alberta, led to both a professional career in skiing and sport, and a life-long love of winter and the outdoors.” – MEC Ambassador Beckie Scott*

##### Ready to get the little explorers in your life outside? Here are 5 simple ways to start:
1. Give them more freedom. Participaction breaks down the [statistical instances of common parental concerns](https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/how-to-get-your-kids-and-yourself-comfortable-with-risky-play#:~:text=Risky%20play%20helps%20kids%20develop,%2C%20and%20risk%2Dmanagement%20skills.&text=The%20job%20of%20a%20parent,to%20let%20them%20take%20risks.) to give you more peace of mind.
1. Connect with an organization such as CNAC to learn more about balancing and [managing risk](http://childnature.ca/when-adult-perceptions-of-risk-result-in-real-bans-on-childrens-play/) to create a good balance of fun and risky play.
1. Get into some further reading on raising a [wild child](/en/product/5043-599/How-to-Raise-a-Wild-Child), counteracting “nature-deficit disorder” and fearlessly bringing them to the great outdoors.
1. Make the outdoors part of story time, with classics like *A is for Adventure*.
1. Don’t forget to [make it fun](/en/products/kids/kids-activities/games/c/1225)!

*Top photo courtesy of CNAC.*

## Related articles
- [Why we go outdoors](/en/article/why-we-go-outdoors)
- [How to enjoy winter activities with kids](/en/explore/how-to-enjoy-winter-activities-with-kids)
- [IOU: 7 priceless gifts for kids](/en/article/iou-7-priceless-gifts-for-kids)



How much does outdoor activity really impacts your kiddos? With only 15% of preschoolers and 24% of 5- to 17-year-olds meeting healthy guidelines, turns out, a lot.

Science says: getting kids outdoors is a game changer | MEC Blog

Science says: getting kids outdoors is a game changer

When climbers go sport climbing in Quebec, they generally find established routes that have been scrubbed, stripped of loose rock, and equipped with bolts and solid anchors at the belays. But who’s responsible for all that goodness?



Cleaning, outfitting and maintaining routes is done, in the most part, by an established group of volunteer route setters who take time off work or use their vacations to scout out crags, clean potential lines and bolt routes so they can be safely climbed.



These experienced route developers are accredited by the Fédération Québécoise de la Montagne et de L’escalade (FQME). Many get supplies and materials as well as specific training that’s financed by the members of the Fédération.

They are all very experienced climbers, trailblazers and artists who can read a rock face and see its most elegant and compelling lines. They can spot potential hazards and know how to create safe climbing areas, so local climbers and visitors to the province can discover new routes and practise the sport they love with confidence – without having to stress about objective hazards, sketchy bolting or gut-churning runouts.



Prepping a route, drilling and fixing anchors is a highly technical process. It’s not something anyone can learn or master quickly. Most climbers who’ve been clipping bolts for a while have climbed examples of excellent routes as well as routes that could have been established more “thoughtfully.”

Any successful route developer should have the skills to expose the best, most beautiful, most challenging lines at a crag and to grade them accurately and consistently. Some route setters also write climbing guidebooks, so they’re the people who describe a route’s specific challenges and give climbers crucial info about the equipment and crux sections.



Route development involves more than just cleaning and bolting, so the FQME collaborates with landowners and park managers to ensure continued access to climbing areas. They fund development and provide training to make sure bolting is done in line with established security codes and environmental standards. The objective for new route development is always to do it with minimal impact on the environment, and to follow guidelines set up by internal committees of the FQME.



Climbers who are members of the FQME and opt to support the *Accès Montagne* level provide funding for the gear needed to establish routes, and provide support to the provincial route setters. Without the FQME and the volunteers who set routes, quality climbing wouldn’t exist the way it does currently in Quebec.



Both climbers and the FQME count on the work of volunteer route setters who clear brush, prune vegetation, scrub moss, drill rock and set out to discover interesting new walls and amazing routes to climb.



*MEC is proud to support climbers through our [Expedition Support](/en/explore/outdoor-impact) and [Community Investment](/en/explore/community) programs.*



Learn about the unsung heroes behind climbing in Quebec.

Who bolted that awesome line? | MEC Blog

Who bolted that awesome line?

Whether you’re trying to maximize your time shredding down the slopes, touring deep into the backcountry, or simply want to avoid paying for overpriced resort food, packing snacks is an easy way to help you stay fueled up on the mountain.

Here are some portable ski snack ideas that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds, including a favourite from MEC Ambassador [Sarah Hart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgnEUknjUjk) at the end:

### 1. Coconut-butter filled dates


A quick energy boost and a delicious snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Coconut-butter filled dates are the perfect little calorie bombs. These gems pack the winning combination of natural sugar and healthy fat to keep your muscles moving throughout the day.

They’re super easy to make too. Just remove the pit from the date, stuff in some coconut butter and then press to close. The cool temperatures on the ski hill will keep the texture solid and enjoyable until last chair. If you want to mix things up, try stuffing dates with peanut butter or even tahini.

## 2. Jerky


Jerky is super lightweight and basically lasts forever, which makes it great to keep handy for when you may need it most. Finding a [stash of jerky](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/snacks-and-energy-bars/nuts-fruit-and-dried-foods/c/1182) in your pocket at 2:30pm after skipping lunch is a skier’s delight. If you’re looking for something a little different, there’s also [vegan jerky](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/snacks-and-energy-bars/nuts-fruit-and-dried-foods/c/1182?filters%5Bcustom_fields.food%20preferences%5D%5B0%5D=vegan).

## 3. Pocket sandwiches


Due to their simplicity and familiarity, sandwiches are often overlooked as a quality mountain snack. But after a careful study (I ate a bunch of sandwiches) I decided they deserve a spot on this list. Sandwiches are extremely portable and easy to eat with gloves on if required, which is a huge bonus on the ski hill. They’re also one of the most versatile foods out there; make yours hearty or minimalist, carnivorous or herbivorous, PB&J or PB and honey – the options are truly limitless.

Bonus: Sandwiches are also great at helping reduce food waste, as many of your leftover food items can be converted into sandwich form. Leftover mashed potatoes, baked yams or taco fixings are just a few of the things to try stuffing into a sandwich or wrap.

## 4. Energy bars


Food in bar-form has been a staple on skiers’ snack lists since dinosaurs roamed the slopes, but the evolution that’s taken place from the simple granola bar is truly something to behold. Hand-ground nut butters. Chia seeds. Açai berries. Organic cashews. Fair Trade dark chocolate. These are just a few of the superfoods you can find in the [latest energy and protein bars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/training-food-and-drinks/energy-and-protein-bars/c/1178) (way tastier than the old-school hard mini-marshmallows and chocolate coatings), or you can make your own at home.

I like having a granola bar in the morning before I head out skiing, but they’re a perfect no-fuss snack any time you’re on the mountain.

## 5. Something spicy


A hit of heat can make you feel like you’re warming up from the inside out on a cold day. Spicy pepperoni sticks, dried spiced mango, chili-doused nuts or cinnamon hearts are easy to bring along. Skip the jalapeño chips, though, as they tend to get squashed in your pocket or pack. Heat in liquid form is another idea, like [spiced chocolate drinks](/en/product/5036-149/chili%26-spice-hot-chocolate?colour=NO_COLOUR) in a vacuum mug or a nip of cinnamon-flavoured liquor at the end of the day (also makes a great snow cone topping).

## 6. Backcountry comfort food


Plan to spend more time away from food sources? After skinning up a mountain for hours with backcountry ski gear and a pack of supplies, it’s safe to assume you’ll be pretty exhausted. The last thing you’ll want to do is spend time putting together a meal.

Luckily, [freeze-dried comfort food](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/camping-meals/c/1180) from Backpacker’s Pantry, AlpineAire or Mountain House creates hot meals that are easy to prep. Look for the ones that let you cook them in the package – all you have to do is boil some snow into water, then add the boiled water to the bags these meals come in. One to try? The [Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce](/en/product/6018-343/lasagna-with-meat-sauce?colour=NO_COLOUR) gets mega reviews from members.

## 7. Ambassador favourite: PB cups


MEC Ambassador Sarah Hart is a huge fan of chocolate peanut butter cups for particularly cold days. “They somehow never seem to freeze, no matter how freezing it is outside, and they’re the perfect sweet treat when I’ve been suffering on a windy chairlift.”

As a side note: pay particular attention to the food you’re shoving in your pack and pockets on cold, icy days. There’s nothing worse than being hungry and having to gnaw desperately at a rock-hard frozen banana.



## Related articles
- [How to choose downhill skis](/en/explore/how-to-choose-downhill-skis)
- [How to choose and fit your ski boots](/en/explore/how-to-choose-ski-boots-and-bindings)
- [A local’s guide to skiing at Whistler Blackcomb](/en/article/a-locals-guide-to-skiing-and-riding-at-whistler-blackcomb)



Skip the $18 nacho platter and stay fueled all day. These pocket-friendly ski snack ideas will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds.

7 snacks for the ski slopes

MEC members are generous to the core – even when they’re shopping for themselves. When you buy a headlamp or a backcountry ski setup at MEC, you’re supporting community investment initiatives that conserve ecologically and recreationally important places to adventure and reduce the barriers Canadians face to leading active outdoor lifestyles.

This year, MEC members’ purchases contributed to hundreds of inspiring projects, including the highlights below:

## A hut for year-round adventures
With panoramic views of alpine lakes and spectacular peaks, the [5040 Peak West Ridge Hut](https://www.huts.accvi.ca/) will be an oasis for hikers, snowshoers and backcountry skiers. The first of its kind on Vancouver Island, the 12-person heated hut is being built and managed by the Alpine Club of Canada – Vancouver Island Section with help from an MEC community investment grant. The hut is planned to be ready in 2018; check out the ACC site for all the up-to-date info.



## Gear for epic expeditions
Helping people pioneer new routes, reach unexplored peaks and achieve their dreams is kind of our jam. MEC expedition grants support members tackling ambitious challenges. Whether you buy a kayak or an [MEC Expedition Support Trucker Hat](/en/product/5045-445/Expeditions-Trucker-Hat), your dollars support amazing adventures.

In 2017, MEC funded 22 epic expeditions. Some highlights? [Expedition Ikivuq](https://www.expeditionikivuq.com/home) paddled an unexplored river through remote Northern Quebec. Martina Halik and her mother Tania embarked on an incredible [five-month ski traverse](/en/article/i-did-a-5-month-ski-traverse-with-my-mum) of BC’s Coast Mountains. Naomi Prohaska became the [youngest person to summit](/en/article/record-setting-climb-naomi-prohaskas-mount-logan-summit) Canada’s tallest mountain.



## A chance to sleep under the stars
Camping is a rite of passage and beloved pastime for many Canadians. In addition to supporting individual pursuits, MEC is proud to support organizations that teach the basics and offer opportunities to those who might otherwise find it difficult to get outdoors overnight.

Park Canada’s [Learn to Camp program](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc/ltc-dlc08) hosts nationwide workshops that introduce outdoor skills in a welcoming, supportive environment. MEC donates gear and provides staff to teach everything from how to set up a tent, to how to cook over a campfire, to how to paddle a SUP. Participants leave with the skills to try camping on their own and create lasting memories with family and friends.



## New trails to explore
With the help of community groups across the country, Canada’s trail network is always expanding. New trails create new opportunities to explore and connect with our surroundings, and MEC supports these local initiatives that get people outdoors and active.

The [Great Divide Trail Association](http://www.greatdividetrail.com) is a group of mainly volunteers who’ve taken on the task of developing and maintaining a 1125-km trail along the Continental Divide between BC and Alberta. Over many summers, MEC has provided this dedicated group with the supplies they need to build and restore this rugged, remote wilderness trail.

In Quebec, Vallée Bras-du-Nord’s [En marche project](http://www.valleebrasdunord.com/coop-youth-english) helps young adults (16–30 years old) struggling with issues that affect their ability to work or engage with society. Under the guidance of professional mentors, they work in forestry and trail development for six months, challenging themselves and pushing their limits. Through funding, gear donations and staff expertise, MEC is excited to support this crucial connection between outdoor activities and life skills.



## Bike rides for everyone
There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom you get when you jump on a bike, whether you’re commuting to work, hitting the trails or bikepacking into the mountains. To let their residents experience that same sensation, Victoria’s Beckley Farm Lodge residential care facility received funds to buy a trishaw. Powered by volunteers from the local chapter of [Cycling Without Age](http://cyclingwithoutage.org/), this modified bike allows elderly people and those with disabilities to get out and feel the wind in their hair.



These are just a few of the many of environmental- and outdoor recreation-focused non-profit organizations that MEC has supported through funding and gear donations. Thank you for helping strengthen our communities and conserve the wild places that sustain us, both during the holidays and all year round.

*Top photo: 5040 Peak West Ridge Hut.*

## Related articles
- [5 ways to get funded by MEC](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)
- [Why being active outdoors matters more than ever](/en/article/why-being-active-outdoors-matters-more-than-ever)
- [Surviving the Fundy Footpath: a video story](/en/article/surviving-the-fundy-footpath)



Every MEC purchase helps fund community projects, expeditions and conservation. Here are some of this year’s recipients, thanks to your support.

Community investments: The gifts you gave this year | MEC Blog

The gifts you might not know you’ve given

Après skiing is all about connecting with your buds and reliving the best moments of your ski day. Any day on the slopes is a good day… and it gets even better when you follow it up with good music, good drinks and good stories. So get ready to laugh, let loose a little and après like a pro with these ideas:

## Look for live music
It’s difficult to imagine a better way to enjoy an après party than singing and dancing with friends. Aside from the obvious fun factor, singing and dancing has been shown to release stored muscle tension from a hard day of sending. Follow the locals to find the best après ski spot in town to turn up the beats.

## Fuel your recovery
Skiing is hard work and burns a ton of calories – fact! Replacing those calories is crucial in order for you to hit the slopes hard again the next day. It’s easy to sift through restaurant ratings and reviews on your phone, but this is the time to strike up a conversation and benefit from some local knowledge. Maybe the town is famous for falafel, known for nachos, or home to a pulled pork paradise. Chat up some locals and get the goods on where to go for après ski snacks, great grub and any deals to be had that day.

## Relax and unwind
After ripping down runs all day, you might want to just chill. If the place you’re staying at has a hot tub (or if you know someone else who does), go for a soak; many places will let you use the tub for a day fee. Otherwise try to check out the local community centre to use their hot tub. No pool? No worries. Use a foam roller or massage stick to work out the tight spots, toss some Epsom salts in a hot bath, or start a massage train with your powder pals.

## Keep crushing
If you’re still craving more time in the snow, look into night skiing – some places charge less than $30 a ticket for night skiing so this can be a way to get more time on the hill. If you’ve had enough of the slopes but still have energy to burn, most mountain towns have lots to do beyond skiing and snowboarding, like indoor rock climbing or bouldering.

## Get stoked on sleep
After ripping down runs all day, you might want to just chill. If the place you’re staying at has a hot tub (or if you know someone else who does), go for a soak; many places will let you use the tub for a day fee. Otherwise try to check out the local community centre to use their hot tub. No pool? No worries. Use a foam roller or massage stick to work out the tight spots, toss some Epsom salts in a hot bath, or start a massage train with your powder pals.



## Related articles
- [Bluebird to whiteout: what to wear when you go skiing](/en/article/bluebird-to-whiteout-how-to-dress-for-ski-days)
- [How to choose and fit ski boots](/en/explore/how-to-choose-ski-boots-and-bindings)
- [Hidden gems: 8 small ski resorts worth checking out](/en/article/hidden-gems-8-small-ski-resorts-worth-checking-out)



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