Ski & Snowboard

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

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

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. Even though they serve the same purpose, ski and snowboard jackets are very different. Some of the best winter jackets available can fit in either category. So here's our list of the best snowboarding jackets for 2020. How to Choose a Snowboarding Jacket Firstly, you have to figure out

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

Picking out the best gifts for the skiers and snowboarders in your life can be challenging. Whether it's insulated ski jackets, snowboard pants, GORE-TEX mittens, or essential accessories, trying to find the right gear can be a tough task  - especially if you're shopping for a rider with a particular taste or style. Thankfully our staff of avid skiers, boarders, and backcountry adventurers have curated a selection of timeless styles, innovative designs, and trending essentials. These recommended products will help you find the perfect gift for a special someone who lives for fresh groomers, slushy park laps, and deep powder.

Cross-country skiing is an aerobic exercise that can be used as a means of transportation over snow-covered terrain or as an enjoyable winter activity. It requires no chairlifts or snowmobiles and can be practiced nearly anywhere whether the terrain is flat or undulating, as long as the athlete is capable. Because cross-country skiing is a highly aerobic activity and people produce a lot of body heat, the proper apparel is essential. If you're layering system is not effective and perspiration stays on your skin, you may end up catching a chill and are at risk of catching hypothermia which would

‘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

Are you planning a ski trip this winter? If you are, there is something you will have to do first, and that is pack for your ski holiday. Packing can be a tedious task, or even stressful when done last minute. But have no fear; I am here to make packing for your ski trip a breeze. As an Olympic skier, I've travelled all over the world to compete at different ski resorts. I soon became an expert at efficiently packing my ski gear and making sure nothing was left behind. This packing guide will include what size duffel bag

Go Far. Feel Good. This is Smartwool’s motto and our own state of mind as we headed to Roger’s Pass, British Columbia at the end of March for a weekend of ski touring. On the drive into the mountains, avalanche warnings for Banff and Kootenay National Parks flashed red. The B.C. sun was unusually strong for that time of year, creating increasingly high snowpack risks on precisely the peaks we were heading to in search of powder. This is the legacy of climate change we’d battle all weekend.  Our ski touring weekend with Smartwool and David Erb of Protect Our

My skis glided along the snow as the T-bar snaked up Blackcomb Glacier. Located in Whistler, British Columbia, the glacier cast an impressive shadow over the mountains and valley below. On a bluebird spring day we got ready to test some of the latest gear from Arc’teryx. It’s part of their quality control process done in the field—vital when designing apparel for the world’s harshest mountains. We strapped on our skins as our guide Chris went over what to do in case of an avalanche. For backcountry skiers, the reward of fresh turns rarely comes without risk. Safety is our

Winter is on its way and soon the ground will be covered with snow. Temperatures have slowly started to drop. While some might be dreading the arrival of winter, others are getting ready to head to the slopes. Besides equipment, taking on the mountain requires wearing the right apparel. From boots to ski pants, socks, sweaters and mittens, bundling up the right way makes all the difference. Whether they're taking their first descent or returning for a new season, a good jacket should be at the top of your ski apparel checklist. Here's our selection of the best ski and

When you’re about to embark on a mid-winter adventure, you already know that a merino wool base layer is essential. Over that, you’re likely to choose down or a synthetic-filled insulator for winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry trekking. But what about merino wool insulators and mid-layers? Or outer jackets that use this wonderful fiber as their primary insulation? We’re going to tackle the ins-and-outs of effective layering using Icebreaker’s collection of premium merino products. Shop Icebreaker So, what is merino wool? Icebreaker’s merino wool is derived from one of the world’s most ancient breed of sheep that roam

I grew up on the east coast of Canada where the temperature, in the winter, usually sits around -10 to -15 Celsius, and if you want to go ski with your buddies, well you got to tough out the temps. Our review of this product The pros are: Keep your feet nice and toast all day long You can use them to dry out your boot liner during the night Long 8 hour battery life. Multiple heating levels: low, mid, high. Low profile, doesn’t get in the way. The cons are: Have to make sure you recharge them every night

It was October. That morning, when I opened my apartment door, the air crackled with cold and it smelled like winter. Fate must have also been lurking in the air. No more than a few hours later, I received a message from my long-time skiing friends, "let’s live our old teenage promise: A Ski Trip to Western Canada!" I'm a believer that you must seize the opportunities that come your way so seize we did! Within the time-span of dinner, an inter-mountain pass shopping session and a 6-hour flight later, we landed in Calgary. What a surprise we had while

Similar to glasses, goggles lenses damage easily without proper care and maintenance. This can lead to shortened longevity, not what you want when purchasing the best of the best. Let's look at some pointers on proper goggle care and maintenance to keep your goggles as good as new season after season. Shop Our Goggle Collection Use the Goggle Bag Most new goggles come in a protective microfibre bag, designed to clean the lens as well. Use it - it doesn't take up extra space and safeguards your goggles in your pack when travelling to your downhill destination or skinning to

While planning a trip to western Canada, I was looking for a pair of durable gloves that could follow me everywhere, no matter the conditions. These are the basic reasons why I equipped myself with the Black Diamond Legend gloves and, after all, I was even better served than expected (until my boyfriend tried them on and didn't want to give them back)! Shop Black Diamond Our review of this product The pros are: Waterproof Gore-tex inserts that wick away moisture Warm yet thin Primaloft lining Unparalleled fit and dexterity Increased durability thanks to sheep leather in the palm and

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 Our Ski Goggles What Makes Goggles Fog Up? We all know that there's nothing worse than getting ready to drop into the glades and realizing your goggles are

This year, I finally got my hand on the infamous Arc’teryx Stinger Bib Pant. After wearing these for over 30 days, it makes me wonder: why doesn't every single skier on the mountain wear bib pants? Whether you’re skiing inbounds, out of bounds, or simply rocking the dance floor at the après, they’re just meant to suit your mountain lifestyle, whatever it is. Shop Arc'teryx Our review of this product The pros are: Minimalist yet very functional Clever features for inbound and out of bound usage Extremely durable (the instep patches are the bomb) The cons are: The suspenders can be

If you are one of the few who isn't ready to let subzero temperatures keep you from enjoying a bluebird day, a pair of heated winter gloves is surely your best winter companion. No matter how well you layer from head to toe, your fingers are vulnerable to the cold so keeping them warm and functional is often a priority. Outdoor Research recognizes the need for being able to use and feel your hands in the coldest temperatures which is why we love their collection of heated gloves. Although heated accessories inevitably come at a higher price point, if you're spending long

When it comes to the winter sports goggle world, Oakley is no stranger to the spotlight. As one of the leading goggle brands, their products are unsurprisingly popular and can be seen in lift lines and on skin tracks around the globe. Whether you're a skiing veteran or fresh on the groomers for the first time, a good pair of goggles is necessary for a good day on the slopes. For those of you on the hunt for a new pair of goggles and seeking a new set of Oakleys, we've put together a list of our most popular Oakley goggles. If

To see Alex Harvey, a national treasure, floating on the white snow with his cross country skis truly makes you want to get out and enjoy winter! With family, friends, to train after work - doesn't matter! Get out your skis and slide! Here are the top 5 places to do cross-country skiing in Québec: Gaspésie National Park The Gaspésie National Park is located in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and 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

Winter is here and the slopes are buzzing with winter spirit and rosy cheeks. Epic snowstorm or not, a great day in the mountains begins with the right gear. While your snow pants and jacket, gloves and additional equipment are key, knowing how to choose the right goggles can make or break your day. We can all agree that the mirrored, black tinted lenses may look ultra badass but sadly, they aren't ideal for all weather conditions. When it comes to goggles, it is important to shop for comfort and functionality as opposed to style because being able to see your line

Kombi knows cold. Founded in Montreal by the family that still runs it, Kombi has been equipping people against freezing temperatures since 1961. Everyone notices the number of Kombi kids’ mitts keeping little hands dry and warm in the schoolyard. Mittens and gloves for adults are soaring in popularity too. This season Kombi introduces two new lines to their family: Elite and Metro. Shop Kombi Elite for Him and Her Gloves The Timeless - Femme Shop Mitaines la Béatrice - Femme Shop Mitaines The Mentor - Homme Shop Gants Free Fall - Homme Shop The Elite Collection Sports in winter

Full disclosure: I may be wearing the Shashka Pant Bib as I write this review.  They are that comfortable, stylin’ and best of all, breathable! As a new bib enthusiast, my last pair weren’t GORE-TEX, and while they were great to keep snow out of my back, the deep powder skiing I see in BC’s interior ranges would leave my base layers damp, and I chilled.  As a photographer and filmmaker who works in backcountry catski and heli-ski lodges, I needed these. Here’s why. Buy the Shashka Pant Our review of this product The pros are: Made of GORE-TEX® Efficiently