The post Best Spring Shoes appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>With the warmer weather rolling in, we are excited to get outside—but wearing what, exactly? Tops and bottoms are simple enough, but like everyone, we’re looking for the best spring sneakers. We want our kicks to be on-trend, comfy, and durable. And maybe a bit of running-centric versatility, in case we want to sweat off that backyard barbecue.
Faced with all these choices and criteria, we thought better to enlist some real style pros for tips. So, who better than two Altitude Sports Buyers to tell us what they’re wearing this spring and summer? We asked Sigrid and Theodora to choose their top spring sneakers, explain why they chose them, and touch on trends and styles you should be looking out for too.
Spring Sneakers for 2025
Sigrid's Spring Sneaker picks
Sigrid is a Buyer at Altitude Sports, a runner, a secret sneakerhead and a style inspiration for us all.
The New Balance Made in USA 990v6 isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a legacy refined. With a sleek, streamlined design that ditches the traditional midfoot saddle, this shoe blends pigskin suede and synthetic overlays for a clean, modern look. But the real game-changer? FuelCell midsole cushioning that delivers an ultra-responsive ride, whether you’re hitting the pavement or cruising through your day. It’s the ultimate balance of comfort and performance.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Spanning decades of design evolution, the ASICS Gel-1130 Sneaker brings a fresh twist to an ‘08 stability runner. Its breathable mesh and sleek overlays channel that late-2000s aesthetic, while Gel technology in the heel delivers all-day comfort. The Trusstic support system keeps things stable, while recycled materials in the upper and a water-saving dyeing process helps the planet.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
The Vejas Campo Chromefree Leather Shoes pay homage to the 3-strap Stan Smiths that were really popular five years ago. This is an all-generation model that never gets old, as they can be worn with anything. Bonus points—the materials used are always ethically sourced, which makes Veja a brand that’s impossible not to fall in love with. A vintage look that never loses its spark!
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Theodora's spring sneaker picks
Theodora is a Buyer at Altitude Sports. She wants to get out and run more, but sometimes has to settle for looking the part in sneakers that work.
An icon on the trails, the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX is built for rugged adventures. Its 3D Advanced Chassis delivers rock-solid stability, while the reinforced toe cap and grippy outsole keep you protected on mixed terrain. A waterproof GORE-TEX membrane shrugs off the elements, while the Quicklace system means you’re ready to roll in seconds. Put simply, they’re tough, reliable, and ready for anything.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
The Puma Palermo is truly a terrace classic, making its stylish comeback with bold color-blocking and luxe materials. Originally debuting in the '80s, its iconic silhouette was embraced by soccer fans and sneakerheads alike. With its signature T-toe design, suede Formstrip, and classic gum sole, the Palermo blends retro flair with modern appeal. It stays true to Puma's soccer heritage while hitting all the right notes in today’s streetwear scene.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Skate shoe? High top? Yes and yes—especially when we're talking Vans Sk8 Hi's. Skate shoes are never out of style, and Vans has an array of striking patterns that fit the streets. Even after all these years, they still maintain a street-savvy swagger that this generation absolutely loves.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
We couldn’t help but notice one style that really caught our eye—we saved it for last.
Ah, the Reebok Club C 85s. An 80’s-inspired tennis club classic that never tires. Clean lines, colourways and comfort. The low-profile is most definitely in this spring and summer—but then again, with sneakers like these, you’ll always be on-trend year after year.
Price: 0.00$
Brand Name | Product Type
Conclusion
Well then, here’s what we’ve learned: low-profile styles are making a comeback, white remains the spring sneaker favourite, and comfort always wins. It’s inspiring to see both performance-driven running shoes and eco-friendly options topping the charts.
A huge thanks to Sigrid and Theodora for sharing their insights—we couldn’t have done it without you. Now, lace up your favourite pair and hit the great outdoors in style!
Next up, check out the best road running shoes in 2025 to help you stay fit and active.
The post Best Spring Shoes appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>The post Two Weeks of Fresh Powder in Japan appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>
Jordan Hamelin is a true hyphenate of the outdoor and film world. With over a decade of experience in adventure filmmaking, he blends his passions for outdoor videography and photography to capture nature at its most breathtaking. With the versatility and resourcefulness of a Swiss Army knife, Jordan embraces the ever-changing demands that come with filming the outdoors to ensure that even the wildest stories are brought to life.
Discover his portfolio.
We set our sights on the island of Hokkaido, in northern Japan, renowned for its immaculate powder and incredible snow quality. From ski touring to resort skiing, here’s how to organize a trip like ours, with our notes and itinerary.
The two-week itinerary
Days 1-3: Departure from Montreal and arrival in Tokyo. We took two days to visit the megalopolis and soak up Japanese culture—all while recovering from jet lag.
Day 4: Departure from New Chitose Airport (south of the city of Sapporo) to pick up our rental car and drive to Furano, a city with typical Japanese charm–often compared to Niseko ten years ago–in the heart of Hokkaido. In the evening: a bit of skiing to stretch our legs.
Day 5: Skiing in Furano, a destination that’s becoming increasingly popular with the tourist surge from Niseko. If you want to get there before the crowds, it’s now or never!
Days 6-7: Ski touring days at Tokachidake (10 km, 1110 m) and Furano-dake (7 km, 750 m). Incredible powder, massive open faces; it was an unforgettable experience. And to round off the day, the Fukiage Onsen (thermal bath), a great, well-known Japanese tradition that we quickly became fans of!
Day 8: Departure from Furano to our next destination: Lake Tōya. Exploration on foot of the resort and Hirafu Niseko village.
Day 9: Ski touring day at Shiribetsu-dake (11 km, 1000 m). This volcano is a prized backcountry destination because we can ride down different faces, depending on the snow conditions (get there early!). The views from another volcano, Mount Yōtei, are also impressive. We finished the day at the Makkari Onsen, which we visited every day from then on!
Day 10: Skiing at Kiroro, a real favourite of the trip for its fantastic off-piste terrain. There’s also plenty of ski touring to be done if you want to spend a lot of time in Kiroro.
Day 11: Skiing at Niseko, an incredible experience despite the tourist crowds. This is THE mountain that receives the most snow, with an average of 13 m per season. For off-piste enthusiasts, go for the famous Gate 3 to the summit (allow 30 minutes for bootpacking after the last chairlift). What we didn’t like: With the mountain’s development, prices have soared and we’ve lost the typical Japanese charm around the mountain. It’s very touristy. We would have liked to have spent more time there, but the top of the mountain and access to the bowls are only open for a day, and Niseko becomes very quickly tracked out.
Days 12-13: Skiing at Rusutsu. Protected from the winds, this village is an excellent Plan B when the wind picks up in Niseko. It’s very easy to navigate off-piste, unlike the other mountains where we constantly had to stop and check our position on FATMAP. A must: Mount Isola!
Day 14: Return to Montreal.
Price Breakdown
So how much would a ski trip like this one cost? We got away with spending about $4,500 each. Here’s a quick price breakdown, per person.
-
Plane ticket for Tokyo $1,300
-
Plane ticket for Hokkaido (+2 suitcases) $190
-
Tokyo accommodations (2 nights) $170
-
Furano accommodations (3 nights) $230
-
Niseko accommodations (7 nights) $500
-
Tokyo transportation $50
-
Car rental (10 days) $285
-
Gas & tolls $150
-
Food & restaurants $500
-
Ski tickets (5 days) $450
-
Ski touring guides in Furano (2 days) $170
-
Ski touring guides in Niseko (1 day) $210
-
Onsen (7 days) $70
-
SIM card $40
-
International Driver’s Permit $30
-
Various expenses $100
To keep in mind for this trip
- To really enjoy Japan’s powder, you need to go off-piste. In fact, every resort has accessible off-piste zones that lead back to the lifts—no need for skins.
- Walk around between Furano and Niseko to enjoy a variety of experiences. In the Niseko area, opt for accommodation at Lake Toya—much cheaper!
- Plan on at least eight days of skiing to get the most out of it.
- Book a tour guide to help you enjoy the best powder, away from the crowds.
- We booked at the end of November for our trip in January, and even then it was almost too late. Book early, but it’s also worth noting that you can take advantage of excellent sales during the Black Friday period (we saved $800).
- In addition to avalanches, rivers and streams that don’t freeze pose a real threat to skiers. Take extra care in gullies and creek crossings.
- Make sure you’re fully equipped to protect yourself in the event of an avalanche.
The post Two Weeks of Fresh Powder in Japan appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>The post 3-Day Winter Getaway in the Outaouais Region appeared first on Altitude Sports.
]]>In collaboration with Tourisme Outaouais, we’re sharing the itinerary for our winter getaway to the Outaouais region, from Gatineau to Montebello. We’re there to discover the joys of the season with a 3-day plan that features fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter running, in addition to foodie stops, and charming chalets to stay in. Because yes, the Outaouais has it all!
Departure to the Outaouais
The Outaouais region is a top destination for enjoying winter to the fullest. Even after a long workweek, it’s just a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, making it an easy getaway—especially when you’ve got good company to accompany you for the trip. The best way to maximize your experience is to take a Friday off from work, and head out on Thursday evening to give yourself the best time to unwind and enjoy the area’s offerings.
That said, if the week has left you completely wiped out, you can just as easily set off Friday morning. The Outaouais is practically Montreal’s neighbour.
Where to Stay?
While we’re in the Outaouais, we choose to stay at Kenauk Nature in Montebello. Only 1.5 hours from Montreal, the chalets offered here can accommodate anywhere from 4 to 19 people, making them the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you’re heading out as two couples or a larger group. Nestled within one of the largest private nature reserves in North America, Kenauk Nature’s chalets are all eco-friendly and offer a true escape into the wild. As environmentally conscious people ourselves, we admire the preservation efforts spearheaded by the Kenauk Institute—it’s just another reason why we chose this incredible area.
Day 1: Fat biking in Montebello
The first morning of vacation kicks off with a delicious homemade breakfast before heading out to explore the historic property of patriot Louis-Joseph Papineau with Montebello Mountain Bike. With over 30 km of biking trails winding along the Ottawa River, the views are absolutely stunning! About halfway through, we pause to enjoy some hot chocolate we packed in a thermos in our backpack. Warming our hands around the cup, we take in the scenery before diving back into the heart of this enchanting forest.
To make the most of the adventure while staying warm—especially during hot chocolate breaks—we choose moisture-wicking clothing, like merino wool garments. This material keeps us warm while efficiently managing excess moisture because sweating in winter can render the experience less enjoyable, and we don’t want that, do we?
We’re also incredibly grateful for our padded cycling shorts, which keep us comfortable throughout the ride and ensure we can enjoy the rest of the weekend pain-free (cyclists might know what we mean). And our polarized sunglasses? A necessity to help keep the midday sun from reflecting into our eyes–a real recipe for snow blindness. If the sky’s overcast, we stash them in the backpack—but at least we’re prepared for whatever the day brings.
It’s with burning legs that we finish our bike ride. Between the activity and the cold, we feel a bit of gnawing in our stomachs, and head straight to Bistro Montebello, a charming restaurant famous for its wood-fired pizza. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, we share pizzas and salads, pairing them with a refreshing beer. Feeling fully satisfied, we head back to the chalet to unwind with a good book by the fire.
Day 2: Exploring Gatineau Park
We pack our bags and leave Montebello bright and early, heading to Gatineau Park, the second most visited park in Canada. Before setting out to explore the trails, a brunch stop is essential to fuel up, and our choice inevitably lands on Biscotti et cie. This charming restaurant, located opposite of Gatineau Park, offers exquisite breakfasts and delicious coffee. We also make sure to stock up on tasty snacks to slip into our backpacks—little rewards we plan to savour throughout our hike.
Over a coffee, we take our time choosing a route from among the park’s 50 trails, carefully selecting the length and difficulty that suits us best. With a cross-country ski network totalling 200 km of groomed trails, there’s no shortage of options! Once ready, we strap on our cross-country skis and venture into the heart of the park, enjoying the excellent trail conditions. Every now and then, we challenge ourselves with little goals, just to get the heart rate up a bit!
We could just as easily have opted for snowshoeing—Gatineau Park offers 15 trails spanning 80 kilometres. Whether it’s cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, we make sure to wear warm, breathable clothing to avoid freezing halfway through, just as we would for cycling.
Pro Tip: Before heading out on a trail, research the different routes based on their difficulty, the hike duration, and the viewpoints. Plan your outing accordingly to avoid, for instance, tackling a 15 km trail when you would’ve preferred a 7 km loop.
Rainy day?
Indulge in relaxation at the Nordik Spa-Nature, North America’s largest spa with a world-class saltwater floatation pool. On par with floating in the Dead Sea itself, it’s a must-visit experience.
Where to stay?
Spend the night in one of the cozy Terre & Neige forest cabins, charming cabins that are both snug and rustic. It’s the perfect spot to relax by the wood stove after a day of outdoor fun. With just 48 hours’ notice, you can even reserve a gourmet dinner! Opting for this service means you don’t have to venture out in the evening; instead, a food basket is delivered between 5 and 6 p.m., complete with all the necessary ingredients and a step-by-step guide to whip up a festive meal featuring local products. Simple and delicious—we’re in love.
Day 3: Running & Bagels
Last day, we’re heading out for a little winter run along the Ottawa River, just to get moving and take in some of the city’s scenery and trails before hitting the road back to Montreal.
After the run, it’s time to treat ourselves for the last time, and we head to the very first bagel shop we come across on our way out of the Outaouais. Bobino Bagel has quickly become the go-to place for amazing bagels in the region. Whether you buy them individually, by the dozen, or as a sandwich, you definitely should consider stopping in before heading back to Montreal. They boast the best bagels in town (and it’s hard to disagree)! Good thing they don’t have a location in Montreal, or the Fairmount vs St-Viateur debate would have a new contender.
Conclusion
With bagels in hand, we hit the road, already planning our next weekend in the region. Luckily for us, this trip isn’t too far, so there’s no reason not to return to the Outaouais region at a moment’s notice. With a wide range of winter activities, delicious food stops, and charming accommodations that offer a true immersion in nature, there’s no shortage of options—and we still have so much left to explore. So, if you’re planning to visit as a couple, with friends, or family, Outauoais has something to offer for everyone.
If you want to plan a trip for yourselves, check out Tourisme Outaouais’ website, which offers plenty of helpful information. See you there!
