Blogs
New pro model Arbor Red Gerard
Only 200 boards. Not one more. The Arbor Red Gerard Pro Model has just arrived at Homies, and it's not just any snowboard. Only 200 copies, worldwide. Once they're gone, they're gone. Who is Red Gerard? Red is the guy who showed up at the Olympics in 2018 at 17 years old, chill, hoodie on, no pressure... and left with slopestyle gold. That moment made history in snowboarding. Since then, he’s remained exactly the same: clean style, consistency, perfectly executed big tricks. Not just a competition rider, but a truly solid snowboarder. His first pro model After years of riding for Arbor, the Red Gerard Pro is officially his first pro model. And Arbor didn't hold back. This snowboard is designed for pure performance, with a precise and powerful feel, without sacrificing flow. The Red Gerard Pro Snowboard — in detail What makes this board special: Responsive and powerful flex Perfect for slopestyle, aggressive park riding, and riders who send it with precision. Real wood Powerply™ topsheet Arbor's signature: each board is visually unique, with an organic and premium look. Sintered base Ultra-fast, ideal for maintaining speed on big lines and technical sections. Carbon fiber support structure Adds pop, control, and stability. It’s a board made for performance, yet remains true to Arbor's approach: natural, solid, and stylish. Why this edition is special This isn't a regular drop. It's an ultra-limited early release of only 200 boards, available only at select local retailers. A true collector's item... that's also made to be ridden. Available at Homies We are proud to be one of the chosen shops for this exclusive launch. If you're looking for a snowboard steeped in history, signed by a rider who redefined modern snowboarding, the Red Gerard Pro is a rare opportunity. Once they're gone... they're gone. 📍 Available in-store and online 🎿 Extremely limited quantities
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Splitboarding Essentials: Equipment, Preparation, and Tips
Splitboarding is all about freedom in the mountains. No more waiting for chairlifts, you carve your own line, away from the crowds, and you can access terrain far from ski resorts. But before you set off on your mission, it's best to be well-equipped and prepared. Here are the essentials for a successful outing, from safety tips to the little tricks that make all the difference. Basic equipment 1. The splitboard and bindings Unsurprisingly, the first item on your checklist is your splitboard. Choose a board that suits your style and preferred terrain. Add splitboard-specific bindings, such as those from Spark, Union, or Karakoram, to ensure a seamless transition between ascent and descent. 2. Sealskins Essential for climbing. Make sure they're the right size for your board and that they grip perfectly. Mohair/nylon mix models offer a good compromise between grip and glide (because we're not really using real sealskins!) 3. Boots Regular snowboard boots can do the trick, but boots with boa are our favorite for splits because they offer easy adjustment to movement; more rigidity and comfort on the way up. 4. The sticks Foldable or telescopic, they will save your legs on climbs and are ultra-practical for crossings. 5. The avalanche safety kit If you're venturing into the backcountry, don't leave without an avalanche transceiver (AVD) , a probe , and a shovel . Get into the habit of practicing with friends; responsiveness can make all the difference in the event of a problem. Preparation before departure 6. Check the weather and snow conditions Before you set off, check avalanche bulletins and weather forecasts. An app like FatMap or Avalanche Canada will give you a good idea of the risks based on your route. 7. Route planning Even if you're familiar with the area, take the time to study the map and anticipate technical sections. A GPS or watch with an altimeter can also be very useful. 8. Repair material A problem in the mountains can quickly turn into a nightmare. A multitool, a spare leash for your bindings, and some duct tape can save the day. The little extras that make the difference 9. Suitable clothing The secret? Layering . A breathable base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof and waterproof hardshell. Also consider spare gloves , technical socks , and a neck warmer . 10. Hydration and snacks An insulated water bottle or water pouch is a must. For energy, pack energy snacks (bars, nuts, chocolate) and why not a small thermos of hot tea? 11. Glasses and mask On the way up, sunglasses with UV protection are essential. On the way down, your snowboard goggles will protect you from the wind and snow. 12. Headlamp If the day ever stretches out longer than expected, you'll be glad to have a reliable light source. Last piece of advice: never go alone. Splitboarding is a magical experience, but the mountains remain unpredictable. Always ride with a partner and make sure someone knows your route. With this checklist, you're ready to draw your line far from the queue at Vali!
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Get ready for the season: your simple guide to arriving ready on the slopes
Snowboard season is coming up fast, and if you're like us, you can't wait to get your board out (if you haven't already) and send some big descents. But before you head to the mountains, prepare your body to avoid ending up scrapped after two runs. No need to become an athlete, just a few moves to make you stronger, more agile, and ready to take on anything. Here are our best practical tips that are easy to incorporate into your routine, inspired by pro riders and validated by amateurs. 1. Strengthen your legs to handle descents Snowboarding is tough on the legs. To keep up on the slopes, focus on exercises that target your quads, hamstrings, and calves: Squats : classic, but super effective. If you're motivated, add a jump. Lunges : Perfect for working on your balance at the same time. Step-ups : Step onto a box or bench to strengthen your entire lower body. No need for fancy equipment. You can do these exercises at home or at the gym. 2. Improve your balance (it makes all the difference) Your balance is your best friend on a board. If you want to stay in control, focus on exercises that strengthen your core: Plank : In classic or lateral version, it's perfect for stabilizing your body. Balance ball : useful for simulating snowboarding movements. Rotations with a light weight : this helps you manage the twists you make while riding. Working on your balance is what will transform your hesitant turns into stylish carves. 3. Become more flexible (less pain, more fun) Snowboarding requires unusual movements. To avoid injury or pain, work on your flexibility: Stretch your hips , hamstrings and back . Try mobility exercises , such as deep squats or ankle rotations. Add a touch of yoga : poses like warrior or downward dog are perfect for you. A flexible body is a body that rides better, period. 4. Prepare your cardio to last all day When you're spending a full day on the slopes, you need endurance. Here's how: Do HIIT sessions : quick and effective to improve your breathing. If you have a skateboard or a bike, use them to keep your cardio active. Otherwise, run on trails with climbs – it mimics the effort you do in the mountains. The goal? To be the one who's still running at the end of the day, not the one who falls asleep on the chairlift after lunch. 5. Strengthen your joints (save your knees and wrists) Knees, wrists, and ankles pay dearly when snowboarding. Protect them now: Work with resistance bands to stabilize your knees. Do push-ups or wrist rotations with a light weight. And if you know you're taking risks, wear appropriate protection. Riding smart means riding for a long time! 6. Eat well!!! Your energy comes from what you put on your plate. Focus on carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or brown rice and add protein to help you recover. And even if it's cold, don't forget to drink water - even in winter, dehydration is real. 7. Repeat the sensations before the snow arrives If your season hasn't started yet, try sports like skateboarding, surfing, or even trampolining. These activities allow you to keep your balance and coordination in shape while having fun. Bottom line: A successful season starts before the snow Good preparation isn't just a formality. It's what allows you to fully enjoy each run, progress faster, and reduce your risk of injury. There's no need to overdo it or follow impossible routines: a few well-chosen exercises are enough to make all the difference. Let's go, see you on the slopes!
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686 is coming to Homies!
If you're a snowboarding enthusiast like us, you know how much having the right gear can make all the difference. This season, we have a new arrival that deserves your full attention: 686 (check it out here ), a brand that exudes snow, style, and commitment. 686 is coming to Homies, and we can already tell it's going to make people happy on the snow this season! Led by a new team and a visionary designer, 686 takes style to the slopes a notch above. The story of 686 is that of Michael Akira West, who, in the 90s, wanted to merge LA skateboarding with the adrenaline rush of snowboarding. Today, 686 hasn't lost any of its edge; quite the opposite: with a team of stylish riders and a rock-solid commitment to sustainability, they continue to make their mark. Certified B Corp, they're doing their part for the planet, and you're riding in style! Sick, right? A breath of fresh air with Team 686 At 686 , community spirit isn't just words. They have a team of talented riders and artists who bring fresh ideas. For example, we're talking about the new Dojo Collection by Forest Bailey, one of our favorite riders with a unique style – a big favorite at Homies! We're also loving the collaboration with Welcome, which adds a bold touch that doesn't go unnoticed. With talents like Tommy Gesme, Katie Kennedy, Robby Meehan, and Cooper Whittier, Team 686 embodies everything we love: passion, style, and vision. They live snowboarding, they inspire it, and they redefine what it stands for. Why do we love 686? Here are some reasons why we're fans of 686 : An urban and snow style : Jackets and pants that can be worn in the city as well as in the mountains. Innovation and comfort : Their pieces are ultra-technical. But above all, they guarantee you warmth and freedom of movement, perfect for the slopes. Sustainability : Choosing 686 also means supporting a brand that is committed to reducing waste and producing responsibly. What you will find in store: Here are some pieces you won't want to miss, available online or directly in store: 686 Jacket : For those who don't let the weather ruin their day on the slopes. Ultra-waterproof, warm, and a style we love! 686 Snow Pants : Whether you're trying a new trick or just enjoying a leisurely descent, they're designed to move with you. SEE MORE See you on the slopes! With their new designer and a growing team of enthusiasts, 686 continues to revitalize their identity without ever forgetting their roots. It's great to see new voices and fresh designs that seamlessly blend functionality and style. In short, if you're looking to upgrade your snow wardrobe, 686 is here for you. See you in store, or on the slopes!
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March Madness
Snowboarding March Madness: When Nature Offers Its Best Every year, as winter begins to give way to spring, snowboarders around the world eagerly anticipate "March Madness." Far from being a sporting event, this period is synonymous with abundant snowfall. An Expected Natural Phenomenon In snowboarding circles, "March Madness" describes the large accumulations of snow that often occur in March and April, just before the end of the season. This period is particularly popular with snowboarders for several reasons. First, the days are generally longer and sunnier compared to the heart of winter, allowing for longer periods of time on the slopes. Second, the snow, often softer, creates ideal conditions for memorable days. March Madness Challenges Be prepared, March Madness can also present challenges. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden snowstorms or, conversely, heavy rain. In addition, the abundance of fresh snow and rising temperatures increase the risk of avalanches in some areas. Snowboarders should therefore stay informed of local conditions and take extra precautions when exploring off-piste areas. Good for the wallet March Madness isn't just about the best possible snow conditions; it's also a prime time for snowboarders looking for bargains. In March, Homies start thinking about the next season, offering significant discounts on the current year's gear. Shop our March Madess sale.
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DAKINE ACCESSORIES
This week, we'd like to take a look around and show you the Dakine accessories we have in store. Why? Simply because their range of winter accessories is perfect for anyone who loves playing outdoors. We have everything you need to simplify your life during your snowboarding days, whether on the mountain or splitboarding. First, what is Dakine? Dakine is a company founded in 1979 in Hawaii. The company is now located at the foot of Mount Hood in Oregon. Dakine manufactures backpacks, travel bags, accessories, winter clothing, and much more. The brand aims to offer quality products for snowboarding, skateboarding, travel, mountain biking, and snowmobiling enthusiasts. At Homies Boutiques, Dakine is synonymous with winter accessories perfect for snowboarding enthusiasts! BOOT BAGS The first products we're showing you today are Dakine's famous boot bags. Homies has three of their models in store. Boot Locker 69L The Boot Locker is the easiest way to keep all your gear in one place, ready to go at any time. This 69-liter bag offers plenty of space on top for storing jackets, pants, extra layers, mittens or gloves, spare socks, a helmet, and goggles. The bottom section is lined with a tarp and is ideal for keeping your boots warm and dry during the journey to the mountain, and also separates them from the rest of the gear on the way back when your boots are full of snow! Boot Pack 50L The Boot Pack is a backpack-style bag with several spacious pockets, ideal for organizing and protecting your gear during transport. For example, the helmet and goggle pocket is padded to protect them from bumps and scratches. The front cargo pocket is perfect for storing gloves and mittens, extra layers, and other items. Finally, the boot compartment allows you to store snowboard boots separately from the rest of the gear, with easy access thanks to the rear zippered access panel. All for easy transport. Boot Locker DLX 70L The Boot Locker DLX is a happy mix between the two models mentioned above. It includes a dedicated helmet and goggle pocket, a separate compartment for other clothing, and a tarpaulin-lined pocket for boots. The 70-liter capacity allows you to carry everything you need efficiently, regardless of changing conditions. OFF-PISTE BACKPACKS If you're the type of person who prefers to splitboard rather than go to the mountains, or even to snowshoe uphill and snowboard back down, you'll need a backcountry bag. Here are some Dakine models available in stores. Heli Pro 24L Not too big, not too small, the Heli Pro 24L is one of the best backcountry packs. It includes pockets specifically designed for snow tools, like a shovel and snow probe for those who go on long trips. It also includes a large fleece-lined pocket specifically for goggles and a hydration sleeve. In short, this pack is just the right size to have everything you need on your outings. Cool feature: The Heli Pro bag has a zippered main access on the back panel, perfect for accessing your bag if you're snowshoeing and your snowboard is strapped to the front of your bag, and great for being able to open your bag without dropping the back in the snow before putting it back on your back! Mission Pro 25L The Mission Pro pack offers roughly the same storage as the Heli Pro: a dedicated shovel and probe pocket, a main compartment for your layers and split skins, and a special padded pocket for your goggles. The 25-liter capacity is perfect for day trips in the backcountry. The Mission Pro is also available in a 32L version, with the Team Mission Pro 32L model from our team rider Louif Paradis! Interesting feature: the Mission Pro 25L offers vertical snowboard transport, making it perfect for walking through the trees when snowshoeing with the pack on your back, but also allows horizontal transport, for those who drag their boards on snowmobile outings. This way, you can drag your snowboard and still sit on your sled! SNOWBOARD BAGS Snowboard bags are the perfect bags for carrying your board when you want it safe and secure. Freestyle Snowboard Bag The Dakine Freestyle Board Bag is the perfect bag for carrying your board if you want to protect it from bumps and scratches on your way to the mountain. The bag is also lined with a tarp to control snow and water on the way back. This is the bag made for resort users. Low Roller Bag The Low Roller is the bag you want for a weekend trip to another mountain or even a week-long trip elsewhere in the world. This bag is 360 degrees padded and can easily hold a board with bindings, outerwear, all your snowboarding essentials (mittens, socks, etc.) and even includes a removable boot bag to store your boots and keep them separate from the rest. Finally, the sturdy urethane wheels make it easy to glide through airports and parking lots. High Roller Bag The High Roller is our most functional, versatile, and feature-rich snowboard bag. It's the one you want by your side for extended trips and unpredictable conditions. Two removable interior pockets keep your boots and outerwear organized and secure until you're ready to remove the bags and take them with you. It's made thicker than the Low Roller and includes a few more pockets, allowing you to really haul everything for longer trips! DAKINE MITTENS Dakine offers an impressive variety of snowboard mittens. We won't cover every model available at Homies, but we'll quickly present three models that represent the mittens available here. Nova / Tahoe Mitt The Nova mitt (and the Tahoe for the women's equivalent) is the least expensive Dakine mitt at Homies. It's a more than interesting quality/price ratio, since for 65 dollars, the Nova offers a water-repellent shell, quality insulation, a waterproof DK Dry TM membrane and a water-repellent leather palm for greater durability. It's the perfect mitt for every day of the year. Baron Gore-Tex Mitt The Baron Mitt is one of our favorites at Homies. It has everything you could want in a mitten: a full GORE-TEX membrane, Gore Grip technology to maintain dexterity and withstand all conditions, then Primaloft R insulation and a merino wool inner lining to keep your hands warm and dry. It's one of the most complete mittens for us.
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BETTER UNDERSTANDING SNOWBOARD SHAPES
If you've ever shopped for a snowboard without the help of one of our consultants, you know how easy it is to get lost once you start looking at all the different types of shapes out there. Today, we want to shed some light on the different snowboard shapes, and we want you to be able to understand what rocker, camber, taper, directional boards, and everything else are used for. TRUE TWIN A twin board is a board that's 100% identical on each side. If you find the center of the board and measure each end, they'll have the same length, width, and curvature. This is often the type of board given to beginners because it's easier to start snowboarding with two equal ends. This is also the ideal type of board for park rats. A true twin board is perfect for people who do a lot of jibs or street riding. You can ride on your natural side or even switch, the board is the same! So, if you always play on the metal when you snowboard, a true twin is probably what you want! DIRECTIONAL Here, it says it in the name, the board is made to be ridden in a single direction. A directional board always has a longer front than a longer tail, and the shape is often different on the nose and tail. Sometimes the front of the board, in addition to being longer, is also wider than the tail. The idea behind this is to make the front of your board float on the snow and thus allow you to float more easily on big powder days. Why choose a directional board? Because it's the type of snowboard that's made to be ridden all over the mountain: it lets you float in soft snow, but also allows you to carve beautifully on the standard slope. DIRECTIONAL TWIN This is where it starts to get complicated. A directional twin board is really a mix between the other two types. The goal of this board is to allow you to have the feeling of a twin board, but still have a slightly longer nose. The difference in length between the nose and the tail is much less significant than with a directional board: it's often less than an inch of difference. The board, when riding inside the contact points, therefore gives a twin feeling, but outside the contact points, the nose is a little longer! It also happens that the tail is made stiffer than the front, allowing the board to have pop and help with landing. Since the difference between the nose and the tail is minimal, it is possible to ride switch with this type of snowboard. The directional twin board is made this way in order to offer a balance between steering and switch riding, and this is what has made this type of board so popular with all-mountain freestyle riders! CAMBER A camber board is a board that has 4 contact points near the tips. The center, between the bindings, arches upward. This principle allows you to put more pressure on the board's natural contact points, and thus have a better grip when turning on snow. The camber also gives your board more pop, since the board is, in a way, already in tension against the pop. This is the ideal type for going fast and doing big carving! ROCKER Rocker is the opposite. The center of the board touches the ground, and the two ends rise upward. Rocker boards are often thought of as bananas. This type of board provides a smoother, less aggressive ride. Rocker also floats more easily in the snow, since the tips of the board are oriented upwards. Again, this is the ideal choice for those who are just starting out in snowboarding and for those who mostly jib! ROCKER/CAMBER MIX Many snowboard models also opt for a mix between rocker and camber. For example, you often see a classic camber between the bindings, then the nose and tail oriented upwards like a rocker. This mixture provides grip and bite in turns, just like classic camber, but with its tips rising upwards, the board will float better in powder. It's the same for directional boards that have a camber from the tail to the front binding, then a rocker for the nose which is longer. The same idea is behind this mixture: grip and aggressiveness in turns, but increased flotation in powder! SOME INTERESTING TECHNOLOGIES Uprise fenders Arbor offers this technology, which involves raising the edges of the board at the contact points by a few degrees. These fenders allow two things: Raise the edge at the contact points and give the board a smoother feel, while removing the bite from the edges when you go straight down (flat-based) For wider boards, Uprise fenders make edge-to-edge transitions easier. Grip tech Still at Arbor, grip tech is contact points that are added along the board. For a rocker board that tends to be smoother, grip tech therefore allows for added road holding and therefore offers better adhesion to the track despite the board's rocker. 3D Contour Bases Jones Snowboards offers 3D contour. This technology involves curving the tips of their snowboards, thereby raising the contact points on each side. Imagine a spoon; this is the kind of shape that 3D contour gives to the noses and tails of boards. All of this makes for a smoother and more dynamic ride. In addition, 3D contour allows you to float better in powder because the snow is naturally evacuated thanks to the curvature of the tips. So you can ride faster and float better!
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WINTER 2022/2023 EVENTS
Here's a summary of our 2022/2023 events calendar. Here's everything you need to know about the key winter dates so you don't miss out on the chance to have fun with us!
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FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY: OUR FIRST SNOW FILM!
Calling all our Homies riders, we'll meet on October 11th at 6 p.m. on the Kingsnowmag platform to watch our first snowboard film. If you didn't already know, you'll be seeing it a lot in the coming weeks, but Homies is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To celebrate, we're going to bombard you with events and promotions. Our first surprise to you is nothing less than the screening, a preview of our first snowboarding film: HomiesDIX. We'll even give you a teaser so you can see some of what might await you: So far you've figured out that you and all your friends can watch our launch from the comfort of your living room, right? #STAYHOMEHOMIES HAPPENS AT YOUR PLACE! We're expecting you and your gang (remotely) on October 11th at 6 p.m. in your best Homies hoodie with popcorn and a little drink, but that's up to you. To all our Homies riders, this one's for you. Friendly tip: head straight to the event page on Facebook for all the latest information on our HomiesDIX launch. Read on; you'll love it! HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? To access the viewing, it's going to cost you a whopping $0, NADA! If that's not the deal of the year, I don't know what is? SPONSORED BY HOMIES Normally, when making a film, there are several sponsors, but this time we wanted Homies to be the headliner. It's our 10th anniversary and we want to take all the space! Any questions? No? Next! BEETLE GANG MOVIE As an appetizer, we present to you a film from our friends at Beetle Gang "Snowboarding is not dead: an east coast story" as the first part. A 100% Monts-Valin backcountry film. Does it seem like we can't wait to show you this? In fact, we're going to put a teaser right here to make your mouth water for the crazy film that's coming. FILM BOUTIQUES HOMIES STREET AND BACK COUNTRY RIDERS We filmed for weeks last winter, before and after everything shut down due to the virus. We managed to shoot some incredibly impressive scenes. We traveled a lot of miles to find the best spots in the region—and beyond—to ride street snowboards, and our camera pros were able to capture some seriously sick footage of the best street riders we could find. The film also features some amazing backcountry scenes. We're proud to bring the performances of such a talented crew to the big screen. WITH WHOM? Phil Couture Alex Vézina Alex Jean Nic Roy Louif David Arseneault Xavier Boudreault WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU Hurry up and click “I'm Participating” on our Facebook page. A virtual event, from the comfort of your home, that respects health measures and will mark the beginning of fall. And who knows, maybe it will snow a little to give us a taste of the next season. Anyway, let's all tune in on October 11th for a viewing that promises to be pretty hot!
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