Winter

Only in Montreal could you find an EDM festival held during the coldest month of the year. Here, we really know what it's like to party at -15°C. And we know how to stay warm while showing off our carefully-selected retro/space-age look that'll stand out in the crowd. So without further ado, here's our top 10 list of ultra colourful jackets to wear to Igloofest 2020. That Retro Look... 1. 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket & Vest by The North Face  1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket Women Shop 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest Men Shop No surprise here. This re-issue of the classic

Whether it’s heading up north for some skiing, heading to the woods for some snowshoeing, or in this case, lacing up and taking a few laps on the nearest frozen pond, staying warm, stylish, and cozy is essential. Here’s our guide on what to wear outdoor skating in Canada this winter. Outdoor Skating Essentials Whatever your style, whatever the weather, there are a few essentials you'll need to ensure you stay warm and comfortable. Socks In this case, socks are less about style and more about ensuring your feet stay comfortable. For those who don't go skating often, ice skates

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

Born in Montreal, Canada's fashion capital, La Canadienne pays tribute to its origins with its range of stylish winter boots. Elegant, sophisticated and most importantly warm, their selection has enough to please every woman's taste. Discover some of our favourite boots to get you through winter in style. Elegant High Boots Nothing compliments a dress, a skirt or a long wool coat than a pair of suede or leather high boots. Perfect for a winter's night out in the city, the Susan Boots are made from high-quality, waterproof Italian leather. The Helen Boot brings luxury isolation with its soft Shearling

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

There are 14 peaks in the world that rise above 8000 m. Atop these mountains, you're likely to face some of the deadliest conditions known to man. Temperatures dropping below -30°C are not uncommon and frostbite can occur in an instant. Strong winds have been known to knock climbers over the edge, and avalanches have buried climbers alive. Besides surviving the elements it takes grit and determination. It takes months of physical and mental preparation. It takes a team of Sherpas to map out the ascent and ensure a safe descent. It takes oxygen tanks, food, climbing equipment and a

Buenos Aires, 1973. Rab Carrington, the Scottish climber and mountaineer is preparing to head out for the mountains of Patagonia when he finds out that his equipment got lost in transit. Knowing that he couldn’t venture into the great outdoors without his gear, he learned how to make his own sleeping bags. Rab was born out of necessity and has gone on to revolutionize the outdoor industry.  From state-of-the-art sleeping bags to coats and base layers for rock climbing, Rab specializes in trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. Inspired by the mountains and tested in extreme conditions, Rab is made

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

So we are in-between seasons here in Canada and are kicking it with our Kamik kids winter boots and a pair for mom (that's me). With a 4-year old in tow you tend to fly by the seat of your pants and have to take things as they come, ready or not. It’s a must to have boots that are easy to slip on and warm enough for our day-to-day adventures. These Kamik winter boots are top-notch with the extra-wide opening for easy access, giving my boy Kade even more independence (since 4-year olds “can do everything themselves”). Kade -

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

The stylish remedy for frigid Canadian winters? It might come from America’s heartland. Established in 1830 in the woodlands of Pennsylvania, Woolrich is America’s oldest surviving outdoor clothing company that now manufacturers of some of luxury outerwear’s warmest parkas. This heritage brand is renowned for its timeless seasonal outerwear and accessories. If fighting the chill in an elevated winter style is your priority, look no further than this season’s collection of the 10 Warmest Woolrich winter parkas.   A Brief History of Woolrich.  Before we dive into the 10 warmest men’s and women’s coats, let’s examine the brand’s rich history—and why

‘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

Yaks, powerful beasts that survived the ice age, roam the Himalayas, surviving and thriving in otherwise uninhabitable conditions. The people and mountaineers of the region have long benefitted from yaks for transportation, wool, milk and meat. With the animal as its talisman, the outdoor company BLACKYAK emerged from South Korea – one of the largest outdoor sports markets in the world – with an eye firmly on the loftiest peaks on the globe. And like the yak, they aim to make ascents easier for those who dare. Shop BLACKYAK Bakosi Jacket Men Shop now Niata Jacket Women Shop now Tae

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

We landed in Zurich on a beautifully warm Sunday morning in mid-April—a stark contrast from the almost winter-like weather we left behind in Montreal. We were greeted inside the hyper-modern airport terminal by Kris and Mark, Mammut representatives doubling as our tour guides for the next 6-days of adventure throughout Switzerland. Our journey had the goal of learning the ins-and-outs of their brand. We’d travel across the Alps to the Mammut headquarters in Seon, and up some of the most iconic ski slopes in Europe.  During our stroll through the quiet, modern city of Zurich, Kris mentioned that, “Sundays were

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

Sorel Caribou Boots—The Rundown Whether it’s Arctic cold, drifting snow, treacherous ice or deep slushy puddles, the Sorel Caribou is up to the challenge. Simply put, these boots just make winter weather irrelevant to the comfort of your feet. Sorel Caribou Highest Rated Styles Sorel Caribou Waterproof Boots Women Shop now Sorel Caribou Winter Boots Men Shop now Sorel Caribou Pros and Cons 9.5 / 10 The pros are: Warm Waterproof High shaft keeps out snow The cons are: Wide footbed Limited arch support On the heavy side Wool-Lined Sorel Caribou Boots Sorel Caribou Wool-Lined Boots Women Shop now Sorel Caribou

Techwear is all about functionality. It applies the principles of technical wear to the style of streetwear. These sleek and modern designs are made to hold up against the elements while giving you the ability to move freely through the city. In the past decade, outerwear companies have been taking their technical expertise and applying them to urban styles. Depending on where you live, the requirements of your techwear gear may differ. For those who live in the city and want functional urban designs that keep them warm and protected when the snow starts to fall, here’s our guide to

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

Fall is here and that means ski season is just around the corner. It’s time to start planning your first snowy adventure and to make sure you have all the gear you need to survive the cold. The last thing you want is to have a bad time because you don’t have the proper equipment.  But what do you really need? There are a lot of options out there and sometimes it can be difficult to choose which product is best, especially when it comes to choosing something with next-to-skin comfort. Luckily Smartwool has us covered. Let's Talk Fabrics You’ve

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

Introducing the Elsa Parka, a made-in-Canada collaboration by Quartz Co. & Altitude Sports, two Montreal-based brands with significant winter outerwear expertise. This women’s parka is our fifth collaboration with Quartz Co.—but this edition is a true co-design that began with a blank slate. Quartz Co. tailored a progressive cut perfect for the lifestyle of their urban clientele. We drew on our experience as purveyors of technical winter clothing, providing detailed input into the overall design, materials, and features. After months of back-and-forth, an all-new exclusive design was created—fusing technical outdoor details to a progressive urban silhouette with inspiration drawn from

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

Winter is coming and we have to start thinking about the equipment we need to get for our little ones. One of the most important parts of a winter outfit is the boots. They need to be able to keep their feet dry and warm when the snow starts to fall. They have to be solid and durable to play outside, waterproof to resist puddles, good for the city, and easy enough to put on and remove. Knowing what to look for in a good winter boot is key, and once you've done that, you can check out our most

Every year around this time, I ask myself “What are the best cold weather socks?” In our defence against the cold, a bad pair of socks can often be the chink in our armour.  Here I take a look at the best socks for your winter activities.  Best Ski Socks I once wore the wrong socks for a mid-winter backcountry ski trip. And I mean once! Trying to stay warm and ignore the cold ruined my whole trip. As soon as I got back to town I bought a proper pair of ski socks.  The Icebreaker Ski+ Light socks are

Canada is a Northern country.  Many may not realize this since most of us live along the Southern edge of the nation, but the geographical center of Canada is near Baker Lake, roughly two hours West of Iqaluit.  There’s a whole lot of Arctic in Canada during the winter. My guilty secret is that despite spending a lot of time in the Arctic in other countries, I’d never been to the Northern part of Canada.  I can point to a few reasons for this, mainly that it’s expensive to travel up North in Canada, and getting around is difficult, but

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

When I was in Nunavut in April 2019 on a project for Destination Nunavut I had an opportunity to go fishing for turbot out on Cumberland Sound, near Pangnirtung and just below the entrance to Auyuittuq National Park.  Spring has definitely started to arrive in Nunavut.  The days are long, and the sun is bright.  The temperatures, however, are still well below freezing and the ice on Cumberland Sound, a body of water more than a thousand feet deep in places, is still plenty thick for ice fishing. I arrived in the town of Pangnirtung via charter plane from Iqaluit. 

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