WHY DOESN'T THE SIGN OF THE SKIER OFFER ALL PRODUCTS THROUGH ON-LINE SHOPPING?
So much of what we sell at THE SIGN needs to be fitted – and fitted properly.
We want to make sure you get exactly what you need and our experienced staff will go the extra distance to listen, find the very best fit, and make sure you leave with the right equipment and the best clothing. We're also happy to submit special orders to suppliers on behalf of customers who have specific requests. Experience our strengths.
Let us show you why people love to shop at THE SIGN.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Parking is available behind the store, off Glengrove Avenue West. Additional free parking is available on the north side of Glengrove Avenue West, on both sides of Glengrove Avenue East and directly north of the store, along Glenview Avenue. More can be found just south of the store on Yonge Street and at the foot of Glencairn Avenue.
DO YOU HAVE A COMPETITIVE ATHLETE PROGRAM?
Yes! Discounts apply to competitive athletes from U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and FIS.
Competitive athletes receive special prices on skis, snowboards, boots and bindings –prices determined by the suppliers. Athletes receive a 20% discount on the original ticket price of one-piece downhill suits, racing gloves, mitts, bucket shorts, full side-zip pants, armour, poles, helmets, goggles, foot beds, wax and tuning equipment.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO SELECT NEW SKI BOOTS?
It can take 45-90 minutes to ensure a proper boot fit for a racer or an adult skier.
Approximately 20 minutes is required when fitting a junior skier in a boot.
WHAT IS THE JUNIOR 1/2 BACK PROGRAM?
Available September through February, THE SIGN's "Half-Back" program ensures that your recreational junior skier gets properly outfitted every year for far less than you think! Skis mounted with bindings and/or boots bought on THE SIGN's "Half-Back" program may be returned by May 31st of the same ski season for a credit of half the purchase price. In this way, your child receives reliable and comfortable equipment tailored to their growing size and ability. Look for the "Half-Back" designation on specifically marked skis and boots or ask our staff for assistance.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY BINDINGS CHECKED?
The condition and function of your bindings are critical to your safety as they dictate both release and retention. We would recommend that you have your boot/binding combination checked every season. The Sign of the Skier offers two options:
Visual Binding Check
A trained staff member visually checks that the boot sole and binding interface meets the "DIN" standards outlined by the industry. He/she also adjusts the binding's forward pressure and release settings, to ensure they're in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The settings are dictated by the skier's boot sole length, height, weight, age and level of aggressiveness.
Mechanical Binding Test
This is a more extensive test that both meets the Visual Binding Check requirements and mechanically tests the force required to release the boots from the bindings. This test simulates the release of the boot from the binding at both the toe and the heel.
A number of simulations are conducted, providing the tester with a report outlining the average force that was required to release the boot from each of the bindings.
More importantly, this type of test will verify that the forces required meet the tolerances outlined by the industry, based upon the skier's information. Most manufacturers' bindings are indemnified for approximately 10 years. A Mechanical Binding Test becomes increasingly important as the binding ages and is exposed to wear and tear.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY HELMET?
Most helmets should be replaced within 3-5 years because:
All foams (EPS and EPP) react over time to environmental factors (e.g. sunlight and heat) which may cause the foam to harden.
Helmets that are subjected to minor or major impacts are vulnerable to losing their original shape (especially EPS foam liner helmets) and they can lose their ability to provide the same level of safety.
WHY DO MY GOGGLES FOG UP?
Goggles must fit your face properly so that the foam touches your face all the way round. If cold air gets in and meets the warm air from your face, they may fog up. You should put the goggles on before going out and keep them on your face while outside. Putting them up on your helmet or hat when you’re outside allows cold air and moisture in and when you pull them down onto your warm face, they may fog up.
Goggles have an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens. If it’s wiped when the lens is wet, the coating can be compromised. If your goggles are wet on the inside, shake the moisture off and allow them to dry. If you must dry them quickly, dab the area gently with the inside of the bag that came with your goggles. Don't move your finger from side to side.
Always allow your goggles to dry after use.
Store them in their bag once they’re dry.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY JACKET & PANTS?
Don't be afraid to wash your ski clothing, but always refer to your garment care label.
If the fabric becomes dirty, the dirt attracts and holds water; it “wets out” and reduces your clothing's insulating qualities and its ability to breathe.
If you ski every weekend, we recommend that your jacket and pants be washed at least once during the season and we recommend you wash it before packing it away at the end of the season.
Some cleaning tips from THE SIGN:
Never use standard household washing powders and liquids.
They can destroy the water-repellent finishes on your clothing and leave residue.
Make sure to empty your pockets.
Use a very soft nylon brush (a toothbrush works well!) to pre-wash the grimy sections (front placket, cuffs, collar, pocket openings) with Sunlight bar soap or the NIKWAX cleaner suggested by the clothing manufacturer.
Fasten the Velcro closures and zips.
Set washing machine to low water, gentle cycle.
Complete wash, rinse and spin cycles.
Remove skiwear from the washing machine immediately after the cycle is finished.
Dry according to manufacturer's instructions.
Toss in the dryer for 5 minutes on low heat and hang to dry.
Air-dry for at least 24 hours before storing.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE SIGN OF THE SKIER IN THE OFF SEASON?
From the beginning of April through to the end of September, The Sign of the Skier transitions into an elegant outdoor furniture showroom. The outdoor furniture offering has been part of our business model since 1983 and continues to gain its own sterling reputation in the design and home furnishing business. The Sign of the Skier offers the highest quality and latest designs from many of the industry's most respected suppliers, including Brown Jordan, Gloster, Mamagreen and Kingsley-Bate. thesigntoronto.com/summer