Winter

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

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