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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

As a staff gear tester at MEC and a rider who gets in 100+ days a year, I’ve had a chance to try out many different Ghost models over the past few years, and I was incredibly eager to get my hands on one of the new 2016 arrivals, the [Ghost SL AMR X 8 LC](/en/product/5044-702/Slamr-X-8-LC-Bicycle).

The frames for the new AMR bikes (short for All Mountain Ride) are redesigned to use a classic FSR suspension platform – a tried-and-true success story in the mountain biking industry. The SL AMR X 8 LC is built with a carbon fibre front triangle and aluminum rear triangle, both of which are updated and  improved.



Its Fox 34 Performance Series suspension fork is adjustable and can be set at 150mm or 120mm of travel depending on the changes happening on the trail. The fork is paired nicely with the new 150mm Fox Float X Performance rear shock, which uses Fox’s new Open-Medium-Firm 3-position adjustment platform.



2016 marks the debut of Shimano’s 11-speed XT group, and the 2×11 XT drivetrain is spec’d on this tier of AMR. The bike uses a full XT level drivetrain including medium-caged clutch derailleur, shift levers, 36-26 double crankset, and 11-42T wide range cassette. It also comes stock with Shimano XT 2-piston brakes and uses 180mm rotors in both the front and rear for aggressive all mountain riding. All of the cables for the drivetrain, seatpost, and rear hose for the hydraulic brake are routed internally through the frame with clean and stylish exit points.



The changes to the AMR series make these more robust and versatile mountain bikes. A 67-degree head tube angle is slack enough for descending aggressive terrain, without compromising climbing or maneuverability, and the Torsion X chainstay combined with oversized linkage bearings vastly improves the rear-end stiffness when compared to the previous standard chainstay bridge.



The most interesting change to the AMR design involves the ability to change the rear travel of the bike. The design basically allows  you to build three different bikes simply by changing the lower shock mount. To do it, you need to have a second/spare shock with a longer (or shorter) stroke length, but by flipping the lower shock mount and installing the spare shock, you can obtain more (or less) rear wheel travel depending on what you need.

As an example, if you’re interested in using the SL AMR (150mm of rear travel) as your everyday bike, but you’re also interested in doing a few XC or marathon-style races through the year, all you’d need is a shorter travel fork and shock to swap in, and your bike would be better suited to that riding discipline. You could switch from having 150mm front and 150mm rear, to 130mm front and 130mm rear in a matter of minutes.

All in all, the [SL AMR X LC 8](/en/product/5044-702/Slamr-X-8-LC-Bicycle) is truly a do-it-all, lightweight carbon mountain bike. It feels nimble and snappy on the climbs, and descends confidently even when the trails get aggressive. The design, the thought and care that have gone into the new AMR platform have produced a very versatile and incredibly fun ride!



Bike Review: The Ghost 2016 SL AMR | MEC Blog

Bike Review: The Ghost 2016 SL AMR

Not all rides are made equal. Ride More Roads is a tribute to rides fuelled by a desire to explore, to spontaneous moments and unexpected experiences that happen on a new route, and to that deeply satisfying feeling of there and back again.

To bring Ride More Roads to life, we travelled to southern California to ride the golden coast’s best roads. Between countless stops for espresso, technical descents and more than a few rough sections of asphalt, we pulled off a trip that we’re unlikely to forget any time soon. Connect with MEC for highlights from the trip, including exceptional roads, a brief Drake cameo and the ridiculously great Ridley bikes we were lucky enough to bring.

Join us: [#ridemoreroads](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ridemoreroads/)



Ride more roads / Roulez Plus

Ride more roads | MEC Blog

Ride more roads

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

From standout member moments and adventurous canines to being named the top brand in the nation, 2015 was full of surprises. Here we recall some favourite moments from the past year.

##### 1. Give and get**
**
Thanks to our members, we’ve been able to donate [$1.6 million](/en/explore/granting) to grants, outdoor expeditions and programs like Toronto’s [Kids In the Woods Initiative-KIWI](http://www.kidsinthewoodsinitiative.org/kidsinthewoodsinitiative.org/Welcome.html), which connects children to nature while exploring Rouge Park.



##### 2. Outdoor Nation out east**
**
Our 1% for the Planet program, [Outdoor Nation](https://outdoornation.mec.ca/), put on two events in Toronto and Montreal, hosting over 300 twenty-somethings who pitched ideas to inspire young people to get outside (alongside campfires and live music). Follow Outdoor Nation on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mecnation/?fref=ts) to find out about upcoming events.



##### 3. Voted top brand in Canada
In October we were recognized as one of the top brands in Canada by *[Canadian Business](http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-brands/canadas-best-brands-2016-the-top-25/image/26/)*magazine. It was an honour to be featured alongside many iconic brands.



##### 4. Random acts of kindness
A Vancouver MEC member helped a cyclist get back on the road with a [new helmet and lock](http://www.metronews.ca/news/vancouver/2015/09/22/taiwanese-cyclist-says-thank-you-to-kind-stranger.html) after his bike was stolen during his mission to bike across the world. Thank you Mike!



##### 5. Our staff inspired us
MEC staffer Rick Wright (61) was featured in *[Running Magazine](http://runningmagazine.ca/stories-from-the-run-commute-i-run-to-my-job-at-mountain-equipment-co-op/)* for running the 19K route to and from his job at our Toronto store. Talk about determination!



##### 6. Three new store openings
We’re expanding across Canada with a new flagship in Vancouver, a store in North York, and one in Kelowna too (pictured below). We can’t wait to meet our customers and host some fun events in these new cities. Stay tuned!



##### **7. Staff celebrated a spooky and silly Halloween**
Our staff really got into the Halloween spirit. The photos speak for themselves



##### 8. “Adventure Dog” became part of our vocabulary
Dogs and adventures go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it was only until recently the term “Adventure Dog” became part of our daily vocabulary. Meet some of our favourite adventure dogs we met in 2015: [Gibson](https://www.instagram.com/p/9HGfYZNKVj/?taken-by=la_maude), [Rocco](https://www.instagram.com/roccothewolf/), [Ellie](https://www.instagram.com/lifeaccordingtoellie/) and [Loki](https://www.instagram.com/loki_the_wolfdog/) (pictured).



Here’s to topping it all in 2016! Follow along with us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec).



The best of MEC in 2015 | MEC Blog

The best of MEC in 2015

From highlighting your all-weather outdoor addictions on social media to teaming up with some inspired minds for events and partnerships, these are the top 10 moments of 2015.

### 10. 20,000 strong
There were over [20,000 photos shared](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mecnation/) to #MECNation on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec_nation/?hl=en)! From best buds chilling out in the wild (canines or humankind) to campouts, hangouts and just getting out, that’s 20,000 adventures, 20,000 new friends and 20,000 sources of inspiration for your 2016 goals.



### 9. Chasing sunset
We teamed up with the early birds behind [Chasing Sunrise](http://chasingsunri.se/) to get amped at sunset. The hike up to the Sea to Sky Gondola summit had all the makings of a typical Vancouver day – pouring rain and no view – but damned if we didn’t have the best time ever with 130 of our new BFFs.



### 8. Won’t back down
Speaking of rain, our urban camp out at [Evergreen Brickworks](http://www.evergreen.ca/get-involved/evergreen-brick-works/) in Toronto was soaking wet, but you wouldn’t know it from the singing, dancing, and partying. It may be Drake’s hometown, but cue Tom Petty: the 6ix won’t back down.



### 7. Moonlit magic
There’s nothing like partying on the boardwalk in downtown Montreal. Man, can that city have a good time. There was a definite dreamlike quality to sleeping under apple blossoms and a cool factor to stand up paddle boarding downtown, but dancing to music under the moonlight takes the cake.



### 6. Outdoor heroines
We have to celebrate some badass chicks who get outside. [Rad Girls Collective](https://www.instagram.com/radgirlscollective/?hl=en) and [Girls Gone Wilderness](https://www.instagram.com/girlsgonewilderness/) were some of the first groups we funded, and they keep working to get women outside on their own terms.



### 5. Surf and turf
Who needs ocean? We woke up our surf side by cleaning up Toronto’s beaches and getting out on the Great Lakes. Our new pals [Surf the Greats](http://surfthegreats.org/) make Hogtown cooler than Lake Ontario on a January day (which, incidentally, they’ve surfed in. Brrrrrrr!)



### 4. #Squadgoals
Building the best crew ever (that’s you!) With a digital community of over 16,000 (on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mecnation/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/MEC_Nation) & [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec_nation/?hl=en)) and 700 peeps at our events, we have an amazing foundation to do great things with a nationwide pack. Did we mention we’re just getting started?



### 3. Cash money
This year we gave out $30,000 to fund some crazy, awesome, hyped-up ideas that aim to get more 20-somethings outside. [Hi5 Run](https://www.facebook.com/Hi5Run) and [Discover Your Wild](http://thepeakbaggers.com/discoveryourwild/) are just the beginning.



### 2. Bus(t) a move
We hear it all the time – lacking in wheels is a barrier to getting out there. This year, thanks to our friends at [Parkbus](https://www.parkbus.ca/), an overnight camping trip was a cinch for a band of Torontonians.



### 1. Forget resolutions
Planning to make 2016 your most outdoorsy year yet? Forget resolutions – science shows most of them falter by mid-February anyways (only about 64% of people are still hanging on after only a month into the New Year). Your only goal for this year should be to get outside and let us help. We have some big plans for the future, and free gear, clinics, and events are [just the beginning](http://outdoornation.mec.ca/).



Top 10 moments of 2015: Outdoor Nation edition | MEC Blog

Top 10 moments of 2015: Outdoor Nation edition

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

*What does it take to capture a one-one thousandth-of-a-second, once-in-a-lifetime shot? Reuben reveals how he teamed with Salomon, trekked to the Arctic Circle, and captured a skier in a solar eclipse.*

A third of the way through Salomon’s latest episode of [Freeski TV](http://freeskitv.salomon.com/en/episodes/eclipse?intcmp=mainmea_vertical_us_hp_eclipse_FW15#eclipse-1), viewers meet the dreamer behind a questionable chase to the Arctic Circle. His ambition: to capture a skier in motion during one of nature’s rarest phenomena – a total solar eclipse. The subject is photographer Reuben Krabbe, who wowed ski fans in February 2015 after capturing fellow ambassador Tobin Seagel skiing against a backdrop of the northern lights.

“There’s a Grant Gunderson photograph of a skier amongst a trail of stars,” says Reuben, citing the Gunderson work as the inspiration for his Aurora Borealis shot. “After that photograph of Tobin, I was looking at maps available through NASA that show all of the different places where solar eclipses are going to happen in the next 20, 50, 100, 200 years.” So where was Reuben to find his white whale? Svalbard – a Norwegian group of islands sandwiched between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Rugged and teeming with glaciers, frozen tundra, and a fellowship of polar bears, it’s the very definition of remote, and one of just two places where the total eclipse could be viewed in 2015.



Roughly one solar eclipse appears per year, but typically in places where people won’t see them, such as the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Worse yet, they often occur when the moon is too far away from earth, so it doesn’t fully cover the sun.

Eager to bring his dream to life, Reuben pitched the idea to the director of Salomon Freeski TV, Mike Douglas, in late 2014. He recognized the hook of the story immediately: this had never been done before. But, there were risks. “We both knew the chances of it working out were so low – if you miss it through the clouds, it’s not that interesting. It’s completely boring actually. You’d just be able to show a time lapse of a cloudy day getting dark and bright again.” Salomon came back to Reuben with a green light. “They said, ‘we love this idea, let’s do everything possible to make this happen in the best way.’ I was completely taken aback.”

The team consisted of skiers Chris Rubens, Cody Townsend and Brody Leven; director and filmmaker Anthony Bonello; on-slope videographer Bjarne Salen; guide Steve Lewis; Reuben; a camp cook; and two ski guides (one an ex-trauma doctor). They spent three weeks on Svalbard and winter-camped while scouting locations for an additional 12 days. Reuben credits Bonello as the coordinator behind the trip, allowing Reuben to simply make sure he was winter ready. His set up included the [MEC Radiator Parka](/en/product/5036-945/Radiator-Parka), boot warmers, and essentially everything a person needs to not freeze.



Leading up to the eclipse, the team had no idea of the elements they would face. Clear days were used to scout the right location, leading to some frustrated skiers. “We were burning these bluebird days that have stable snow and perfect light and we hadn’t got to ski great stuff yet, just two little chutes. They were all looking at all the stuff they wanted to ski and the pursuit of this single photo – a photo we don’t know whether or not will turn out – is preventing them from skiing,” Reuben sympathizes. “It’s just this impossible thing to deal with. They went through with it, but were vocal, which is good. I was just as frustrated that I was the person standing in the way.”

When the day of the eclipse finally arrived, the team was elated to see the weather was working in their favour, and Reuben’s dream was realized. Bonello shot some stunning footage of the total eclipse: waves of light gently rippling around a massive black orb. As the light changes, Svalbard appears as an alternate world with two moons; one bright orange, the other heavy ebony, both filled with quiet contrast and mystery. For a short time, the sky goes black, and moments later dawn-like rays careen into the scene, blanketing sheets of fresh white powder in light.

“It was pure elation. Everyone finally understood why this is such a dramatic thing that people fly around the world to just watch,” says Reuben. “We got to create something with it. The success validated the entire pursuit. And then, finally, we got to go skiing. We went back to camp, grabbed some food, and went. We got some beautiful shots [of that] right away. It was nice, to go back to simple shooting in the Arctic.”



Salomon’s Freeski TV episode recently screened at the Banff Mountain Film Festival to great acclaim, taking home the grand prize for Best Film in the Snow Sports category. “I had no idea going into it that it was going to have this kind of reception outside of skiers. It put this huge validating stamp on this concept and the entire project,” says Reuben. “It’s been a beautiful way to kick things off.”

For now, Reuben is enjoying the afterglow. “Regardless of whether you’re a skier or not, when you see the solar eclipse photo, you can’t help but stop and look and start trying to figure out ‘What is this? The moon? The sun? How on earth did they do this?’ I think the fact that I can do that by capturing one-one-thousandth of a second is just so cool.”

*– Photos by Reuben Krabbe. Check out MEC’s selection of [Salomon gear](/en/brand/salomon/products/gear/c/gear?q=%3Asales-rank&text=).*



The photo of a lifetime: solar eclipse | MEC blog

The photo of a lifetime: solar eclipse

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.

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