While Ullr has been flirting with our local mountains offering dustings of snowfall in the high elevations, many of us are sluggishly slipping into autumn...it only really feels like autumn in the mornings anyway.  For the wise, tis' the season of #WinterStoke...time of tantalizing video premiers, season pass decisions, and gear assessment.  Whether you're into Nordic or Alpine, chances are you're diggin the hype and  weighing the deals.  Where to look?  For starters...the internet browsing experience is a direct clash with the spirit of the season, so we'd like to encourage you to get out there in the community and bask in the social glory of winter anticipation in the mountains.  Here's some ideas...

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Unfortunately our trail side Ski Shop, Access Callaghan, isn't scheduled to open until Mid-November so we'll offer up a couple go-to's for your pre-winter needs.  Typically a specialty shop is going to offer a greater depth of niche product stock than regular outdoor retail stores, and their staff possess a wealth of high value product knowledge that goes beyond basic sizing assistance...these guys ooze winter excitement.

For the backcountry skiers and boarders, we're going to point to you to Whistler Village Sports - Excess Backcountry.  Located in the Crystal Lodge at the base of Whistler & Blackcomb Gondolas, pop in and say hello to Jamie or any of the other experienced backcountry enthusiasts and experts they staff. They don’t just oversee the day- to-day activities in the shop; they inspire. They educate. They welcome questions, provide informative assistance, and love what they do.  And deals?  Of course!  Here's the current hot list:

• 2015/16  demo skis/skins/bindings package on sale for $650.
• 2015/16 demo split boards/skins/bindings package on sale for $800.
• Scarpa Freedom SL on sale for $499.99
• Dynafit Beast 14 on sale for $ 499.99
• Rossignol Soul 7 on sale for $399.99
• Select 2016/17 back country gear 20% off through the turkey sale.

Quite literally, Hundreds. Of. Dollars. In. Savings.

So now to Nordic.  We're proud that Callaghan Country has been around since 1981, but these guys have 10 yrs on us!  Sigges Sport Villa is a family owned and operated specialty cross-country ski store originally founded in 1971.  Delivering services with passion, talent, and oodles of knowledge this team set the bar in the Nordic ski industry.  Right now they're running a store-wide pre-season sale with up to 50% off.  If you've got questions about your current gear, be sure to check out their full menu of Nordic services.  If you have the pleasure of meeting Anders or Sigge himself, be sure to give them a hello from Callaghan Country ;)

Bear activity in the Callaghan valley is expected to increase during the rest of September and into October, due to a poor berry crop at higher elevations.

Callaghan Country believes that given these unique conditions, it is a best practice to cancel our Huckleberry Event to ensure non-competition for the scarcely remaining food source of this precious asset. By doing so, we are also hopeful in mitigating unnecessary human - bear interactions through the implementation of wildlife avoidance response protocols (W.A.R.P.).

With a recovering grizzly bear population and the combination of both a lower than average berry crop and poor salmon returns in some South Coast drainages, it would be wise for all outdoor enthusiasts to exercise increased caution when travelling in bear habitat this Fall. Keep your pets leashed when hiking, make lots and lots of noise, carry bear spray and really understand how and when to use it.
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Watch this video clip and understand how quickly an encounter ensues. A grizzly bear stressed for adequate nutrition at this time of year will most certainly protect food sources that the bear believes is theirs. In all likelihood, if you surprise a bear or come across a recent kill or cache it has made (usually black bear cubs and sows or fawns) you will not have the time or conditioning to react appropriately unless you have practiced.

This is a good year to focus on learning more about grizzly habitat and ways to mitigate your exposure. Think of it in the same way as you would assess avalanche terrain and the decision making process you would use in those situations. Play it safe, err on the side of caution and come home for dinner! For more about bear safety visit https://wildsafebc.com