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| Santa Ski Day at Sun Peaks Resort - photographer Dave Christianson |
Arrived safely in Sun Peaks Resort, BC, about a week ago and the skiing has been sensational! Much better start to the winter than last year and, as well as all the old favourites, we have brand new runs open in the newly expanded West Bowl all accessed by a fancy new chairlift. More about that in another blog!
The Annual Santa Ski Day attracted lots of attention yesterday when the first 50 skiers without season passes got a free day ticket for dressing up as Santa or one of his entourage.
The Hudson Family in
Sun Peaks last Xmas, posing near the fun festive display outside Freefall Sports
I’m writing articles for Sun Peaks Independent News - known affectionately as SPIN - again this year and I also contributed a Short Turn article to Ski Canada Magazine this week. I’ll include the link when that one is published as well as all my SPIN articles. They dig deep into the culture, community and lifestyle of the people that live and recreate in Sun Peaks Resort, focusing on trends as well as initiatives where Sun Peaks is leading the way.
Here is a Wish List for Xmas gifts for all the snowsports fans in your family and friends circles. I add to this as I test out more new products. If any of these are in the Boxing Day sales, snap them up!!
I’ve been testing out various Swany mitts over the past few days (as well as last spring), putting them through their paces in a variety of weather and temperature fluctuations. What I love about them is the total comfort and moveability for your hand, tight grip on the ski pole handle, but also intense softness and warmth. On days where the temps plummet (which we haven’t had yet here this December but we know they might well be coming in the New Year), you can add a heat pad to the handy zip up pocket on many of the Swany mitts and gloves. This is a game changer on those really frigid days and because it is on the top of the hand where all the veins are, it quickly warms up the whole hand.
Here are a few styles I recommend:
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| Swany Lazer Mitt Ladies |
Lazer Mitt Ladies and Lazer Mitt Mens - In Black/White or in Classic black, goes with everything, durable, and both of these have the top of hand pocket for a heat pad. ThermaCELL do a rechargeable heat pad which my husband has been using in the Swany mitts for many years. But you can also use those disposable heater sachets.
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| Swany Supreme Mens |
Supreme Ladies - This is a great model for those who like having a removeable, stretch fleece inner glove liner that can be used separately on its own as well. This comes with a touchscreen compatible finger. Great for quick drying. The Men’s version is here: https://swanycanada.com/products/ts38m?_pos=1&_sid=267303538&_ss=r. Check out the site, as there are styles for every need as well as a full range of children’s gloves and mitts.
With a tog rating of 1.0, Heat Holders ULTRA LITE® socks are made with advanced thermal yarns which are extremely soft and warm. In their proprietary manufacturing process, these yarns are long-looped and intensively brushed to create a luxuriously soft and thick pile. This inner pile traps warm air close to the skin, keeping feet warmer for longer in chilly weather conditions. More from Heat Holders further down…….
Protect your precious eyewear with the brand new Goggle Soc Pro
Clear vision is a must when skiing or riding in the variable light of winter and we all invest heavily in good goggles to give us visual peace of mind. The tiniest scratch, however, can be so distracting - and when they multiple, scratches can dangerously impede our vision! Gogglesoc has been addressing this issue for the past 8 years with its innovative goggle protectors. This year’s new crop of designs are ideal for Holiday stockings, table and tree gifts, and Secret Santas - and this is a gift that you can never have too much of!!
Customize, create your own Gogglesoc:
Many ski resorts around Alberta and BC have requested custom designs. These include: The Lake Louise Ski Area, Panorama Mountain Resort, Fernie Resort, Kicking Horse, Kimberley Resort, Nakiska Resort, Norquay Mystic Ridge, Ski Marmot Basin LP, RK Heliski Panorama Inc, Specialty Sports Inc. DBA Vail Resorts Retail : Whistler Blackcomb, Big White Ski Resort Ltd, Revelstoke Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort. Anyone can order customized designs by going to: https://gogglesoc.com/en-us/pages/custom-pro.
Check out the website for Holiday versions:
As proud members of 1% for the Planet, gogglesoc has committed to using recycled materials - rPET (recycled PET) and eco-friendly packaging: 100% recyclable materials. The company also gives $5 for every POW (Protect Our Winters) gogglesoc pro sold online and $1 for every POW gogglesoc pro sold at retail. It was after an epic day in the mountains in 2016, that the company was conceived when three friends came up with a practical solution to a real problem, creating a new product category. Today, gogglesoc is an eyewear accessory brand with the missions to craft functional, stylish eyewear accessories that enhance the outdoor experience while prioritizing sustainability.
This winter’s new gogglsoc pro is an upgraded version of the original gogglesoc, redesigned to offer enhanced performance and protection for adventure enthusiasts. Key features include:
● Super Secure Fit: Engineered elastic for unmatched grip, ensuring the gogglesoc stays in place.
● One-Size-Fits-All: Compatible with all goggle shapes and designs.
● Multi-Functional: Cleans and protects lenses while not in use.
● Sustainable Materials: Made from microfiber derived from post-consumer recycled plastic
bottles.
● Breathable Design: Allows lenses to breathe, preventing fogging.
● Sublimated Designs: All graphics are sublimated for lasting quality and custom opportunities. And the wide selection includes a Local Artist Series.
● Website: gogglesoc.com
● Instagram: @gogglesoc
● Facebook: facebook.com/gogglesoc
On to a different type of sock: The new Snow OTC (Over the Calf) toesock from Ininji specially designed for winter running. Injinji, the innovators of the patented five-toe Performance Toesock™ launched the Snow OTC toesock this October - uniquely engineered for runners training in colder temperatures. A perfect stocking stuffer — or even use as the stocking itself!
Created to fit securely and protect the lower leg from the fall and winter elements, the Snow OTC is built from Nylon, sustainable moisture-wicking THERMOLITE EcoMade fibers, and Lycra®. The THERMOLITE® FAR INFRARED Technology embedded within the fibers aids in generating heat using the infrared energy created naturally by the body. Hollow fibers create an insulating layer of warm air within the socks to keep feet and legs warmer than traditional socks. Runners may choose to wear the Snow OTC directly on the skin or as an additional protective layer over running tights to keep warm and block against wind when putting in mileage on the roads, tracks, and trails.
“Running in the fall and winter is not only a magical time where nature is changing, but a pivotal time for runners to build their base, peak for race day, and enjoy the outdoors”, stated Director, Ecommerce and Operations at Injinji, Claire Kooperman. “When looking at our OTC lineup, we wanted to create an essential gear piece that blends the functionality and support needed for runners putting in mileage with bold colors that make us feel confident and excited to get out the door and go.”
The Snow OTC stays true to the Injinji brand. It features the classic characteristics that make each piece in the Injinji line reliable and comfortable for runners and outdoor enthusiasts such as; blister prevention, a mesh top for breathability, arch support, moisture management, a midweight cushion with padding to support the underfoot, and a high-ribbed fit. The Snow OTC retails for 28.00 USD, comes in unisex sizing, and includes two colourway options - Shadow and Twilight.
Smartwool
And for the men, there’s a form-fitting Smartloft Hooded Jacket with all the same technical features, available in a grey, khaki-green with black trim, and pure black.
You can never have too many neck gaiters, and this one is the perfect mix of Merino, Polyester and Elastane. With breathability and temperature-regulating properties, the new design adds a curved top hem to provide extra coverage for the nose and back of the head.
Yak and Merino by Turtle Fur
New to this blog, a Vermont-based company has launched a range of innovations this winter in the world of wool insulation onto the ski market. Turtle Fur’s new Carefree Merino stands out because it resists shrinking, pilling, or other damage in the wash. Throw them in to the dryer on low heat, too, with no fears of toddler-sized results!! Warmest Winter Fleece: Made from ORIGINAL™ weight dual-brushed fleece for exceptional warmth and softness, the Heat Holders® ORIGINAL™ Women's Zip Jacket is the embodiment of comfort and convenience. Close fitting for a clean, stylish look, this outerlayer is ideal for casual wear and is versatile enough for a wide range of activities, from going to the gym, or running errands, to lounging at home. Not to mention après in drafty ski bars and for layering under ski gear on the coldest days of winter!! Mine is functional black but this grey looks highly wearable, too, and there are cute pastel colours.
This jacket features a two-way zipper with guard for temperature control and maximum comfort. Two external side pockets with microfiber lining help keep your hands warm and two internal pockets conveniently and safely hold personal items. This style is also available in a sleeveless vest version - and there’s an array of great colours to choose from. Men’s and women’s!
