Tickets are $20 per show.
Available at Coast Mountain Sports or the Yukon Arts Centre.
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All proceeds from the sale of our Home items go towards implementing “Safe at Home” across Yukon. Safe at Home is Yukon’s action plan to end and prevent homelessness. For more information, visit https://safeathomeyukon.ca
Each item helps to promote Safe at Home's efforts and sports a custom Home logo.
We are proud to say that, to date, we have raised over $40,000 for Safe at Home. And we continue to develop new items and variations on our logos and products.
Our Home Project grows and changes every year. We will continue to raise funds to help those in need by celebrating our Yukon Home.
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But wait, how can a fabric be both warm and cool? Wool is thermoregulating. This means that it has the ability to react to changes in your body temperature and the environment. It insulates you when you are cold, and it manages heat and moisture when you are hot.
Non-itchy? Yup. There is a small percentage of people who are allergic to wool. But most of us are lucky enough to be able to wear it. Merino wool, however, is not itchy like regular wool because each strand of wool is thinner than regular wool. The thin strands bend when they come in contact with your skin, they don’t poke. Voilà, soft and comfortable.
And yes, you can throw it in the washing machine. Merino prefers cool water and to be hung to dry. But the best part is, it doesn’t stink so it doesn’t need to be washed often. Wool is naturally anti-microbial… it will air out, especially if you hang it at night. Consequently, many Yukoners will wear their wool almost every day as a base layer in winter, whether they are inside or outside most of the day.
So what weight is best for you?
Overall, in winter, 200 weight wool is great when you are in and out of doors most of the day. 150 weight and 200 weight will work well under your work shirt or if it’s cold and you will be getting your heart rate up with a ski or a run. If you run cold, you may find yourself reaching for your warmer wool…. And you can layer! Wool over wool equals warmth! Layer it on when the temperature gets to -20 or lower.
And yes, bring it on your holiday to Hawaii (when we can travel again!!). Lightweight merino is perfect in hot weather and it doesn’t hold wrinkles for long. Roll it up, stuff it in your suitcase then just wear it for a little while or hang it in your bathroom for a little steaming before you do. Walk into air-conditioned stores and you won’t be cold. Walk outside and you won’t be too struck by the heat. Wool is wonderful. Merino wool that is.
You will find merino from Icebreaker, Smartwool, Woolpower and Kari Traa at Coast Mountain Sports. So many Yukoners love it. You might live in a big city. You might be off grid in the bush. Merino wool is comfortable, beautiful and practical no matter your lifestyle.
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First, we have to define cold.
When you google for info on running in the cold, you’ll find that most information isn’t for Yukon Cold. It’s for Vancouver Cold. Or California Cold. In other words, cold that isn’t that COLD.
Because Yukon cold can be extreme, we find that it’s best to think of it in 3 levels for winter running:
0 to -10C
-11 to -25C
-25 and below
Second, we have to understand that running in any weather takes layers and accessories:
Layers: base, mid and outer. Your layers should not contain cotton. When you run you sweat. Cotton will slurp up the moisture, then promptly freeze, and freeze you in the process! Be sure to wear wicking wool or synthetics.
Accessories: Toque, scarf, neck tube, balaclavas, gloves, mitts, overmitts…
Yes, it gets complicated! We like to simplify by thinking of warmth from our head to our toes.
Third: Be bold and start (a little) cold.
At cold temperatures there is danger if you over dress for a run.
If you overdress, your core overheats and it is hard to gauge whether your extremities are cold. This can lead to real discomfort, or worse.
When you overheat, you then want to start stripping down but this will expose wet layers. Your skin and the fat layer under it will become cold and uncomfortable and you might even begin to suffer from a cold core.
It’s always hard to know if you are starting too cold. A good test is to start your run with a loop around the block to see if you warm up just enough. Not too hot, not too cold… you want to be ju-u-u-ust right!
Overall, you will learn your personal internal temperatures. Our resident hardcore runner starts cold then becomes a furnace…she knows she has to start her run like an icicle. Your softer core writer has a more even temperature but suffers from cold extremities and always wears big mitts and thick socks.
OK now that that’s done, here are our recommendations from head to toes.
0 to -10C
-11C to -25c
This is getting more serious. As the temperature lowers so should the intensity and duration of your runs. You must protect your lungs, your ears, your hands and your feet.
All the layers above apply. Just a step warmer.
-25C and lower
First of all: Wow you are a warrior. The fresh, very crisp air, the air crystals shining like diamonds and the giant puffy ravens cawing at you will be your reward. All in addition to the surge of endorphins and the increased fitness. Likely you will have worked your way from warmer conditions to these arctic temps so we will simply list tips that we have learned:
And at all temperatures: traction, headlamps and reflective gear.
It sounds like a lot but running or walking in the cold is wonderful. Start slowly and remember to look around as much as you can to take in our beautiful Yukon landscape and to catch those ravens laugh, er, cawing at you.
]]>The easiest way to start is to rent some equipment and book a lesson!
Equipment rental
You can rent skis, boots and poles through the Pro Shop at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski club. The Ski Club equipment is meant to be used on the Ski Club trails only. It’s super convenient to rent what you need right at the foot of these world class trails. Visit their website here.
What’s at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club?
The Ski Club is a complete facility that operates all ski season. They are open 9-9 Monday to Friday and 9-6 on weekends. This year the huts and the Ski club are not open for socializing, but the wax room has been set up for easy, safe physical distancing. There is a space for changing before and after you ski. They boast over 85 kms of ski trails which range from beginner to advanced. And yes, they have special trails so that instead of walking your dog, you can ski you dog! These trails are groomed and maintained daily for both classic and skate skiing. During the winter they also have a small lit loop area. Ski passes are $17 for adults and $9 for Youth, students and seniors. Children (6 & under) are free and a family of 4 or more can get a day pass for $40. You’ll find lots more details at https://www.xcskiwhitehorse.ca/
How do you book lessons?
You can book lessons with Rudy at the Aurora Ski School (call 867-667-2366) or with Dan from the Performance Ski School (867-334-2015). Please visit https://www.xcskiwhitehorse.ca/ for more information under SKI LESSONS. The ski club also offers various youth programs, please go to PROGRAMS for more info.
Also, if you decide to buy a full cross country classic or skate ski package from Coast (skis, boots & bindings or skis, bindings & poles) we offer a discount on a lesson with Aurora Ski School to help you get to the next level! Our small way of helping you to love the sport we love.
What do you wear?
Take a look at our Blog called “What to wear for a Yukon Winter Run” for advice on what to wear. We recommend that at first you scale things up a bit warmer then described. After a few times out you will have a good idea of what works for you. We suggest that you carry a small daypack with water, a snack and a place to stuff a jacket. Cross country skiing is great exercise similar to running but it is easier on your joints and provides great exercise for your arms and back!
Ski Equipment/Waxing
If you would prefer to purchase equipment, visit Coast Mountain Sports on Main Street or check out our website for gear. If you are having trouble figuring things out, you can email us for help at support@tsgyukon.com or call us at 867-667-4074.
To choose your equipment you will have to decide between
Drop in at the store or call/email us and we will discuss your options!
Do you already have ski gear and you’re not sure how to wax or maintain it? No problem! The Ski Club and Coast Mountain Sports offer ski services such as hot waxing, ski clean up, prep for the winter season, and minor repairs. Visit our pro- shop page for a full list of all our services here.
They both also have knowledgeable staff to help you to buy the right kick wax if your skis are waxable. Wax is available at the Ski Club Pro Shop, at our Coast Mountain Store.
So try it! Rent some equipment, call up Rudy or Dan and soon our snowy mountains and trails will be open for you to explore. It seems intimidating but it really is a fun way to get outside and to stay fit.
]]>Listen, Outdoor gear can be expensive… we get it! 😅
Here are 5 tips to help you save money and make your dollars stretch longer.
1. QUALITY over quantity, always.
We’re firm believers in this. That’s why we’ve hand picked every item in our store specific to Northern life. Rest assured knowing that choosing high quality gear, although sometimes expensive, will last longer and always save you money down the road. 💴
2. Opt for inside info.
We’re always up to something in store, so make sure to sign up for our mailing list so you can be the first to know when a sale or promotion is happening. You can do this by visiting our website here and scrolling to the bottom of our page and typing your email address in.
(Don’t worry, spam is not our jam!)
3. Don’t be afraid to consider last years models.
Outdoor gear manufacturers often release new models each season. This is when you can typically find discounts on previous year’s models, which is still of high quality and perfectly suitable for your needs. Cha-Ching!
4. Become a price match connoisseur.
Psst. We love and appreciate when you shop local, so we’re more than happy to thank you by price matching any Canadian online retailer. If you find the same item listed for less online, you better believe we’ll match it! So next time you’re cruising online and a killer deal pops up, send us a quick message or pop into our store to see if we have the same size/ colour in stock.
5. Take advantage of triangle rewards!
One of our main reasons for franchising Coast with Sports Experts was to bring the big city prices to the north. Now as a bonus, all our customers have access to the triangle rewards program, where you can collect money on every dollar spent AND even redeem your money in store! It’s free.99 to sign up so don’t wait, come see us in store and sign up today!
We'll see you soon, smart (local) shoppers! 🙂
Always keep an eye out for bears so you can be sure to give them plenty of room. Look for recent bear signs such as tracks, fresh diggings, scats or tree scratches. If you see any of these be extra cautious. Choose routes with good visibility where possible. Pay attention to the direction of the wind.
Staying safe in bear country starts with knowledge about bears, how they think, and what to do when you encounter them. Knowing how the behaviours differ between different species of bears is important to your safety. We like to stay up to date and informed by visiting the Yukon Government website at https://yukon.ca/en/stay-safe-bear-country. There is also terrific information here from the University of Alberta. And check out Wildwise Yukon about, well, being wild wise!
For extra safety, try not to go out into the wilderness alone. Travelling in groups of 3 or more is safest as the larger the group, the more intimidating to a bear.
Always make lots of noise so you’re able to give the bears plenty of notice that you are approaching. The last thing you want to do is sneak up onto a bear! Loudly talking or singing is said to be better than using bells. Make lots of noise in thick bush, near berry patches or near running water. You can also use an air horn, although it is recommended to do so at a distance. Here’s a terrific article on air horns.
Carrying bear spray is crucial, but you need to know how to use it. We recommend investing in inert bear spray (available in store now). This will give you a chance to practice in case you actually need to use it someday. Hunter Education and Outreach Officer Jim Welsh came to our store a while back to do a bear spray demo. You can see it here. We love his matter-of-fact, common sense approach!
And when you carry spray, be sure you can reach it easily. A holster on your belt or a Scatbelt will ensure that it isn’t hidden in a pocket of your pack in an emergency.
Get out and enjoy our beautiful wilderness! You don’t need to be afraid of bears. You do need to be respectful, informed and cautious.
“Our Elders tell us bears are sacred: we respect them; share the land, air and water with them; they are our spirit brothers and sisters; they are the protector of the animal kingdom; they keep the land healthy. So, in respecting our grandmothers’ and grandfathers’ words, let’s do our part to keep this legacy alive and protect bears, so we can both roam this great land together in harmony.”
We are all feeling the doldrums and the stress of darkness, cold and covid. One of the best ways to take care of our mental and physical health is to get outside and to get some exercise.
Here is some information on running from our friends at The North Face. Their biggest messages: slow down and feed your body well! Don’t be hard on yourself for any covid or winter weight & lack of fitness. Take it easy, enjoy the view and give your mind and body time to work things through.
Here’s the blog by The North Face, also found at https://www.thenorthface.com/en_ca/journal/2016/biology-of-running.html
The Biology of running
You stretch, you head out the door and hit the trail. You sweat, you get sore, you rest, and you repeat.
Running seems simple enough. It's been universal to just about all humans throughout history. After learning to walk, running comes naturally. But beneath the surface, it's not quite so simple. The human body is a complex system and has been evolving over thousands of years to become a lean, mean running machine. While we all know what running looks like from the outside, we were curious to find out more about what happens on the inside, so we asked nutritionist and TNF athlete Stephanie Howe to walk us through the various processes that take place in the body while running.
There are many signals that are released during running to signal and prepare the body for activity. The first thing that happens is stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which releases the neurotransmitter epinephrine. The influx of epinephrine prepares the body for flight or fight; heart rate and blood pressure increase to bring blood to the working muscles, glucose and fatty acids are mobilized to provide energy, breathing rate goes up, and we start to heat up.
During running, the muscles require oxygen to release energy. To get to the working muscles, oxygen travels through the body by way of the arteries. This process starts with the lungs: we breathe in and oxygen enters the lungs where it binds to red cells in the pulmonary blood vessels. Oxygen is then transported through the body to the muscles and tissues, where it is taken up for energy production.
The body has three main energy systems. When we first begin a muscle contraction, the body will use the stored energy, ATP, within the muscles. This stored ATP is only able to fuel the first couple seconds of exercise. The next system, anaerobic glycolysis, takes over and can supply the body with additional energy to fuel the activity for up to two minutes. This system is referred to as anaerobic glycolysis, because it does not require oxygen to break down glucose to yield ATP. Since anaerobic glycolysis is limited as well, another type of glycolysis called aerobic glycolysis can also break down glucose to fuel activity. The aerobic glycolysis works in combination with another aerobic system, the citric acid cycle, which uses fat and by-products shuttled from aerobic glycolysis to produce ATP. Still with me? I know, metabolism is super complex! Just know that all three systems work in harmony to adequately fuel the activity. Still, after one and a half to two hours of activity, stored energy supplies in the body start to diminish and we have to supplement to continue moving at the same intensity. Otherwise we hit the proverbial wall.
Digestion and absorption are complex physiological processes in the body. Normally, food is consumed, broken down in the stomach, absorbed across the small intestine, and enters the bloodstream, where nutrients are carried to the liver and sent out to via the blood vessels to the body.
There are three types of macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. All three nutrients are essential to health and optimal functioning of the body. While running, carbohydrate and fat are the primary sources of fuel. Your body uses both carbohydrate and fat, with the amount depending on the intensity of the run. Although many nutrition fads exist, it’s important to understand how metabolism works to provide sports nutrition recommendations. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation floating around that is largely based on anecdotal evidence. To best fuel your body during races and long training runs, focus on simple carbohydrates found in sources like gels and sports drinks
To maximize your ability to utilize fat, make sure to run your distance and long runs at an appropriate intensity. The biggest mistake new runners make is running their easy and long runs too fast! Slow down and enjoy the views! Save the fast running for your hard workout days. Protein is not used as a fuel during exercise but is important for literally all functions in the body, such as signaling, sending messages, building and repairing, and much more. It’s important to consume protein on a regular basis but focus on quality protein. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not actually difficult to get enough protein. In fact, most Americans overconsume protein. However, endurance athletes require slightly more protein due to the constant breaking down and building up of tissues. Just make sure to vary your sources so you get everything you need.
The initiation of running involves many physiologic processes that work synchronously to allow us to run. It’s incredible actually, if you stop to think about it. There are so many things that have to go right to create movement.
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Grizzly Lake Trail
Highlights: The company, autumn colours, toughness, Pikas, and feelings of accomplishment.
Grizzly Lake Trail
It feels suiting to start my list off with a hike that was on my bucket list since the day I first stepped foot in the Yukon in 2012. This is one of those trails where it is impossible to take a bad photo, and the trail has enough rocks, elevation gain, and remoteness to make you feel like superman by the time you are done hiking each day. I’ve had the chance to hike this beautiful 40 km trail twice, including during the peak of the beautiful autumn colours. It takes you deep into the beautiful remote mountains of Tombstone Territorial Park and truly is a backcountry hikers dream. With no campfires allowed (lack of trees and a very sensitive ecosystem), this trail will test your gear, your balance, and how well you like your hiking companions. This northern mountain range can bring a blast of winter weather at any moment (as we encountered in late August). Check out my adventure from my first time hiking this trail here. This trail can be done as a day hike with wonderful views into Grizzly Lake, but I highly recommend doing the full 40 km hike into Talus Lake as a 4-6 day journey.
Tachal Dhal Ridge
Highlights: Glacier and lake views, wildlifeTachal Dhal Ridge
Tachal Dhal Ridge (known also as Sheep Mountain Ridge), is a favourite of mine for a number of reasons. When I first came to the Yukon, I was based along the shores of Kluane Lake, staring at this beauty of a mountain. I later went on to work for Kluane National Park and Reserve, where I spent a lot of my summer working at the interpretive centre at the base of this mountain. So when I had the chance to do the full ridge route, I couldn’t pass it up. It is a commitment of a hike and requires a bit of logistics as the loop does not join back up with the start. This steep leg burner climb graces you with fantastic views of Kluane Lake and then veers you in the direction of the Slims River Valley where you can see the Kaskawulsh Glacier in the distance. This trail is a haven for wildlife, especially sheep, golden eagles, and grizzly bears. Best to bring along a bunch of friends and make a lot of noise to warn the bears that you’re just wandering through their home.
The Tors
Highlights: Rock formationsThe Tors
The Tors is just a magical place, and the trail to these Stonehenge-like natural rock wonders is a fun mix of boreal woods, hills, cliffs, and lovely sub-alpine floral landscapes. I have had the opportunity to hike this 13km trail twice (and I am glad I have, as I took the wrong ridge down the first time and ended up adding an extra six hours down a sketchy bear-poop bushwhacking non-trail). If you can only hike one trail in the Yukon, this place is too magical to pass up.
St. Elias Lake
Highlights: Reward for effort, mountain lake, and lush forestsSt. Elias Lake
St. Elias Lake truly is a gem of a hike. Situated within Kluane National Park and Reserve, this often forgotten about little trail is one of the most rewarding hikes for your effort. The trailhead begins off the Haines Highway (about 60 km from the community of Haines Junction) and meanders through a lush boreal forest for the majority of the hike. Within not too long (about 4km, mountains begin to emerge all around you and after a final jaunt through some dense willows, you’re suddenly at the most beautiful green lake at the base of a stunning mountain. I always thought this would be a fun trail to run sometime, but bears can certainly be abundant.
Charcoal Creek Ridge
Highlights: Scenery, wildlife viewing, the challengeCharcoal Ridge
Another hike in Tombstone Territorial Park that made the list! I have a soft spot for the types of hikes that start off with a grunt of a hill and then becomes a beautiful stroll in the alpine. I guess you could argue that most of the hikes in the Yukon are like this, but there is something special about Charcoal Creek Ridge. Perhaps it’s the lack of trail that puts your route finding skills to the test, or being surrounded by the beautiful tombstone mountains, but this trail is a stunner and can be accessed right across from the Territorial Campground.
Chilkoot Trail
Highlights: The history and changing ecosystemsThe Chilkoot Trail
An Elder in Tagish recently told me that you are not a true Yukoner until you’ve hiked the Chilkoot Trail. This international 53 km hike begins in Dyea Alaska, and follows a Tlingit path (and later the famous trek of the Gold Rush Stampeders) into Bennet, British Columbia. Besides the feelings of stepping back into this area’s rich history, I love this trail because of the diversity of ecosystems you pass through over the (usually) four day hike. From lush fern-covered coastal rainforest, to alpine barren mountainous landscapes, then into northern boreal forests and sand dune (desert like) endings, this trail has it all. And luckily you can hike (or run) it with a much lighter pack then the stampeders had to bring over the Chilkoot Pass.
Shorty Creek
Highlights: Untouched remote landscape and wildflowersShorty Creek
Another Kluane National Park and Reserve trail that makes my top ten cut. And for good reason. When I worked for the national park I had the opportunity to hike this stunning 13 km trail. Only a small handful of hikers check out this trail each year, mostly because it’s trail head is 5.5km down a very rough road called the Mush Lake Road. This trail is a remote and lush paradise, with lovely mountain views and incredible wildflowers. This is certainly a hike where you notify your safety contacts of your plans, as it would take you a very long time to hike out to the road (which I’ve almost had to do because of a flat tire!!).
Nares Mountain
Highlights: The challenge and lake viewsNares Mountain
Nares Mountain is another fantastic mountain grunt, with stellar views of the Carcross region (including the Carcross Desert, Bennett Lake, and Nares Lake). I try to hike this one every year because it towers over the community of Carcross and who doesn’t like being able to sit at the coffee shop after, starring at the hard core mountain route that you just conquered? This hike is a fun technical (and vertical) challenge. I highly recommend doing this hike as a loop, going up one ridge and down the other to maximize the views.
Mount Lorne
Highlights: Mountain views, technical terrain, and being able to see this mountain every dayMount Lorne
Mount Lorne is one of the bigger mountains that you can see every day from downtown Whitehorse, and it remains as the most challenging and wonderful hikes that I have ever done. To get the most out of this 19km hike, conquering this bad boy as a loop over the peaks is the way to go. It’s best to hike this in July when you have longer daylight hours and a snow-free route. This was certainly a ‘type 2 fun’ type of hike for me. It is not a trail for the faint of heart, with loose rocks, steep drop off, and multiple challenging peaks. Having sure footing and confidence with heights is must. This hike can also be notoriously famous for hard route finding as it is far too easy to miss the ATV trail that joins back to the trail head. Maybe it’s the bragging rights or technical challenge that has landed this one on the list, but this trail will reward you with some of the most stunning mountain views right close to the city.
Caribou Mountain
Highlights: The 360 never ending views and wildlife.Caribou Mountain
Caribou mountain is a dream hike for those who love a good leg burner and stunning landscape views. Situated close to the community of Carcross, this trail doesn’t mess around – climbing 1000 meters in just 4km. This trail has made my top 10 list because the views are truly stunning for the whole hike, especially in the autumn season. This is certainly a hike to bring your binos, as sheep and caribou are often hanging out nearby.
Happy hiking!
Blog written by Shailyn Drukis of Whitehorse - To read more about her adventures visit www.shailyndrukis.com or check out her instagram handle here.
In Yukon we live with bears. Bring a friend and chat as you jog. Bring your dog to help make noise. Please carry bear spray and be noisy as you go. We have belts so that your spray won’t bump around as you run and so that, in the event you need it, it is easy to grab. For a bear refresher, give our Bear Blog a read.
You’ll be spending many miles in your runners, be sure they fit your feet! Your running buddy might swear by Salomon’s while you are an Inov-8’er from the soles up. Only by trying them on will you know. Make sure your heels don’t slip and your toes don’t touch the ends of the shoes. If you wear orthotics or any type of insole be sure to try shoes on with them.
Trail runners have grippy soles to navigate slick, uneven, rocky, and muddy terrain. Here in Yukon our trails are mostly covered with stones and hard dirt and a short lug pattern will be great. If the trails near you have lots of muddy or soft surfaces, then look to a deeper lug pattern to gain purchase. The flatter the lugs the better they grip on rock, the “pointier” they are the better for dirt and mud.
You likely want more cushioning if you want to run both hard packed trails and roads or if you run long distances. Also, heavier-set runners or those who have joint pain find that cushioning reduces impact. You might want less cushioning if you mainly run on smooth, soft trails, if you run mainly short distances or if you simply prefer that “ground feel”.
Some styles we carry like the Men’s & Women’s Saucony Peregrine 11’s have a rock plate to help protect your foot from rock bruises, especially on the up and down hill. They add weight so if you mainly run smooth trails, it’s better not to be bogged down with the extra grams! Remember that if your shoe is well-cushioned this will also provide rock protection.
In Yukon we recommend that, for summer use, you don’t buy waterproof. Our climate, although changing, is dry overall. Waterproof shoes, although breathable, never breathe as well as non-waterproof shoes. However, in early Spring, late Fall and even winter, a waterproof membrane will protect your foot (along with a good wool sock) and keep it warmer.
If your feet have ever sweated through cheap cotton—and developed painful blisters and chafing as a result—you know what a huge difference socks can make. We recommend a merino blend. Merino wool is not itchy like regular wool. It is temperature regulating so your feet stay comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Plus wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, which helps feet remain dry in most conditions. Wicking merino socks will help prevent chafing and help provide cushioning for your feet. Make sure your investment in good runners is not diluted by bad socks! Check out our selection for men, women and children.
And most of all: get out there! Set realistic expectations and increase your speed and distance slowly. Even if you just walk with a bit of jogging, getting outdoors and getting moving will do you a world of good.
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We too can take solace from our mountains. We too have perhaps learned to truly appreciate the joy of climbing (when things dry up!), or walking, or biking, or just plain ol’ sitting, appreciating what our mountains can give us.
Get outside. Even if it’s just the Millenium Trail. Or a fire next to a lake.
Take solace, find joy.
Their blog link is https://rab.equipment/uk/basecamp/solace-in-siurana
And here’s a copy of their story, written by Philipp Klein:
In October of 2020, my friends and I were looking for new places to visit to celebrate that we could travel again after the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. We had been climbing a lot around Barcelona but we felt like it was time to organize a bigger trip.
October is too warm to go skiing or mountaineering (which would have been my preferred activity), so we decided that we’d stick to climbing but make it an overnight trip to add some adventure. No matter who we asked, everybody kept mentioning the mecca of sport climbing: Siurana, so we decided to give it a try!
Siurana offers an array of tall limestone walls that have routes spanning from beginner level to the cutting edge of sport climbing, with routes graded up to 9b. Of course, in our case we wouldn’t be near any of those routes. My friends are good climbers, they climb up to 7b+, but I am much newer to the sport, climbing confidently around 6a+.
We filled the vans with ropes, gear and food, and set off towards Siurana for two days of climbing. After setting up basecamp at the local camping spot, we headed straight for the high and intimidating walls of Siuranella Centre.
At first it was cold and windy, but as soon as we started climbing the sun came out, empowering us to tackle the first routes. We were instantly amazed by the beauty and length of each climb, with some routes stretching over 30m. We took turns climbing and explored the different routes all morning. As the sun fell, we moved to the eastern sector of Siuranella Est, where we kept climbing until the sun set. The whole first day was exciting, I ran around finding new angles to shoot photos from for each route.
We spent a calm clear night at the local campsite, where some of us slept in the tent and the rest kept cosy in their vans. I remember it being one of the first weekends that it got very cold at night. The next day we started on the right foot, we woke up to more sunshine and a great cup of coffee. We left the campsite and headed towards the next sector, La Reina Mora. The approach was almost a climb in itself. There was a narrow path winding down between the dense vegetation forcing you to use both hands to stay balanced. Once we arrived, the bright walls were reflecting the heat and we were transported to a hot summer’s day. We quickly got to work on the wall. It was great to be a group of six climbers because we could set up ropes on three different routes without having to wait for someone to belay.
As the day went by, it became clear to everyone that our favourite route of the weekend was “Estoy Vibrando”, a 6a+ climb that was not particularly difficult, but featured a beautiful crack that ran up the length of the wall. At times, you meandered around it but sometimes you had to climb straight up the crack. We liked it so much that we set up a fixed rope on a nearby route so that I could climb up to a vantage point to shoot photos of the rest of them. It was hard work but seeing everyone’s smiles when I showed them the resulting photos was worth it.
Looking back at these adventures and being locked down again makes you appreciate these trips even more. I’m so happy that we did it when we could, and we are already planning the next one as soon as we’re allowed to travel again.
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Zoleo works with your phone or tablet. It transmits messages over the Iridium satellite network when you’re out of cell service and via cell or Wi-Fi when it is available. It’s designed to be used outside, where your Zoleo has a clear line of sight to satellites. It can also be used in the windshield of a vehicle, boat or airplane where it has an unobstructed sky view.
And the cool part? On Zoleo you can have conversations, not cryptic messages! For SMS messages you have 150 characters, for emails it’s about 200 characters and for app to app you can have 900 characters of text.
App to App? The Zoleo app is free and it offers 2-way messaging, SOS, check-in, weather, location sharing and more. You can invite your contacts to download the Zoleo app. They don’t need to own a Zoleo to message with you, just the app.
Even when your Zoleo is turned off and another app user messages you, it will still be delivered to your phone or tablet. When you use it standalone, without the app, you can still send check-in messages that communicate you’re OK along with your position or, if need be, you can send an SOS. Your SOS is monitored 24/7 by GEOS, the world leader in SOS monitoring. Although you do need to buy a service plan, the other cool part is that you can change your plan at any time using your online account. This means that you suspend the service plan when you aren’t using it.
So, you’re out in the bush. You can share text messages with your contacts. You have 24/7 safety coverage, and you can easily check in to say everything is fine. No matter where you are. From Old Crow to Liard. From Skagway to Inuvik (when we are allowed to be there again!)
For how much? Zoleo is $269.99 plus service plan. And you can get a cradle kit for $44.99 or a Universal Mount Kit for $99.99.
Communicate from anywhere anytime.
Need more info? Check out this in-store video or go to Zoleo.com.
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In the outdoor industry, we are finding that pretty much every brand (including us) is working to improve its sustainability standards because, after all, if we don’t protect our outdoors, we can’t play in it!
Some brands, like Patagonia, prAna and Tentree have committed more resources and effort than others. But, like all of us as we struggle to recycle our garbage, to drive less and to buy local and organic, it takes dedication, more time and often, more money. But every year we, and our brands, are improving.
There are all kinds of sustainability measurements and evaluations and to be honest, it gets confusing. Overall however, brands are more sustainable because they use recycled and organic materials, because they give back to our environment and our communities, because they pursue fair trade practices and because they meet certain manufacturing standards including high standards of animal care when it comes to wool and down insulation.
Recycled Materials and Organic Fibres
Even Patagonia, the leader of sustainability, is still working on getting more recycled materials into their clothing. They have, however, achieved 72%. 72% of their line this season is made with recycled materials, whereas the clothing industry as whole only achieves a recycling rate of 15%[1]. Other brands that we carry that achieve higher than average recycling rates are Fjallraven, The North Face, Smartwool, Icebreaker, Mountain Hardwear, Burton, Outdoor Research, prAna, Cotopaxi, Volcom, Tentree, Roxy and Kuhl.
Community Action
Brands can build awareness for important causes; they can take action and they can raise funds.
Think of Tentree. As its name implies, Tentree plants ten trees for every item sold. To date they have planted 30 million trees and their goal is 1 billion trees by 2030.[2] They also use recycled and organic materials to lighten their load on our environment.
United by Blue is another community action brand: they clean up a pound of garbage from our oceans and beaches with every product sold.
Canada Goose has some wonderful Community Action efforts. Just last year they launched Project Atigi. Project Atigi brings the work of talented traditional crafts people in the North to the world stage. This year, Canada Goose commissioned 18 designers from 4 Inuit regions to create bespoke parkas using their traditional skills and designs and Canada Goose materials. These parkas make an exclusive collection and the proceeds from their sale go to Inuit communities.
Patagonia has established their amazing worldwide Environmental fund. In 2017 & 2019, Coast was able to access and facilitate money from this fund so that Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Fisheries & Ocean Canada, Yukon River Panel and the Yukon Fish & Game Association could work together to measure water levels and temperatures and their effect on salmon return.
At Coast we are proud of our “Home Brand”. The proceeds from Home items go to the “Safe at Home” project initiated by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. To date we have raised over $35,000 to end and prevent homelessness in Yukon. We are also proud that we are now using organic cotton and recycled fibre in the products that we are producing.
1% for the planet is an international organization started by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews. The goal: to fund environmental causes. Business members commit to giving 1% of gross sales each year to their approved non-profit partners through a variety of support.[3] 1% brands that we carry include Patagonia (no surprise!), Toad& Co., Klean Kanteen, Backpacker’s Pantry, Mountainsmith, and La Sportiva. And we want to call out Alpine Bakery as a 1% for the planet member here in Whitehorse!!! Another reason to buy their amazing bread!!!
Manufacturing Standards: Bluesign, RDS (Responsible Down Standard), Responsible Wool Standard, ZQ-Certified Wool
Different groups have come together to measure different parts of the manufacturing process.
Bluesign traces the creation of garments: from producing the textiles to finishing the products. They take a holistic approach to their independent audits to provide “safer and more sustainable environments for people to work in and everyone to live in.”[4]
Responsible Down Standard is a global non-profit organization that ensures the welfare and humane treatment of geese and ducks that provide the down for all the warm coats we need and love. All the brands at Coast have transparency standards for the sourcing of their down. Most belong to RDS.
Icebreaker and Darn tough are members of RWS: the wool equivalent of RDS. Smartwool, our other major wool supplier, is a member of ZQ-certified ethical wool. Woolpower sources their wool from South America where they can guarantee ethically sourced wool.[5]
Sustainability Measurements: B Corp, LEED Certification, Fair Trade and Fair Wear, The European Outdoor Group’s Sustainability Charter, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and more
There are many measurements for sustainability and the list can become bewildering. Here are a few of the major ones.
United by Blue, Cotopaxi, Burton, Patagonia, Tentree and others are also Certified B Corp Corporations. The “B” in Bcorp stand for Beneficial. These companies act in ways that benefit society as a whole. [6] They meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. [7]
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Coast Mountain Sports is situated in Yukon’s only commercial LEED certified building. LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings[8].
Fair Trade and FairWear: we couldn’t find a brand that we carry that doesn’t support Fair Trade in their organizations. They may not be members of one of the many Fair Trade or Fair Wear organizations but they all ensure that fair wages are paid to producers so that companies are able to provide workers with a stable income. We do want to call out our very own Bean North Coffee Roasters. Bean North not only makes amazing coffee, but they roast certified organic fair trade coffee out on Takhini Hot Springs Road. You can buy their coffee from our store or you can go to their website to buy online. We recommend their coffee subscriptions!
In Europe there are other sustainability measures including the European Outdoor Group and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Rab and Fjällräven are members of these organizations. Other European companies like Woolpower Ostersund practice high internal standards of production including recycling all their waste fabric and manufacturing only in Sweden: in fact the name of the person who sewed your garment is on their label.[9]
Today, sustainability is more than a catch word. Companies know that they can’t help but leave a foot print but they are working to mitigate this. More and more we are all choosing brands that try to do good and to do good business.
[1] https://www.patagonia.ca/why-recycled/
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/tentree-sustainable-clothing-review#:~:text=Since%20its%20inception%2C%20Tentree%20has%20planted%2030%20million%20new%20trees,company's%20goal%20is%201%20billion.
[3] https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/business-members
[4] https://www.bluesign.com/en
[5] https://woolpowerus.com/our-ethics/#:~:text=Woolpower%20therefore%20sources%20all%20of,where%20blowflies%20do%20not%20exist.
[6] https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/business-strategy-planning/manage-business/3-steps-to-becoming-certified-b-corp#:~:text=B%20Corps%20are%20businesses%20that,benefit%20society%20as%20a%20whole.&text=This%20movement%20of%20people%20using,in%20more%20than%2050%20countries.
[7] https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/certified-b-corp
[8] https://www.usgbc.org/help/what-leed
9] https://woolpower.se/en/about-us/environment/
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Fill the bag with evenly distributed weight and put the bag on. Make sure your hip belt covers your entire hipbone area. Most packs can lower or raise the placement, depending on your needs. Make sure the hip belt is tight enough that it is snug but does not restrict your breathing. It should not shift up or drop below your hipbones.
Create a comfortable but snug fit by pulling down on your shoulder strap adjustments. Ideally these will not have any bunching and will lay flat against your shoulders. There should be no gap between the strap and your shoulder, and the straps should not touch your neck.
Pull on the top stabilizer straps slowly until you start to feel weight on your shoulders.
Clip in the sternum strap that is attached to the shoulder straps and adjust it until it allows your chest to expand naturally. If the pack has stabilizer straps on the hip belt, connect those for comfort. Adjust any pressure points where the pack may be rubbing against your skin until comfortable.
We are proud to have knowledgeable, friendly staff available in store to help you anytime if, for some reason to can’t make your pack comfortable. Even if you didn’t buy it from us, we want your adventures to be fun! Drop in for some expert help.
]]>To some, Main Street may look like just another street, but to us, it's home base. It's where we walk on our lunch breaks, it's where we shop and it's where we celebrate when our work week is done.
Horwood’s Mall at the river end of the street has one of the best cheese shops: Cultured Fine Cheese. (Fun fact: We've discovered that a wedge of your favourite cheese is a must for any backpack.)
For a little pick me up you can get your hands on a pretty fine brew or scone at Baked Café . Waiting for your order? Step into Collective Good…a retail wonderland that has everything from hip Yukon T-shirts, to beeswax wraps to pack your lunch in.
A few musts for all things knickknacks and gifts is a visit to our friends at Murdoch's , Bear Paw Gifts, Paradise Alley Gifts and Midnight Sun Emporium. (Did someone say homemade fudge?)
Looking for a new book to read? Stop in to Mac's Fireweed for a nice selection of reading material, many of them even written by local authors!
We are big, BIG fans of tasty lunches from Bullet Hole Bagels , dinners at Miners Daughter and a few after work "staff meetings" at the Gold Pan Saloon.
But sometimes, all you need is a nice refreshing walk to appreciate some local art. We like to start at North End Gallery and Unorthodox Yukon, and wander up Main Street to Arts Underground (right beneath our store), then walk one block up to The Craft Shop on 5th avenue …and finally you can walk 2 blocks north on 4th avenue to Yukon Artists at Work Co-op!
We are firm believers that Yukon Nature and Yukon Art will feed your soul.
Speaking of nature, you may have noticed Aroma Borealis near The Craft Shop….they combine wild plants from the sub-arctic with organically grown herbs and essential oils to create wonderful body care, herbal teas, aromatherapy and much more. In fact we sell some of their salves… so perfect for skin dried out by the rigours of the trail.
Last but not least, we are so happy to have new friends joining us on Main street right below us. Welcome to the Main Street family, BluEnvy Boutique .
This is just a start, just a few of the shops and galleries our Main Street has to offer. As we grow our site, we will grow our stories about our neighbourhood.
We hope you'll visit us on Main Street too! Can't make it? You can check out Coast Mountain Sports online now here.
Have ideas or news you'd like to share with us?
Send us an email at news@tsgyukon.com
Neck tubes (also known as Buffs) are so much more than just a stylish neck warmer. They also make a great sun guard or can tie back uncontrollable hair. Stuff one with a jacket and you have a tiny pillow in a pinch for your sleepy one. It can become a toque or provide instant cooling. To provide cooling: just dip in some water then rig around your neck, do a pirate fold, or put it under a ball cap. In the backcountry it can be used as a tea strainer, or in the event of an accident it can wipe tears, scrapes or even help wrap a wound. With all these useful perks, it’s easy to see why people often have a collection of them!
This is the saving lives part. We will never stop saying this: ALWAYS CARRY BEAR SPRAY. ALWAYS. We love Scat Belts for that. The Griz has a place for your cell phone, a safe place for your keys, loops to clip items or even the belt itself into which you can shove unwanted hats and jackets. And MOST IMPORTANTLY a safe, super easy access pouch for your bear spray.
For scooping lunch then digging in the mud or the sand. A simple, thick plastic spoon will provide sustenance then lots of fun as a toy for the little ones. Bring a couple just in case they are used as both at the same time.
It’s the end of the trail and you made it the whole way without a melt-down. Almost –you suddenly realize your little one’s favourite toy was jettisoned somewhere along the trail. A carabiner would have saved the day! Simply clip the toy to the child carrier or your child’s pant loops or wherever you can. Be sure to get trustworthy carabiner type clips that won’t break or open. They are only a few dollars more. These higher quality ones have different sizes and weight ratings so that you can also use them for heavier items like water bottles or packs.
You’re walking along with your child in their carrier. Is she asleep? Is her head lolling in the carrier or is she safely curled up. Instead of checking car mirrors, asking strangers or even worse, taking the carrier off and waking your little one, you can use your trusty camping mirror. Tie it with some 2 mm cord to your carrier where you can reach it and voilà! Instant eyes in the back of your head!
Yes, you read that right. We love gummy bears because they will hibernate almost forever in the dark recesses of your carrier or pack. Then, when low blood sugar hits they will come in very handy. Let’s be honest they don’t really go bad. They might get chewier, maybe even dusty, but hey, we will not argue that they still serve an essential purpose no matter what condition they’re in.
Visit our online store HERE for more information.
Do you have your own outdoor tips and tricks to share? Please send them to us at news@tsgyukon.com ! We would love to publish and share them!
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