Winter Sports Gear Trends in Canada: What Skiers and Snowboarders Need to Know
We Canadians know a thing or two about surviving long, frigid winters. We also know a thing or two about making the absolute most out of them. The pristine ski bowls of BC and the frozen ski runs of Quebec require serious prep before even getting on the chairlift. As the snow begins to fall, skiers and snowboarders everywhere are looking for ways to better their experience on the mountain.
One of the best ways to do this is to keep up with the latest trends in ski and snowboard gear, helping to keep you warmer, ski harder, and ride safer all season long.
The Evolving Canadian Winter Sports Landscape
The culture of the mountain in Canada is changing, and it is changing for the better. As a consumer, people are becoming more and more concerned with the versatility and sustainability of the gear they are buying. Skiers and snowboarders everywhere are looking for gear that can handle the resort run as well as the back-country run.
In addition, consumers are being inundated with the latest in eco-friendly materials, showing a clear respect for the alpine environment that we love to ski and snowboard through. Manufacturers are catching on, using recycled plastics and bio-resins in everything from outerwear to hard goods, giving consumers a chance to support a more environmentally friendly production process.
Technological Breakthroughs in Equipment
Ski and snowboard shops like Sundance Ski & Snowboard Shop are breaking the boundaries of physics. Gone are the days of heavy, cumbersome boards that made every run up Whistler Blackcomb a chore. Today’s designs are utilizing the latest in carbon fibre and aerospace materials to create a ski or snowboard that is not only incredibly lightweight but also able to handle high speeds like a pro.
Snowboarders everywhere are seeing a rise in specialized three-dimensional base contours that raise the edges slightly, helping to take the edge catch out of the turn and giving riders a smoother, more enjoyable experience on the mountain. Skiers everywhere are seeing a rise in improved elastic travel, helping to take the shock of even the toughest runs on the mountain.
See Also: Clothing Traditions Around the World
Staying Warm and Safe on the Slopes
The extreme climate of Canada requires special gear for protection. Safety is the first priority, and the advancements in headgear have been tremendous in the past couple of years. Rotational impact protection systems are now the norm rather than the luxury that they once were. These inner slip planes help reduce the effect of rotational forces on the brain in the event of an accident.
When it comes to clothing, it is no longer just about staying dry. There is now the ability to adjust your body temperature with the help of a smartphone app while riding a chairlift in freezing temperatures. The outer gear now also includes intelligent fabric that responds to body temperature and adjusts accordingly. When hiking uphill, the fabric allows for the removal of moisture, and when seated, it locks in the warmth.
Matching Gear with the Terrains of Canada
The terrains of Canada offer a wide variety of mountain landscapes, and the gear needs to perfectly match the local terrain. Going out west into the beautiful Rocky Mountains requires special gear for the deep powder and steep terrain that these mountains offer. The gear needs to have a wide stance and a setback for the snowboard to float well in the powder. The rocker profile is a necessity for this terrain so that the flotation is absolute and effortless.
On the East Coast, the conditions are much harder and icier on a regular basis. If your local hill is Blue Mountain or Mont Tremblant, the gear needs to have a traditional camber profile and a stiff torsional flex so that the edges can bite aggressively into the hard-packed snow and provide the necessary carving ability.
Prepare for an Unforgettable Winter
Upgrading your gear can dramatically change the way you ride the mountain this season. With the right equipment, not only will you be safer and more comfortable, but you will also improve your riding skills. Check your current gear and look into the latest innovations that will surely help you carve the fresh tracks this season!
