This category focuses on equipment, gear, and accessories associated with winter sports, which are competitive or non-competitive activities played on snow or ice.
Most of these are variations of ice skating, skiing, or sledding. Traditionally, these games were only played in cold areas during the winter, although artificial snow and ice have allowed for greater flexibility.
Artificial ice is versatile for various ice sports, including ice skating, ice hockey, para ice hockey, ringette, broomball, bandy, rink bandy, rinkball, and spongee, especially in milder climates. Speed skating typically requires a frozen circular track, but in some facilities, it is integrated into an enclosed area that accommodates other ice sports or uses the rink itself.
Long-distance skating is only performed outdoors using natural ice from frozen lakes, ponds, and marshes.
Common individual sports include Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, speed skating, figure skating, ski orienteering, and snowmobiling. Common team sports include ice hockey, ringette, broomball, curling, rinkball, and bandy.
Some winter sports, such as ski jumping, Snocross, ice climbing, bobsleigh, skeleton, ice yachting, and inline skating, are covered in Extreme Sports.
Each of these sports requires specialized equipment, gear, and accessories.
The primary equipment for skiing, of course, is the skis, which are available in various types, such as Alpine, cross-country, and freestyle. Ski boots are designed to provide support and comfort, with variations for different skiing styles. Bindings are used to secure the ski boots to the skis. Poles aid in balance and propulsion and are primarily used in cross-country skiing. Helmets and goggles provide protection and visibility. Ski wax enhances skis' performance by reducing friction.
Snowboards are available in different styles, such as freestyle, free-ride, and Alpine, while snowboard boots provide support and comfort. They are designed to fit securely in the bindings, which attach the boots to the snowboard, allowing for control and maneuverability. Helmets and goggles protect the head and eyes from impacts and harsh weather. Snowboard wax improves the glide and performance of the snowboard. Stomp pads provide extra grip for the back foot when getting on and off lifts, while leashes prevent the snowboard from sliding away when not attached to the rider.
Ice skates are available as figure skates, hockey skates, and speed skates, each designed for specific activities. Protective gear includes helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, which are especially important for hockey players. Skate guards protect the blades when walking off the ice, and blade covers keep the blades dry and rust-free.
For snowshoeing, snowshoes are designed to distribute weight over a larger area, preventing sinking into the snow. Poles provide stability and support, particularly on uneven terrain. Boots used in snowshoeing are insulated and waterproof to keep the feet warm and dry. Gaiters are often used to protect the lower legs from snow and moisture.
Snowmobiling requires a snowmobile, of course. The snowmobile may require spare parts, tools, fuel, and oil. Snowmobilers generally wear moisture-wicking base layers to help regulate body temperature and to keep them dry, along with insulating layers, such as fleece jackets or down vests, and windproof and waterproof outer layers to protect against the elements. Waterproof, insulated gloves, thick, moisture-wicking socks, and warm, waterproof boots are worn. Safety gear may include a helmet, goggles, and other protective gear.
These are a few examples of the equipment, gear, and accessories used in winter sports. Manufacturers and retailers engaged in producing and making these products available are appropriate topics for this category.
Categories
Ice HockeySkiing | Snowboarding |
 
 
Recommended Resources
Operating from Germany, Alpine Trek offers high-quality climbing and mountaineering products, with over 140,000 items in stock, including more than 500 of the best outdoor brands, and free delivery on orders over £75. Its winter sports catalog includes winter clothing, ski clothing, ski equipment, avalanche equipment, ski touring, snowboard supplies, cross-country skiing, and winter hill walking. The site highlights top sellers and brands, and an affiliate program is available.
https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/winter-sports/
Putnam's is a family-owned and operated store in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They offer a wide selection of new and used skis, snowboards, boots, and accessories. The shop also provides services like equipment tuning, seasonal leases and rentals, and a Family Bargain Basement for used items. Directions, hours, and contacts are featured. The store carries an inventory of new and used equipment. Its brands are featured on its website, and special offers are highlighted.
https://www.putnamsports.com/
Headquartered in Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England, Snow + Rock is a leading retailer specializing in ski, snowboard, outdoor, and climbing gear. They offer a large variety of products from top brands, including The North Face, Helly Hansen, and Mountain Hardwear, along with services such as ski boot fitting, gear advice, and equipment servicing. Its product catalog may be viewed online, and products can be purchased from the site. An affiliate program is included.
https://www.snowandrock.com/
GearLab offers reviews of outdoor gear, testing thousands of products each year, including camping, hiking, camping, fitness, and snow gear, designed to help consumers make informed decisions. Its reviews are ad-free and user-supported, although an affiliate commission is earned when purchases are made through the site. For 2024, GearLab tested snow gear from K2, Volkil, Nordica, Smith, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Columbia, and others. The most popular reviews are highlighted.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/snow-sports
WinterKids is an online store specializing in children's high-quality skiing and snowboarding apparel. They offer a wide range of products, including jackets, pants, one-piece suits, gloves, hats, and others, including trusted brands like North Face, Spyder, Obermeyer, and Burton. The site also features clearance items, making it easier for parents to find affordable winter gear for their kids. Shoppers may browse by product, brand, or bargains, and a gift guide is included.
https://www.winterkids.com/
The online retailer specializes in men's ski, snowboard, and winter apparel and equipment. It offers a wide range of products, including jackets, pants, bibs, gloves, helmets, and others from top brands in the outdoor industry. Headquartered in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the retailer provides links to its sister sites—WinterKids and WinterWomen—along with its product catalog, a gift guide, and sale items. Regular shoppers can sign up to be notified of promotional offers.
https://www.wintermen.com/