We have tears, Top Gun, outdoor fashion, grizzly bears and the best skier in the world…this issue is bursting at the seams!
- Kirsten
PS: It’s Friday, and that brings about our fourth weekly $100 donation of the year to an organization that shares the mantra of Play More, Waste Less and Do Better (more details below).
Friday Poll: What’s your favourite decade of ski clothes? (5 min watch)
►1960's
►1970's
►1980's
►2000's
►2010's
►Other (Leave a Comment)
Today's Top Non-MTN News: 19 Postponed Movies You Forgot to Be Excited About in 2021. My fav is below ⬇︎ ; I wanted to be a pilot when I was young (my dad was air force and commercial) and I must have seen the original at least 20 times. I am literally tearing up just watching the trailer and hearing the old music and sound of jet engines. I feel the need, the need for speed, owww! (Slider with lots of trailers)
Play More: Is This The Best Skier in the World?
Is this skiing or ski jumping? Wow, some serious skills. I’d be worried about all the little avalanches he sets off but I’m pretty sure he can outrun them or jump over them. (5 min watch)
In just two years of skiing with Matchstick Productions Sam Kuch has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the big mountain arena. Is he the best skier in the world? Hard telling.. Sam sure does makes a strong case. But one thing is for sure, if you ski anything like Sam - go ahead and quit your day job.
Waste Less: Turn Your Plastic Bags into a Tote
Okay, full disclosure, I'm not much of a sewer. So, earlier this week (Issue 234), when I said that I might try making my own reusable hand warmers...what I really meant is that I would mention the idea to my friend Karen (who has already made many Covid masks for my family). Well, not only did she make me some hand warmers (they work great!), but she also gave me one of her handmade totes made from used frozen fruit bags and an old pillowcase... isn't it cute?! If you want to try making your own, check out this YouTube video. Otherwise, I hope you have your own Karen :)
Do Better: $100 Donation To Grizzly Bear Foundation.
The Organization: Grizzly Bear Foundation
What do they do: They are dedicated to the long-term welfare of the grizzly bear in North America.
What do they really do: They work collaboratively to support the conservation and preservation of grizzly bears through research and public education.
Why They Are Important: As much as I am terrified of them, grizzly bears are an essential part of our natural environment. Their numbers declined significantly when Europeans settled in North America because of the destruction of their habitat by logging, mining, oil and gas drilling and land development. Global warming is now exacerbating the issue with warmer falls, which means they are denning later, and a decline in their food sources, which means they are moving from more remote higher elevations to lower elevation human-populated areas, looking for alternative foods. These factors lead to increased human interaction and, unfortunately, human-caused grizzly bear deaths. We want to do our part to protect these majestic creatures!
The grizzly bears lived in our country many thousands of years before human beings arrived. Their sustainability at the top of the natural food chain is an indicator of a healthy natural environment. It is, therefore, important that we cherish these animals and safeguard them from extirpation.”
— Michael Audain, Grizzly Bear Foundation Founder
Wait, shouldn’t this bear be hibernating?!?! 😳
If you have a suggestion for a future donation, please comment below!
Good Links 🔗
How to: 6 Ski Technique Myths Busted by Marcel Hirscher (5 min watch)
Outdoor Style: Since When Do You Have to Be Stylish on the Trail? (4 min read)
COVID: We know you can’t travel, so take a virtual trip around the U.S. and parts of Canada in Adventure Is Calling.
Adventure Is Calling #1 (5 min watch)
Adventure Is Calling #2 ( 3 min watch ⬇︎ )
Do Better: Canada’s First Campground With Accessible, All-Gender Washrooms. (3 min read)
Gear: Would You Wear Ski Boots That Work Like Snowboard Boots? (1 min read and 1 min watch)
How To: Beginner's Guide to Nordic Skiing. (6 min read)
Gear: The Best Mittens for Winter 2021. Good comprehensive read, but if you just want the answers, links are below (includes original author’s affiliate links so he will get $$ if you buy). I would say look for some used mittens, but, maybe that’s kinda gross…all packed out and sweaty 🤢. (5 min read)
Outdoor Research Phosphor Gore-Tex Infinium Mitts
$90, 5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s XS-XL
Backcountry Gore-Tex Mitten
$100 (currently on sale for $60!), 6 oz. (unisex size 8)
Sizes: unisex 5-12
Live From The Wild
One tree to rule them all, @ihaveadarksoul, Balrath Woods, Ireland