-
Reviews published since 2009 — updated every season
-
Weekly Episode
Avalanche Conditions Report
Weekly snowpack summary covering Rogers Pass, the Selkirks and the Canadian Rockies. Published every Friday throughout the season.
Listen Now →
Weekly avalanche & safety updates throughout the season
-
Proprietary Content
BSC Guide Books & Maps
Researched and written by our team. Printed guides and georeferenced digital maps for Canada's best backcountry terrain.
Shop the Store →
Printed guides + georeferenced digital maps — all authored by BSC
-
-
Know Before You Go
Check Today's Forecast
Real-time avalanche danger ratings updated daily by Avalanche Canada. Always check before heading out.
View Forecast →
Avalanche awareness saves lives
-
Know Before You Go
Check Today's Forecast
Real-time avalanche danger ratings updated daily by Avalanche Canada. Always check before heading out.
View Forecast →
240+ videos — gear reviews, conditions reports & backcountry edits
SITE LOGIN
Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Welcome to our 9th Annual Backcountry Skiing Canada Holiday Gift Guide. We're going to start things off easy with the under $100 range, followed by the $100-$250 gifts before we culminate with the $250+ gift ideas. No matter what price range your spending preferences land in we're sure you'll find the perfect gift for that adventurer on your holiday gift list.Click below to check out the top picks for the best new backcountry gear, apparel, camping gear and accessories.
- BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER $100
-
We are starting our HGG with the $100-$250 Price Category, please check there first.
If your budget is limited have a look here to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy. If you have a little more to spend then check out our list of the Best Gifts priced $100-$250, and $250+.
Arcade Atlas Belt
We already include the Atlas Belt in our Summer 2024 Best Gear list, but love it so much we are including it in our Holiday Gift Guide.
Price: $41.95 CAN / $34.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Bootdoc Hotronic Boot Dryer
This handy shoe and boot dryer for the home and on the go dries ski and snowboard boots, winter boots, casual footwear, sneakers, and work boots gently and efficiently.
Price: $124.00 CAD / $96.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Bootdoc Race Merion PFI 50 Socks
The Bootdoc Race Merino PFI socks are performance compression socks. These socks are a blend of merino wool, polyamide, elastane and copper.
Price: $55.95 CAD / $39.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Buff Multifunction Head and Neckwear
You cannot go wrong with buying your favorite Backcountry Skier or Boarder Buff neckwear!
Price: $45.00 CAD / $32.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack is a great piece of travel kit. It has enough feature to make it a great peice of luggage for backcountry, hiking or air travel.
Price: $97.00 CAD / $75.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
DPS Last Bag
DPS make the bold claim that this is the 'Last Bag' you will ever need and they are almost right except you are going to buy two of them, one as gift for someone else and one for yourself!
Price: $103.00 CAD / $79.95.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
The new Giro Sagen Googles are one of the newest goggles in the Giro lineup. They have some of the best peripheral view lenses.
Price: $123.50 CAN / $94.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
Gregory has a number of different tote bags that make shuffling your gear from home to the car to rv or cottage way easier.
Price: $77.95.00 CAD / $59.95.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
Icebreaker has you and your gift ideas covered with 5 different models of their Ski+ Over the Calf Merino Wool blend socks.
Price: $27.30 CAN / $28.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
MEC Aluminum Pot Set
MEC light, minimilst backpacking aluminum pot set is great for fast-and-light camping.
Booties Price: $32..43 CAD / $24.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
MEC Deluxe Pillow
Bring a little bit of comfort into the backcountry with a MEC Deluxe Pillow.
Booties Price: $44.95 CAD / $27.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
MEC Fireside Fleece Snap Pullover
MEC Fireside Fleece Sap Pullover is a cozy fleece that works as a mid layer or a shell that you will want close by in the cool winter evenings.
Booties Price: CAN $90.96 / US $69.97
READ MORE DETAILS
MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
MEC describes their Hut Booties as the ‘secret weapon of savvy skiers and ice climbers’
Booties Price: $89.95 CAD / $60.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Montec Roast Mittens
The Roast mittens are an ideal choice for those sub-zero skiing adventures.
Price: $115.00 CAN / $85.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Mountain Hardware Sunblocker Hoody
The Roast mittens are an ideal choice for those sub-zero skiing adventures.
Price: $115.00 CAN / $85.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
The MSR Titan Kettle is a great ultra light backpacking kettle with some great feataures.
Price: $89.95 CAN / 64.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
Remind Soles have hundreds of different soles to choose from. The organize them by arch height, thickness, rigidity, width and comfort levels.
Price: $85.00 CAN / $65.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Tailgate Industries The Gondom Goggle Cover
The Tailgate Industries Gondom Goggle Cover has been a Backcountry Skiing Canada favourite for over a decade.
Price: $27.30 CAN/ $21.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Wild Country Rope Tarp
The Wild Country Rope tarp sticks to their moto of ‘Own nothing that you do not know to be useful or beautiful.'
Price: $44.95 CAN / 29.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
We are still adding to the list check back for more Holiday Gift Ideas.
- BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS $100-$250
-
If you have a reasonable budget have a look here to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy. If you have a little more to spend then check out our list of the Best Gifts priced $200+.
Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
Arc'teryx has a new hiking shoe that is a good balance of light and sturdy
Price: $220 CAN / $180 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
Arc'teryx is going to make you rethink what a climbing approach shoe is with their new Kragg Insulated Approach Shoe.
Price: $220 CAN / $180 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Arms of Andes Alpaca Half-Zip and Leggings
Alpaca wool is credited with some of the best characteristics for temperature management making it ideal for backcountry skiing.
Price: $194.95.00 CAN / $135.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
The redesigned Cotopaxi Allpa Travel comes with new features that will make your air travel much more comfortable.
Price: $325.00 CAN / $250.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
The Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag is a very versatile duffel bag that can be used for a wide variety of travel and packing purposes.
Price: $260.00 CAD / $200.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
DPS Mission Quiver Roller
DPS Mission Quiver Roller Ski Bag greatly reduces the stress of getting your skis from home to the mountains via train or airplane.
Price: $324.95 CAN / $249.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
Give the gift of not having to endlessly wax your skis with the DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit.
Price: $220.95 CAN / $169.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Dragon Amped sunglasses
Dragon Amped sunglasses combine the functionality of sunglasses and ski goggles for the best of both in backcountry adventure eye protection.
Price: $312.00 CAN / $240.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Dragon DX3 Plus OTG
Dragon DX3 Plus OTG goggles are an upgraded version of the best-selling DX3 model.
Price: $285.00 CAN / $220.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
A great everyday wear heated down jacket
Price: $269.99 CAD / $189.99 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback Sunglasses
Modern lense technology meets classic design... or any design you want.
Price: $149.00 CAD / $114.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
The Giro Taggert Mips Helmet with no visible ventilation for a very sleek look.
Price: $209.95 CAN / $159.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Gnara Go There Pants & Shorts
The Gnara Go There Pants are known are all round backcountry adventure pants for women.
Price: $313.00 CAN / $241.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
A great day backpack for both resort and backcountry skiing.
Price: $193.00 CAN / 149.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
These deck boots are designed for all-day comfort while out fishing.
Price: $141.00 CAN / $109.99 USD
READ MORE HERE
Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
The Shackleton Duffel has been upgraded to be even more rugged for your epic backcountry water adventures.
Price: $284.99 CAN / $219.99 USD
READ MORE HERE
Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
The Deeper 19L pack is a sleek sidecountry and backcountry tour pack that's the perfect size for the bare essentials
Price: $229.99 CAN / $169.95US
READ MORE HERE
Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Baselayer Top and Rose High Waist Pants are part of their Heavyweight wool collection that is designed for winter backcountry adventures. Price: $229.99 CAN / $169.95US
READ MORE HERE
Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
Welcome to the Dark Side of the Loonr. Great light and sturdy rubber boot for around the cottage
Price: $179.95 CAD / $139.95 US
READ MORE HERE
Le Bent Core Midweight Crew
Le Bent’s base layers are made from a signature blend of rayon for softness and merino wool for its insulating characteristics.
Price: CAN $150.00/ US $115.00
READ MORE HERE
Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
Le Bent’s base layers are made from a signature blend of rayon for softness and merino wool for its insulating characteristics.
Price: $169.00 CAN / $130.00 US
READ MORE HERE
MEC Northern Light Vest
The MEC Northern Light Vest has been a staple of backcountry enthusiasts for over 20 years.
Price: $179.95 CAN / $124.95 USD
READ MORE HERE
Mobile Warming Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
Keep the winter cold at bay with these Merino wool blend heated socks.
Price: $149.00 CAD / $114.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Montec Scope Ski Goggles
The Scope goggle is a low-profile, high-performance ski and snowboard goggle.
Price: $190 CAN / $130 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
The Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody is a great softshell jacket for most outdoor activities.
Price: $260.00 CAN / $200 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
The Paka Mountain Crew is made with outdoor adventures in mind. Made with a blend of alpaca and merino wool.
Price: $188.00 CAN / $145 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
Owning a pair of Ombraz Sunglasses is going to greatly reduce your ability to break them or missplace them and they are really comfortable... and they have no arms.
Price: CAN $210.00 / US $160.00
READ MORE DETAILS
Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
Ortovox Merino Thermovent base layer is made from Ortovox’s breathable mesh structure that keeps the weight low but allows for an ideal amount of ventilation and moisture control.
Price: $200.00 CAN / $150.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
The new Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack is for those that hate digging through there pack to find stuff.
Price: $270.00 CAN / $220.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Paka Mountain Crew
The Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew is able to handle off loading exess body heat while on the upslope and effectively insulate you on the descent.
Price: $280.00 CAN / $225 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
Roll Recovery is best known for their line of massage and recovery tools but they just released a new SUPERPLUSH Recovery Footwear collection.
Price: $157.00 CAN / $110.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
The Smartwool Intraknit Merino wool sweater works as both an outer shell as well as a base layer by throwing a hard shell overtop for more harsh weather conditions.
Price: $200.00 CAN / $175.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
The new Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants are work well as both a base layer or as an outer layer on warmer days.
Price: Jacket 395.00 CAN / $295.00 USD - Pants $325.00 CAN / $250.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
With several different models available you will be able to find a model for the backcountry music enthusiast on your list.
Price: 249.95 CAN / $179.95 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
Open-ear headphone technology is a game changer when it comes to listening to music while still maintaining awareness of what is going on around you.
Price: CAN $310.7 / $275.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
The Connor Rig Goggles are Sweet Protections first frameless goggle.
Price: CAN $260.00 / US$200.00
READ MORE DETAILS
Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
The Sweet Protection Adapter MIPS helmet is new this season and has some great features.
$240.00 CAN /$219.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
The Zeal Selkirk Glacier glasses have so many great features it is hard to know where to start.
Price: $259.00 CAN / $199.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
We are still adding to the list check back for more Holiday Gift Ideas.
- BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS OVER $250
-
We are starting our HGG with the $100-$250 Price Category, please check there first.
If your budget is limited have a look above in the under $50, $50-$100 and $100-$250 price categories to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy.
Bootdoc Foot Warmer
Bootdoc Foot Warmers keep your feet toasty warm during any of Backcountry Winter Adventures.
Price: $583.00 CAN / $449.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
The Ridge Dynastretch jacket is a windproof, water-resistant outer layer that will help keep you warm but also not slow you down. And comes in men and women's styles and sizes.
Price: $360 CAN / $265 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sappire Watch
The Garmin Fenix 8 has some series upgrades to make for a great tech gift this holiday.
Price: $1,479.99 CAN / $1,199.99 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Garmin InReach Messenger Plus
The Garmin InReach Messenger Plus is a great way for your backcountry adventurer to keep in touch while they are in the Backcountry.
Price: $679.99 CAN / $499.99 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
The Odin Everdown Hooded jacket is designed to be an ideal staple for your backcountry adventures.
Price: $550.00 CAN / $450.00 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
Helly Hansen’s Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is a 3-layer jacket built for your backcountry adventure.
Price: $337.50 CAN / $262.50 USD
READ MORE DETAILS
Leatherman ARC
The Leatherman ARC is an ideal tool for your backcountry pack.
Price: $373.95 CAN / $299.95 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
The Montec Fawk Ski Jacket is loaded with a lot of great features and attention to detail.
Price: $330.00 CAN / $239.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
Come in a range of different styles for experience levels and different winter terrain.
Price Range from $279 to $459 (CAD)
$188 to $339 (USD)
READ MORE DETAILS
Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
Montane just released the Nordes Jacket and Pants and are designed and made out material that is ideal for backcountry adventures.
Price: $450CAN / $325US
READ MORE DETAILS
Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
The Norrona Lyngen alpha100 Zip hood is their most breathable insulation jacket that is ideal for backcountry ski touring.
Price: $430.00 CAN / $349.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Norrona Octa Zip Hood
The Norrona Octa Zip Hoody is an excellent hybrid midlayer for the backcountry.
Price: $330.00 CAN / $249.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Norrona more flex1 Pants
The new Norrona more flex1 are softshell pants that are designed specifically for ski and snowboard activities.
$380.00 CAN / $266.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
The Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody is built for being out on the rockface. The cut of the material allows for a lot more arm movement and has additional protection in all the right places.
Price: $275.00 CAN / $240.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
Pomoca has made some significant improvements to their already popular Free Pro Skins.
Price: $299.00 CAN / $249.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
Rab’s new mid-weigh puffy down jacket is called the Glaceon Pro and it balances warmth, weight, and packability perfectly.
Price: $425 CAN / $340 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
Rab’s new mid-weigh puffy down jacket is called the Glaceon Pro and it balances warmth, weight, and packability perfectly.
Price: $750 CAN / $575 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Smith Squad MAG Goggles
Smith Squad MAG Goggles combine some of Smith top features and technology into the new Squad MAG Goggles.
Price: $325.00 CAN / $275.00 US
READ MORE DETAILS
Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
Stellar’s Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0 is the latest incarnation of their popular mid-layer.
Price: $499CAN / $329US
READ MORE DETAILS
Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
The upgraded Stellar Gide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0 is one of the backcountry's lightest down hoodies at 328g. And comes in Men's and Women's styles and sizes.
Price: $599 CAN / $399 US
READ MORE DETAILSWe are still adding to the list check back for more Holiday Gift Ideas.
Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.
Leave a Comment:
