The top 10 ski and snowboard stores in Toronto

The top ski and snowboard shops in Toronto carry everything you need for a weekly jaunt to Blue Mountain or any other ski hill around the city. Despite our lack of a mountainous geography, Toronto has long had a love affair with skiing, a fact which is reflected in the diversity of the retail scene. The increasing popularity of snowboarding has only furthered the variety on offer such that we are now spoiled for options.

Here are my picks for the top ski and snowboard stores in Toronto.

Sign of the Skier

A Toronto retail institution since the 1960s, the shop is best known as that place that sells skis and patio furniture, a seemingly strange combination but one that works perfectly given its location between North Toronto and Lawrence Park. The store is packed in the winter with folks stocking up on mostly high end offerings from brands like Atomic, Head, Rosignol, and Salomon. Its snowboard offerings have greatly increased over the last decade.

Skis and Bikes

The sprawling Don Mills location is as well stocked, one-stop type of place for all of one's downhill skiing/snowboarding needs. Staff tend to be well versed in the nuances of boot fit and ski tuning, and the selection of brands is about as diverse as you'll find in Toronto.

Mountain Equipment Co-op

MEC makes this list for all the cross country skiers out there. Not a place for downhill fans as far as hard goods go, the wide selection of outerwear is, however, handy for skiers of all types. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Sanction

Sanction is a snowboard speciality shop (at least in the winter) with brands on offer from Arbor, Capita, GNU, Dinosaurs Will Die, and LibTech. These guys know their stuff, and will get your board tuned to your liking should you so need. Naturally, there is a hefty supply of outerwear as well as casual clothing.

Sporting Life

Sporting Life has long been a go-to for skis and ski-related outerwear. It retains its high-priced reputation, but I've always found Sporting Life a great place to snag close-out models of everything from skis to tennis rackets. The clothing options are dizzying.

Bikes and Boards

This sister shop to Sporting Life puts the attention on snowboards with a strong selection of Burton, Gnu, LibTech, Ride, and Union. What the store does best, however, is in offering a huge selection of clothing and accessories to choose from.



Hogtown Extreme Sports

One of the best skate- and snowboard-specific shops in Toronto, Hogtown is great place for both beginners and experts alike. The staff are great, the range of products is wide (with plenty of price points), and the repair/maintenance services are top notch.

Salomon

If you're a fan of Salomon skies, this is the store for you. Part of a growing trend of brand-specific sports stores, what the shop lacks in diversity, it makes up for comprehensiveness.

Boardsports

An excellent place for snowboarders (and windsurfers), this shop near Yonge and Davisville is staffed by experts. Brands include Burton, Arbor, K2, and Ride. The clothing an accessory selection is plentiful.

Kenmark Snowsports

You'll have to leave Toronto to pay a visit to Kenmark, but for those located in the north end of the city, the Richmond Hill store is a good option for both skiers and snowboards. The kids selection is worthy of note.

What did I miss? Add your favourite stores in the comments.

Photo from Boardsports

by Derek Flack via blogTO