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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

There’s a lot to factor in when choosing where to ski or ride in the Great White North – everything from night skiing and terrain variety to driving time and après spots. Looking for a lesson? Head to Rabbit Hill outside Edmonton. Want to follow in the footsteps of three pro snowboarders? You might be surprised by the small but mighty Martock in Nova Scotia. Sure you can go after a massive bucket list, but if you’re seeking unique this season, these are the spots.

From big steeps in the Rockies to crisp corduroy out east, we chose 11 resorts that are each known for something different.

#### Mont Tremblant, Quebec


**Location:** Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains just a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Montreal.

**Known for:** Variety of terrain and activities, plus plenty of après delights.

This eastern Canadian skier’s paradise offers 96 trails and four sides to choose from. Beginners and families will be pleased with the variety of accessible terrain, while intermediate and advanced skiers can find plenty of slopes to fulfill carving desires. Make sure you get up early – you’ll definitely want to lay first tracks into the mountain’s meticulously groomed corduroy. Off-piste, be prepared to mingle with a large outdoor crowd out for ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dogsledding, skating and tubing.

The colourful village at Mont Tremblant’s base is European-influenced in its design, and is lively, buzzing through the day and night with shops, restaurants, and Quebecois traditions like *tire d’érable*(maple taffy). A gondola traffics pedestrians between the split village with ease, making the 75 shops and restaurants incredibly accessible. Microbrewerie La Diable has your local craft beers, La Forge Bar & Grill your après nosh and Le P’tit Caribou your spin-ready DJ.

**Top off your visit:**Spend a night on the hill for perks like ice skate loans, first track access and free evening tube rides.

#### Stoneham Resort, Quebec


**Location:**A quick 30-minute drive from downtown Quebec City.

**Known for:**Night skiing, freestyle terrain and exceptional park design.

An Olympic-size half-pipe is just one of the impressive features of this night skiing go-to. Freestyle terrain is king at Stoneham – the XL 418 Park has modules designed specifically for experts and step-up jumps that minimize the impact of landing. It’s a favourite of professional snowboarder Jason Dubois.

Those newer to park and pipe can work their way up. Beginner and intermediate parks are primed for lots of practice hours with nighttime flood lights and an intermediate rail section. The three mountains offer a total of 42 trails that are sheltered from strong winds. Three quad chairlifts get riders up top in a flash, and one bubble-top chair offers extra protection from the chill.

**Top off your visit:**Make sure your après includes a visit to the 4-Foyer bar, which *Ski Magazine*lauded as “one of the best designed ski bars anywhere.”

#### Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario


**Location:**On the shores of Georgian Bay, an approximate 2-hour drive from Hamilton, Mississauga or Toronto.

**Known for:** Holding the title of Ontario’s largest mountain resort and its family-friendly reputation.

Ontarians seem to charge “the Blue” at every opportunity, and with good reason. The hill boasts 42 trails with 15 lifts (including five high-speed six-person express chairs). Here, number of runs holds just as much cred as the number of days on your pass, and with night skiing, the laps can continue after the sun goes down.

The beginner-oriented Newbie program available through the mountain’s snow school includes lessons, gear, and access to a self-guided circuit aimed at developing your skills. Novice and advanced skiers and riders will find plenty of slick blue runs to charge and carve, plus glade runs to satisfy tree lovers.

The Ridge Runner mountain coaster makes for some seriously happy kiddos, and parents can find more to entertain young snow bunnies with skating, tubing or snowshoeing.

**Top off your visit:**Treat your tired muscles to a post-slope massage at the Scandinave Spa, a dunk in the Scandinavian baths and a session in the eucalyptus steam room.

#### Whistler Blackcomb, BC


**Location:**A 2-hour drive from downtown Vancouver up the stunning Sea to Sky highway.

**Known for:**Two mega mountains, sweeping views and powder days.

Whistler is a bucket list ski vacation destination for Canadians and international skiers and boarders the world over. Host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, these hills are what you might call the Big Time. The two side-by-side mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – span 8171 acres and are connected by the Guinness World Record-holding Peak 2 Peak Gondola, giving skiers of every ability several days’ worth of terrain to cover.

After a lengthy day of skiing or boarding, the village is the place to go for unconventional après like sushi and a variety of music, including 80s nights, house and reggae. Excessively garnished caesars at Merlin’s are a favourite.

**Top off your visit:** If ever there was a time to splurge on a heli-skiing venture, this is it.

#### Camp Fortune, Quebec


**Location:** Only a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa/Gatineau.

**Known for:**Servicing the lunchtime and after-work crowds and some seriously crisp corduroy.

If you can duck out for some day laps during the work week, you’ll be one happy camper to find lots of terrain over five hills and virtually no lift lines. There are sweet lines all over the mountain and this is where you get to really lay into groomers. Sparks and Paradis are fantastic cruisers; North American and Duffy are great on powder days (yes, they do exist) as they are all natural and have varied terrain; and Heggveit is the signature run and it is tonnes of fun to cruise down first thing in the morning.

The hill regularly takes the crown for the longest ski season in the region, has a terrain park with 12 hits, hosts well-lit night skiing and keeps the après crowd happy with two lodges.

**Top off your visit:**For expert skiers, check out the the Craigsmarc glade run.

#### Cypress Mountain, BC


**Location:**A 30–40 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

**Known for:**The largest vertical rise on the North Shore mountains, great views of Vancouver and the ocean.

Cypress is a favourite among Lower Mainland residents. Canada’s first gold medals of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games were won on this mountain, giving it some hometown glory. The largest vertical in the area, great choice of terrain and several faces to explore make it the after-work or half-day no brainer. A total of 53 runs and four terrain parks will keep you interested until it’s time to duck into the lodge for a burger and a local brew.

Also home to 19km of groomed and track-set trails, the mountain is also popular with Nordic skiers (7.5km are lit for regular night skiing) and families looking to play in the snow tubing park.

**Top off your visit:**If you need to give your legs a bit of break, this is a great spot to try snowshoeing.

#### Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, Alberta


**Location:**Situated on the bank of the North Saskatchewan River, a 45-minute drive from downtown Edmonton.

**Known for:**Beginner-friendly terrain and accessible night skiing.

Small but mighty, Rabbit Hill has been a major snowsports hub in Edmonton for over 60 years. The snow making team at the hill keep the conditions fluffy, crisp and groomed regardless of what mother nature has in store. The hill is made for first timers and fast learners – magic carpets, tow ropes and T-bars sandwich a triple chairlift that caters to more advanced skiers.

Two terrain parks house a bunch of boxes and rails arranged in a progressive design so you can build your skills from ride-on to jump-on.

**Top off your visit:**Take a lesson. From group to private lessons, this is the place to learn and really nail down your technique.

#### Winsport COP, Alberta


**Location:**In the SW quadrant, a 20-minute drive from downtown Calgary.

**Known for:** Hosting the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and being Calgary’s only in-city ski hill.

You may find yourself asked to pose for a picture with tourists as you come off the top of the 88 Express Chair since the Winsport grounds are home to far more than just ski terrain. Ski jumps, Nordic trails, an Olympic-sized bobsled track, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and an ice house for year-round winter training invite quite the crowd.

There are 14 hectares of skiable terrain on this little hill armed with two high-speed quad chairlifts and five magic carpets, including an impressive terrain park with a mini pipe and flow-optimized rail and jump system that build to western Canada’s largest pipe, a 22-foot tall, 60-foot wide super pipe. The hill is a favourite for after-school and work activity.

**Top off your visit:**Let an expert pilot whip you through 10 twists and turns at 100km/hour on the bobsled track.

#### Martock Resort, Nova Scotia


**Location:**Neighbouring the Avon River, an hour drive from downtown Halifax.

**Known for:**Friendly staff and holding its own through humid Atlantic weather.

Forget fishing, summer beaches and the Bluenose. Martock is home to a vibrant outdoor winter community. The hill may be small in size (600-feet of vertical with eight trails) but it packs a lot into a small space: two terrain parks, a halfpipe, Burton Riglet Park, five kilometres of Nordic trails and a biathlon range. Plus, the grounds are host to ski, snowboard, cross-country ski and biathlon competitions from local levels to national championchips.

For 100 odd days a year, this is where Atlantic Canadians come to play. The friendly nature of the hill keeps it feeling very neighbourly, and people come back season after season, including pro and Olympic snowboarders Trevor Andrew, Sarah Conrad and Alex Duckworth.

**Top off your visit:** Pay homage to the spirit of snowboarding and take a lesson, even if you’re a skier. The Burton Learn to Ride program makes it easy for adults or kids.

#### Sunshine Village and Ski Resort, Alberta


**Location:**In Banff National Park, approximately 90 minutes from downtown Calgary.

**Known for:**The longest non-glacial season in Canada, wrapping spring skiing with Slush Cup.

With skiers and boarders out and ripping well into May, you can bet on this resort lives up to its name thanks to a large number of bluebird days each season. Its unique location on the Continental Divide means that you can ski in two provinces in one run. This location also produces light, dry, champagne powder across three mountains (Goat’s Eye, Lookout and Standish).

They have varied terrain that caters to all skill levels to keep any ski- or board-bum happy. Now with the first chairlift in Canada with heated seats, the Teepee Town LX lift, novice blue and green run skiers stay toasty and reach the top in just 4.5 minutes.

Come spring, it’s worth sticking around the last day of the year to watch costumed snow lovers skip or swim in a pool of melted snow.

**Top off your visit:** For the expert skier, there’s the double-black monster Delirium Dive, which requires avalanche gear to ride.

#### Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta


**Location:** In the Canadian Rockies, a 2-hour drive from downtown Calgary.

**Known for:**A six-month ski season that ends in May and proximity to the stunning emerald lake of the same name.

One of North America’s biggest resorts, Lake Louise spoils skiers and boarders with 145 runs spread across nearly 1700 hectares of terrain. The resort’s unique layout offers beginner, intermediate and advanced runs from every chair, which allows groups to split up based on skill level and then meet back at the chair for another ride up. Whether you favour chutes, glades and gullies, gentle slopes, cruisers or remote bowls, the front and back sides have plenty to offer. The progressive design of the mountain continues in the Showtime Terrain Park and features varied levels of jumps, boxes and rails.

There are more than a few lunch and après options once your legs get tired. Highly recommended: dine on-piste and out in the sun on the wraparound deck at the Lodge of Ten Peaks.

**Top off your visit:**The Fairmont on the lake gets all the glory, but if you’re going all-out on a ski vacation, then the Post Hotel is a big bucket list check.



Planning a ski vacation? Check out these 11 Canadian resorts to ski and ride, from big steeps in the Rockies to crisp corduroy out east.

11 Canadian resorts to ski and ride this year | MEC Blog

11 Canadian resorts to ski and ride this year

Ah, the Great White North. Not just a hilarious 80s SCTV skit featuring everyone’s favourite hosers (Bob and Doug McKenzie), but also a land of endless snow. Our vast Canadian landscape is home to over 40 resorts, all dedicated to fulfilling the downhill desires of generations of ski bums. With many hills now open for the winter season, what better time to reminisce about the roots of our riding addictions? We’ve rounded up a sweet collection of vintage photos from some local resorts. Take off, eh!

##### Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario


## More ski articles
- [The evolution of ski style](/en/article/the-evolution-of-ski-style)
- [MEC favourites: the ubiquitous Uplink](/en/article/mec-favourites-the-ubiquitous-uplink-jacket)
- [Why wool is great for your active wardrobe](/en/explore/wool-garments-for-the-outdoors)



23 vintage Canadian ski photos | MEC Blog

23 vintage Canadian ski photos

Growing up skiing, I went on to become a ski-a-holic and CSIA Level II instructor while my sister swore off the sport. Where did my family and I go wrong?

If I remember right, we were at Nakiska and no more than eight and six years old when my Mum snuck up behind my little sister and gently unhooked the ski leash she was tethered to. Although she was in control, as soon as little Stacey realized her safety net was gone, she went wild with panic, gained a fair amount of speed, and went crashing into an orange safety fence. That was the beginning of the end.

Over the years she humoured us with family trips to Whitefish, Montana or days out on local mountains, but recently, while we were packing for a trip with friends to Fernie, she lamented, “Why doesn’t anyone believe me that I just don’t like skiing?” I don’t know why I hadn’t believed her. To me, skiing is just so damn *fun*. How could anyone not enjoy whipping down the hill, chill on your cheeks, feeling sheets of untouched snow at the base of your skis? There’s nothing else like it.

So, I figured it couldn’t have just been that one snow fence incident, but rather a collection of recurrent gaffes on the part of our family. Here’s where she said we went wrong:

### 1. Ski the same hill every time
Keep them super attached to the same bunny hill and same magic carpet. No need to expand their comfort or skill level.

*Ski coach fix: Introduce your kids to a bunch of different hills and runs. A change in terrain will give them the confidence to tackle new slopes as their ski level improves.*

### 2. Don’t ask, just do
Ignore your kids’ requests to repeat the bunny hill yet again. Remember, as the parent, you make the rules – they don’t know what they want.

*Ski coach fix: Stick it out on the bunny hill until you see confidence levels soar. Don’t rely too much on props to keep your kids upright, as they will rely on you to steer and stop. Play follow-the-leader or red light-green light and let them set the pace.*

### 3. Ski, lift, repeat
Stay focused on your end game – you’re raising a skier here. Breaks should be kept to a minimum, with lap and run count high. The more chairs you get in, the better.

*Ski coach fix: Give your kids a break from the descent and still work on their snowplough: find a flat space at the base of the hill out of the way of ski traffic and have them make bow ties and arrow shapes in the snow with only their boots. This helps develop the ability to pivot their feet without the weight of a ski.*



### 4. Seek to ski in cold weather
Snow covered trees and summit vistas are only enhanced by a severe drop in temperature. They’ll be tougher skiers if they go out at 40 below zero.

*Ski coach fix: Keep your kids warm and dry to keep them happy. Up your number of lodge visits as the temperature drops and carry extra layers, keeping a close eye out for frostbite (when pink cheeks turn white). On extra cold days, [hand and toe warmers](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/first-aid%2C-health-and-safety/hand-and-toe-warmers/c/1212) and [tasty hot chocolate](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/food-and-drink/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581) are your best friends.*

### 5. Try to teach them yourself
You’ve got a lot of years under your belt, and you can teach a toddler a thing or two. Nothing brings a family closer together than 24/7 time on the hill.

*Ski coach fix: It’s that universal truth that no one wants to hear it from their own family. If you’ve got young skiers, stick them in a lesson. They’ll be comfortable around other kids at the same skill level and chomping at the bit to show you what they learned when class is over.*

### 6. Resort to Peer Pressure
Persuade your kids to do it your way, before they get old enough to realize they can form their own opinions about sports. “Everyone is outside skiing and having fun except you” is a good place to start.

*Ski coach fix: Your kids just might not love skiing the same way you do, or they might want to take up snowboarding, play in the terrain park, or try Nordic skiing instead. Keep them loving winter by trading in skis for tobogganing, tubing, building forts and snowmen or snowshoeing and try again next season.*

In the end, my sister still has fun in winter and she’s very active. Throughout high school she danced a lot, she plays softball in the summer, hits the gym frequently, and loves to run. I’ve decided to let her go a couple winters free from harassment. Besides, I estimate I’ve only got about five years before I can teach her kids to ski instead.



Ever wonder why some kids grow up loving a sport while others come to hate it? Learn to keep your kids loving the slopes.

How to make your kids hate skiing | MEC Blog

How to make your kids hate skiing

How do you capture the brightness of snow, keep your ski photos from falling flat on an overcast day, or frame a motion shot? These are my top ten tips for shooting on the slopes.

#### 1. Sunny days play in meadows, cloudy days work in trees


Whatever terrain you find naturally gives you better visibility for skiing in bright or flat light, those same spots are where you’ll also find better light for photography. Trees absorb light during grey days and add contrast to the snow. On sunny days, bask in the abundant light of the open alpine.

#### 2. Leave space in the frame ahead of the skier


A photograph is a story in a single moment. Great images portray the past, present and future of action in a single image. Leave space in front of the skier so the viewer can imagine where they will be next.

In this example, there wasn’t much room inside of the couloir, and I wanted the bottom of the line, the sky, and Tobin all in the photo, so, I took out my shovel and dug myself into the snowpack a little. This way I could get far enough from the action and see everything at once, leaving room ahead of Tobin for the story to make sense.

#### 3. Account for bright snow in your exposure


Snow, mountains and sunsets are notoriously difficult things for cameras to capture since they are bright and framing them often includes fast-moving subject matter. The camera’s auto modes give you an average exposure of 50% grey. Since you’re standing on bright white snow, the camera is going to adjust that snow to be more of a grey tone in most auto settings. If I had used an automatic metering mode on the camera, this photo would’ve been much darker. Although many cameras have exposure compensation for this, shoot in full manual exposure if you can, and put time into figuring out how to use your histogram – a graphic representation of pixels used in your image (here’s some [more info](http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-read-and-use-histograms/)). Using my histogram to calculate exposure helped properly expose the image.

#### 4. Bring action and location together


Skiing is as much about the sport as the place the sport happens. To show off great terrain, take time to focus on cool natural features like old broken trees, mossy patches on rock, or any other natural wonders that catch your eye.

#### 5. Coordinate a moment with your athlete


Great photographs have precise composition, so plan the way you want the action to unfold ahead of shooting it. Find the place you want to shoot from and determine exactly where you want the skier to be in that frame. Work with the athlete so they know where they need to hit their mark (snowballs thrown at the mark can help). I shot this picture of Eliel with my telephoto lens, purposefully leaving out the sky to focus on the bottom of the Cheakamus Glacier. We chatted for several minutes about having him execute a skier’s right hand turn on that exact part of the ridge. The photo was later published in *Backcountry* magazine.

#### 6. Pre-focus the camera


It’s an absolute pain to get everything right in a photo, but then have to tell the athlete that the shot isn’t in focus. I almost never focus the camera during action, but instead I have the camera setup so all I have to do is hold down the shutter button at the right time.

There are a ton of different techniques to pre-focus a camera. On a digital SLR you can use autofocus on the point where you want the action, and then flip the switch to manual so the camera can’t try to re-focus before the action happens. Or you can use focus lock, wherein the camera locks focus as long as you’re holding down the shutter button half way.

What if your camera isn’t focusing on the white seamless snow? Estimate the distance between where you are and where the skier will be, then look around. Are there any other objects about the same distance away? If so, focus on that, switch to manual, and shoot.

Since there was nothing to focus on for this photo of Stan on the white snow, I had to estimate the distance between us (about 30 feet) and find a tree nearby that seemed to be a similar distance away. Then, after focusing on that tree, I re-composed the shot, told Stan to drop in, and snapped the frame.

#### 7. Shoot early, or late


Great light happens early and late in the day, so bust out the toe warmers and have a thermos of tea or coffee at the ready – early birds and patient folk will be rewarded.

Working with Kicking Horse’s ski patrol, Tobin and I were given special access to an alpine bowl to shoot during the crispy morning light. This was a real privilege, as normally we ski tour through the darkness to get this kind of shot at dawn.

#### 8. Find ‘skim’ light


If you aren’t on the mountaintop at sunrise, there’s still good imagery to be found. Look for places on the hill where the light is hitting at a shallow angle; anywhere that’s happening, there lies great potential for dramatic lighting, especially if you shoot towards the sun. Also, the edge of most shadows can be a great place to create a dark background.

Although this shot was captured at 10am, many hours after sunrise, we were able to find a ridgeline where the light was falling away to shadow, and I knew I could shoot towards the sun to capture some beautiful, contrasting light.

#### 9. Shoot 45 degrees up slope


Shooting up towards a skier at roughly a 45-degree angle (right between straight up slope and straight across slope) keeps the skier visible and the slope looking steeper too. This has to do with “convergence”; if you shoot a photo of a skyscraper looking up, it appears to diminish towards a vanishing point. When you point your camera up slope, the same thing happens to the ski photograph, enhancing the steepness of the terrain.

Shot during the Deep Winter photo challenge in 2013, there wasn’t much snowfall, so we had to make the most of small pockets for fresh snow. This strategic shooting came in handy for making a mellow zone look a lot better.

#### 10. Copy images


I’m a firm believer that this is one of the best ways to learn photography techniques; to emulate the best. Find ski photographs you love, and try everything you can to recreate the image – I don’t mean similar, I mean identical. This isn’t to replicate someone else’s work or claim their creativity as your own, but by working through all the details of an existing composition, you’ll learn to recognize the nuances of a ski photograph and adjust accordingly.

Taken during the Deep Winter photo challenge in 2012, I was trying to emulate Eric Berger’s shot of a skier airing over a snow cave. During this shoot, I learned a lot about size of air, space, shape, falling snow, light condition, skier form, and much more.

##### 


## More ski articles
- [Ski touring checklist](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)
- [What to wear when you go skiing](/en/article/bluebird-to-whiteout-how-to-dress-for-ski-days)
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



10 tips for great ski photos | MEC Blog

10 tips for great ski photos

I’m interested in what folks keep in their packs for emergencies, and I like to compare notes so I can create the ultimate kit suited to my style of backcountry travel. My trips are usually one-day missions, where I depart from home at 3am and venture into the darkness. During early season, I start thinking about what I should include or pull from my bag. Contents might change depending on the mission or how remote my destination is.

There’s always a focus on lightening our loads in the backcountry and I cringe at the idea of adding more gear, but there should be a few minimum items carried by all enthusiasts. I’d like to think this list, made with one- to three-day excursions in mind, hits the sweet spot. Some of these items never leave my bag and would see me through an injury or unplanned bivy. Wherever possible, I try to use items that are multi-purpose to save space. Coordinate with your trip partners to find out what gear can be shared amongst a group and adjust your first aid kit to group numbers and personal requirements.

***Note:**** This list does not include backcountry safety essentials. Visit [Avalanche Canada](http://www.avalanche.ca/) for further information, and make sure you’re trained in avalanche safety before venturing into any backcountry situation.*

##### Ski straps
I carry four [ski straps](/en/products/snow/ski-straps/c/2142): two 15cm straps and two 24cm straps as a minimum. The uses are endless, from keeping you organized and efficient when loading a helicopter to lashing your skies/poles together like a pro.

Other strap hacks:

- Use the strap to bind your skins to your skis in the event they aren’t sticking.
- If your skins aren’t sticking to the snow, these add grip to your stride.
- Lash extras to your pack.
- Compress stuff sacks.
- You can immobilize limbs for a variety of injuries when you use them with ski poles or sticks. They can also hold pressure on soft tissue injuries or soakers on large open wounds.
- Helps MacGyver a rescue toboggan by fastening skis together.

##### Small headlamp
If I know I’m going to need a lamp, I’ll usually take a high powered model. I wouldn’t recommend a small [headlamp](/en/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/headlamps/c/1306?q=%3Asales-rank) as your primary light source, but I carry one as a backup unit for navigation. I’m a fan of the [Petzl Zipka headlamp](/en/product/5051-147/Zipka-Headlamp).

##### Tape
Tape can be used for injury aid, taping parts and skins to skis, and general resourcefulness.

- Electrician tape is great until temperatures dip.
- [Duct tape](/en/product/1999-804/Duct-Tape---Silver-48mm-x-25m-Roll) is best, but you can’t avoid the sticky residue.
- White medical tape is great, and can help in a real emergency.

##### Emergency bivy or tarp and sleeping pad
[Bivies](/en/products/gear/tents-and-shelters/bivy-sacks/c/1437?q=%3Asales-rank) or [tarps](/en/products/gear/tents-and-shelters/tarps-and-light-shelters/c/1441?q=%3Asales-rank) are great to have if an injury crops up. These lightweight shelters provide insulation from the snow and protection from the elements. And should you ever get trapped by the dark, you’ll need a stronghold.

- There are many emergency models of bivies to choose from. I tend to carry a siltarp that can fit two people for additional warmth and can also double as a shelter. A bright color helps you be seen.
- A [bivy sleeping pad](/en/product/0808-097/Evazote-Bivy-Sleeping-Pad) is cut to fit flat inside your pack, making it a great seat or extra insulation for an unexpected night out. I’ll often sit on my pack and put this under my feet, and it definitely makes a difference in heat loss.

##### Lighter and firestarter
In cases of delayed exit or unexpected overnights, fire is a great asset. Also, if someone incurs an injury and you’re stuck awaiting evacuation, it can help with shock prevention.

- A waterproof and impact-resistant [lighter](/en/product/5041-318/Floating-Lighter) case is great. I always store mine in an additional re-sealable plastic bag, because you can’t be too prepared. It’s best to make sure your ski partner has one as well.
- There are a few different kinds of [firestarters](/en/products/gear/camp-kitchen/stoves%2c-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters%2c-matches-and-lighters/c/1282?q=%3Asales-rank), so select the one best for you and test it out before you depart. I prefer the [sticks](/en/product/5006-888/Fire-Starter) and have had good success starting a fire in doubtful conditions.

##### Multi-tool
You never know when you might need to do a field repair. Find a [multi-tool](/en/products/gear/knives-and-tools/multi-tools/c/1291?q=%3Asales-rank) that works to cover your needs in an unexpected situation. Look at driver bits that suit the equipment you carry.



##### First aid kit
Taking a Wilderness First Aid course will help you think outside the box in case you end up dealing with backcountry emergencies. A [first aid kit](/en/products/gear/health-and-safety/first-aid-kits/c/1210) is a definite necessity. Being able to modify or tweak your gear can be a real lifesaver.

- One thing I always make sure I have is one pressure dressing. The soaker gauze utilizes tensor bandage-like wrap for pressure, but can also be used as support for sprains and strains.
- Suture bandages, and lots of them.
- Bring along some Ibuprofen for that early season hip flexor pain.

##### Bailing wire
Simply put, if something starts falling apart or breaks, this is a great way to hold it together.

##### Synthetic jacket**
**
I carry my [MEC Commix Hoodie](/en/product/5036-944/Commix-Hoodie) (women can grab the [MEC Spicy Hoodie](/en/product/5037-102/Spicy-Hoodie)) in a light dry bag and squeeze all the air out so it’s totally compact. Warm, compressible layers are essential to any backcountry outing. I bring mine every single time.

##### Pole baskets
In serious powder, poles are useless without baskets, so bring an extra pair and it could save your day, or at the very least, get you a few more turns. [Black Diamond Powder Baskets](/en/product/5005-941/Powder-Baskets) are a great option.

##### Prima Bar
Fight the bonk and fuel the engine! These [tasty bars](/en/brand/prima/products/gear/food-and-drink/energy-bars/c/1178?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) are equally good frozen or thawed and pack a decent calorie punch for their size and weight. Cherry Coconut is my favourite flavour.

##### Small hot packs
[Hot packs](/en/products/gear/health-and-safety/hand-and-toe-warmers/c/1212) make the coldest part of the night bearable. Make sure you bring multiple, and place these small packs in key areas to keep you warm, like around your femoral arteries (target it at your inner upper thigh or where they branch out at your tailbone). It’s amazing how long a single night can feel, and these little guys give you the confidence boost to see the night through.

##### Skin wax
When you’re out spring skiing with sticky snow conditions, it’s almost mandatory to keep a small block of [skin wax](/en/product/4006-110/Glop-Stopper-Wax) to prevent snow building up on your skin bases. Bringing this wax along helps you save your hip flexors and energy.

##### Batteries
Someone always forgets to put fresh [batteries](/en/products/gear/electronics/batteries/c/1113) in either their headlamp or the transceiver. Pack a couple as backup and be the hero of the day.



See some of the essentials and a few clever hacks to up your safety quotient.

What to pack for a day of backcountry skiing | MEC Blog

What to pack for a day of backcountry skiing

Biking is one of the best ways to see Europe’s ancient towns, rolling vineyards and historic castles. And of course, any good riding holiday should include great food and wine. Beaune, France has it all. I took a couple of riders from *Canadian Cyclist* magazine for a tour of my top places to bike around Burgundy.

It was quite by chance that [Burgundy](http://www.burgundy-tourism.com/) became one of my favourite spots to ride. In the late 1980s, I was trying to get back into race shape after an injury and had the idea to get in my miles in Europe. I sold a bike, cashed in savings from working in a bike shop, and headed to Amsterdam. The plan was to ride to the south of France, then to London, and be home in Winnipeg by mid-July.

Instead, I ended up staying for three years.

I got a job as a bike mechanic in [Beaune, France](http://www.beaune-tourism.com/), and travelled around Europe with my bike. Since then, Beaune has always been a special place to me and it has some of the most diverse riding anywhere (along with some of the world’s best food and wine). So when Sam and Chris from *Canadian Cyclist* magazine asked if I could show them around Beaune for a few days before [Eurobike](http://www.eurobike-show.com/eb-en/), I couldn’t refuse.

I brought my own bike from Vancouver with the [EVOC bike bag](/en/product/5038-450/Bike-Travel-Bag). For trips like this, I like having my own bike. It just feels like home and it’s always worth the effort it takes to travel with. The good folks at Ridley Bikes hooked Sam and Chris up with a couple of lightweight 2015 Ultegra-equipped Ridley Helium bikes for this trip. The Helium has a sub-1000-gram frame but is still compliant and comfortable, which is really important for long days in the saddle on the back roads of France.



The three of us met in Beaune, and even though we were a bit jet-lagged it was too nice a day not to go for a short warm-up ride to work the cobwebs out. The traditional first ride for me in Beaune has always been out to [La Rochepot](http://www.larochepot.com/), a medieval castle built in the thirteenth century and then rebuilt in the nineteenth century after the French Revolution.



The ride starts off on paths through the [Beaune](http://www.bourgogne-wines.com/our-wines-our-terroir/all-bourgogne-wines/beaune,2459,9254.html?&args=Y29tcF9pZD0xNDUyJmFjdGlvbj12aWV3RmljaGUmaWQ9MjE4Jnw%3D) and [Pommard](http://www.bourgogne-wines.com/our-wines-our-terroir/all-bourgogne-wines/pommard,2459,9254.html?&args=Y29tcF9pZD0xNDUyJmFjdGlvbj12aWV3RmljaGUmaWQ9MzcwJnw%3D) vineyards, then a bit of climbing takes you to a ripping descent though the town of d’Orches and on to La Rochepot. After stopping to see the castle and snapping some pics, we rode back to Beaune through the vineyards of [Puligny-Montrachet ](http://www.bourgogne-wines.com/our-wines-our-terroir/all-bourgogne-wines/puligny-montrachet,2459,9254.html?&args=Y29tcF9pZD0xNDUyJmFjdGlvbj12aWV3RmljaGUmaWQ9Mzc4Jnw%3D)and [Meursault](http://www.bourgogne-wines.com/our-wines-our-terroir/all-bourgogne-wines/meursault,2459,9254.html?&args=Y29tcF9pZD0xNDUyJmFjdGlvbj12aWV3RmljaGUmaWQ9MzQ5Jnw%3D), home of some of the best white wines in the world. Beaune is the centre of the Burgundy wine trade, and one of the highlights for me here is tasting wines that I’d never be able to get in Canada.





The meeting place in Beaune is always the Grand Café, a busy traditional café in the centre of town. So the next morning, we met there for breakfast, had their specialty – a Grand Crème, a tasty coffee with warm cream – and went over the days’ route, which is one I look forward to every time I’m in Burgundy.



The route heads towards [Dijon](http://www.burgundy-tourism.com/discover/towns-and-villages/VILLEBOU000000HO/detail/dijon/dijon) through [Pernand-Vergelesses](http://www.bourgogne-info.eu/html/pernand_vergelesses.html), and then goes up a steep climb to the top of the Côte through the village of Échevronne. After that, the route winds through the Burgundy countryside to Pont-de-Pany. Like all rides through this area, you’re never more than a few kilometres from a town, there’s never a chance of running out of water, and your next available coffee stop is always close.

The best part of this ride is stopping in [Châteauneuf-en-Auxois](http://www.burgundy-tourism.com/discover/must-see-tourist-attractions/INCONBOU000V50021U/detail/chateauneuf-en-auxois/chateauneuf-en-auxois), a hilltop fortress built in the fifteenth century with some fascinating history. A café in the central square is the perfect lunch spot; there’s nothing better than having lunch surrounded by a fifteenth-century fortress. After lunch it’s up and over the Côte and through a valley back to Beaune for a 110km day.

When I told Sam and Chris about the riding, I sold it as rolling countryside. After a couple of days of riding, they were pretty convinced it’s just plain hilly. I guess I have to agree.





Day three was a bit shorter to leave some time for exploring Beaune and wine tasting. We went up and down the Côte twice – just to confirm that is indeed hilly – and spent time walking around Beaune and wine tasting. One of the spots we went to was Patriarche Père et Fils. They have the largest cave in Beaune and for 16€ you can walk through kilometres of vaults and taste 16 different wines, including some Premier Crus.



That evening, we went to Le Montrachet, a one-star Michelin restaurant. Going there is an event – the food and service are impeccable. (If you ever get the chance to eat there, do it – you won’t be disappointed.) This meal capped off a few days of decadent eating, from a traditional Burgundy meal at Le Gourmandin to a twist on French fare with an Italian chef at Les Popiettes, along with lots of wine tasting. We needed a long ride to burn off some calories.



After a few 10am Grand Crèmes at Le Grand, we started our final day of riding. Up and over the Côte (again) then through the Burgundy countryside to Autun, a town that dates back to Roman times. In one 50km section of riding, we only saw five cars and rode through countless ancient towns. Each one is like a postcard and perfectly kept, and it’s clear the residents take tremendous pride in their little corner of France. We weren’t in a hurry and stopped to check out churches and châteaux along the route. In Autun, a pizza restaurant at the base of the cathedral was the perfect spot for lunch and a glass of wine. After a cathedral visit, we headed back to Beaune to end off a challenging 125km day.



Over dinner that night, we toasted Burgundy for being such a good host, and tasted wines from towns we’d spent the last four days riding through. I’ve been lucky enough to ride my bike all over the world, and Burgundy remains my favourite. It may not have the iconic climbs from the Tour de Giro and days aren’t necessarily “epic,” but it does have a beautiful countryside with a maze of roads perfect for cycling. If anyone ever needs a tour guide for Beaune, I’m in.



Biking in Burgundy | MEC Blog

Biking in Burgundy

We asked you to tell us your favourite Canadian camping destinations on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec/posts/10152042977651610), and the responses came flooding in. From your suggestions, here’s a list of 12 that show off the amazing places our country has to sleep outside. Maybe they’ll inspire you to find a new favourite this summer.

## Algonguin Provincial Park, Ontario
- About a 3-hour drive from Toronto and serviced by our partner [Parkbus](http://www.parkbus.ca/)
- Great for families, hiking and canoeing, and getting out of town for the weekend

Located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, [Algonquin Provincial Park](http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin) is the oldest provincial park in Canada. With over 2400 lakes and 1200km of streams and rivers within the Algonquin region, the park itself is made up of several smaller, separate provincial parks, so whether you’re a water, forest, or hill person, there’s an Algonquin park for you.



## Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
- Super accessible via the highway and serviced by our partner [Parkbus](http://www.parkbus.ca/)
- Camping options for a wide range of outdoor adventurers

With its massive cliffs, old-growth cedars, and pristine waters of Georgian Bay, [Bruce Peninsula National Park](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/index.aspx) is visually impressive. It’s also got you covered whether you’re looking to car camp, hit the backcountry, or camp in a tent-like structure called a yurt.



## Coppermine River, NWT
- Ideal for the hardy adventurer and those looking to get off the grid
- [Coppermine River](http://nunavutparks.ca/english/parks-special-places/coppermine-heritage-river/overview.aspx) is generally accessed by air charter from Yellowknife. It’s possible to portage up the river systems from the Snare or Yellowknife rivers, but it makes for a long trip.

Located in the North Slave and Kitikmeot regions of the Northwest Territories, the Coppermine River is known for its exceptional rafting, major rapids, and remarkable landscape.



## Discovery Islands, BC
- As the islands’ website claims, getting there is “part of the adventure.”
- Ferry hopping and driving is required, but once you get there, the weather, wildlife, tropical-esque beaches, and year-round recreation is well worth it.

Located on the West Coast between Campbell River (on north-central Vancouver Island) and BC’s mainland, the [Discovery Islands](http://www.discoveryislands.ca/) are tucked between mountains and water, have a relaxed vibe and boast a myriad of outdoor activities.



## Green Point Campground, Gros Morne National ParK, Newfoundland
- This campground operates on self-registration
- Running water, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a kitchen shelter are all cited as amenities

”It’s nestled gently within the coastal tuckamore, with the ocean so close that the saltwater smell and the crashing of the waves are the first thing to greet you in the morning,” explains Lisa Hutchings, who submitted [Green Point Campground](http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/planyourtrip/Detail/211400) as her favourite.



## Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, BC
- Made up of over 15 larger islands and numerous inlets and reefs, the park covers approximately 26 square kilometres of marine areas
- Accessible via a number of options: ferry, seaplane, boat taxi, or private charter

The [Gulf Islands National Park Reserve](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/gulf/carte-map-nfl.aspx) is one of Canada’s newest park reserves, and is located in the southern Strait of Georgia with exceptional coastal island landscape. Protecting one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in Canada, it offers up a variety of overnight options, from populated islands to more remote wilds, depending on what sort of trip you want and what kind of recreation you’re looking for.



## Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia
[Kejimkujik](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/index.aspx) (Keji for short) has numerous drive-in campgrounds, as well as “interior camping,” which are campsites only accessible by canoe or hiking in the summer, or ski or snowshoe in the winter.

Designated almost entirely as a national historic site, Keji is made up of two parts. The main park, which is located along the Nova Scotia peninsula between Queens and Annapolis counties, is known for its canoeing and warm water swimming. Kejimkujik Seaside, the smaller of the two parts, is located on the Atlantic coast of Queens County, and is defined by pristine waters, white sand, and seals basking on nearby rocks.



## Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay Islands, Ontario
- One campground exists within the park, accessed via the George Lake entrance
- The park offers extensive backcountry canoeing and sea kayaking, with yurt accommodation available year-round

Striking with its white quartzite ridges and sapphire lakes, [Killarney Provincial Park](http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killarney) is largely a wilderness park, ideal for those looking to indulge in some solitude and the beauty of an undisturbed natural setting.



## Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
- Easily accessible via a beautiful drive along Highway 1
- Campground is 1km from the village of Lake Louise and 4km from the lake itself

With gorgeous mountain views and water so blue it looks surreal, you could easily just spend your time staring at the landscape. But the great thing about [Lake Louise](http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Places-to-Stay/Campgrounds/Lake-Louise-Campground-Tent) is that there’s also a ton in the way of outdoor recreation (hiking, canoeing) and nearby Banff (60km away) always makes for interesting exploring.



## Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta
- Jasper National Park is accessed quite easily via Highway 16
- Camping on Maligne Lake is limited to 4 nights so that everyone gets the chance to stay

[Maligne Lake](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/explore-interets/lac-maligne.aspx) is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, encased by a ring of snow-capped mountains and said to “epitomize the drama and the heritage of the Canadian Rockies.” Expect to find whitewater rafting, canoeing, and hiking and feeling like you’ve arrived at one of the breathtaking places in Canada.



## Thousand Islands National Park, Ontario
- Located a few hours from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa

[Thousand Islands National Park](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/lawren/index.aspx) is a small protected area in the heart of the Thousand Islands, defined by its rugged landscape, northern wilderness feel, and focus on sustainable recreation.



## Skagit Valley Provincial Park, BC
- Extends 23km north of the Canada/US border and runs along the east side of Manning Provincial Park
- [Skagit Valley Provincial Park](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skagit/) has 3 vehicle-accessed campgrounds, which are fully serviced throughout the summer

Carved out by retreating glaciers, the Skagit Valley is remarkable in its extremes: crazy deep valleys and towering mountain peaks. It’s a space known for its undeveloped wilds and outdoor recreation with up to 50km of trails, river fishing, camping and picnicking.



Inspired to find a new favourite camping destination? Check out our quality assortment of [camping gear](/en/cat/camping-and-hiking), [guide books and maps](/en/ideal-for/camping-and-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) to get set up for your summer trip.



12 campsite favourites from our Facebook fans | MEC Blog

12 Campsite favourites from our Facebook fans | MEC Blog

12 favourite Canadian campsites

You might not guess it from looking at serene paddlers, casually gliding along, but stand up paddleboarding is a workout. Like, a full body “burn up to 500 calories in an hour” kind of workout.

To give you some moves you can add to your everyday paddling, we asked Emily Hinton (certified SUP instructor, avid yogi and MEC staffer) to share her favourite exercises to build strength, burn calories and mix up your SUP routine.



## Things to keep in mind before you start
- The best part of incorporating exercises into paddleboarding is the built-in warm up. A quick paddle on the water gets your blood moving to warm up your core, legs and body.
- SUP is all about balance. So to give yourself an even workout, be sure to paddle and do every exercise on both sides of your body.
- Your [paddle](/en/ideal-for/watersports+paddleboarding/products/gear/paddles/c/1363?q=%3Asales-rank) can float beside you in the water, you can loop your leash around it to tether it to your board, or you can set it next to you if there’s space on your board.
- You can do exercises on any board, but wider or [yoga-specific boards](/en/ideal-for/sup-yoga/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank) are more stable and offer more displacement to make your paddling more efficient. Plus they often have space to store your [PFD](/en/ideal-for/watersports+paddleboarding/products/gear/safety-equipment/pfds/c/1398?q=%3Asales-rank), props and any other items you might need (like a [water bottle](/en/products/gear/hydration/water-bottles/bottles/c/1235) or [sunscreen](/en/ideal-for/watersports/products/gear/health-and-safety/sun-protection/sunscreen/c/1219?q=%3Asales-rank&text=)).
- Whether or not you anchor your board while you perform these exercises depends on the water conditions, the moves you want to do, and any hazards that might exist around you. If you want to focus on your workout without worrying about drifting off, then anchoring is a good way to secure peace of mind. Also, if there’s traffic or a strong current, it’s a really good idea to anchor your board or attach some kind of leash rope to a deck or buoy.

### Core
“One of my favourite poses to do with a paddle is the classic – and thematic – boat pose,” says Emily. “Depending on the level of difficulty you want, there are a number of ways to do boat pose. But no matter the level, your core will feel the burn – especially when it’s done on water.”

- Keeping your shins parallel to the ground (bent at the knees, as Emily demos in the photo) is easier than having them straight out.
- To include the paddle in your pose, keep your shins parallel to the ground, and hold the paddle perpendicular to your arms and legs.
- If you want a little extra core work, add movement. Keep your paddle stretched out, perpendicular to your legs, and pulse the paddle up and down. This helps strengthen your core, especially your psoas muscles. These deep core muscles connect all the way to your hip flexors, and help support your posture and provide more stability in balancing poses.

**Bonus:** Incorporating your paddle to an exercise adds an element of balance (which means more core work!). Plus, it solves the problem of where to put your paddle when you’re performing an on-SUP exercise.



### Squats
Chair pose is a great way to get the movement of squats on your board, and is much more challenging than it looks,” says Emily. “Playing around with how far apart your feet are will change the level of difficulty.”

- It’s very important to always keep your weight balanced behind your knees, and to keep your back as straight as possible. Try tucking your tailbone to maintain a neutral spine and discourage your back from arching.
- An option is to raise your paddle above your shoulders at the same time as you lower back into your chair pose, and hold the pose until your legs start to burn.

**Bonus:** To add more shoulder burn, come in and out of your squatting position, lowering and raising your paddle with every up and down.



### Chest stretch
“Paddling is a great way to strengthen your arms and shoulders, so it’s a good idea to balance out all that muscle work with a good stretch,” says Emily. “Bow pose is a great way to open up your chest and is especially fun to do while bobbing around on the waves.”

- Start on your stomach and breathe as you gently lift your chest up with your hands under your armpits. After coming in and out of this gentle warm-up pose a few times, reach behind you and grab your feet with your hands. You will feel yourself naturally rock backwards and forwards with your breath.
- Try not to rely too much on your arms in this pose – pushing your feet against your hands creates a great resistance and helps to work your legs a little more too.

**Bonus:** Because of the rocking that occurs in this pose, it’s also a great way to stimulate your organs, helping to increase their efficiency and flush out toxins.



### Plank
“Plank is one of the all-around best strengthening poses, on and off the water,” says Emily. “These variations allow you to ‘test the water,’ while also challenging your balance.”

- From plank pose (either full plank or plank on your forearms, as shown below), breathe out and lift one leg, moving it off the side of your board. This weight shift will mean your board will be slightly tilted – don’t panic, this instability is great for your core. Dip your toe just over the edge of the board into the water. Breathe out, and return your foot to its original position. As with all exercises, repeat on other side.
- Another plank variation is to reach your leg to the opposite side of the board. Stretch your right leg under your left leg to “test the water” on the left side of the board. Alternate legs and repeat.

**Bonus:**Dolphin plank is a variation where you place your forearms on the board and lift your hips up in the air (almost like a half-plank/half-down dog). The change in angle demands a lot from your core, and it works as a great shoulder opener, which your body will like after all of the paddling.



### Straight up cardio
“In addition to a vigorous paddling session, there are a lot of exercises you can do on a SUP to get your cardio fix,” says Emily.

- **Jump to it**. Instead of just standing up and down as you’re coming in and out of your squat, try adding a jump – it’ll get your heart going and really challenges your balance!
- **Go with the flow**. Move through a fluid sequence of downward dog, plank and dolphin (and repeat) to get your heart pumping and your mind calm.
- **Add a burst.**Interval training is easy to do on a board by repeating short bursts of fast paddling (say 30 seconds), followed by long, strong strokes for two minutes. Do a few repeats of this interval to get your heart going and build your endurance.

**Bonus:**Working out on a moving board helps engage your entire body. The water’s waves and currents add an element of playfulness and extra element to your workout. Not only does it challenge your core, but there’s also the chance of falling out of a pose and into the water. Just think of it as *really* getting to tune into nature.



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