Snow shopping

Where to find the season's best sports gear

by SIOBHAN O'CONNOR

Sales

* Concordia Ski & Snowboard Sale This annual event has great deals on new and used ski and boarder stuff. It kicks off today, Nov. 25, and goes on all weekend. New and used gear is priced based on quality and condition. You can drop off your stuff to sell on consignment. Thurs-Fri, 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm at the Hive, Loyola Campus of Concordia U., 7141 Sherbrooke W.

Shops

* Austrian Ski Shop This chi-chi downhill ski shop, one of the oldest in the city, is geared mostly toward pros and racers. The staff know their stuff, so if you're looking for something specific this is a good bet. They also sell packages for kiddies as young as two years old, and do repairs. 4942 Cote-des-Neiges, 733-3666

* Bernard Trottier Ski Mode Inc. This mega sports store offers top o' the line new ski and snowboard equipment and wear. A little on the pricey side but word has it you get what you pay for. Plus, the store is divided into three separate sections with specialists in each section. 3680 Taschereau, (450) 671-3793

* Black's Since they've recently decided to stop ski sales entirely, this is a good bet for bargains. With only a small selection of cross-country skis left, they're super cheap and they must go. Some wear left, too. Hurry to 3525 Queen-Mary, 739-4451

* Boutique Courir Montreal This little store specializes in cross-country skis and wear. They also do tuneups and repairs if your own pair is a little rough around the edges. 4452 St-Denis, 499-9600

* DIZ This hip snowboard shop deep in the west end has the largest selection of gear for boarders in the city. They carry hard-to-find streetwear names (Gnu, Nitro, Lib Tech) and a huge variety of boards. In-house repairs, base-grinding, boot-moulding and more. 18 Westminster N., 486-9123

* D'Un Sport a L'Autre just moved from its tiny digs on Bernard into an 1800 sq. foot space across the street. It's a bit cluttered but you can find quality ski gear and the best prices in town. They'll buy your old equipment or trade you. 173 Bernard W., 278-1909

* En Equilibre This huge snowboarding store sells a wide range of gear and accessories for boarders. Lotsa trendy board wear, minor in-house repairs, tuneups and waxing. 2765 de la Concorde, Laval, (450) 661-0571

* Ici Sports From tiny snowboards to racing skis, this place has it all for kids, beginners and pros. They also sell used packages for juniors. At press time they were at the end of a mega sale and promise another in coming weeks. 5746 Jean-Talon, 254-6111

* Play it Again Sports is a good choice for skis and snowboards for west-enders. Used-skis bargain packages start around $150, new stuff is reasonably priced too. A small selection of snowboards and gear as well. Repairs, tuneups and trade all possible. 2100 Decarie, 484-5150

* La Poubelle de Ski sells new and used gear and offers good credit deals if you bring in your old stuff. Rentals are also an option. (Closed Tuesdays.) 8278 St-Laurent, 384-1315

* SkiEx (aka Ski Exchange) has really fair prices on good-quality used stuff and new gear. They sell clothing, accessories and used ski packages at $130. New stuff starts around $200. 54 Westminster N., 486-2849

* Sports Aux Puces has a wide selection of new and used stuff and there are many deals to be had. They have downhill and cross-country skis but if you're looking for clothes, go elsewhere. Package deals range from $100-150. 1153 Mont-Royal E., 526-3805

* Sports Experts This large chain sells a small selection of ski and snowboard stuff. Gear, wear and accessories available. They also do tuneups and repairs. Various locations including 930 Ste-Catherine W., 866-1914

* Tibet Plein-Air This smallish store has a good selection of snowboard stuff. From streetwear to gloves, they have all the imaginable accessories for boarders. They also do in-house repairs. 1192 Ste-Catherine W., 875-0298

* Le Yeti Plein Air has a wide range of cross-country skis and snowboard gear. They have pros on hand, too, so if you need help, this is a good bet. Their basement is a repair shop and a chic snowboard boutique. 5190 St-Laurent, 271-0773

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