Wanna launch a pre-emptive strike at seasonal affective disorder? Pop some vitamin D and get skiing. Whether your activity of choice is alpine, Telemark, Nordic or touring, the right gear is key. Here, Montreal’s five best ski shops.
The Austrian Ski Shop
NDG’s “biggest little ski store,” opened in 1966, packs 80 ski models from nine brands, hundreds of accessories, and clothing for everyone from toddlers to the obese into 500 square feet. They also do ski tuning and repair, boot-fitting and repair and binding for alpine, cross-country and touring gear. 5706 Monkland Ave. 514-483-3666.
Dafran Sport
Selling the top names in ski equipment since 1987, Dafran offers incomparable service. Even their website is helpful, with advice about buying gear and instructions for ski-tuning, a service which they also offer for $35. 4224 Decarie Blvd., 514-485-9897.
La Poubelle du Ski
Established in 1964, “the ski dump” sells and rents all manner of winter sports equipment. No membership is required, so it’s perfect for commitment-phobes, offering season-long rentals on gear that would otherwise cost upwards of $1,000. 8278 St. Laurent Blvd., 514-384-1315.
SkiEx
Upgrade at this 25-year-old Montreal West ski shop, where old trade-ins are welcome. Prices are reasonable, and combo packages of clothes, accessories and basic equipment make things manageable. 54 Westminster Ave. N., 514-486-2849.
Le Yéti
Skiers of all stripes will be satisfied by this quarter-century-old store, or its extensive online catalogue. Also available: rentals, ski maintenance workshops, classes, races and ski trips deals. See their French-only website for details (FYI: fartage means waxing). 5190 St. Laurent Blvd., 514-271-0773.
Image courtesy of 1yen.
I heard a rumor that some ski/snowboard shop in Montreal has old, unused inventory of Switch (step-in) compatible snowboarding boots. Can anyone provide any additional information? Thanks! -Martin