Before our trip to Banff my husband didn't have time to pick up a pair of snow pants so when we got to town we went out to try and find some. I saw that Abominable had a 50% off sale so we we went in. They had a great selection of clearance items and, after trying on a few pairs, he was able to find a nice pair or grey O'Neill pants at a reasonable price. However, the experience wasn't particularly pleasant. It wasn't BAD, but I left really annoyed. One of the clerks was just way too suffocating. He followed us around (the store is small, it was easy to tell he was following us) and just way too involved in the process. Every time I picked up a pair of pants and hung them back up on the rack he was right behind me straightening them. I felt like the simple act of browsing was frowned upon and that I was looked at as making a massive mess just for shopping. We just wanted to shop and browse on our own time and not feel pressured or as if we were intrusive. It finally got to the point that I would just hand him the pants because I felt like if he was going to straighten everything after me anyway I might as well not even bother. When we did have a question he answered it politely. I just wish we had been given a bit more breathing room to enjoy the experience of shopping there a bit. read more

As I read the reviews for this place, Angela B.'s caught my eye because that is EXACTLY what just happened to us! This morning, Maha and I set out to buy her new boots, as hers did not fit properly anymore. The salesman was gracious and knowledgeable and helped us buy insets for the boots so they fit her perfectly. He tightened them for her, and we paid and went on our merry ways. Maha spent the day complaining that her one of her boots was loose. I told her to tighten the boa and to try to pull the inner boot tighter, but nothing seemed to be working. When we got back to the hotel, she took off the boot and we peeked inside and found that the leather tongue that tightens the inner boot was torn right down the middle. Anyone with an IQ over 70 would know that such a defect is a manufacturer's defect as it was torn right down the middle and there is simply no other explanation. The employees were apologetic and clearly said several times that this was obviously not our fault and a defect from the manufacturer. The owner however, had a different POV and one that really makes me suspect that he is mentally ill. He began raising his voice and saying that he would contact Salomon on Monday (when Canada is observing Boxing Day!) to see what they told him. I calmly, politely, and graciously explained to him that we were here as tourists for only a limited period of time, and as such would appreciate a refund so we could buy new boots that were functional. He would not let me finish a sentence and began yelling, and making paranoid statements. He said that we were trying to force him to do something he wasn't going to do, that we were trying to run him over, and so on. I calmly tried to tell him that I just wanted him to use his relationship with Soloman to get new boots to sell to someone else and allow us to get our money back because HE sold US a defective product. Because several customers overheard the conversation, which was quickly escalating to a one sided screaming match, he got even more aggressive and started yelling that the law was on his side. He then kicked us out of his store, and continued to scream while we were really just bewildered at the way he did business. Fortunately, I have American Express Refund Protection, and the power to let people know on Yelp and other avenues to avoid this place. With so many wonderful, kind and polite merchants in this charming town, do yourself a favor and skip the unmedicated mentally ill man's store (this is what I do for a living-trust me, he's really sick). You won't miss much, and will save yourself a serious encounter with crazy. read more

They sold me the wrong size shoe so I went to return it; two employees told me the return wouldn't be a problem, but the store owner stepped in and wouldn't allow it. Very disappointed in their customer service. Be careful before you spend any money here. I lost $200, you could be next. read more

As good as it gets if you know what you're looking for. The deals are fantastic! If you're an educated consumer you will appreciate the selection and value found at this shop. Bought plenty of clothing over the years and two different 'wishlist' set of hiking boots. Staff come and go and humans have good and bad days but I've always walked out with what I want at great prices. read more

Broke a pair of sunglasses and was stuck buying new. Bought a pair of Maui Jims and was told by an Aussie fellow that I don't get a case . I said well I think they come with a case at this price. He was adamant and disinterested, I think he didn't want to look for a case. Bought them anyhow and will never return to this Banff ave trap. read more

I bought a brand new pair of ski boots 3 years ago from here and never was able to use them as I became pregnant with my third child after my purchase. This year, my first year back on the slopes, and my boots were 1/2 size too small. The owner of the store was extremely helpful and I recieved a brand new pair of ski boots that are a better fit for my foot. It was a straight up exchange. I left extremely happy with the service I recieved, I was not expecting this to be possible with no reciept and so much time passed. I am sorry to see others didn't have the same experience as I did. This is why I felt it was important for me to leave my review, I will in the future support this store with my business. read more

I walked in just to look at the hiking boots this store had. I planned on purchasing boots at sometime but did not think I would buy them in Banff. I was met by the store owner who was very help and knowledgable about his products. He was able to explain to me the different types of boots available and advised me of the type of boot that might be best for the hiking I was was planning on doing. I tried a pair on and ended up buying them. They were moderately expensive, but I believe we sometimes get what we pay for. And when we are on our feet for a good part of the day having a quality boot is important. One of the major reasons though for me purchasing these boots was the customer service provided and the owners knowledge he provided me to make my decision. The boots I bought were Aku. read more

Great location stuffed with the most ski/board clothing in Banff. Downstairs is all the 'hard wear' -skis, boards etc. The staff are helpful and when I arrived laden at the checkout, I was told about the Team Green card. I saved c. $30 over the sale prices. I was also told if I came back later the same day, they'd extend the same discount. I did go back for ski pants and saved another $60. What's not to like? read more

Do not buy here. Find somewhere else. My wife and I bought several articles of clothing from this store, including an entire ski outfit. On the first day of wear, a zipper tore out on the bottom of an expensive technical ski jacket. We returned to the store, and was told they did not plan to replace it as it was now used and we would have to deal with the manufacturer's warranty. After bargaining with the staff, and then the manager, they agreed to get it fixed locally in Banff and sent it to us by Greyhound courier. They sent it - collect shipping. I have to pay 15% of the original cost of the article just to go pick it up at a bus terminal. I called and spoke with the manager, and she said it was the owner's policy and she could not do anything. Avoid this store - they will rip you off. read more

They sold me the wrong shoe size, and when I rang to talk to them about this, the manager told me very cheerfully to come on in and we'd find a solution. I was cautiously optimistic when I went in, however.... His 'solution' was to insult me repeatedly for not taking 'responsibility' for choosing the wrong shoe size despite being fitted by his staff who insisted this size was okay and I'd have no problems. The management then tried to push me to buy another pair of shoes in the correct size for a discount of $25 off the Retail price - on an almost-$200 pair of shoes. I have worked in sales before and I try always to be polite and work with salespeople for a solution- but I was astounded by how unpleasant the whole experience was. I so uncomfortable I eventually had to walk out with my original too-small shoes. To sum it up: 1) the apparent lack of shoe-fitting training for staff and the lack of any ramp or rough terrain type testing floor in-store makes this a risky bet for a purchase. Its about as big a gamble as buying online. 2) The management's tactics wasted an hour of my time. I won't shop there again. read more

Got boots fitted there, had the owner fitting me. Rushed through it, didn't acknowledge my input on what boot I wanted. 9 months later I have bone spurts on my foot. Absolutely would never recommend. read more

I recently came to Banff for a ski holiday. I came into this charming store and was overwhelmed with selection and options. I was like a kid in a candy store. The staff were very helpful and the service was excellent. I had one young staff member help me find everything from long underwear, and ski pants to a great fitting helmet and some really fun goggles. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the prices very reasonable. Great start to my holiday. read more

Great support and very knowledgeable. Bought ski boots and they are perfect! Comfortable, and perform great. I will be back with my loyalty card. It saves you $$. Great ski day yesterday! read more

I was in search of hiking boots as I bought some brand new from the same store the previous summer and they hurt my feet to the point where I could not walk. I went into this store to have a look one day on my lunch break and the employee I initially dealt with at this stage was brilliant. Super friendly, professional, helpful and all the rest. I tried on a few different pairs of boots and told the employee that I would be back after I finished work with my existing boots to compare to make sure I was not going to experience the same amount of pain. I asked them the price of the boots I liked and he told me the price, naturally I asked them if he expected them to go on sale when they received their new summer stock and of course they weren't able to tell me. They did say that they would be able to do them for a lesser price if I was to buy them today and the price he quoted was reasonable in my opinion. I came back to the store later that afternoon with a friend, my partner and my current hiking boots and was met by the owner, who on first impressions he seemed a bit odd as he made a condescending remark to my partner. Nonetheless he proceeded to be quirky but helpful. I finally decided that I wanted to by the same boots I had tried on earlier and again asked the owner the price. This is where my experience turned from weird but ok, to the worst experience and treatment I have ever received in my entire life in any situation. The owner told me the price and again naturally I asked him if this was the best price he could offer to me. He said yes they were already reduced. I then mentioned that I had actually visited the store earlier and was given a different price for the boots and the owner turned nasty at that very moment accusing his staff member of stealing from him and that the particular employee doesn't have the right to make those decisions as it is not their store. I instantly panicked because of the owners angry reaction thinking that I may have landed the employee in hot water and retracted my statement hoping that would be the end of it and said to the owner that oh no maybe the employee didn't say that. The owner proceeded to attack me calling me a liar and saying that he runs his business with honesty and integrity and that I have none. I said to him that I will leave the boots today and he spitefully replied with "I think that is a good idea." As I got up and walked away I was shaking with anger and shock as I could not believe what had just happened. The owner proceeded to yell abuse at me as I walked back upstairs to exit the store. All because I dare ask for a discount. Do not under any circumstances purchase anything from this store, the likeliness is that you will be ripped off or treated disgustingly! Your money is better spent elsewhere. read more