HEADS UP

Smith Helmets, Goggles and Sunglasses 

First things first, safety never goes out of style. Smith Optics helmets for women are sleek, lightweight, and come in colours that make you want to wear a helmet. Think: Komodo burnt orange, Supernova bright blue, Fatigue green, Carnation pale pink, Malachite teal, Serpentine lime, Slate grey, Blush, Dusk and Cactus. Pair them with Smith Optics goggles for a snowstorm or sports sunglasses on a bluebird day. Bonus: the fair weather shades, like Venture, Bobcat or Riptide transition seamlessly from piste to patio, to golf, racket sports, hiking, water sports, and street wear. UV-sensitive, self-tinting photochromic lenses adjust to shifting light, while a rainbow palette of frame and lens options lets you dial in your look.

HOT TIPS

Heat Holders

Winter chill? Not with Heat Holders®. Their fleecy-lined tights are silky smooth on the outside to slip seamlessly under ski pants. The socks cushion your feet with their soft long-looped thermal pile, and Heat Holders gloves and mitts bring wearable warmth wherever you go. Most models cross over to multiple uses from downhill to downtown. What sets the brand apart is its patented three-stage thermal construction, engineered to trap warm air close to the skin.

Standouts for 2026 include the Dakota chunky knit pompom hat with luxuriously cosy HeatWeaver® lining, and the Hensley Embossed Hybrid Jacket. Think water-resistant warmth without weight. Add thoughtful detaills - like stretchy side panels for a flexible, figure-hugging fit and the elegant embossed sheen - and this jacket is both stylish and practical. Perfect for the transitional months, it serves all those in-between season outdoor and everyday needs. And it’s sleek enough to slide under a ski jacket in deep winter.

Volt Heated Baselayers

At the risk of getting futuristic, Volt Heat’s heated baselayers are wearable climate control. Whether it’s a minus 20 powder day or a brisk early-morning fat bike ride, these layers let you choose your heat setting to suit the conditions and your own unique thermoregulation.

From skiing to snowshoeing, Nordic to night-skiing, Volt Heat warms without bulk. And this year the women’s thermal half zip heated pullover comes in pure white, grey, black or cornflower blue. How’s it heated? Volt Heat’s Zero Layer system uses thin, lightweight heating panels powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Direct, adjustable heat is supplied to the back and chest areas, with heat intensity controlled via a button on the outside. Volt Heat really has you covered with its growing range of heated mid-layers, vests, jackets, pants, gloves, mitts, scarves, footwear, cushions, blankets.

GIRLS IN THE HOOD

MEC Boundary Light Down Hooded Jacket

Designed and tested in Vancouver and the surrounding backcountry, all MEC Label products are meticulously matched to Canadian specs. A standout for me this year is the new Boundary Light Down Hooded Jacket, a versatile piece that adapts easily to shifting weather and shoulder-season use. 

Constructed with a recycled ripstop nylon shell and quilted down insulation, it's wearable winter warmth while remaining impressively lightweight and packable with its internal 'stuff' pocket. The helmet-compatible hood features an insulated storm-flap chin guard to seal out cold air, while the drop-hem design adds welcome coverage at the back.

Thoughtful, practical detailing runs across the MEC Label range - durable, long-lasting gear that's purpose-built for sport and outdoor use. Affordable and activity-specific, MEC products are closely aligned with Canadian culture and lifestyle, leaning more towards the rugged than the runway. 

The high performance technical collection includes a commitment to inclusive sizing. No more sizing up to accommodate 'skier's thigh' only to cinch in the loose waistband. MEC's cuts are often more generous through the thighs and glutes than many European counterparts. For anyone heading to Canada for a winter adventure, a stop at one of MEC's 24 stores is a mountain must

STANDOUT STYLE

Alchemy of Ride

Alchemy of Ride make ski suits to treasure for ever (see main image), both for their meticulous technical detailing and vibrant, technicolour artistry. The fun doesn’t stop at skiwear - think après-ski tops, Nordic layers, gym, biking, hiking and surfing gear that travels well, stands out, and earns you ‘Likes’ when designer Lynne Harrison reposts your shots on her feed. She has been featuring the skiing adventures of freestyle skiing icon Wayne Wong, who has been showcasing her line in his instruction videos and social media.

Creative collections range from mountain motifs inspired by the Rocky Mountain landscape of Alberta and BC to the beauty of nature exemplified in the Spring Flower range. ‘Gear for your Groovy’ garments echo 70s fashion and playful animal themes such as cartoon cows, wolves and horses bring out the inner child in us all.

FOOT NOTE

Darn Tough Socks

No more tough darning! Darn Tough socks come with an unlimited lifetime warranty. Sceptical? If your socks wear out, develop holes, or fail to perform, they’ll replace them, no receipt required.

My pick: Limited Edition Snowburst Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks. A sturdy mix of merino, nylon, and Spandex, they’re completely seamless including the toe. The reinforced Achilles cushion helps reduce heel lift inside ski boots while the performance fit prevents slipping and bunching. I have to wear adhesive padding around my bone spurs and hammer toe, and the pads stay put under the socks even when squeezing into tight ski boots. Also, washing and wearing them almost daily this season, there are still no holes or worn patches in sight. This really could be a sock for life  - and if you give them as a gift, you might make a friend for life, too.

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