Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

10/09/2026

Can you name this Ontario waterway? 👀

Here are a few hints:
• The Anishinaabe traditionally called this lake “Waanakiing,” meaning “the place of the big water.”
• It is an oligotrophic lake, meaning its waters are relatively low in nutrients and notably clear, with visibility reaching around 6 metres or more in some areas.
• Although it covers nearly 64 square kilometres, it reaches a maximum depth of about 89 metres.
• Former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson spent time vacationing here and purchased an island on the lake in the early 1900s.

Think you know it? Drop your guess in the comments before looking it up 👇

10/09/2026

🍂 Fall might just be one of the most beautiful times to paddle in the Ottawa Valley. The colours, quieter waterways, crisp air... it’s hard to beat.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get out on the water this fall, we’ve put together a few of our favourite places to paddle in the Ottawa Valley on the blog.

A quick reminder though: fall paddling comes with some extra risks. Dress appropriately for the conditions, keep a close eye on the weather forecast, paddle with a buddy whenever possible, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

And remember, just because the air feels warm doesn’t mean the water is.

The Ottawa River is currently around 12°C. For comparison, most cold tubs sit between 10°C and 15°C. 🥶

Enjoy those fall colours, but paddle smart and stay safe. 🍁🛶

Read our favourite fall paddling spots in the Ottawa Valley on the blog!

(Plus a Bonus Spot for Peaceful Flatwater) Fall in the Ottawa Valley is pure magic. The air turns - Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

10/08/2026

We’ve been talking a lot about the new HEAD Kaliber Pro LV and what “low volume” actually means. But there’s a much bigger conversation here: even an incredible ski boot is only as good as its fit.

Street shoe size is only the starting point. A proper ski boot fit takes into account your foot length, width, instep height, heel shape, overall volume, and how you actually ski.

Too much room can mean heel lift, movement, and less control. Too little room can mean pressure points, numbness, cold feet, and a pretty miserable day on the hill.

That’s where custom boot fitting comes in.

At OVAP, we look beyond the size on the box. Depending on the boot and the skier, that can mean shell matching, heat moulding, punching and stretching, and fine-tuning the fit to get things feeling right.

The goal isn’t to squeeze everyone into the same boot.

The right boot might be the new HEAD Kaliber Pro LV, or it might be something completely different. Our job is to look at your feet, your skiing, and what you need from a boot, then help you find the right match and dial in the fit.

Because when your boots fit properly, you can stop thinking about your feet and get back to thinking about skiing. 🎿

Custom ski boot fitting available at OVAP in Arnprior.

10/07/2026

Snowboarders, we want to hear from you 👀🏂

Which snowboard brand is your favourite, and why?

Are you loyal to one brand year after year, or are you always trying something new?

Drop your pick in the comments 👇

10/07/2026

Season-long ski + snowboard rentals are LIVE for 2026/27! 🎿🏂

And if last year taught us anything, it’s this: book early so you don’t miss out. We sold out last season!

Whether you’re outfitting the kids or getting yourself set for winter, we have junior and adult packages available. And new this year, we’re offering complete season-long snowboard setups too!

Ski packages include skis, bindings, boots + poles.
Snowboard packages include a board, boots + bindings.
Junior packages start at $249
Adult packages start at $399

One pickup. One fitting. Your gear for the season. No rental line every weekend, no scrambling for equipment before heading to the hill.

Spots are limited, so get your rental booked before they’re gone! ❄️

10/06/2026

Your ski boots might be the most important piece of equipment you own. 🎿

A great ski boot isn't just about flex rating, buckles or how it looks on the shelf. It starts with finding the right shape for your foot.

That’s why we’re excited to have the new Atomic Hawx collection at OVAP this winter, including both Hawx Ultra and Hawx Prime options for men and women.

Different feet need different boots, and choosing the right shell is only the beginning. Our team can help you find the right starting point and then fine-tune the fit with professional boot fitting, heat moulding and custom boot work.

Because the goal isn’t just a boot that feels good standing in the shop. It’s a boot that lets you ski better.

📍 OVAP | Arnprior
🎿 Atomic Hawx available in-store

BONUS: Paid boot fittings and custom boot work also earn 3 bonus entries into our 10 Days of Giveaways! 👀

10/06/2026

Winter gear has officially taken over the shop, and we are VERY excited about what’s here this year. ❄️🏂

New snowboards. New skis. New boots. New outerwear. Gloves, accessories and plenty more. It’s all out on display and ready to browse.

We’re especially excited about how much our snowboard selection has grown for 2026/27, along with some amazing new clothing brands in the shop, including 686, Picture Organic Clothing and Protest.

Whether you’re looking for a whole new setup or just want to come see what’s new, stop in and take a look around. There is a lot to check out this season. 👀

We’ve also got Season-Long Ski Rentals available now, plus our 10 Days of Giveaways happening throughout the fall, so there are a few extra reasons to visit while you’re here.

📍 67 Madawaska St., Arnprior

SnowboardGear SkiGear Arnprior OttawaValley ShopLocal

10/05/2026

JUST LANDED AT SNOVAP ❄️

The 686 Men’s SMARTY 3-In-1 Rodeo 3L Jacket just hit the shop, and this one is built for riders who want one setup that can handle a lot of different winter conditions.

The 3-layer infiDRY 20K shell gives you serious weather protection, while the removable Rodeo puffer vest adds 200g of insulation when things get colder. Wear the shell on its own, layer in the vest for colder resort days, or wear the vest separately off the hill.

You’re also getting all the good stuff: Air-Flo chest vents, a zip-off powder skirt, helmet-compatible hood, pass pocket and Pant Jacket Connect system.

Available now in-store or online in Dark Earth and Dusty Marine for $440.

#686

10/04/2026

PRIZE PACK #1 IS HERE. 🔥

We’re kicking off our 10 Days of Giveaways with a seriously fun K2 setup.

One winner will take home:
K2 Mindbender 88 skis, 167 cm
K2 Revolve ski boots, size 26.5

This is just Prize Pack #1 of 10, and we’ll be revealing a new package every Sunday for the next 10 weeks.

If you’ve already been earning entries, you’re already in the mix. If not, there’s still tons of time to get started!

Shop in store or online, book eligible service work, or grab your free weekly entry at: https://win.ovap.ca/ or at the link in our bio.

Here’s how to earn entries:
1 entry for every $50 spent pre-tax
+5 bonus entries on receipts over $750
+3 entries for a full sharpen + wax
+3 entries for a paid boot fitting or custom boot work
Plus, you can grab 1 free entry every week, no purchase necessary

K2 winner will be announced on December 6!

Don't forget to like and share this post to spread the word!

10/03/2026

Do you actually need a low-volume ski boot?

Maybe. Maybe not.

“Low volume” doesn’t simply mean a smaller boot. It refers to the overall shape and internal space of the shell, including things like heel pocket, instep height, and how closely the boot wraps your foot.

For the right skier, a lower-volume boot can feel more precise and connected. For the wrong foot shape, it can just feel uncomfortable.

That’s why we always recommend getting properly fitted rather than choosing a boot based on size or flex alone.

The new HEAD Kaliber Pro LV is a great example of a performance-focused low-volume boot, but the right boot is always the one that fits your foot.

If you’re not sure what volume you should be in, come see us and we’ll help you figure it out.