Canadian winters, to say the least, are not for the faint of heart. Whether or not you are skiing the Rockies, the Laurentians, or somewhere in between, the cold, wind, and changing snow conditions will do a number on your ski gear that a simple resort vacation in a warmer climate could only dream of doing to your ski boots in Canada.
Ski boots and ski goggles in Canada are two of the most important ski tools that will either make or break a day on the mountain. While a good pair of ski boots and goggles will not even be noticeable, a bad pair will have you spending the entire day distracted by a problem that should have been fixed before you even laced those boots to your feet.
What to Know About Ski Boots in Canada
Flex rating is the first thing to understand. Ski boots have a flex index ranging from 60 to 130 degrees. Soft flex ski boots in Canada, which have a flex index ranging from 60 to 80 degrees, are best suited for newbies and people of shorter stature. More advanced users who wish to have more control at high speeds should opt for stiffer flex boots with a flex index of 100 degrees and above.
Canadian winters can be brutal. A perfectly fitting boot in a warm shop can feel like a slab in the snow. Here is why this is important to consider: the plastic shell stiffens up in the cold. This affects the performance and fit of the boot.
The fit of the boot is not negotiable. The fit of the ski boot must fit tightly around the heel and the middle section. The fit must also accommodate some space in the toes to prevent jamming on steeper terrain. Many people make the mistake of sizing up when they shouldn’t. If the boot is too large, you will lose control sooner than you think.
The level of warmth in your liners is not to be taken lightly, especially if you ski in cold places such as Alberta or Quebec. Thicker liners that can mold to your foot over time retain warmth more efficiently than regular foam liners.
What to Know About Ski Goggles in Canada
Perhaps the most overlooked part of Google selection is lens tint. Canada’s mountain weather changes quickly. A lens that performs well on a bluebird day will fog out completely when the cloud cover rolls in.
Photochromic lenses are those which adjust to changing light conditions. While these are not the best in very cold conditions because of the slowing of the adjustment process, they are better than a fixed lens. However, if the budget allows it, changing out the two lenses is still the best solution.
Anti-fogging is important in these conditions even more so than in warmer climates. The difference between the outdoor temperature and body heat is greater in a Canadian winter than in a warmer climate. Dual-pane lenses with anti-fog coating handle this better than single-pane options.
Getting Both Right Before the Season Starts
Buying ski boots and goggles as a last-minute decision, which is mostly done at a rental shop or a resort store the night before skiing, is not a good decision because you will pay more and may not have time to troubleshoot any fitting problems.
Give each of these items a try together, along with your socks and helmet you’ll wear while skiing. It may make a big difference in comfort later on.
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