Ski & Snowboard

Cross-country skiing may look slow-motion to those used to the speed of downhill, but in fact it’s a tranquil way to get outside and exercise - and far more demanding physically than you might think. What’s more, it’s widely accessible, with low-cost gear and trails that anyone can reach by public transportation. In The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide, our own Stéphanie Major shares her best tips and opens up about how cross country skiing helps her with seasonal depression. With many favourite activities cancelled or postponed due to COVID, and people getting more sedentary in winter anyways, there’s never been

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been cross-country skiing for years, Calgary is an excellent place to explore on skis. With beautiful aspen-lined trails and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, cross-country skiing in Calgary is nothing short of exciting. Beginners can check our The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide to get started, then pop on over to our What To Wear Cross-country Skiing blog before you go.This guide to the city’s best cross-country ski spots includes parks and courses in town, as well as areas that make for a fun day trip not far outside of town. Beginner,

No need to go off the beaten path to discover snowy landscapes and trails that cut through the woods. The Ottawa and Gatineau regions are full of places to practice cross-country skiing– alone or with the family, beginners and experienced skiers alike have plenty to choose from. Whether you're in town or in the country, hundreds of kilometres await you if you're looking to get out into nature. Below you'll find our team's favourite places to go cross-country skiing in winter 2021. If this is your first outing, don't forget to check out our guide on how to dress for

Increasingly popular in recent years, cross country skiing is enjoying a meteoric success in this pandemic year, and there is no shortage of places to cross country ski near Montreal. Some, well known to the general public and particularly popular with families and Sunday skiers, are much busier this year. Others, more hidden-away, offer a snowy paradise for skiers. No need to rush to the P'tit Train du Nord! This short article reviews five of our best places to cross-country ski in the Montreal area. And to find out how to dress for your outing, check out our head-to-toe guide.

Like many, I'm relatively new to backcountry skiing, a discipline that was once reserved for the most daring and motivated. Since the 2020-2021 season is marked by limited access to resorts, many skiers have chosen to take a different path to freedom. And that path is ski touring. However, one shouldn't venture off the resort without some basic knowledge and the right equipment. So where do we start? Let's explore the basics to get a good understanding of a sport that's gaining in popularity at full speed. What is Backcountry Skiing? Backcountry skiing, ski touring, alpine touring, off-piste...whatever you want

Wednesday morning, 7:15 AM. The sun struggles to break through the clouds scattered here and there in the dawn sky. In just a few minutes, over to the east, it'll suddenly set the horizon ablaze, and I'll be able to turn off the headlamp lighting my way along the cross country ski trail. In less than two hours, I'll be back at work, at home in front of my computer. What makes a sane person leave the warmth of their bed so early, brave the biting cold, all to to get lost in the woods at this time of night

Gaspésie National Park The Gaspésie National Park, located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, is a dream spot for those seriously tough skiers. There, you will find 3 groomed trails and six un-groomed marked trails for Nordic skiing. There are also 17 shelters that allow you to go for longer treks. By the way, if you like long treks with a group, you may be interested in la traversée Gaspésie Aiguebelle National Park Do you dream of breathtaking landscapes, and quiet serenity? Escape to the north and enjoy all that winter has to offer. Abitibi-Témiscamingue has 30 km of marked trails for nordic skiing

Whether skiing or snowboarding, when the snow starts to fall and the wind starts to blow, having a clear field of vision is essential. For those of you on the hunt for a new pair of goggles, we've put together a list of our most popular Oakley goggles.We know shopping for goggles can be overwhelming so add some ease to your shopping experience by using our helpful goggle guide to assist you in how to choose the right goggles for you.Oakley's Prizm Lens TechnologyOakley's Prizm technology is designed to accentuate colour contrast to help you see details with precision. Oakley embarked

As a skier, the number one thing you want to avoid is icy fingers on the mountain. To keep your fingers warm and dry, you’ll need waterproof hand protection. Though all ski gloves may seem relatively similar, there are significant differences in comfort, features, and design. There are also considerations such as your preference for gloves or mitts, leather or softshell, and heavy-duty or ultrathin builds. We’ll admit it: there are technical challenges in choosing the best ski gloves. But Altitude Sports has you covered with this round-up of the best ski gloves for 2021. After extensive review, we found the

Your friends hit the downhill slopes every weekend, but have you always wanted to try cross-country? You're not alone—cross country skiing is booming in 2021! Cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to keep fit in winter. It's a cardio activity, but it's also quite peaceful (imagine skiing through the woods!) and suitable for the whole family. And with the right cross-country ski clothing, it's easier than you might think. While it often costs hundreds of dollars to buy new downhill ski equipment, cross-country ski equipment and clothing is much more affordable. However, it's not always easy to know

Ski goggles are essential for taking on the mountain. Like your jacket or snow pants, they protect you against the elements–in this case by shading your eyes from the sun or blocking the wind. While they are built durable, they still require some upkeep and care. To make sure you get the most out of your goggles for years to come, here's our guide on how to care for and properly maintain your goggles.Use the Goggle BagMost new goggles come in a protective microfibre bag, designed to clean the lens as well. Use it - it doesn't take up extra

The search for the perfect pair of ski goggles needs to take in one important aspect: fog. Although most goggles on the market nowadays are treated with an anti-fog coating, there are instances where your goggle lenses can become foggy. Understanding why your goggles are fogging up will help to prevent it from happening more often. Below we offer a few tips and some problem-solving techniques which may shine a light on your foggy goggle disaster. Yes, goggle defects do occur but user error is the most common culprit. Shop ski goggles What Makes Goggles Fog Up? We all know

I've been at the skiing game for a long time, and when I took a group of novice friends for a trip to the mountain, it gave me a whole new perspective on things.  Most of my friends were equipped pretty basically—but in some cases pretty poorly. Despite blue skies and fresh powder, equipment problems can cut short the fun on a perfect day out, and even drive people from the sport altogether. And first things first—without the best ski goggles for you, your time having fun will be pretty short. So I've put together a list for you about

Whether you’re looking for a ski jacket to accompany you in the backcountry or the resort, finding the perfect one can be challenging. Altitude Sports has you covered though, with this list of the best ski jackets for this winter season. Included are two-layer and three-layer models (2L and 3L), insulated jackets with real and synthetic insulation, and hard shells. The best ski jackets on this list strike a balance between warmth, ventilation, waterproofing, and breathability. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Ski Jackets Reviewed Product Name Highly ratedTechnical fabricPowder skirt Shop Product Name Down insulationReflective liningMany pockets Shop Product Name Flexible hoodSynthetic &

Ski pants are one of the most critical pieces of equipment you wear while skiing. We’ve created this curated list of the best ski pants and bibs to fit every style and budget. If you’re a resort-goer, you’ll probably want snow pants with insulation for chair lifts and a hard outer shell. If you’re a backcountry skier, pants with a softshell that provides mobility and breathability will be the winner. However, the best ski pants or bib are fit for both the backcountry and resort. We found the best ski pants overall to be the Black Diamond Boundary Line Insulated

The fourth season, for many, is winter, when the temperature drops to subzero and the snow starts to fall. But there are many who live to see that first snow for different reasons–the beginning of ski season. It's the time of year when we gladly go to the back of our closets, size up our ski clothing and dust off our ski gear. While you keep yourself active the remaining three seasons of the year, we all know you’re really just waiting to strap on your boots and kick them into your bindings before tearing down white powdery trails. For

The ski season is fast approaching and, depending on where you live in Canada, some lucky ones have already made their first tracks in the fresh powder snow. For those who haven't had snow yet, now is a great time to shop for ski gear, and specifically one of the top backcountry backpacks, for your future adventures. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente our top choice Product Type Product Name Price: 0.00$ Affordable, simple, efficient and resistant, the Trion 35 rucksack from Mammut is ideal for all skiers and mountaineers who don't compromise on equipment. It has a large opening that gives you easy access

Besides your skis or snowboard, a helmet is the most important piece of gear. A head-injury sustained while speeding down a mountainside can result in a life-changing (or even life-ending) injury. That said, much of the risk can be mitigated by choosing the right helmet. Every year, helmet technologies improve, maximizing durability, ventilation, and protection, while minimizing weight. Plus, many of today’s styles, finishes, and colors elevate the helmet to the status of fashion accessory. Though it goes without saying, all outdoor adventures involve some degree of risk. But don’t take unnecessary ones—because you never know what’s lurking beneath the fresh

The real ones know it's true: snowboarding has nothing to do with skiing. Yes, there are some similarities, and maybe going down on two slabs isn't very different from going down on one, but in a much larger sense, snowboarding and skiing have as much in common as Brits and Canadians—very little. That being said, here's our selection of the best snowboard jackets for riding in style this winter. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Best Overall Jacket Product Type Product Name Price: 0.00$ This coat by 686 is named Smarty for a reason. It's made of a waterproof outer fabric with a 2 layer

Climbing skins, avalanche transceivers, GORE-TEX shells and essential accessories... understanding industry jargon can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you're shopping for a backcountry enthusiast or snowboarder with distinctive tastes. Fortunately, our team of ski and snowboard enthusiasts has put together a selection of the best products to perform, ride with style, and stay safe. Discover the best gifts for skiers and snowboarders, all available at Altitude Sports. The 10 Best Skiing & Snowboarding Gifts Our collection of downhill and backcountry gifts for skiers and snowboarders is equipped with the latest technology. Our selection, meticulously chosen by our snow sports

Whether you stick to the resort groomers in the resort or you're out shredding the back-country lines, your ski wear needs to be reliable. Stay warm out on the hill when downhill skiing this winter with this ski apparel guide. A Day in the Mountains Dressing for a day of downhill skiing is all about staying warm & getting the most of your day in the mountains. If you're running to the lodge after every run to warm up, with cold feet, cold fingers or just being cold all over, it spoils the fun—and can be dangerous if you ignore

On the mountain the weather can change very quickly, so you always need to be ready. Having a checklist of what to bring skiing is important, and packing all the essentials will ensure you're prepared. Whether you're carving the slopes on a sunny afternoon, or exploring the backcountry on an overcast morning, visibility is key. It's not just about having fun but staying safe, and the SPY Bravo Colorblock goggles will keep you both stylish and protected. Here is a list of things you should check before choosing your next goggles. Fit: Make sure they are comfortable, not too big

Every time I pack for a ski expedition up north or a beach trip down south, I always end up thinking that I should invent a warm, lightweight technical jacket that can fit snugly in my bag while I'm on my way to my destination. I've finally found this jacket and it's made my life so much easier. The one I'm talking about is Hyperia Lite Jacket from the New Zealand company icebreaker. If this coat meets the needs so well, it's because it manages to compete with the warmth of down while being super light and compressible. Pros Cons

Spyder has always been one of my favourite iconic high-end brands you can wear on the slopes. I've worn their apparel for years and although my tastes have changed and I've tried different brands, I've always come back to them. Recently I was on the lookout for a new ski outfit. I wanted something comfortable, modern, colourful, and most importantly something that could perform on the slopes. That's when I discovered the Solitaire GTX kit.     At first glance, the kit seemed perfect for what I was looking for, but I wanted to test it out before I came

The temperature is dropping, and winter is just around the corner—time for ski season! You're free to imagine wonderful days on the ski hill, breathing in the fresh mountain air and exploring new terrain with friends and family. But you won't get far if you're not prepared. It's tough to enjoy winter on or off the mountain without the proper apparel. That's why we've prepared this checklist on what to wear skiing and snowboarding. Ski Checklist Base Layer Long underwear shirt Long underwear bottoms Mid Layer Light jacket, vest or sweater Outerwear Ski jacket Ski pants Head, Feet, and Hands

When most snowboarders think of Rip Curl, images of surfers, swimwear, and wetsuits come to mind. That image is changing thanks to the brand’s development of The Search Series outerwear and their new rider partnerships with legendary snowboarders like DCP.  Rip Curl’s founders were actually snow fanatics who’ve made ‘Mountainwear’ since 1986. They’re dedicated to applying innovative technology to their mountain collection. The outcome is The Search Series—durably designed in recycled fabrics. Other tech includes recycled PRIMALOFT insulation and rugged Cordura paneling anywhere your ski or board edges might touch your outerwear.  DCP joining Rip Curl is big news. David’s

I was standing on the school steps waiting to get picked up. I zipped up my jacket to ward off the cold Edmonton winter, adjusted my hat and peered down the road, looking for the minivan. There it was, it was easy to recognize because of the Thule Box full of skis on top. I jumped down the stairs and slid open the side door. Warm air hit my face as I climbed into the van to sit next to my older brother Lucas. As we pulled away my mom looked back at me, smiled and asked how my day

At our hotel in town the night before, the sound of falling rain had anxiously kept us up all night. The day before we’d flown all the way from Montreal to Calgary, then driven three-hours south to be at Fernie resort for opening day of the ski season. We planned to ride with professional ski patrollers and a young pro skier for Helly Hansen named Simon. Luckily, at the base of the resort that morning, the cold temperatures and elevation had turned the rain into fresh powder. Being first in line for the season’s first chair is special—but it’s all that

‘Guys, the road is reopening soon!’ We could see snowplows finish clearing the last of the white concrete-like crust that had blocked our path. Sounds of TNT avalanche probes rung throughout the alpine valley. In a line of vehicles at the checkpoint, our crew sat in the truck bed with our skis, ready to be driven back up the valley for another skinning ascent—but Nature had once again delayed our adventure. After more than a 30-minute wait, we were going to be allowed through the checkpoint where snow walls taller than trucks lined the road. At the break of a

On a recent trip to the Red Mountains' backcountry, I had a chance to enjoy an amazing day on the slopes. Tons of snow, great descents, breathtaking scenery. I also had the chance to try two pieces of Black Diamond touring essentials. Here's how they worked out for me.   Black Diamond Touring Essential 1—The Dawn Patrol 25 Ski Backpack Putting on my backpack is often the last step before tackling an ascent or skiing down a hill. It's an integral part of my backcountry skiing/freeride kit. My pack has to be comfortable, ensure quick access to a probe/shovel and

Ski season is upon us and so are the winter storms, bringing in daydream-worthy forecasts that have powder hounds antsy for epic ski days. Whether you're a backcountry explorer earning your turns or you prefer to stick to the resort and lap the corduroy, the Peak Performance Ski Kits collection has a little something stylish and functional to meets every skier's needs. Shop Peak Performance Backcountry Peak Performance Ski Kits For Her Vertical Jacket Shop now Vertical Pants Shop now For Him Alpine Jacket Shop now Alpine Pants Shop now When it comes to skiing in the backcountry, while the

The countdown has begun for powder hounds who watch weather forecasts wide-eyed and bewildered searching for the first sign of snow in the forecast. Skis and boards readily waxed awaiting their first ride of the new season and new ski and snowboard outfits being picked out to match accordingly. To help you along your way up the mountain, here is a list of Arc'teryx Top Ski & Snowboard Jackets for Men. The Arc'teryx Whiteline collection is sure to please with its variety of colours and the classic technical features and designs winter enthusiasts long for season-after-season. Below are our top