By Robert Wagner | November 2024
Canada is home to some of the best ski resorts and snow conditions in the world, so naturally, there are many high-quality ski gear brands available. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are several Canadian and international brands known for their reliability, performance, and innovation. Here are some of the best ski gear brands with products available for sale in Canada:
1. Arc’teryx
- Category: Outerwear, accessories
- Why it’s great: Arc’teryx is known for its high-performance ski jackets, pants, and outerwear. Their products are durable, lightweight, and designed for extreme conditions, making them ideal for Canadian winters. Their use of GORE-TEX technology ensures waterproofing and breathability.
- Notable product: Arc’teryx Camosun Parka, Alpha SV Jacket.
2. Helly Hansen
- Category: Outerwear, base layers, gloves, and accessories
- Why it’s great: Based in Norway, but a popular brand in Canada, Helly Hansen makes gear for skiers who need both warmth and mobility. They are well-known for high-quality waterproof and breathable fabrics.
- Notable product: Helly Hansen Legendary Pants, Alpha 3.0 Ski Jacket.
3. Marmot
- Category: Jackets, pants, base layers
- Why it’s great: Known for its technical outdoor apparel, Marmot offers highly insulated jackets and pants, ideal for skiing in cold Canadian conditions. They use advanced materials like GORE-TEX and Primaloft for insulation.
- Notable product: Marmot Fordham Jacket, Exum Guide Pants.
4. Rossignol
- Category: Skis, boots, bindings, outerwear
- Why it’s great: A classic and trusted brand in skiing, Rossignol is known for making skis that perform well in both alpine and cross-country conditions. They also offer a full range of ski equipment, including boots and bindings.
- Notable product: Rossignol Experience 88 Ti Skis, Rossignol Alltrack Pro Boots.
5. Salomon
- Category: Skis, boots, bindings, outerwear
- Why it’s great: Salomon is a leading brand in ski equipment, with a strong presence in Canada. They are known for innovation in ski boots, skis, and bindings, offering exceptional performance for all types of skiing.
- Notable product: Salomon QST Skis, Salomon S/Pro Boots.
6. Black Diamond
- Category: Skis, bindings, avalanche safety gear, outerwear
- Why it’s great: Black Diamond is well-known for its ski mountaineering gear and avalanche safety equipment. Their skis, poles, and bindings are designed for off-piste and backcountry skiing.
- Notable product: Black Diamond Boundary Pro Skis, Black Diamond JetForce Pro Avalanche Airbag.
7. Canada Goose
- Category: Outerwear, accessories
- Why it’s great: A truly Canadian brand, Canada Goose is known for making some of the warmest jackets available. While they don’t specialize in ski-specific gear, their extreme cold-weather parkas and outerwear are popular among skiers looking for warmth.
- Notable product: Canada Goose Expedition Parka, Snow Mantra Parka.
8. Fischer
- Category: Skis, boots, bindings
- Why it’s great: Fischer is renowned for its high-quality skis, especially in cross-country and alpine disciplines. Their skis provide great control, stability, and performance in all conditions.
- Notable product: Fischer Ranger Skis, Fischer RC4 Worldcup Boots.
9. Lange
- Category: Ski boots
- Why it’s great: Lange is one of the best-known brands in the ski boot market, offering precision-engineered boots that cater to both recreational skiers and professional athletes. They are particularly noted for their comfort and performance.
- Notable product: Lange RX Ski Boots, Lange XT3 Boots.
10. K2
- Category: Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets
- Why it’s great: K2 is a well-known brand in the ski world, offering skis, boots, bindings, and snowboards for all levels of skiers. Their gear is designed for performance and durability in the toughest conditions.
- Notable product: K2 Mindbender Skis, K2 Anthem Boots.
11. The North Face
- Category: Outerwear, base layers, accessories
- Why it’s great: Known for its durable and high-performance outerwear, The North Face is a favorite of skiers in Canada. They offer a wide range of insulated and waterproof jackets, pants, and accessories.
- Notable product: The North Face McMurdo Parka, ThermoBall Insulated Jacket.
12. Swix
- Category: Ski poles, waxes, accessories
- Why it’s great: A leading name in cross-country skiing, Swix is known for its ski poles and waxes, which are critical for performance. Their products are trusted by elite athletes in both cross-country and alpine skiing.
- Notable product: Swix Triac Ski Poles, Swix Universal Wax.
13. Smith Optics
- Category: Helmets, goggles, eyewear
- Why it’s great: Smith Optics offers high-performance ski goggles and helmets. Known for their innovative lens technology and comfort, their gear is designed to protect skiers in harsh conditions.
- Notable product: Smith I/O Mag Goggles, Smith Vantage Helmet.
14. POC
- Category: Helmets, goggles, protective gear
- Why it’s great: A Swedish brand with a strong following in Canada, POC focuses on safety and innovation. They are known for their stylish, highly protective helmets and goggles designed for serious skiers and snowboarders.
- Notable product: POC Orb Clarity Helmet, POC Retina Goggles.
These brands are among the best in Canada for skiing gear, offering everything from performance skis and boots to advanced outerwear and safety equipment. Whether you’re preparing for a leisurely ski trip or hitting the slopes for backcountry adventures, these brands will help you stay protected, warm, and performing at your best.
