Vancouver shops for winter sports gear and accessories
The key to enjoying winter on the West Coast is to be prepared. That means stocking up on seasonal outerwear, sporting equipment and other cold-weather essentials. When the mercury starts to drop and the snow starts to fall on the mountains, these outdoor stores in Vancouver have you covered.
Comor-Go Play Outside
3700 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H5Go Play Outside is the motto at this independently owned specialty retailer with locations in Kitsilano, Burnaby and Whistler. Whether you’re a professional down-hill racer of a first-time boarder heading to the bunny hill, the enthusiastic staff at Comor will help you get ready for a day out on the slopes. Shop here for boots, bindings, poles, skis, boards, and insulating outerwear for kids and adults. Each new season you’ll find the latest gear from top ski and snowboard brands like Burton, Rossignol, Atomic, Quicksilver and many more. Shop the end-of-season sales for discounted prices on clearance apparel and equipment.
Sports Junkies Clearance Centre
102 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3Let’s face it; winter sports can get pretty expensive – especially if you’re buying new ski boots or ice skates for growing kids every single season. This clearance shop is the go-to place for shoppers who want to save big bucks on big-ticket items. Sports Junkies boasts the largest selection of used skis and snowboards in Vancouver, and there are great deals to be found. The shop also carries new and used winter clothing from big-name brands (Orage, Burton and Billabong to name a few) and an extensive selection of hockey equipment, including skates, sticks and goalie gloves.
The Boardroom
1745 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M2For many Vancouverites, snowboarding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. At The Boardroom, passionate snowboarders will find themselves among like-minded adrenaline junkies. From boards and bindings to tuning tools and toques, you’ll find all the hardware, apparel and accessories you’ll need for the season. Snowboard prices start at $100 for kids’ boards and go up to around $750 for high-end rides. Be sure to check out the quirky collection of Neff stomp pads shaped like pizza slices and doughnuts. The Boardroom has locations in Kitsilano and Lonsdale, and a special clearance centre on West 4th offering great bargains.
Eco Outdoor Sports
202 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P6Open since 1997, Eco Outdoor Sports has an impressive inventory of high quality clothing for men, women and kids from leading outdoor brands like Icebreaker, The North Face, Columbia and Salomon. From goggles to gloves, socks to sunglasses, you’ll find everything you need to get yourself winter ready from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Hardy outdoorsy types should check out the selection of tents, sleeping bags and cold-weather camping accessories.
Cyclone Taylor Sports
6575 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6P 3Z3Named after Canadian ice hockey legend Fred “Cyclone” Taylor, this longstanding retailer has locations in Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam and Surrey. Pint-sized puck stars and grown up goalies will find everything they need and more at this sporting goods store. Cyclone carries everything to do with ice hockey: skates, sticks, protective equipment, undergarments, bags and more. And don’t forget the accessories; you’ll find everything from lace tighteners and ear covers to shin pads and chin cups. Those who shop during the season-opening sale will save big on some brand-name gear from Bauer, CCM, Warrior, Easton and more.
Atmosphere
1625 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4M6Dressing for the weather will have you trail running on the North Shore and conquering black diamonds on top of Blackcomb with ease this winter. Atmosphere carries a wide range of practical apparel to help curb the frigid air, including jackets, vests, balaclavas, pants, footwear and base layers from big-name outdoor labels such as Helly Hansen, Patagonia and Marmot. The shop also stocks cross-country and alpine skiing equipment, camping and climbing gear, snowshoes and trekking accessories. For extra warmth, we love the battery-powered mitts and socks that’ll keep your fingers and toes toasty for hours.
Pacific Boarder
1793 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M2If you’re looking for snowboard gear from some of the top brands in the industry, look no further than Pacific Boarder. This Kitsilano showroom is stocked with boards, boots, bindings, apparel and accessories for men, women and kids from Burton, Gnu, Salomon, Ride, Capita and many more snow-sport labels. You’ll also find splitboards – innovative boards that can be separated into two ski-like parts for riders who want to access backcountry trails through deep powder. Best of all, the store’s price-match guarantee means you’ll always feel assured that you’re paying the lowest possible price.
Sigge's Sport Villa Ltd
2077 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3Nordic newbies and cross-country pros can outfit themselves for the season at this family-owned specialty shop in Kitsilano. The seasonal pop-up shop is open annually from September 1 to April 30 and carries one of the largest selections of classic and skating-style cross-country equipment in Western Canada. The product line includes skis, boots, bindings, poles, clothing and accessories for guys, gals and little ones. And you’ll score great deals when purchasing package deals. Not quite ready to commit? Try borrowing ski equipment from the rental shop (they also offer snowshoe rentals) to get a feel for the sport.
West Coast Sports
1675 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1L8The product selection at this Kitsilano specialty shop changes with the seasons: during the summer months you’ll find skateboards, wakeboards and water skiing gear, but come winter they’re all about skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and snow-sport accessories. Visit the store before hitting your local mountain to pick up all the equipment you need to ride safely and stylishly. The on-site service centre will also help with getting your gear sharpened, waxed and tuned up for the season. West Coast Sports also offers multi-day rental packages and partners with the Vancouver Ski School for private lessons.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
130 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3This retail co-op is an indispensible resource for outdoorsy Vancouverites all year round, and especially during the winter season. Whether you’re into backcountry, downhill or cross-country, you’ll find skis, boots, bindings and poles to suit your style. Snow-sport enthusiasts can also shop here for snowshoes, snowboarding equipment, outwear and base layers, helmets, backpacks, equipment bags, footwear and even avalanche safety gear. Need a sleeping bag that’ll keep you warm when it’s -30 outside? Don’t miss the extensive selection of winter camping gear. You’ll find local MEC locations on Broadway and in North Van and a lifetime membership is just $5.
My Twitter
My Instagram
