Ski & Snowboard

What are ski bindings for and how do they work?When we think about our ski equipment, we often forget an essential element: the bindings. Skis don't just magically attach to your boots. It is the bindings that do the job of keeping you firmly anchored to your skis. Bindings are made up of two sections: the toe at the front, and the heel piece at the back. They also have springs that hold your boot in place, which are also designed to allow the boot to be released in case of a fall. The elasticity and release force required to free

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.Goggles fogging explainedFoggy goggles management tricks :Do not tuck your face mask

Like many, I'm relatively new to backcountry skiing, a discipline that was once reserved for the most daring and motivated.Over the past few years, backcountry skiing has become so popular that many ski resorts now offer access to backcountry trails that allow skiers to leave the chairlift behind and put their legs to work.The idea is not so far-fetched when you think of the benefits of this sport for those who enjoy it: it allows you to stay active during the cold season, avoid line-ups at the lifts and save your hard-earned money, since the cost of accessing the slopes

Bindings transmit energy between the boots and the snowboard: each movement passes systematically through this essential piece of equipment. Bindings that are adapted to your riding style will provide you with more control, precision, and comfort.Here are the main elements to consider when choosing snowboard bindings:Binding compatibility with your snowboard Flex and riding styleTypes of binding systemsTechnical features1. Choosing bindings that are compatible with your snowboard The first thing to consider is your bindings’ compatibility with your snowboard’s installation system, as well as the snowboard bindings size compared to the size of the board.Installation system compatibilityFirst, figure out what kind of installation

In order to maximize your fun on your snowboard, you need to find the snowboard boot type that best suits your riding style. Just like choosing a snowboard,  determining your preferences as a snowboarder makes for a consistent choice.The boots are the connection between the body and the snowboard. It is therefore essential to choose boots in which you can feel everything under your feet and on the snow. Again, it's all a matter of personal preference. The following are the main factors to consider when choosing your snowboard boots:Find the right boot sizeSelect a model according to your budgetChoose your

When buying ski boots, it' s critical to try them on before settling on a pair. If you choose to buy ski boots online, make sure you choose a retailer that allows you to wear your boots at home for at least a few hours before deciding if they are right for you. Good thing Altitude Sports has a 90-day return policy. That's plenty of time to test your new boots before the ski season starts! But that doesn't mean you have to make a blind guess. Before deciding on a new pair of ski boots, it's important to measure

If there is one reason to be excited for winter, it is the start of the ski season! To enjoy the slopes, however, you need the right equipment. After selecting your ski boots and bindings, you'll need to choose the right pair of skis to go along with them. Let's explore the different criteria to consider in order to make the purchase of your new companions easier - and choose the right skis for your needs.Whether it's your first pair of skis or not, buying skis is a big deal! There are a multitude of models and types of skis

There are many elements to consider when choosing a snowboard. It’s important to ask yourself the right questions before you buy. Hopefully, this article will help you to better understand the choices you have to make.It helps to have a funnel-like mindset so you can close in on the important parameters and select THE board: the one that will enable you to progress as a boarder while having a blast on the hills. Each of the following sections should help you narrow down your choice.Choosing your board according to your technical skill levelPreferred terrain and riding styleWhat size snowboard you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  With more than 120 years of experience, you could say France’s Rossignol was there when the notion of skiing as a sport began. A foundational ski brand driven by innovation and the pursuit of perfection, Rossignol has greatly influenced the growth of alpine skiing as we know it. Shop Rossignol The Origins of Success Carpenter and passionate skier Albert Rossignol made his first wooden skis in 1907 in his French homeland. It was the birth of a brand. By the following year his prototype won its first national prize. Four years later production went industrial. The skis gained traction

While waiting for the first snow we drove to nearby Vermont for the annual Burton Fall Bash. Come meet the Burton family. Shop Burton “My job is as fun as it ever was, and selfishly, that’s a priority for me. It’s pretty awesome for somebody to do something for forty years and still enjoy it.” – Founder Jake Burton Family and Friends in business since 1977 Burton is a family-run company: Jake Burton & Donna Carpenter are making sure it stays that way, even after 40 years as the world’s premium snowboard brand. Each fall they invite over two thousand people

Founded in Sweden in 2005, POC entered the world of gravity sports at the world-renowned ISPO trade show. To this day, ISPO is the hot spot for showcasing the latest trends and technology in sportswear and sporting goods. Needless to say, POC was in the right place to launch their products. At this event, POC shared their mission to provide protection for athletes participating in gravity sports. Although they initially targeted the ski racing, POC's products catered to a range of sports including mountain biking. The brand knew that athletes riding down mountain trails at top speeds needed powerful and effective shielding.