Winter

Skiing with family or friends at your local resort is fun, but nothing compares to discovering new mountains. I've traveled to France, Western Canada, the Gaspé Peninsula and Japan in search of powder, so I know a little about ski travel. Whether you're heading to the Rockies, the Chic-Chocs or overseas, make sure you don't forget anything with our ski trip packing list. Essentials Duffel Bag Outer layer: Ski Jacket & Pants Base Layers: Top, Bottom & Ski Socks Mid Layer Ski Goggles Gloves, Mittens & Neckwarmers Ski Helmet Ski Backpack Skis, Ski Boots & Ski Poles The often-forgotten items

Arc’teryx is known for producing some of the most durable and dependable outerwear on the market. Their success is a combination of exceptional design philosophy and cutting-edge technical innovation. The pinnacle of this combo comes in the form of the highly coveted Alpha SV.The Alpha SV is neither average nor an everyday hardshell. In fact, the SV was designed with rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing, and Big Wilderness expeditions in mind. So, yeah—it’s quite the beast. But is it the beast? To find out, we’ve narrowed down our search to three alpine hardshells that hold their own across three

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

Can you imagine wearing the same jersey on a summer hike as you would on a ski trip to the world's highest mountains? If that sounds far-fetched, Merino wool promises exactly that type of versatility. Softness, warmth, odour and moisture resistance and more, the wonder fibre is making a big splash in the outdoor world. It is one of the best performing fibres on the market. what is merino wool? A quick look at the science checks out. Merino wool is made up of proteins like amino acids and other natural compounds. The very biology of the wool gives it

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

A weekend out in the woods at the cottage is a golden opportunity to get out and do some winter activities. All it takes is a snowman and a crazy carpet to turn you into a kid again. And proper winter clothes like boots, mitts, jackets, pants and the rest let you take full advantage. It's fun outdoors—but equally fun hibernating inside. For those so inclined (like yours truly), I've put together a list of my essentials for a cozy cabin life. Cozy Nest Essentials The first thing to do once at the cabin is to settle in. Unpack the

They’ve become a regular sight over the past few years, moving from high-altitude expeditions to fashion-savvy streetwear. There’s simply no doubt that the puffer jacket is here to stay. And no wonder—with toasty insulation, flattering fits, and ultralight construction, it’s everything you could ask for this winter season. Our best overall favourite for 2023-2024 is the The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket. This puffer combines exceptional style and unparalleled functionality. Its heat-trapping features, in conjunction with a beautiful silhouette, are perfect for battling ice-cold temperatures in iconic style. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente All Time favourite puffer jacket The beautifully designed, classic 1996

" Fantastic Weather Protection with a Smart Design " When you’re facing harsh winter elements, you want the appropriate armour to protect you. Norrøna, a Norwegian brand known for its high-performance hard shells, is worn by pro athletes and casual skiers alike. Their Lofoten collection is named after the Lofoten islands in Norway, a frigid coastal region with frequent rain and snow. Today, we’re reviewing the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket, a 2-layer shell with Primaloft insulation and vents for temperature control. We put this jacket to the test and were impressed with its durability, weatherproofing, and ski-ready features. Below is

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.

If you’re like me, you may be experiencing a special kind of melancholy this year; an unfortunate synergy between your run-of-the-mill winter blues and the novel coronavirus blues. Most days we’re stuck indoors, counting down till summer, trying to catch but a glimmer of sunlight through the short, overcast days. But while there’s many ways to deal with this bummer, here’s one you haven’t considered: Winter camping. Really—what better time to hit the trail? It’s the pinnacle of social distancing! Best of all, you’ll have the lovely woods all to yourself. There’s no better way to recharge your body and

From insulated shoe covers and three-finger gloves to windproof cycling pants and comfortable mid-layers, the right cycling clothing for winter is all you need to spend the cold season on two wheels. We've prepared a guide to winter cycling clothing to help you prepare for the cold. Winter Cycling Jackets Finding the right winter cycling jacket or jackets is key for cycling to work in winter. It is your protection from the elements and the source of warmth that your muscles need when the frigid, winter winds bite. Because winter brings with it a variety of conditions, you may be

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

With the forecast announcing snow, conditions will soon be ideal to strap on your snowshoes and head out on an adventure. For beginners, finding the best snowshoes among all those available on the market can be a little daunting. Especially since the models offered nowadays are more specialized. You can leave the huge wooden babiche classics behind. Snowshoes have greatly evolved from a technical standpoint and are specialized according to specific types of activities. For the uninitiated, the choice can be overwhelming. Our snowshoe guide rounds up our best snowshoes by activity and explains what to keep in mind when

Let's get ready for the cold months of winter! Bundling up and staying in is always going to be recommended on lazy Sundays—but when you’re on the go you want to stay warm, dry and comfortable. Finding the perfect winter jacket to fit your style and needs can be a difficult task. For those who need inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of our most popular women’s coats to get you through the snowy season. Women's winter jackets ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente canada goose The Trillium Parka combines heavy-duty winter warmth with classic parka stylings. It lets you comfortably trudging through snowbanks in subzero

There's nothing like taking a hike through snow-covered forests and icy landscapes. Braving the cool morning air, or enjoying the sunset views from on top of a mountain. For those living in the city, heading up to the chalet and spending a weekend amongst the wildlife can be re-energizing. With growing concerns about the environment, there are certain things we can do to ensure we can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Many clothing brands are taking it upon themselves to do their part for the environment. From going full vegan to using recycled, and ethically sourced materials, here are

What makes a good winter jacket? In our cold Canadian climate, warmth is the number one criteria. While warmth can be subjective to a degree (some handle the cold better than others), -30°C is still -30°C and you don’t want to face the cold unprepared. A well insulated jacket should get the job done, but are all insulation types created equal, and on that same note, are all jackets created equal? The price would have you believe they are not, and to a certain extent price is a good indicator of quality. While branding has a lot to do with

Since 2008, the Patagonia Down Sweater  has been a brand icon. And not just among climbers and hikers. Commuters, city slickers, urban explorers, fashionistas, and the environmentally conscious have all remained loyal to the legendary garment. So what makes it so iconic? Besides its many top-notch features, the Down Sweater marked a drastic change in the lightweight jacket aesthetic, ushering in a new era of functional minimalist design and inspiring other outdoor companies to do the same. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket Brand Name | Product Type Product Name Prix: 0.00$ The Down Sweater may not the most ultralight down jacket

Gentlemen, it's here. After some hefty research, we've compiled a list of the best sweaters for men We can confidently say it has some of the most sought-after brands in the game. From traditional pullovers to sweatshirts and crewnecks, these unique styles have something for every guy. Our favourite men's sweaters range from slightly techy (think a casual day hike) to more dressy-casual (think a dinner party). But all of them will deliver the warmth, style, and comfort you need for the changing seasons. Each sweater is also well-made. Because there is absolutely no point making a list of our

Our pick for best synthetic insulated jacket in 2021 is the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody. As we’ll see below, it outperforms many of its competitors in categories like versatility, comfort, durability, compressibility, and warmth-to-weight ratio.What is Synthetic Insulation?Synthetic insulation is a catch-all term for any man-made insulating fibre. These fibres are typically produced using some form of polyester or nylon and mimic the properties of natural insulators like down. This is accomplished by arranging the ultra-fine synthetic filaments in patterns that trap and store heat, while reducing weight. Many outdoor apparel brands use their own proprietary synthetic materials. Others will license or

Winter on a cool day can be enjoyable. Winter at its worst can be an absolute nightmare. Good or bad, winter is cold. Seems obvious, but finding the right pair of boots to take on the elements isn't. Some boots are designed to do it all while others can have a specific use based on activity and weather. There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the right winter boots, but one thing you shouldn't overlook is the type of insulation used to warm your feet. It can be a headache navigating through different winter boot insulation types. We

We often hear the words jacket and parka thrown about willy-nilly and it seems that somewhere along the way the true definition of each has been lost. So we wondered, what are the parka and jacket differences people look for? Or…Is There Even a Difference?The answer is yes! Whatever the other parka and jacket differences, the biggest difference between a jacket and a parka is the length.Women’s parkas and men’s parkas are generally a longer fitting coat and in most cases, due to their length, they offer more warmth. A longer coat covers more of your body and can trap more heat easily. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente

Arc’teryx is a leader in technical outdoor gear and apparel.  In a ski town like the one I live in, everyone is sporting this brand for a simple reason. It’s one of the best brands for staying warm and dry while going about your outdoor recreation.  It’s been so great to see Arc'teryx continue to create pieces that are equal parts sport and lifestyle. So when I first tried on the new Arc'teryx Sensa Parka, I knew that they had hit another one out of the park.The JacketThis jacket looks and feels different from anything I’ve ever seen from Arc’teryx.

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