Being inundated by snow isn’t necessarily bad news; just think of it as Mother Nature telling you to escape the city for a weekend on the slopes. But if your snowboard gear remains emblazoned with the Calgary ’88 logo, it’s time to check out one of these spots for a re-fitting.
Empire backs their fashionable, boutique-meets-factory aesthetic with a staff steeped in the snowboard community; many of their staff are semi-pro riders. The sprawling inventory includes high-design boards and accessories from labels like Rome. 1111 St Antoine O., 514-390-1212.
Obsession Boardshop is friendly and laidback, offering a wide variety of jackets, pants, board bags and shoes, in addition to boards and boots. Prices vary widely but sales on labels like Ambition and Burton often yield great deals. 4084 St-Laurent, 514-282-6353.
Located slightly off island, but on the way to the Laurentians, is an outpost of S3 Boardshop a fun-loving local chain that captures Quebec’s outdoor happy-go-lucky lifestyle: think flashy colours and off-kilter humour. Grab a flamboyant Teaspoon t-shirt for the après-ski. 1000 Boul. Des Seigneurs, Terrebonne, 450-326-1470.
In Laval’s busy shopping area is Axis Boutique, a large, bright and well-organized store devoted first to skateboarding – but come winter, snowboarding reigns supreme. Naturally they’re also the exclusive home for Axis-branded gear. 850 Le Corbusier Blvd., Laval, 450-681-8787.
A Montreal institution, Bernard Trottier Sports is best for skiers, but it’s a solid place for a comprehensive gear refresh. If you can hold off, though, wait till July for the always phenomenal Ski Boom sale. 187 Hymus, 514-694-0240.
Image courtesy of aieoux.
i’M sorry but you have no idea of what your are talking about when it comes to snowboarding