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The Ultimate Gift Guide For CBD Lovers (and Newbies)

gift guide CBD

 

Give relaxation and calm to whoever needs it most with this gift guide for CBD lovers! We all need a little more chill in our lives as the holiday season approaches. So if it’s coming down to the wire and you have yet to check off your shopping list, no stress. There’s something for everyone at Ablis. 

For The Last-Minute Shopper: Cranberry Blood Orange 

Likes: Deals on Christmas socks, rummaging through the bargain bin, not making lists.

The last-minute shopper is a special kind of person. Fueled by the pressure of a looming deadline, pulling off the impossible is in their DNA. Christmas Eve is their Super Bowl. They have plenty of trade secrets they will go to the grave with for how they managed to pull it off, yet again. For them, Christmas shopping is an adrenaline sport, and they like it that way.

Come Christmas morning; they’ll need a pick-me-up stronger than the hot chocolate they were guzzling during midnight gift wrapping. Enter Cranberry Blood Orange CBD drinks. The perfect balance of sweet and crisp will have this procrastinator feeling as fresh as the 8 hours of sleep they did not get. 

For The Ultimate Ski Bum: Ablis Neck Gaiter + Hoodie

Likes: Refreshing the powder forecast hourly, escaping small talk, and bragging rights for the season’s first run. 

There’s always one. It’s Christmas Eve, and they’re obsessively checking their phone for the powder forecast. So keep them bundled on the mountain with a superfly Ablis-branded neck gaiter and hoodie for Christmas. Keep it classy and help them earn style points while flying past all the out-of-towners on the slopes. 

For The Biohacker On Your List: Ablis Muscle Rub

Likes: Cold plunging, biohacking, and a really good dare. 

You know the type: blending fancy health elixirs into their morning coffee. Jumping into frozen lakes in the dead of winter. Pamper the Wim Hof wannabe in your life with Ablis muscle rub. 

Our muscle rub isn’t only our most popular topical, it’s also THE gift for someone on the move. Formulated with 500 mg of CBD and 23 essential oils, this high-quality rub is equally perfect for the gym or the summit. 

For The New Year’s Eve Party Animal: MCT Oil Squeeze Packs

Likes: Any place with a disco ball, buying the next round, practical jokes. 

Help your party-animal soldier on without the Red Bull. MCT Oil squeeze packs will save the day for the one on your list who’s always down for a good time. 

These single-use packs make a handy stocking stuffer and are meant to dole out to friends on the go, which is perfect for your party-going friend. 

Give them a shot of MCT oil in their morning coffee (especially if they’ve only had a sugar cookie for breakfast). With so much keto-friendly brain energy, they’ll be sure to make it to last call. 

For The Holiday Out-Of-Towner: Lemon Ginger Shooter

Likes: Christmas mugs, sleeping in, helping with the cookie baking.

Traveling during the holidays is already a bit, shall we say, stressful? And it’s not fun when you get to your destination feeling run down. However, the refreshing zing of ginger, lemon, and pure hemp CBD isolate will help give your traveling pal a boost. So slip this in their stocking for a pick-me-up that keeps them fueled for baking their world-famous cinnamon rolls. 

Give The Gift Of CBD To Make The Most Of Your Holidays

Our Ablis annual holiday 20% off sale is still rolling! Stock up on essentials: three for you and one for a friend. At least, that’s how we do the counting. Need some fun CBD cocktail recipes for hosting Apres-Skis? We’ve got you covered with some truly unique, zingy flavors sure to make a CBD fan out of everyone. Now get out there and crush your Christmas list.

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The 12 Days of Ablismas Are Back And Bigger Than Ever

Ablis CBD

 

Once again, Ablis CBD is rolling out the red carpet for a holiday contest like no other. The 12 Days of Ablismas are back.

What’s Ablismas? 

Ablismas is a contest sponsored by yours truly. We’re Ablis CBD, a Bend-based maker of CBD infusions, concentrates, and topicals. If you’ve never tried CBD, Ablismas is an easy way to get your hands on our products and celebrate stress-free living just in time for the holidays. And since we’re in the giving spirit, we’re doing Ablismas bigger than ever before—almost 50 entrants will score a chance to win up to $12k+ in prizes. And that’s just because we like you. 

The 12 Days of Ablismas Prizes Are Stacking Up

Daily prizes include giveaways from Ablis CBD and partners, with a big finish of THREE GRAND PRIZES courtesy of Santiam SnoLab and Hoodoo Ski Resort. 

Here’s a teaser of this year’s grand prizes:

  • A pair of custom All-Mountain Ablis-branded skis (valued at $800) + 2 All Day Lift Ticket  Hoodoo Ski Passes (valued at $140) 
  • A custom All-Mountain Ablis-branded snowboard (valued at $800) + 2 All Day Lift Ticket Hoodoo Ski Passes (valued at $140) 
  • A pass to Santiam SnoLab to fully customize and design a brand new pair of skis or snowboard (valued at $700-800) + a 5-Day AnyCard Hoodoo Pass (valued at $350)

Score Free Camping Gear, Hoodoo Passes, Winterfest Tickets, And More!

If you thought there were only three chances to win, think again! We’ll be choosing daily winners from December 1-12.  We’ve put together a killer list of adventure-inspired prizes courtesy of Ablis CBD and some of our favorite PNW partners. From bevvie coats and Koozies to Hoodoo passes and camping gear, every prize was hand-picked to support your on-the-go lifestyle.   

The Rules And Stuff 

So, how do you play? You can think of it as the Olympic games of holiday giveaways. Hit this link to find the giveaway. Once you’re there, you’ve got over a dozen one-time and daily actions you can take to rack up entries. Make sure to also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for prize sneak peeks and announcements. 

Here’s what we’ll be giving away to two winners a day:

  •  Ablis Sample Pack [includes a mixed 12-pack of CBD waters, (1) 2oz Rub, (5) Muscle Rub Squeeze Packs, (5) MCT Squeeze Packs, (6) 50 mL shooters].

Two more winners a day will get the above Ablis sampler PLUS a prize from our featured partner of the day. By the end of the 12th day, we’ll have awarded nearly 12k in prizes to almost 50 entrants! 

How Many Times Can I Enter Ablismas Giveaways? 

There are both one-time and daily actions you can use to earn entries. We recommend taking advantage of the one-time entries ASAP and checking back daily to earn extra entries. These daily actions include things like liking our daily Instagram posts and sharing posts and videos that feature your favorite Ablis products. If you complete all of the one-time and daily entries, you can earn 36+ opportunities to win!

Can I Win More Than One Prize?

Yes! We’re randomly selecting winners every day. The more entries you have, the higher your chance of being selected. And even if you’ve won already, we’ll keep you in the running for daily and grand prizes. 

Can I Earn Any Of My Prizes In Cash? 

Nope, it’s just a product giveaway. But we’ve got a haul of stuff, so if you’re into Hoodoo passes and dope gear, you’ll love what you win! 

How Do I Increase My Odds Of Winning?

The more entries you have, the more likely you are to be randomly selected. To maximize your odds of winning, make sure to check all of the one-time entry methods of your list (signing up for our newsletter, following our partners on Instagram, learning more about Ablis) and then check back daily for the entry methods you can do once per day (share an image of yourself with your favorite Ablis product, like our daily Instagram post). 

Merry Ablismas from Ablis CBD, And The Best Of Luck! 

Take your shot to enter to win some incredible free gear and amazing Ablis products from December 1 through the 12th! We support getting you out there to experience the stoke, whether that’s shredding on a new board at Hoodoo, or winter camping with your new gear from Poler and Rovr. So what are you waiting for? Spread the word and help a friend win. All in all, it’s shaping up to be a very good Ablismas indeed.

A nod to our incredible partners who are making this many giveaways possible:  Hoodoo Ski Resort, Puffin Drinkwear, Rovr Coolers, Poler Camp Gear, Hillside Ski and Snowboard, Oregon Winterfest, Cascade Armory, and Crater Lake Spirits. Also, shout out to the designer of our custom boards, Moe Moscatosca! Peep his other design work over here. 

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Get a Jump on Winter Sports with CBD for Athletes

CBD for athletes
CBD muscle rub topical

 

When the first snowflake hits the pavement, it gives us the same kinda feeling we get when we score a front row parking spot at the mountain on a busy weekend! Time to earn your turns. Whether you’re a backcountry enthusiast or in for an easy-going groomed trail, have more fun in the snow by taking supremely good care of the basics with CBD for athletes by athletes. 

Mountain Gear Check Featuring MCT Oil Squeeze Packs

You don’t need Mother Nature to remind you that you should always go prepared (she tends to be harsh about it). Instead, consider this a friendly reminder to pack your gear bag with a few extra items. May we suggest an extra beanie or neck gaiter for the frigid temps?

Winter is hard on the body, especially if you have old injuries. Luckily, our MCT Oil squeeze packs were made for the side of the mountain! Move through the winter sports season like a well-oiled machine with this CBD for athletes product. Pack your gear bag with MCT oil for that top-up on self-care when the mountain sends it right back.

Keep It Loose with Muscle Rub: Our Most Popular CBD For Athletes

Our friend Ross swears by our  Muscle Rub (available in a handy 2 oz size for on-the-go) after traversing massive ridgelines, climbing up steep creek banks on his snowmobile, and flying off jumps at 30mph. He takes care of tight knees and sore shoulders with our soothing CBD topical muscle rub, the perfect salve after an all-day mountain sesh. 

Our Muscle Rub packs a punch with 500mg of CBD and 23 essential oils. It’s also available in these fun little squeeze packs for single use, made for the on-the-go, so you don’t miss any part of your adventure! Prevent cracked or dry skin with the moisturizing benefits of organic aloe leaf juice to care for your body exactly as you should.

Get Your Last Run In (Just Don’t Call it) and Apres-Ski with Ablis

Go further with Ablis in your bag and find your flow down the mountain. It’s no secret that taking good care of the basics will help you enjoy the winter sports you love even more. But we’ve got one last suggestion for your CBD essentials winter kit. If Apres-Ski parking lot beers are your thing, skip the hangover with an Ablis CBD Drink in hand. Choose from bold flavors like Cranberry Blood Orange and Zingy Lemon Ginger to keep the mountain high going for as long as possible! 

Get Winter Sport Ready with CBD for Athletes

Winter is full of opportunities for adventures, even in the cold. Shop Ablis CBD and make your recovery days count so you can get back out there and shred. Never slow down is our motto: that’s why we’ve designed our products for on-the-go outdoor conquests and lodge hangs too. Explore pure hemp CBD topicals, oils, and drinks, and stay moving!  

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CBD-Infused Drinks: Your New Summertime Go-To

Close up of one of Ablis's CBD-infused drinks, Strawberry Mojito; it is in a pink can with the Ablis Buddha logo on the front

This summer feels like emerging from an extra-long hibernation—and we plan on taking advantage of it! That means weekend adventures, spontaneous trips, and exploring our outdoor playground as often as we can. But it also means knowing when to take it easy and reset. If you’re adventuring this summer, here’s why you should make CBD-infused drinks your new go-to. 

What Are CBD-Infused Drinks? 

CBD is extremely versatile and can be infused in anything from gummies to beauty products. CBD-infused drinks are simply drinks with, you guessed it, some form of CBD added. At Ablis, we use emulsified hemp CBD in our sparkling drinks and shots. As we’ve discussed in past blogs, this hemp-derived CBD doesn’t contain THC, so it won’t make you high. But we take it a step further by only using CBD isolate, which is nothing but pure, 100% CBD. 

We take testing seriously when it comes to all of our CBD products, including our refreshing CBD-infused drinks. We start by sourcing from credible and licensed hemp processors who are as local as possible. Then, we send our CBD to third-party labs (with state licensing and national accreditation) for purity and pesticide testing. And if they don’t meet our standards, they don’t make it into your hands. Period. 

From there, we can get to creating our CBD products, including the fan-favorite beverages that pack a punch of flavor and potency. And we don’t know about you, but the knowledge that our drinks (and all our products) are safe to consume makes them all the sweeter. 

Our Favorite Ways to Add CBD Infusions Into Your Routine 

We always say that summer is the perfect time to try new things. So the next time you’re headed out to the river or the trail, consider taking our CBD infusions along for the ride. 

If you need some inspiration, try… 

…A pack of Cranberry Blood Orange on your next camping trip. 

Ablis Cranberry Blood Orange naturally infused sparkling beverages are sure to zing up your camping trip. The blend of classic and bold flavors is our most popular for a reason—and its zingy hit is offset by the 25mg of emulsified hemp CBD. 

We love to take this particular flavor for those in-between moments like sitting by the lake after a day of kayaking or while grilling up hotdogs or roasting marshmallows. If this flavor doesn’t quite grab you, our other bold sparkling beverages include Strawberry Mojito and Lemon Ginger. 

…Throwing a Strawberry Mojito Shot in your backpack before a hike or bike ride. 

Ablis shooters are perfect for anyone on the go. They’re a no-fuss, give-it-to-me straight alternative to slowly sipping on CBD-infused drinks—which is why we love them for a day of adventuring. If you’re planning to hit the trails this summer, we recommend the Strawberry Mojito Shot, which tastes like summer vacation in a bottle and delivers 10mg of pure hemp CBD. 

This particular flavor is one of our most popular—especially in the summertime—but we also carry Cranberry Blood Orange and Lemon Ginger if those are more your style. Our shooters are sold in packs, so you can share the fun with friends or pick an adventure for each one this summer. 

…Or sipping on a refreshing Lemon Water at a BBQ with friends. 

Our naturally infused sparkling waters contain the same amount of CBD (25mg) as our bold flavors, but without the added calories. Naturally sugar-free, bright lemon is the star of our Lemon Water beverage and, we think, perfect for lazy summer days. 

These low-calorie alternatives come in Berry Lime Water and Blood Orange Water as well, so you can’t really go wrong. If you want to really spice things up for a summer BBQ, try using these CBD-infused drinks in functails or cocktails.     

Shop Ablis CBD-Infused Drinks and More 

With exciting flavor combinations, refreshing finishes, and trusted sourcing, there’s really no way to go wrong with our CBD-infused drinks. And now that the summer months are once again changing the landscape of our outdoor playgrounds, we know these options make the perfect mid-morning break or after adventure finish. Explore all our CBD products or try a sample pack to make the most of those delicious summer moments. 

 

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How Ablis Gives Back To Help The Planet (And How You Can Help Too)

A woman in the foreground drinks a can of Ablis; in the background you can see her friends laughing and talking to each other on Earth Day 2022

If you’ve been following us for a while, you might have noticed we’re kind of into the whole nature thing. In fact, Ablis got its start on the trails, slopes, and rock faces right here in Central Oregon. But the outdoors aren’t just our playground. Here at Ablis, we’re excited to share a company culture that’s built around being stewards of the earth and protecting our wild spaces. 

We’re dedicated to being a leave-no-trace, environmentally friendly, pack-it-in/pack-it-out kind of place. And to celebrate Earth Day 2022, we’re teaming up with the Conservation Alliance to help give back to the planet.

Our Partnership With The Conservation Alliance

Ablis first joined The Conservation Alliance (TCA) in 2021 as part of our commitment to protecting the natural spaces that make life more of an adventure. TCA is an incredible organization on a mission to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places. We love their vision of a planet where wild places, wildlife, and people thrive together.

As TCA members, we get to put our money where our mouth is and help where we can. Plus, it’s an awesome opportunity to connect with like-minded companies that genuinely want to make a difference. Together, we’re helping fund the essential work of grassroots environmental organizations. 

Help Us Give Back This Earth Day 2022

Want to stock up on your favorite CBD products and help us make the world a better place? For Earth Week (April 17-23) we’re donating 5% of revenue from website sales to our friends over at The Conservation Alliance. Whether you make a purchase that helps us give back or want to donate directly, this is one direct way that you can help us protect wild places for #OurWildFuture this Earth Day 2022. 

Learn more about The Conservation Alliance or donate now. 

Other Ways We’re Helping the Planet

Of course, we know it takes more than one day a year to make a real difference, especially when it comes to conservation. That’s why we work every day of the year to make the world a better place. When you choose Ablis for your favorite CBD infusions, you’re supporting a company that: 

Believes in paid volunteer days. We need healthy, happy people to have a healthy, happy planet. And there’s nothing quite like volunteering to give both mind and body a major boost. So we support our team’s ability to give back to the community through paid volunteer days.  

Prioritizes recyclable materials. From the vendors we partner with to the materials that go into our packaging, recyclability is always our highest priority. Our aluminum cans and kegs are almost infinitely recyclable. In fact, according to Keep America Beautiful, “In as few as 60 days, the aluminum can that contains your favorite beverage may have been manufactured, filled, sold, recycled, and remanufactured.”

Has partners that value sustainability. You can tell a lot about somebody by the company they keep. And the same is true for, well, actual companies. Both Ablis CBD and Crater Lake Spirits, founded by Jim Bendis, share the same spirit of sustainability. The bulk of our production comes from Crater Lake Spirit’s resource-efficient facilities. From closed-loop cooling systems that conserve water to energy-efficient buildings and sustainable ingredient farming practices, they’re all in on protecting resources. 

Giving Back On Earth Day 2022 (and Beyond)

As a team of bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, it just makes sense that we’re committed to keeping our wild places beautiful for generations to come. With our partnerships, packaging, and policies, we’re dedicated to making the world a better place. Don’t forget to help us out this Earth Day! Shop now or donate to our fundraising campaign.

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Professional Snowmobiler Ross Robinson Talks CBD For Athletes

pro snowmobiling, cbd for athletes

CBD For Athletes Like Ross Robinson 

Ross Robinson grew up snowmobiling. He doesn’t remember his first time on a snowmobile, but getting out on the snow at a young age sparked a passion in Ross that continues to this day. As a professional athlete and Ablis fan, Ross also knows the benefit of CBD for athletes. 

“I used to ride double in front of my dad when I was really young,” he said, “but I didn’t really get hooked on it until I was a teenager and was big enough to ride my own snowmobile.” 

When Ross entered his teens, it was “game on,” he says. Now he’s in his mid-20s and is an established professional snowmobiler and content creator. He often works with companies like Lynx Snowmobiles to create content for his followers (on YouTube, he has 19k followers; on Instagram, his follower count is almost 57k).

“I’ve really enjoyed creating fun and engaging content for my followers,” Ross said. “That’s where my focus will be for the foreseeable future, both in and out of the snowmobile world.” 

Ross highlights fellow snowmobilers in “509 Sled Update,” a YouTube show that showcases insane clips of professionals snowmobiling (also known as sledding). Most of Ross’s content revolves around snowmobiling, but he hopes to branch out into other similar sports. 

Taking His Skills Off The Slopes

As an opportunity hunter, you never know where he might go once something seizes his interest—just as he’s done with his snowmobiling career. 

After learning the ropes from his father and traversing the slopes on his own as a teen, Ross took his snowmobiling to the next level and spent six seasons working at Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure (BBA). This, he says, was “really the springboard for a lot of opportunities in my career.” 

He began working at BBA as a support guide, then spent time running his own groups as a lead guide. During his last few seasons working at Burandt’s, Ross managed the brand’s media alongside his guide duties. Unfortunately, the time commitment of being a lead guide kept him from his other passion: hitting the slopes on a snowmobile wherever, whenever. 

Ross posted a video on his YouTube channel sharing the ins and outs of his choice to leave BBA for new opportunities, but ultimately, he chose to combine his media experience with his love for snowmobiling to embark on a new career path: working for himself, creating really cool content. 

“My biggest accomplishment [to date] is being at a point where I can put together cool projects and make them happen, usually while getting paid in the process,” Ross said. “That’s what I hope to continue to do for years to come.” 

During his snowmobiling career thus far, Ross has explored multiple places across North America, along with excursions overseas to Sweden and Chile. Chile was especially unique, he says, because of the culture and the time of year—While it was 100 degrees at home, he was riding in fresh snow, discovering new zones. 

CBD For Athletes Helps To Reset

Now, Ross stays busy creating content, sharing highlights from the snowmobiling world, and dropping bits of knowledge about all things sledding. He even has a podcast in the works. Each morning, he says, he kicks off the day with something that puts him in the right mindset: Ablis CBD & MCT in his coffee.  

“The variety of products Ablis has is a big win for me,” Ross said. “Whenever I need a refresh, I’ll enjoy an infused sparkling water, and then I’ll use some muscle rub after a session at the gym or a day in the mountains.” Ross is a perfect example of CBD for athletes used to both renew and recover. 

When he’s not out on the snow, Ross takes time to watch actions sports (usually to gain future project inspiration and to plan future adventures), catching up with friends, and occasionally grabbing the Xbox controller to remind everyone that he still can “dominate on the sticks” like back in his teenage days. 

Of course, Ross is still dominating it on the slopes like he did when he was a teen, too. Out there in the mountains, it’s just “myself, my sled, and endless terrain,” he said. That’s really part of the appeal. 

“[Snowmobilers] have the freedom to go wherever our skills can take us, traversing massive ridgelines, climbing up steep and dark creek bottoms,” Ross said. “The exploration is endless, and it’s exploration at 30 miles per hour while flying and jumping off everything imaginable.”  

See Ross Robinson in action on his Instagram or YouTube. 

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Ablis CBD For Sports Performance With Pro Biker Kyle Jameson

Kyle Jameson, CBD for sports performance

CBD For Sports Performance? Kyle Jameson Thinks So

Professional mountain biker and business owner Kyle Jameson is no stranger to pushing his limits. “My first ride was in 1998,” he says, “The feeling of flying through the trees was an overwhelming feeling of happiness.” He’s chased this feeling his entire career while overcoming injuries and obstacles. And when he needs support, he uses Ablis CBD for sports performance and recovery. 

His first mountain bike ride happened in 5th grade, while Kyle was  living in California. Now, he’s 32 and has since turned his childhood passion into a full-blown career. 

Kyle is one of the mountain biking scene’s most notable bikers and filmmakers. He’s not only competed in the Red Bull Rampage (where he qualified twice) but he’s also traveled the globe to film bike riding and has hosted successful events for biking enthusiasts like himself. 

Beyond The Trails

During an interview with Outside TV in 2011, Kyle mentioned that he liked “to make [his] own way down the mountain,” which he’s done in both mountain biking and his own business. 

He owns an excavation and trail building company, where he’s been building trails for over ten years. Once he learned how to find his own flow down different mountains, he chose to share his skills—and love of the sport—by uncovering the best mountain biking routes and building out parts of the trail system where it’s needed.

“I figured that it was time to grow up and start my own business,” said Kyle with a laugh. “I wasn’t interested in all the traveling that trail building had in store, so I felt the need to branch out and do general excavation.” 

Kyle also says that excavating trails gives him and his team the ability to pick and choose their mountain bike builds. They have several new builds on the horizon, for which Kyle is grateful. 

Many hours in his week are focused on his business, but Kyle also makes sure he saves time for things that give life its fun and flavor: mountain biking and spending time with his family. 

Along with being a business owner and a pro mountain biker, Kyle is also a new dad. His daughter may not know it yet, but it’s only a matter of time before he introduces her to the sport he’s loved since that first bike ride in 1998. 

“The feeling of flying through the forest on two wheels will never get old,” said Kyle. 

An Ablis Partnership: Using CBD For Sports Performance and Recovery

The 32-year-old dad is still shredding down mountains—and recently partnered with Ablis CBD to create a one-of-a-kind helmet.  

Kyle is a long-time Ablis fan and has used CBD for sports performance and recovery for years. “I love all the products Ablis has,” he said. “The company is run by riders for riders. I’m a big fan and believe that the team at Ablis knows how to produce a great product.” 

Not only will the Ablis CBD helmet keep Kyle looking cool, but it will also keep him safe from any unexpected injuries. In the past, he’s experienced a heart-pounding moment where the words “you’ll never bike again” rang in his ears. 

Despite the doctor’s grim verdict after Kyle broke his wrist while riding his bike, he “willed [his] way back.” Hearing that his dream was over didn’t stop him from setting a goal and working to achieve it. 

Right now, Kyle’s using the same mentality to work through an ACL tear that forced him to set down his bike for about six months. As he returns to two wheels, Kyle says he won’t let this injury dissuade him. He’s going to continue pushing forward in recovery until he can hit up his favorite trail in Bend again. 

Give it a few months, then keep an eye out for a blur flying down Tyler’s Traverse in an Ablis CBD helmet. It’s probably Kyle Jameson.

Keep up with Kyle by following him on Instagram — @kylekjameson.

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River Rafting In Oregon and Washington? Try These Places With CBD Beverages In Hand.

rafting OR and WA with CBD beverages

By the Ablis CBD Team

Here at Ablis, we’re big fans of outdoor adventures. Hiking, trail running, rock climbing, skiing, you name it. One of our favorite ways to blow off steam (when the weather is right) is river rafting in Oregon and Washington—with our CBD beverages in hand, of course. 

Whether it’s your first time on the river or your hundredth, you won’t want to miss a rafting adventure in the Pacific Northwest along these four rivers: the White Salmon, the Skykomish, the Rogue River, and the Skagit.

1.White Salmon River

Class III – IV

This gorgeous area of the Pacific Northwest is protected under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and includes a winding river that spans almost 30 miles, with rapids ranging from class III difficulty (rapids with irregular waves) to class IV (where you’ll have to perform complex maneuvers over difficult rapids). 

Some sections of this narrow river are suitable for all levels, but for some, you’ll want to be able to swim! Fortunately, there are plenty of guided rafting experiences available. Wet Planet WhiteWater boasts an exciting trip that culminates with a plummet down Husum Falls (a waterfall drop that’s sure to make your heart race). 

White Salmon River is just north of the Oregon/Washington border, near the little towns of Hood River and White Salmon. The cities are across the river from one another, even though one is in OR and one is in WA. Both towns have an amazing little local scene, making this a great option for a weekend trip: rafting one day, exploring the next. Pro tip: bring your Ablis CBD beverages and Muscle Rub along for the trip. 

2. Skykomish River

Class IV – V 

One look at this river, and you’ll see why it was the first to be included in the Washington State Scenic River System. The Skykomish is giant compared to the White Salmon, and it contains house-sized boulders that create massive waves between its banks.

If you want an advanced whitewater rafting experience in the Pacific Northwest, this one is a must—especially the Boulder Drop rapid. Your heart is bound to start racing as you approach this stretch of river in your raft! 

After navigating the class V rapids that may or may not knock you out of your boat, take a moment to look up and soak in the views: River banks that are lined with lush trees like firs, cedars, and maples; Mount Index and Mount Persis’ snowy mountaintops towering above the treeline. 

For those who want to experience the views without the heart-pounding rapids, check out Alpine Adventures’ Family Floats, an 8-mile trip that flows downstream from Big Eddy State Park. You can even check both off your bucket list by making it a weekend trip with a cabin stay at Harmony Lodge or Skykomish River Lodge.

3. Rogue River 

Class II – IV 

Choose between a multi-day or one day trip down one of the first rivers to be protected by the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act: the Rogue River in southwestern Oregon. It’s an exciting whitewater rafting experience, whether you camp alongside the river, stay in lodges along the way, or only stay on the water for a day. 

In the past, this river was a go-to vacation destination for Hollywood stars like Clark Gable. Although he may not have gone rafting, it’s understandable why the remote wilderness was appealing to those of fame and fortune: Peace, quiet, and excitement of the rapids. 

The Rogue River is lined with old forests, canyons, interesting rock formations and several exciting twists and turns. You can join in a group adventure on the Rogue River, or (if you’re experienced) tackle the remote and challenging whitewater as a private, self-guided group.

4. Skagit River

Class II – III

If it’s your first time whitewater river rafting, or if you’re planning a trip with someone who’s nervous about taking a tumble in the rapids, take a scenic float along the Skagit River (another Wild and Scenic River). You’ll be able to test your skills navigating the class III S-curves along your 9 to 10 mile journey, but these waves are playful, unlike others that you might encounter on rafting trips in the Pacific Northwest. 

You’ll find the Skagit in North Cascades National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the country. It’s remote, and it’s gorgeous…especially Diablo Lake, the lake that feeds the Skagit River. The water is an unrealistic tint of blue, and it’s surrounded by 3,000 foot mountains covered with fir trees. 

Needless to say, it’s a sight to see, and it’s worth making your way through the rapids to get there. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest rafting adventures on this list, and there are plenty of groups that offer guided tours. Whether you’re introducing your kiddo to whitewater river rafting or you’re gathering a group of friends for a weekend adventure, the Skagit is a great river to explore. 

After exploring the rivers of Oregon and Washington with your Ablis CBD beverages, check out a few tips from our friend Renee about how to relieve sore muscles. It’s always important to unwind after a day of working out, whether it’s out on the slopes, or on the river. Enjoy your Pacific Northwest adventure navigating the rapids! 

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Take it to the Slopes: Where to Ski Near Bend, Oregon

Take it to the Slopes: Three Places to Ski Near Bend, Oregon

By Max Bendis  

 

On our team at Ablis CBD, we have people who are bikers, hikers, joggers, climbers, and skiers, to name a few. We’re athletes, and we love exploring the outdoors. That’s why I’m happy to share my favorite places to ski near Bend, OR, my hometown and where Ablis CBD is based. We love it here for a lot of reasons. 

If you’re ever in our area and want to plan a day on the slopes, here’s where we’d suggest going near Bend, OR. Hope you have fun!

1. Mount Bachelor

This is closest to Bend, and probably one of the most well-known places to ski. It’s about a 30-minute drive West of Bend and has epic routes (check out this video, and you’ll see what I mean). When you get there, make your way up to the summit and get ready for adventure. 

There’s 4,300 acres of terrain here, and you can access all 360 degrees of the mountain from your starting point at the top. As the sixth largest ski resort in America, Mt. Bachelor has a lot to explore! Their trail map covers a lot of great ground, including the Woodward Mountain Park, a great place to go if you want to test your skills. 

Don’t miss their excellent events, resort activities (like sled dog rides…no, we’re not joking!), and great places to dine in-between your time on the slopes. You can purchase tickets online to save time (and money), and if you have a beginner skier in your crew, be sure to book a lesson in advance at the Gravity School. No skis? No worries—Mt. Bachelor has rental equipment that you can also reserve easily online. 

See it on SkiMaps

See it on Google Maps

Check out Mt. Bachelor’s website

2. Hoodoo Ski Area

Visitors and locals have been heading to Hoodoo for ski days for a long time: since 1934, to be exact. Things really became official in 1946, when they asked for a ski tow. Hoodoo now has one of “the largest tubing parks in the West” and is a must for anyone who wants to experience skiing (day or night) in Central Oregon.

Although it’s an hour southwest of Bend (located in Sisters, OR), the 800 acres of exciting terrain you’ll find here is definitely worth the drive. For a full look at what you’ll experience, check out their trail map. They also offer classes at the Ski & Ride School (with skis, snowboarding, and snow bikes), where you can learn a new skill or two during your visit. 

If you want to experience something you can’t find anywhere else in Central Oregon, make plans to go night skiing at Hoodoo: they have 23 night runs with custom-built lights that make sure it’s smooth skiing down the mountain, under the stars. Keep reading about why I like skiing at Hoodoo here. 

See it on SkiMaps

See it on Google Maps

Check out Hoodoo’s website

3. Willamette Pass Resort

For a tried-and-true local experience, hit up the slopes at Willamette Pass. This (now) resort was originally founded in 1941 with “a handful of tow ropes” by Roy and Edra Temple. It passed through several hands over the years before the Wiper family began taking care of it in 1982. 

This ski area may be the furthest from Bend (about an hour drive southwest, in Crescent Lake), but again, it’s undoubtedly worth the drive—especially if you’re wanting to get a great skiing experience for less cost. From the trails to the views, Willamette Pass gives the larger ski areas a good run for their money. They also offer skiing and snowboarding lessons, as well as rental gear if you need it. 

See it on SkiMaps

See it on Google Maps

Check out Willamette Pass’s website

First Time Skiing? Ablis CBD Has Some Tips. 

  1. Take it slow. — Don’t overexert yourself, especially during your first ski outing. Listen to your body so that you’re able to come back soon and have more fun on the slopes. 
  2. Look before you leap. — They say this in most beginner ski classes because it’s one of the most important tips: look to see where you’re going to land before taking the jump. 
  3. Make post-ski plans to unwind. — In the same way you don’t want to overdo it while you’re skiing, you want to make sure you wind down after you step off your skis. We have a few tips here. 

 

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Meet Mckenna Brown: Professional Street Skier and Holistic Health Advocate

Meet Mckenna Brown: Professional Street Skier and Holistic Health Advocate

By Ablis CBD 

Mckenna Brown started snowboarding—yes, snowboarding, not skiing—when she was six. She didn’t put on a pair of skis until almost five years later, when she and her best friend decided to trade hobbies, just for fun. 

“When I was eleven, my best friend and I swapped one day,” said Mckenna. “Ever since then, I knew that skiing is what I’m supposed to be doing.” 

Her best friend’s dad rounded up an old pair of skis and boots from the back of their garage and taught Mckenna how to ski. Nine years later, the Bend, OR, native is twenty years old. She’s placed in several skiing competitions, and is now making waves (or should we say, tracks), in women’s street skiing. 

During her early teenage years, Mckenna was focused on training for competitions. She’d train at least four days a week. Ultimately, she was working toward the Olympics. Her training and dedication paid off, too—When she was 15, she placed second in both the rail jam and slopestyle competition at Nationals. 

Although she was undoubtedly skilled, after spending several years in the competition circuit, Mckenna found herself becoming undoubtedly spent. She came to the realization that it wasn’t really her goal to become an Olympic skier. She loved skiing—her “creative outlet”—but she didn’t like the intense pressure that came with the competitions. She wanted to do something…different. 

At age 16, Mckenna moved to Salt Lake City to live with a host family while attending her senior year of high school and training with the Park City Ski Team. In her spare time, she started skiing in the streets. 

“I started dibble dabbling in the streets, which is pretty wild, and I’d film it,” said Mckenna. “I realized that this was another realm within the ski industry. You film projects and sponsors love it, people love it. I love it. It’s much more creative and free flowing [than competitive skiing].” 

As Mckenna skied on home-made ramps and rails around town, she discovered that this type of skiing was much more her pace. She began spending more time street skiing, and now, several years later, focuses on skiing or filming projects. 

“There are only ten or so girls who are currently active in the street skiing industry,” said Mckenna. “I’m riding a very new train, and me and the other girls are trying to inspire more girls to get into it because it’s really fun.” 

When she was competitive skiing, Mckenna says, she didn’t work with many sponsors. In the street skiing space, however, she’s worked with several sponsor companies to film her street skiing talent. 

In 2020, she worked on an all-female film project in Quebec that highlighted the up-and-coming sport of women’s backcountry skiing, free skiing, and street skiing. The other female skiers featured in the project were all older than Mckenna by several years (the second youngest person was 26).

“It was a sponsored project with other girls who were all really experienced, which was awesome,” Mckenna said. “It’s great that we were all a part of [the project], and I felt so deeply connected with Canada. The energy was incredibly magical. It’s one of my favorite ski memories.” 

This is the first of many exciting skiing memories for Mckenna. Last year, she entered Level 1’s SUPERUNKNOWN contest (a video contest for unpaid skiers). The video that she sent in earned her a spot to participate in the next part of the contest: meeting up with 2020 winners at a resort, and filming content with Level 1 at the resort’s custom-build private park. Although the meet-up is currently on hold due to COVID-19, whoever stood out during the time at the resort would usually win a filming contract with Level 1 for a whole year. 

In 2020, Mckenna was also invited to a rail jam competition at Dew Tour. She didn’t place, but “getting invited was a big deal, to me at least, because people who are usually invited to [Dew Tour] are in the competition circuit and well known in the competition circuit,” she says. 

Even though she’s no longer competing regularly, Mckenna is looking forward to going back to Dew Tour again in the future. And, even if Dew Tour is the only “comp” she attends all year, there’s no doubt that Mckenna Brown is going to become a name to know in the female street skiing industry. 

“I’d really like to create movies that impact [women’s] skiing,” Mckenna said. “Women’s skiing is taken so seriously on the comp side of things. I want the younger generation of ski girls to know that there’s more out there than ‘become a professional competition skier or become nothing’.” 

Along with filming and skiing, Mckenna has also been studying holistic health and healing. She says that she’s dedicating some of her time to learning about these things so that she can one day create a business outside of skiing that’s focused on healthy living. 

“I’m very into energy healing and connecting the physical with the emotional,” said Mckenna. “Lately, I’ve been learning a lot about how focusing on an injury or stressing out about a pain in the body can send a stress response to that area and make it more inflamed.” 

This may be part of the reason why Mckenna is a fan of Ablis CBD tinctures, creams, and beverages: she says that she uses these things to calm her down when she’s anxious or stressed, and uses creams especially to ease menstrual pains or muscle inflammation after a day of street skiing. 

Yoga is another way that Mckenna takes care of her body and her mind. Ultimately, she says, a healthy life starts with thinking positively, having positive self-talk, and being aware of your self image. It’s all about being in tune with your body. In her opinion, it’s incredibly important to be in alignment with your happiest self. 

“Whenever I’m in a negative mindset or have negative influences, it really blocks me from who I’m supposed to be,” said Mckenna. “I didn’t feel like I was worthy until I figured out what made me happy with skiing. Now that I know I want to put my energy into street skiing, I can really work towards a future with more of my passions.”