Reveal the Path benefit for the Mad River Path

Follow the latest physical and emotional journey of Matt Lee winner of the 2700 mile Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race at the Northern New England premier of Reveal the Path.   The local screening will start at 7pm on November 8th at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield, Vermont.  A benefit for the Mad River Path Association, this movie will amaze you with the intensity of three elite endurance athletes as they bike to spectacular corners of four continents.  For a taste of the movie check out the Reveal the Path trailer here. 

Can't make it to the Mad River Valley for the Vermont premier on Nov. 8?   Watch for a local screening or stream Mike Dion's first movie--Ride the Divide--for a taste of the incredible beauty and endurance that is at the core of both documentaries.  Prepare to be inspired to plan your next epic adventure! 

Outside 2013 Gear Guide

It's out!  Outside's 2013 Winter Gear Guide is now available on news stands.  If you want a peek at some of the cool stuff now and A CHANCE TO WIN IT enter the 2013 Outside Winter Buyer's Guide Gear Giveaway.  Since they want you to run out and buy it you won't find much to read on-line about their choices, but Outdoor Industry News has put out a press release on some of the top choices including the Gear of the Year Ski.

It's always fun to read about new products and technologies so you should get yourself a copy if you don't already have your own subscription.  In the meantime, we'll do our best to call out some of the cool stuff in the Buyer's Gear Guide that you can find at CCOutdoorStore.com like the Seirus heat touch inferno glove.  I mean who hasn't ever wanted to turn ON the heat switch in your gloves during a frigid chair lift ride; after all not every mountain has a heated ski lift.

Long Trail's Winooski Footbridge Almost A Reality

I'll confess I hadn't paid much attention since the Green Mountain Club announced it's plans last spring to build the dream: a Long Trail Footbridge over the Winooski River.  For a good overview check out the GMC's spring 2012 Winooski Bridge Project video.  What with the local devastation wrought last fall by Tropical Storm Irene...and the large sum of money it would take I was expecting an uphill trek that would take several years to raise the million dollars it was going to take. 

I'm happy to report I was wrong.  I spent an evening last week making fundraising calls for the Club's fall operating budget and I learned $1.2M has been raised already and all that stands in the way of breaking ground is finalizing a land purchase for the south end of the bridge and some permiting.  Thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from former Long Trail caretaker Don Zwick, the GMC is only $100,000 away from it's goal of $1.3M for the whole project.  Miles of road hiking will be replaced by new trails through amazing hardwoods stands, including newly conserved lands. 

Although the groundbreaking didn't take place this fall, hopefully by this time next year Long Trail thru-hikers will be celebrating the new bridge in Bolton!  You can contribute to the Long Trail here, but a gift of $250 will put your name on this project.  Contact Maisie Howard, Director of Development @ 802-241-8322 or mhoward@greenmountainclub.org for more info

Bolle Helmets and Goggles.... For When the Weather Permits Skiing and Snowboarding

Bolle Helmets and Goggles

The other night I dreamt that I was on top of Killington with some friends after one of the first snows of the season, but I was without hardware! Void of skis or a snowboard in my dream-world, I proceeded to carve down the mountain in my winter boots (it was almost as cool as a flying dream)!! I was however, wearing a sytlin' Bolle Helmet and some fresh Bolle Goggles, which are both now available at CCOutdoorStore.com, so it was safe dream-shreddin'.

This marks our very first ski and snowboard gear for 2012. Ski and snowboard helmets and goggles, including photocromic goggles, are areas we are thrilled to expand to, as we do live smack dab in the middle of four premier east-coast ski areas: Stowe, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Bolton Valley.

Not only are our helmets going to prevent your head from trauma caused by either yourself or the other maniacs on the slopes with you, they're going to keep your noggin warm, cozy and comfortable- these liners are amazing. And our goggles, such as the hot winter item the Bolle Gravity, give you precision vision on the hill, shedding light on moguls, icey surfaces, debris and the like.

Bolle Gravity in Fire Orange Frame and Fire Orange Lens

We're moving towards winter, but some of the best hiking in Vermont is done during this wondrous time of foliage where we presently find ourselves. So come say what's up, tell us of your adventures, and also check out our sweet 2012-2013 winter gear!

Kamik & Lowa Winter Boots/Snow Boots Now Available @ CCOutdoorStore.com

Cold wet feet, whether at work, school, on the trail or where ever, are enough to spoil a mood. CCOutdoorStore.com strives to bring you utilities to keep safe, comfortable and prepared; that's why we've vastly expanded our winter boots/snow boots selection.

To start things off we're bringing the high echelon arctic boot brands Kamik and Lowa.

If you're trudging through slushy sidewalks, shoveling around your house, enjoying yourself on a wintry stroll, or simply hiking miles and miles of snow on end, we've got your boot needs covered.

Because withstanding Mother Nature's conditions comfortably goes a long way, especially when you've got a long way to go.

Order from CCOutdoorStore.com and receive free shipping on orders over $75!!

And like us on Facebook to get an insider's scoop on deals and giveaways!

The 

Kamik Men's Patriot4

Lowa Boot Demo Day

Last week we left the store on its own for awhile so we could go test Lowa hiking boots.  Brian and Peter from Lowa brought by a selection of boots for us to test including: the Lowa Renegade, Zephyr, Focus, Camino, and Vivione.  It was a beautiful day and a great outing.

We got first hand experience with the boots and we got to see and feel boot cut-aways.   To provide better customer service we learned about boot components including different leather uppers, Goretex linings, and Vibram outsole constructions.  Evaluating the quality of materials and understanding the process by which the boots are made helps us provide expert service to our boot customers.  

For example seeing different shank constructions helps us explain why a certain trekking boot is distinct from a backpacking boot.  While some boots have flexible soles others have sturdy, stable bases; each has its unique advantages.  Hiking in the boots helps us know how to advise customers when looking for the right boots for the right use. Find out more from our Lowa boot experts before buying your next pair of Lowa boots.

Old Ridgerunner and the PCT

On April 9th 2009, "Old Ridgerunner" Smith Edwards of Stowe, Vermont set out to accomplish his dream to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail.  Three years and 2650 miles later this 71 year old local resident wears the medal to prove he did it.  His training started in earnest the year before when his doctor told him he needed to lose weight.  He did.  When he started his adventure on the Mexican Border in 2009 he had shed over 57 pounds.  Interested in what it takes to accomplish such a milestone?  You can read about the Old Ridgerunner's feat in his 141 entry journal.  Congratulations Smith!  You are an inspiration.