To celebrate the peak of prime snowboarding season, we’re sharing our favourite snowboard brands for 2018. Whether boards, boots or apparel, this selection offers nothing but cool innovation and style. Learn more about what makes these brands the best of the best and shop all things snowboard, only at Sporting Life.

BURTON

“Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn back in 1977, and has dedicated his life to snowboarding ever since.”

Burton has played a key role in the growth of the snowboard industry, and we are proud to support a brand that has supported some of the world’s best riders. From technical baselayers to the coolest apparel to the top boards and bindings, Burton is a key brand in our snowboard line-up. One of the many reasons we love Burton? Their commitment to sustainability. Burton is a Bluesign approved brand – learn more about the Bluesign system here!

Along with the classic Burton line, Burton AK and L.A.M.B. x Burton offer unique looks to complete your all mountain wardrobe.

L.A.M.B. x Burton is “drastically different than everything else you see during winter, each piece speaks for itself. Fierce and edgy—but fun—and always laced with punk rock, this is the bold street style of Gwen Stefani backed by Burton’s top-shelf outerwear technology.” PS – we are the only retailer in Canada that carries this line…rock on!

Oh, and don’t forget about the Step-On system. No big deal or anything.

LIB TECH / GNU

Developed by Mervin and created at “the world’s most environMENTAL factory”, Lib Tech and Gnu are a force to be reckoned with. Yet another snowboard brand founded by snowboarders, Mervin is the longest running and last major board building factory in the USA. If you couldn’t tell, we are all for sustainability when it comes to our brands – Lib Tech and Gnu are no exception. Want to know more about what environMENTAL entails? Learn more on their website!

“We buy the toughest, lightest, strongest, most environmental materials; many of which aren’t meant for snowboards or used by anyone else for what we use them for.”

You can always count on Lib Tech for innovation. New concepts, new shapes, and collaborations with riders like Travis Rice and Jamie Lynn offer a ride like no other.

Gnu on the other hand takes their design to another dimension. Their own description says it all: “Mysterious materials, bizarre geometries, contours and board shapes, far out art and colors, odd terrain and freakish riders have allowed us to create fantastic progressive snowboards taking snowboarding to wild and magical places.”

YES

“Less is more.” – Mies Van Der Rohe

Winner of the 2016 ISPO Gold Medal, Yes has made a name for itself in the snowboarding industry. Being shaped by product, customers, riders, fans…Yes has all of the pieces to create the ultimate in snowboard innovation. Tuning out the noise of what others are doing, Yes marches to the beat of their own drum and keeps it simple. Do what you know and do it well.

As a testimonial from James Biesty states: “Out of the 400+ boards I’ve tried, I don’t think any other brand has such a wide appeal to our crew and readers as YES. does. Alex makes a good board for nearly every type of, budget, condition, boot size, ability level and riding style.”

If you’re just getting started or you’ve spent your life on the mountain, don’t say no to Yes. Say Hel Yes.

686

“We believe that life should be lived without limits and that your choice of technical apparel should reflect this.”

From a small collection of denim and outerwear in 1992, 686 Enterprises has expanded into one of our top snowboardwear brands. With innovative, forward-thinking outerwear and technical apparel inspired by mountain culture, 686 challenges you to push your experience beyond what you thought possible. Just take a look at the Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant:

ANALOG

“A collective force of creative expression, Analog is committed to progressing the individualistic style that snowboarding is built on.”

Say no more. The Analog collection offers riders freedom of expression in the form of fun and creative snowboardwear. Like its creator Burton, Analog is – you guessed it – environmentally conscious. With Bluesign approved product and using THERMOLITE® Insulation, Analog is a true all mountain brand. Talk about a finger on the pulse of changing fashions and materials.

For just the right amount of on-snow function and street personality, try the Caldwell Anorak – it’ll remind you of your favourite hoodie, but will keep you warm and dry all season long.

HOLDEN

“Holden brings timeless style to technical outerwear.”

Shocking, but true: another brand we love that blends fashion, function and an eco-conscious sensibility. Holden was founded by professional snowboarder Mikey LeBlanc and designer Scott Zergebel with a mission to create products that are built on these values: Timeless Quality, functional style, versatility, tailored-fits, and eco-friendlier attributes. Since 2002, they have done just that. Holden offers a 2018 collection that looks cooler than ever in sleek neutrals and camo prints, allowing for corny camouflage jokes all day long.

VOLCOM

“We have a vision that turns obstacles into opportunity. A creative courage to tempt the impossible… And embrace the strange. Telling us to push further… To try again.”

Who didn’t grow up loving Volcom? From skate to surf to snow, the Volcom stone is one of the most recognizable logos of our generation. Volcom was born from the philosophy of the times, “Youth Against Establishment”, and continues to support and inspire young creative thinking. The coolest patterns and silhouettes paired with reasonable pricepoints make Volcom the ultimate starter kit for a fun and carefree snowboard season.