By the time the holidays come around, we’ve already been battered with two consumption-heavy events in our calendars. The first is our locally sourced, free-range Turkey Sale Weekend (a.k.a. Turkey Sale Week), a spending spree many of us indulge in guilt-free because it’s mostly about outdoor gear. And when is spending money on outdoor gear not justified? As long as I first ask myself the question “does my old thing actually NEED replacing?” I’ll happily take advantage to save some money in the pre-season.
But it can be a slippery slope of consumption that one needs to maintain traction on, so better pick up some Vibram-soled boots while we’re at it.
The next sales extravaganza to come around is the true celebration of overconsumption; Black Friday-Cyber Monday. This event coincides with U.S. Thanksgiving and has earned a reputation for bargain-hungry mobs tearing each other apart to nab a flatscreen TV at the heaviest discount of the year. Not that we’d stoop to such devolved behaviour in Canada, right? In any case, the surge in consumer spending during this November weekend has led businesses of every size to jump on the bandwagon in order to get their share of the pie. I commend the businesses and companies that were able stand their ground against Black Friday consumerism, even if it meant a lower bottom line.
Then you have industry disruptors like Patagonia, who achieved $10 million in sales during Black Friday and donated it all as grants towards environmental activism (on top of their usual 1% For the Planet initiatives). Bravo for trying their best to beat rabid consumerism at its own game.
And that’s an effort we can all participate in. We can buy stuff to get the most enjoyment out of our time while not over consuming, it’s just about buying smart. That applies to when you’re purchasing gifts for others, too. Spend the extra bucks for quality that lasts longer. Replace stuff when it doesn’t function properly anymore, not before. Consider giving the gift of an experience in lieu of a material item—it will likely create a more meaningful memory. And above all, support local small businesses as much as possible. They need it now more than ever.
If you’re still struggling to think of the best thing to place under the tree for your loved ones, take a look at some of these outdoor-themed gift ideas.
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Brews
Those that follow this column know of my obsession with craft beer, so to no one’s surprise I approached the new wave of non-alcoholic craft with a healthy dose of skepticism. But in our very health-conscious outdoor community, more and more people are seeking alternatives to gut-expanding stouts and stomach-churning IPAs. We’re finally at a point where the tricky production of non-alcoholic craft beer is getting taken seriously, and the taste shows. Case in point, Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA. A true IPA hop character lets you forget about the ABV and simply enjoy the IBUS. Available by mail order to Canada.
Buff Neck Tubes
While the outdoor lift lines are now free to express yourself the way your creator intended, masking up for the gondola is still mandatory and a service to your fellow skier or snowboarder crammed in there with you. Buff is the most popular term for neck tubes but there are plenty of other stylish and warmer options on the shelf at every ski shop in town. A great gift for your friends fumbling with surgical masks under their helmet and goggles.
A tab at RMU Blackcomb
There are plenty of pubs in town. There are plenty of ski shops in town. But there’s only one venue that combines the two, and with style to boot. A tab at RMU can be used for a post-Blackcomb après session, backcountry essentials or towards a new pair of skis. I’m very excited to be rocking the Apostle 3.0 this year, a return to the ski I fell in love with years ago when RMU was still pressing skis out of Colorado and taking their first baby steps into Canada. An awesome company owned by its employees and the venue is an atmosphere that’s taken the Upper Village by storm.
Education from an Outfitter
Of course the best gift any of us can impart is knowledge. And for venturing into the mountains, knowledge and experience is what will keep you having maximum fun with minimum risk. You can’t give experience, but knowledge through education is readily available from our local outfitters. Remember, Avalanche Skills Training is not a one and done; there are courses on reading mountain weather, navigation, crevasse rescue, first aid, and all sorts of other useful tools. Hit up Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures, Extremely Canadian, Altus or any of the other reputable outfitters for gift certs.
Best of luck with your holiday shopping. And remember, over-consumers ski in jeans.
Vince Shuley tries to shop local as much as possible. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider email [email protected] or Instagram @whis_vince.
