Hit the slopes in style with these Vancouver ski shops
Winter alpine and Nordic sports seem to evolve each year, with new technologies creating lighter, faster, higher-performance gear. Outfit yourself with the latest equipment so you can feel secure, confident and stylish on the slopes. These Vancouver-based stores should be your first stop before hitting the local mountains. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ Alija]
Pacific Boarder
Their tagline is “Go Play Outside” and once you’ve stepped inside their massive Kitsilano store and equipped yourself with the latest in downhill, snowboarding or backcountry gear, you’ll want to immediately obey. Their competitive pricing on major brands means they’ll match any lower price you find in Canada in-store or online, so you know you’re getting the best deal for your seasonal investment. Keep an eye out too for mid-season sales, which will make those frequent weekend trips to Whistler a little easier to justify.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
130 Broadway W, Vancouver BC V5Y 1P3Canada’s original outdoor gear shop, MEC has a huge selection of winter sport equipment, from high-performance downhill skis, bindings and boots to backcountry safety essentials to both classic and skate-style cross-country skis to telemarking gear to snowshoes. Their expert staff are all avid alpiners so you know the gear’s been tested by discerning critics. They also offer a decent rental program, meaning you can be on the slopes as soon as they open rather than waiting in epic lines to be fitted.
Sigge's Sport Villa Ltd
2077 4th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1N3If your focus is purely cross-country skiing, then you’ll want to stop in at Sigge’s in Kits during its seasonal operations. Open from September 1st to April 30th, Sigge’s specializes in the highest quality equipment, clothing and accessories available for the Nordic skier, making them the largest dedicated outlet in North America. They also have great relationships with local ski clubs and mountains if you’re looking to take some lessons or meet up with like-minded skiers.
Skiis & Biikes
1701 3rd Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1K7This family-owned shop began as a small outfit in Ontario before expanding to BC where it now has three locations, two of which are, fittingly, in Whistler. The Vancouver shop on West 3rd is ready to kit you out in any manner of ski gear, from all mountain skis to powder, carving, racing and backcountry. They also carry a wide selection of the latest in snowboards, as well as boots, outerwear and casual après-ski garments.
West Coast Sports
1675 4th Ave W, Vancouver BC V6J 1L8Another shop along outdoor activity row on 4th Avenue in Kits is West Coast Sports, specializing in winter sports gear like skis, snowboards and snowshoes. Happy to fit, wax and tune your gear, they also offer rentals and great deals on used or demo equipment.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
88 Broadway W, Vancouver BC V5Y 1P2Inspired by British Columbia’s rugged wilderness and epic outdoor playgrounds, specifically the Kootenay provincial park the store is named for, these outfitters are all about adventure and exploration. From the rigorous mountaineer to the beginner snowplower, Valhalla has your ski and snow needs covered. With an impressive and comforting supply of avalanche safety gear and skis, boards and boots to suit every style and experience level, this BC-owned and operated shop is a local favourite.
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