While you browse mec.ca, don't forget to check into our Clearance section, which features great deals on discontinued clothing and gear. This month's featured items are Sportif's men's Pursuit Pullover and women's Joey Pullover. They're both lightweight, comfortable, and functional fleece garments, great for relaxing at the cabin, or as an insulating layer when you head outside. They're just two examples of the quality gear you'll find at bargain prices in the Clearance section of mec.ca.

Get off the Road with 5 Peaks

Looking for a new backcountry thrill when the snow (mostly) recedes from the trails? MEC is proud to be sponsoring the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series. Featuring exciting courses geared to all abilities, this year's edition will host 18 races across Canada, beginning in May in BC, Alberta, and Ontario. 5 Peaks has added new locations and new course formats to an already exciting series. Put your best foot forward and get off the road with the MEC 5 Peaks Trail Running Series.

» Follow the trail to more info.

Mountain Film Festival

Didn't manage to pull off a K2 expedition this year? Console yourself with plenty of vicarious thrills at the 8th annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF), running from February 20 - 27. This year's line-up features no less than three K2-themed films, as well as a multitude of other inspiring and entertaining reels on mountain adventure and culture. Heck, there's even a feature on hockey in the Himalayas. The festival also includes additional events and seminars. Tickets are available at both MEC Vancouver and North Vancouver stores, as well as at the Centennial Theatre.

» Get full festival details.

Avalanche Awareness Series:
Final Instalments

We close out this winter's Avalanche Awareness Series with two more excellent articles by avalanche experts. Ian McCammon, a field instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) also involved in developing decision making tools for avalanche education, writes about the human factors in avalanche accidents. Marc Ledwidge, a Specialist for Mountain Safety Programs, writes about search and rescue, in particular self rescue. Many thanks to the Canadian Avalanche Association and all the experts who have contributed to the series. We hope the information presented has given our readers food for thought as they prepare for safe backcountry adventures.

» Read the final Avalanche Awareness series instalments.

The Wright Stuff for Travellers

Ian Wright, the irrepressibly curious and often hilarious host of the Outdoor Life Network's Pilot Guides, is coming to an MEC store near you. As part of his Canadian tour, presented by Outpost magazine in association with MEC and G.A.P. Adventures, Ian will be doing informal meet and greet presentations at MEC's Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto locations. This is your chance to meet an entertaining icon of adventure travel in person.

» See Ian's tour and store appearance schedule.

Get Out and Vote

We're only days away from the MEC Board of Directors election. This year's election will run from February 18 until April 8, 2005. Voting is your opportunity to exercise your rights as part owner of the Co-op and influence its direction in the process. Keep MEC's democracy healthy - get out and vote.

» Starting February 18, visit www.mec.ca/election.