REI Offers Remedies to Reduce Cabin Fever this Winter: Get Outside!

Co-op is an expert one-stop shop for outfitting and teaching families about outdoor adventure

Nov 24, 2009

Winter weather brings an onset of activities for families to do together from hiking, skiing and snowboarding, to sledding, snowshoeing or building snow forts. REI is stocked with gear and apparel, classes and advice to keep everyone connected and exhilarated while recreating outdoors.

Staying warm is especially important in keeping the entire family happy while playing in the cold. REI’s “Find Out” page is available online for anyone to access a wide range of resources in one place to see the hottest winter gear and apparel choices, classes and clinics, and expert advice to ensure families are prepared for many outings this season.Winter Gear and Apparel Get the “kiddos” ready for the ski and snowboard season with quality gear from REI. Members may also bring in gently used kids’ or junior ski or snowboard gear (originally purchased at REI) and trade it in for 20 percent off the purchase of new kids’ or junior snowsports gear. Learn how the trade-in works. Adults can also update their layering systems with REI’s new Windbrake fleece collection that is wind-proof up to 50 mph, while the new Taku collection combines softshell and hardshell fabric for a comfortable hybrid of stretch and warmth ideal for many activities in cold weather conditions

Risk-Free Shopping

With hundreds of quality, top brands and its 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, REI is an excellent choice as a convenient one-stop shop for winter and holiday shopping. Visit REI stores or the REI Holiday Gift Shop for the latest and hottest outdoor gear and apparel ideas to keep the entire family warm and stylish this season. No time – no problem, shop REI.com on the go. Simply visit REI.com for an optimized shopping experience from most Smartphones and web-enabled devices.Start the holiday shopping season at REI. The first 300 customers to each of its stores on Friday, November 27, will receive an REI-branded reusable shopping bag and REI gift card, ranging in value from $5 to $100.

REI Winter Classes & Clinics

REI invites the entire family to attend its free snowshoeing 101 classes (offered at REI stores nationwide now through January 2010). The co-op also offers a variety of in-store skiing classes, ski or snowboard maintenance and waxing classes and clinics. Additionally, some REI stores offer Outdoor School classes where outdoor experts teach basic outdoor skills. For those who want to try before they buy, most REI stores offer a rental gear program. Check with a local REI store for classes and rental gear availability.

REI Winter Expert Advice

From its “green vest” experts, to informative articles and videos online, REI offers some of the most comprehensive outdoor-related expert advice available for almost anyone from the budget-conscious to those looking for a new hobby. For a list of winter-related activities and advice, click on REI’s Expert Advice snowsport tab for A-Z instruction columns and videos on mounting bindings to waxing cross-country skis and layering apparel for maximum warmth.

Receive Snow Conditions Instantly on the iPhone

Starting in December, iPhone users can download the REI Snow Report iPhone Application. REI will unveil an updated version of the popular REI Snow Report, a free iTunes application to help skiers and snowboarders prepare for weather conditions at more than 200 ski resorts across the country. Last year’s application was the number one application for snow reports, with over 100,000 downloads.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.