Ski & Snowboard

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 that includes choosing one of the top backcountry backpacks for your future adventures.Let's break down the essentials:Selection of the best ski touring backpacksHow to choose your backpackImportant featuresAdvice on size ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente OUR SKI TOURING BACKPACK SELECTION Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product

When the snow starts to fall and the wind starts to blow, having a clear field of vision is essential whether you’re skiing or snowboarding. 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

This discipline is fun and flowy, with an emphasis on powder and the terrain park. In order to get that good, however, you’re going to need the best snowboard for beginners.With a fantastic selection of beginner boards, it’s never been easier to find the right option to meet your needs and style. A good beginner snowboard will not only help you learn the basics of this dynamic winter sport, but grow with you as you gather skills. Interested? Check out our list of the best snowboards for beginners below.Snowboard SelectionThese best beginner snowboards are some of the best learning boards

I’ve been in the skiing game for a long time, and when I took a group of novice friends on a trip to the mountain, it gave me a whole new perspective on things. Most of my friends were equipped pretty basically—and 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 away from the sport altogether.So, first things first: Without the best ski goggles, your time spent having fun will be pretty short-lived. That’s why we’ve put together a list for you

Skiing and riding are fantastic outdoor sports, whether it’s cross-country to freeriding the slopes at higher altitudes. Ensuring one has the right gear no matter where the snow takes you is paramount for the best experience. Here, we’ll break down the 10 best ski brands of 2024 so you get a better picture of what each one offers. The best ski brands cover several important parts of skiing. Some excel in providing beginner or intermediate skis while others will focus on performance and deep snow, backcountry adventures for both on-piste resort skiing, or, free-riding off-piste. Overall,  nearly all forms of

With winter on the horizon, our snowy escapes aren’t looking so far away. From freerider fanatic to all-mountain adventurer, the world of skis offers an array or options fit for every terrain. Each model has its own set of features and intricacies, designed for wherever your next trip takes you. We’ve reviewed our favourite women’s skis for 2024, so you can carve the trail with your best pair. In this article, we highlight the following models: Best All-Mountain Skis Best Touring Skis Best Freeride Skis Best Women’s All Mountain Skis Women’s all-mountain skis can handle most types of terrain present

With ski season fast approaching, it's time to pick up that pair of bindings you’ve been eyeing all year. But hold up—as you eagerly unbox them and daydream about fresh powder, don't forget to install and adjust your new bindings correctly.Now, we get it—the temptation to DIY is real. But here at Altitude Sports, we're waving the caution flag. In this post, we'll spill the beans on why trusting certified experts for these tasks is a game-changer, impacting not just your safety but also your performance on the slopes.We also shine a light on why accurate DIN adjustments matter and

Winter temperatures can be brutal, a large deterrent to the joys of skiing & snowboarding. Despite the technological whims of the modern world, we still can’t control the weather. So, what can we do? We can prepare for extreme temperatures by choosing the right items to stop the cold in its tracks. Ski base layers are the perfect way to kickstart your defenses against winter’s chill.From long sleeves and half zips to crewnecks and midweights, the best base layers for skiing & snowboarding live here. Explore our phenomenal selections, assembled to provide comfort, warmth and a solid clothing base to

One of the initial challenges to backcountry skiing is the equipment. In order to skin and glide across vast tracts of undeveloped land, specialised ski gear, like touring ski bindings, is required. Below, we’ve rounded up the best backcountry ski bindings available for 2024. With one of these touring bindings, you’ll be much closer to realising your backcountry skiing dreams.Atomic SHIFT 10 MNC / Shift 13 MNCMarker Kingpin 13 / Kingpin 10Marker Duke PT 13 / Duke PT 16Salomon S/LAB SHIFT MNC 10Black Diamond FRITSCHI TECTON 13 100 MMBlack Diamond FRITSCHI VIPEC EVO 12 100 MMDynafit Superlite 150+ Touring BindingsCritical

The wrong ski boot can lead to debilitating shin and foot pain, which can turn off potential skiers from the sport. Improper-fitting boots can also increase the chances of ejecting out of your bindings or losing control in dangerous terrain. It’s important to get the right boots, and we’ve collected a list of the very best men’s ski boots for 2024.Dynafit RADICAL BOOTAtomic HAWX PRIME XTD 100 HT GWDalbello Panterra 120Salomon SHIFT PRO 120 ATSalomon S/PRO Supra BOA 120Lange XT3 FREE 130 MV GWK2 Mindbender 120 Boa BootK2 Recon 110 BOA Boot ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Dynafit RADICAL BOOT This contender for best

Because skis are flashier, most attention falls on them, but one pair of bad skis usually isn’t enough to push you away from the sport. On the other hand, if you try to use footwear that increases pain, discomfort, and fatigue, you might never try on another pair. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up the very best women’s ski boots of 2024. Dynafit RADICAL W BOOTLange XT3 FREE 115LV W Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 105 On-Piste BootsK2 Mindbender 95 BOA Ski BootK2 Anthem 95 Boa Ski BootAtomic HAWX PRIME XTD 95 W HT GWSalomon SHIFT PRO 100 ATDalbello Panterra 85Salomon SHIFT PRO 909 ATRossignol

A size that fits now may be too small in less than a year. As the ski industry expands to cater for all walks of life, many manufacturers have come up with some stellar youth ski options.For most kids, the first set of skis will be a great way to hammer down the finer points of beginner-level ski skills but will be used and abused often. There will be days when those skis are dragged across the pavement, dropped in anger and thrown haphazardly into vehicles. So, ideally, you want good value and high durability from a pair of kid's

New snow affects almost everything about the skiing experience. Your body position, energy transfer, rhythm, and turn shape all change in powdery conditions. If you want the first tracks, fluffy descents, and endless memories that powder portends, you’re going to need the very best powder skis of 2024. Luckily, we’ve rounded them up for you.Atomic BENT CHETLER 120Black Crows AtrisDPS Skis 112RP PagodaArmada LOCATOR 112Salomon QST BlankDynastar M-Free 118 F-TEAMBlack Crows NoctaHEAD Kore 105 Freeride Ski BEST POWDER SKIS OF 2024 ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Atomic BENT CHETLER 120 This is a very playful powder ski that's brilliant for deep days at the

Because all-mountain skis are built with an “ok everywhere” mentality, they won’t be as specialized. You can consider them the generalists of the ski world. All-mountain skis are durable, reliable, and expertly crafted to handle a little bit of everything. Take a look at our list of the best all-mountain skis for 2024.Volkl M6 MantraSalomon Stance 90Atomic Maverick 95 TRossignol Experience 86 Basalt SPX12 KBlack Diamond Impulse 98 SkisBlack Crows Mirus Cor Skis ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best Overall All-Mountain Ski This best all-mountain offering from Volkl—the Volkl M6 Mantra skis—is a lot of fun to ride, especially at speed. Carving on this

For the best backcountry skis, you want something that can handle variable conditions. A lightweight ski that can hit deep powdery runs and spring slush with the same level of control is ideal. In this article, we round up the best of the best to get you ready for your next (or first) backcountry adventure. Our top picks include:Black Crows Camox FreebirdVolkl Rise Beyond 96Black Diamond Helio Carbon 104Atomic Blackland 98 WSalomon MTN 96 CarbonRossignol Escaper 97 Nano OpenFaction La Machine 2 MiniAtomic Backland 95 Armada Locator 104 ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Black Crows Camox Freebird While highly specialised skis excel in their respective

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 and an insightful buying guide on what to look for when buying a ski jacket.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.Best all-around ski jacketBest budget ski jacketBest ski jacket for extreme

Ski pants are one of the most critical pieces of equipment you wear on the slopes. We’ve curated this 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, opt for pants with a softshell that provide mobility and breathability. However, the best ski pants or bibs are fit for both the backcountry and resort. We found the best ski pants overall to be The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants, and the

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. Best snowboarding jackets (women, men, and kids) Buying guide: what to look for when buying a snowboard jacket Best snowboarding brands ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Best Overall Jacket Brand Name | Product Type Product

However, a good choice will last for years. Ski poles assist with rhythm development, turn shape, speed control and terrain park exploration, making them a very useful part of your skiing toolkit. What used to be seen as a simple add-on to your skiing equipment is now highly specialized. This means you can find a set of the best ski poles for your unique skiing journey, whether that’s at the resort, on the cross-country track or deep in the wilderness. Read on to discover the seven best ski poles of 2022-23.  Best Overall: Atomic AMT SQS Ski PolesThe Atomic AMT SQS ski

This includes backcountry skiers but also anyone snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or winter hiking. Avalanches don’t distinguish between recreationists. Once you find the best avalanche beacon, you’ll be better prepared to deal with winter weather. In many ways, winter is the most dynamic and unpredictable season. Getting the right equipment is an important step in understanding how to navigate the colder months outdoors. Best Avalanche Beacons Reviewed Check out our list of the best avalanche beacons. These transceivers are accurate, easy to use and will provide critical information in any emergency situation. They are helpful to all winter recreationists, novices to

Between it and snowboarding, skiing is the older discipline with more research and industry focus. However, snowboard enthusiasts can also get in on fun backcountry travel with a splitboard. Splitboarding is the snowboard equivalent of a backcountry ski setup. This allows snowboarders to engage in ski touring without having to carry extra equipment or use snowshoes. Altitude Sports has you covered with three of the best-selling backcountry splitboarding models in the market today. Black Diamond - BD X Cardiff Co-Lab Splitboard Burton - Family Tree Hometown Hero Camber Splitboard Burton - Family Tree Leader Board Splitboard What is splitboarding? Splitboarding

The idea of human-powered descents in the arms of the mountains beckons to anyone with a wayward soul. If you plan a touring adventure right, magical moments are bound to ensue.On the flip side, poor preparation can lead to disaster. Skiing and riding are already dangerous activities at established resorts; once you step out of resort boundaries, the risks increase. It isn’t enough to simply own the gear; you need to know how to use it. Check out our top 25 essentials every skier should have on their backcountry ski packing list.The Knowledge FactorBefore we get into the backcountry ski

Due to the design of the fabric, the skins “grip” the snow, allowing your skis to walk forward or uphill with minimal resistance. Without skins, backcountry skiing would be exponentially tougher.  Given their importance to touring and backcountry skiing, it’s important to take care of your climbing skins. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the very best tips for ski skins maintenance. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your skins without having to constantly replace them. How do climbing skins work? Climbing skins are the attachment necessary to provide grip on the

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 to be 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.How to clean ski & Snowboard gogglesHow to store ski & snowboard gogglesHow to repair ski & snowboard goggles 1. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GOGGLES'

Snowboarders young and old, novice and expert, here is the article you've been waiting for: the secrets to mounting the bindings on your new snowboard!Following these few easy steps will make this process successful:Preparing for the installationHow to install your snowboard bindings?How to position your bindings?Adjustments to Make to Your Bindings 1. Preparing for the installation Gather all the parts and pieces of equipment you'll need, and put on your favourite playlist. Setting up your bindings is a fun way to spend time with your snowboard. You will needThe discs or screw inserts (what holds your binding to your board),

Climbing skins, avalanche transceivers, GORE-TEX shells, 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 own 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 Best Skiing & Snowboarding Gifts for Winter 2023 Our collection of downhill and backcountry gifts for skiers and snowboarders is equipped with the latest technology. Our selection, meticulously chosen by our snow

It can get cold in the resort. We know that and the brands that specialize in downhill skiing know that too. With so many collections and products designed to keep you warm and protected from the wind on the lift, there's really no reason to spend head to the chalet early.Winter weather is unpredictable, and that's even truer in the mountains. If the bright sun is warming the air when you make your first runs, that doesn't mean the wind won't pick up when you get back from lunch. So pack an extra pair of gloves and socks, and layer

The number one thing every skier - you included - wants 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 2022. After extensive review,

The mountains covered with snow makes for happy skiers and snowboarders. But we're here to make sure no child gets left behind. While you peruse the best ski jackets and snowboard apparel, turn your thoughts to your little ones. After all, they want to play too, and you'll delight in passing down tips and tricks as your kids progress.  Taking on the mountain requires wearing the right apparel for everyone, so let's get into the best ski jackets for kids. From boots to ski pants, socks, sweaters and mittens, bundling up the right way makes all the difference. Whether they're

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

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 while

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