Trail Swag Reports: MEC Barrie Snowfest 2012
Mountain Equipment Co-op in Barrie celebrated the upcoming Winter season with Snowfest on Saturday.
The chilly temperatures reminded us of the blustery weather to come, and MEC had clinics for Winter activities for all ages all day long.
As soon as you popped into the store, Marissa from Get Out There Magazine greeted you with the newest issue. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide which has just hit the newsstands at your local outdoors store, and can be read online.
You received a ballot when you entered the store, which you could drop into one of numerous ballot boxes to win various prizes. Glen Shaw won the first prize pack and his comment was so hilarious that I had to quote it. "Good thing I got out of bed this morning".
All sorts of outdoors packs, tools, clothing and accessories could be found at the MEC Gear Swap. No longer collecting dust, many items were sold.
Salomon were showing off their Nordic skis and were happy to chat about skate skiing too.
Keen was showing off some of their new lines of footwear. The leather Lumberjack Mid WP is shown above and is quite comfy.
Angelik gave an informative talk about layering, and the difference between Base layers, Midlayers and Outer layers. By finding the right combination of a wicking layer, an insulating layer and a shell, you will be able to stay outside longer.
Gordon chainsawed and chipped away at a block of ice until it became a piece of art.
The Winter 2012/2013 brochure for MSR was being handed out along with snowshoe advice for first-time buyers. Snowshoeing is looking to become more popular this year as it is easy to get in to and enjoy. Regular trails you have already hiked in the Summer, become brand new after a blanket of snow.
The Wye Marsh in Midland offers 25 KM of hiking/skiing trails and recently, they have been re-introducing trumpeter swans.
Krista had informative sessions on waxing Classic and Skate skis. Although it takes a little time and a few tools to do it properly, the benefits far outweigh the work. Properly waxed skis will work so seamlessly, that you will be focusing on your beautiful surroundings instead of your gear.
Ontario Parks wanted to let you know that just because the snow is flying, that Algonquin Park isn't closed. The Fen Lake Ski Trail (1.25 to 13 km) and the Leaf Lake Ski Trail (5 to 30 km) offer groomed trails, parking, toilets, shelters and spectacular views.
