February 27th is Polar Bear Awareness Day

“There’s no such thing as too cold. There’s only not dressing warmly enough.” As skiers, with this cold Canadian winter upon us, this is one of our mantras. We don’t let sub zero temperatures and icy winds stop us from getting out on the ski slopes as often as we can. If you’re planning on skiing in super cold weather this winter, remember to cover every piece of exposed skin, using balaclavas and neck warmers to start. Layer up with shirts and jackets under your ski jacket, wear wool ski socks, and don’t forget to wear a pair of long underwear and athletic pants under your snow pants. Hand and foot warmers can also make a big difference.

A big part of keeping warm and staying safe is your ski helmet. Make sure it fits properly over your balaclava and keep it on for all runs. Check your helmets periodically to make sure the chin strap hasn’t loosened. We all want ourselves and our kids to be as safe and protected as possible on the hill.

But let’s be honest; sometimes the best part of skiing is après ski. That time when you pull off your helmet, unclip your ski boots and relax in front of a roaring fire. For me, après ski time also often means sharing a cocktail, while we recount all of our ski stories and why we love the cold and the snow and embracing a good Canadian winter, we don’t always have. Global warming has changed our climate, irrefutably.

While we don’t need the cold weather, we find ways to enjoy it. Polar bears, on the other hand, need the cold and snow. But scientists predict that as the arctic continues to warm, two-thirds of the world’s polar bears will disappear within this century. So, what can we do to help and what does this have to do with après ski and cocktails?
Polar Bear International is an organization whose mission it is to keep the magic of Canada’s arctic alive for generations to come. This year, leading up to National Polar Bear Day on February 27th, Polar Ice Vodka and Polar Bears International are working together to reverse this trend. Polar Ice Vodka has removed its iconic polar bear from their bottle’s label, for a limited time, in order to promote awareness and support Polar Bears International’s quest to help with the conservation, care and well-being of the polar bears.

• Polar Bears International is the only conservation organization whose sole passion and focus is on polar bears.
• The primary conservation concern for polar bears is habitat loss and reduced access to their primary prey due to climate change.
• Polar Bears International’s mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on.

Through media, science, and advocacy, the work to inspire people to care about the Artic, the threats to its future, and the connection between this remote region and our global climate.
The next time you reach for your après ski drink, think about the polar bears and their enjoyment of the great cold outdoors as well. Here’s a great Canadian cocktail recipe to help warm thing up…for you.

True North Caesar Recipe

• 8 oz. French’s ‘Not Your Ordinary’ Caesar Original Cocktail Mix
• 5 oz. Polar Ice Vodka
• 3 dashes French’s Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp. Celery Salt
• 1 tbsp. Fine Maple Sugar
• 1 tbsp. Seasoning salt
• 1 dash Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• 1 Celery stalk
• 1 strip Crispy Bacon (if desired)