The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and here at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we're trading paddles for powder!

If you've visited the shop recently, you've probably noticed some big changes. The kayaks are making way for skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, and racks of winter clothing. This year, we're bringing in more brands, more styles, and more options than ever before.

We've been busy behind the scenes building our winter collection, choosing brands that offer a combination of performance, quality, comfort, and style. Whether you're a seasoned skier, a passionate snowboarder, or someone who simply loves getting outside during our Canadian winters, there's plenty to look forward to.

So, what's new at SNOVAP for the 2026/27 season? Let us introduce a few of the brands we're most excited to have in our Arnprior shop.

686: Technical Outerwear That Works as Hard as You Do

If you spend long days on the mountain, you know how important good outerwear is. Nobody wants to spend the afternoon on the chairlift feeling cold, damp, or uncomfortable. That's where 686 comes in.

Since 1992, 686 has built a reputation for innovative technical apparel designed for skiers and snowboarders who expect serious performance from their gear. What sets them apart is their attention to the small details that make a big difference on the hill: waterproof and breathable fabrics, strategically placed insulation, ventilation systems, and clever storage.

Their signature infiDRY® fabric technology provides weather protection, while Thermagraph® body-mapped insulation helps balance warmth and breathability.

And we have to mention the style! From clean, classic designs to relaxed, snowboard-inspired fits, 686 has options for riders who want technical performance without giving up their personal style.

Picture Organic Clothing: Adventure With the Planet in Mind

Here's a brand that really speaks to our love of the outdoors.

Picture Organic Clothing was founded in France with a mission to make outdoor clothing while reducing the environmental impact of its products. The brand is known for pairing technical performance with distinctive designs, and for developing alternatives to conventional fossil-fuel-based materials. Across its collections, Picture uses materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and bio-based components, and it continues to look for ways to improve how its gear is made.

Beyond its environmental approach, we absolutely love the look of this brand. Picture's winter collections bring together beautiful colour combinations, functional designs, and a relaxed, mountain-inspired style. Their jackets, snow pants, bibs, and cozy mid-layers are just as at home at the ski hill as they are on winter adventures closer to home.

Protest: Fun, Colourful, and Ready for Winter

Winter clothing doesn't have to be boring, and Protest is here to prove it!

Founded in the Netherlands in 1993, Protest was born from a passion for snowboarding and a desire to make board sports more accessible. That fun-loving spirit is still a huge part of the brand today. Protest combines practical winter features with playful patterns, fresh colours, and fashionable designs, with everything from ski and snowboard jackets to snow pants, fleece layers, and comfortable everyday winter wear.

One thing we appreciate most about Protest is how approachable the range is. Not everyone needs a highly technical expedition jacket. Sometimes you just want comfortable, functional clothing that keeps you warm during a day at the hill with family or friends. Protest also offers kids' sizes, which makes it a great fit for families gearing up for another winter together.

Nitro: Snowboarding Is in Their DNA

Snowboarders, this one's for you!

Nitro Snowboards has been part of the snowboarding world since 1990, and its boards, bindings, and boots have made it a familiar name among riders everywhere. What we love about Nitro is the variety in its lineup. Whether you're just learning to link turns, spending your weekends exploring every run on the mountain, or working on your next trick in the terrain park, there's Nitro equipment designed for your riding style and ability.

One board we're especially looking forward to is the Nitro Team, an all-mountain snowboard built for stability, responsiveness, and versatility. It's a great example of the kind of equipment we're bringing into the shop this season. Nitro also puts considerable thought into how its boards are built, using certified wood cores and recycled materials in its manufacturing.

Of course, choosing the right snowboard involves more than finding a graphic you love. Your height, weight, boot size, experience, and preferred riding style all play a role. That's exactly why we're so glad to have more snowboard options in-store, where we can help you compare gear and find a setup that suits you.

Even More Brands to Explore This Winter

Those are just a few of our favourites! Our growing snowboard collection also includes some seriously exciting names. From creative freestyle boards to versatile all-mountain setups, technical bindings, and snowboard boots, we're building a selection that gives every rider a better chance of finding gear that suits them.

Snowboard brands

And don't worry, skiers, we haven't forgotten about you! We're continuing to grow our ski collection, alongside winter accessories, helmets, goggles, gloves, and everything else you need to get ready for the season.

Ski brands

Our goal is simple: to make SNOVAP a place where skiers and snowboarders across the Ottawa Valley can explore great equipment, ask questions, and feel confident about what they buy.

More Than Just New Gear

As exciting as the new arrivals are, there's plenty more happening at SNOVAP this fall.

Come See What's New at SNOVAP

There's something special about this time of year. The anticipation of the first snowfall, the excitement of new gear, and the thought of getting back out on our favourite local hills make October one of our favourite months at the shop.

Whether you're searching for a new snowboard, upgrading your ski jacket, looking for comfortable boots, or just curious about the latest winter gear, we'd love for you to stop in and explore.

We're proud to be growing our little ski and snowboard shop here in Arnprior, and so grateful to everyone who continues to support us as we expand into the winter sports community. Here's to another great winter in the Ottawa Valley. We can't wait to see you on the slopes!