The best winter-sports stores

Don't judge this ollie-centric chainlet by its Fall Out Boy—heavy soundtrack and teen-favorite skater brands: For everyone in need of snowboard boots or a mountain-ready parka, Blades dishes up sporty, dependable lines such as Nike and Holden. Buy one of the boards—by Burton, Ride or K2—and the knowledgeable staff will even assemble it for free. If you need a lift to the mountains, both locations of the shop offer bus trips ($45—$175; sign up at bladesnyc.com) to several resorts, including breakfast, plus the option to add a lift ticket, ski or board rentals, and even a novice lesson. 659 Broadway between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts (212-477-7350) • 156 W 72nd St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (212-787-3911) • blades.com

Though it's steps away from such chichi Soho boutiques as J.Lindeberg and Aero, the Vermont snowboard label's flagship looks like a modernist ski lodge, thanks to slate floors, lofty windows and glass displays of memorabilia from Burton pro riders. In addition to a rad selection of boards ($300—$1,500), bindings ($120—$400) and boots ($130—$550), the store has a "cold room" kept at a frigid 27 degrees, so you can test out designs in the elements before shelling out. Gnarly T-shirts, hoodies and jackets for both genders should ensure you're stylish postshredding as well—the popular insulated Poacher jacket, with Pit Zips for ventilation and multiple pockets for slope essentials, is a good-value $160. 212-966-8068, burton.com

Bunny-slopers and seasoned members of the Explorers Club alike should find all the accoutrements they require at this depot for outdoorsy types. Its salespeople often test the products, so they know which ice axes ($70—$330), snowshoes ($140—$279) and house-brand day packs ($30—$179) will help you ascend the Adirondacks, as well as which GPS units ($120--$600) will guide you back home. The onsite ski shop at both locations offers waxing and maintenance services for your board or skis ($20—$40). 530 Broadway at Spring St (212-966-8730) • 2152 Broadway at 76th St (212-873-4001) •  ems.com

Not only is this venerable ski boutique packed with the latest mogul riders and boards from Burton, Salomon, Ride, Gnu and Rome ($299—$1,800), it also offers daily and seasonal rentals for commitmentphobes. What's more, frequent packages ($75—$100) to Hunter, Windham and other resorts will ensure that you actually use your new acquisitions, as opposed to letting them languish in your apartment. 718-544-0404, emiliosskishop.com

Though owners Michelle Sauer (a former creative director for Burton) and skater Jose Portes normally dedicate this former barbershop to the pastime of Thrasher Magazine readers, the rustic joint also sells clothing for the wheeled sport's snow-friendly cousin. After scanning its artful array of boards by Lib Tech, Capita, Bataleon and Technine ($250—$699), browse boots and outerwear by Nike, Vans, DC, Holden, Grenade and 686 Youth. Homage also offers a range of day trips in collaboration with rider-run tour company OvRride (ovrride.com/homage). homagebrooklyn.com

Named after the iciest, most daunting side of a mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, this upscale outfitter produces hard-core gear boasting the latest technology to battle frostbite and windchill. Guys can slip on the brand's Haines Tuxedo Suit ($999), a one-piece, waterproof Gore-Tex ensemble designed with clever details such as vents to cool you down and reflectors to help rescuers find you if you happen to be buried by an avalanche. Snow bunnies can also pluck cold-weather accessories, such as fleece caps with earflaps ($40), slush-resistant boots ($100—$200) and ergonomic backpacks ($89—$269). 139 Wooster St between W Houston and Prince Sts (212-260-1000) • 2101 Broadway at 73rd St (212-362-1000) • thenorthface.com

Gear up for your next trek to Vermont at this athletic superstore, where you can find poles ($20—$150), ski bags ($50—$250) and even board scrapers ($10-$20) to rid your ride of excess wax. 212-255-8036, paragonsports.com

Sure, you might not be venturing to this outerwear label's glacier-covered namesake region anytime soon, but you can rest assured that its signature fleece pullovers ($70—$249) and waterproof coats ($149—$599)—which are tested by seasoned climbers in extreme conditions—will help you endure a round of night-skiing. Tree huggers can feel good about layering up, since the company employs eco-friendly fabrics such as its beloved woolly material, which is crafted from recycled plastic. 101 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-343-1776) • 426 Columbus Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (917-441-0011) • patagonia.com