Cynthia Constantino works at Axis Boutiques in Mont Tremblant and Mont Saint-Sauveur, Quebec. Working at two shops she meets riders at all levels, and we love her taste in gear—especially watches.

What advice do you give girls coming in to buy their first set up? "If you want to enjoy your first experience and makes it easier, you should buy a technical board that’s a little shorter and don’t buy it because of the board’s look or because it matches your outfit! The type of riding you plan to do should be the biggest influence on the type of board you purchase. It also has to be your set up so we make sure everything you get properly fits. Don’t take someone’s board, boots or bindings to complete your set up, it has to be perfectly set for you. Have the perfect boot size and then make the perfect stance on the board which is a combination of footedness, stance width, offset centered and binding angle so your body will be in the perfect position to keep you balanced on the board. After that, go ride a few hours and then start tweaking! All you need is a screwdriver and some love!"

What are three items in store right now that you love? "That’s It, That’s All and the Nixon Vega—I have a collection! And Nikita clothing."

How often do you get up riding and where do you like to go? "This is the first year I have riden since a bad accident in December 2006—I still have pain every single day. So I go slowly, but surely, maybe once a week. I went on a snowboard trip to Quebec City with my girls few weeks ago... I went to the Massif for my first time ever and wow! Nicest trip of my life! I also like to ride at Mont Tremblant, where I’m from—not in the peak season, though! And Mont Saint-Sauveur is still my favourite little place."

What's your set up this year? "As I haven’t rocked the mountain in the last 3 years, I still ride my little Forum with Burton Freestyle junior bindings (I wear size 4-5) But I’m looking forward to gettin the Burton Feelgood. I’ve 32 boots and I am never without my Shaun White socks. I got the gold B by Burton Lana jacket with the black B by Burton Novak pants. I just got the Hi-Fi Red helmet in black and gold and the Anon Majestic goggle. I’ve got pink Grenade pipe gloves and for those cold days I’ve my duck-down Nikita mitts! I’ve a thousand toques but my favourite ones are Burton; and of course, I’m never without my boyfriend’s DC polyester long-T!"

What's the greatest thing about working at Axis? "The team! I drive over 200km back and forth to go work at the shop (part time), even if I’ve a bachelor in Kinesiology, I still want to keep my place in the family : Dan, Bil, Max, Vince and my love at first sight Laurie, guys you rock! I also work at Axis Saint-Sauveur part time and girls and boys you’re awesome!"

Any funny stories from working in a snowboard shop? "When people ask us if we have snowshoes, golf clubs, jock straps, swimming caps or Empire stickers!"

Check out Axis Boutique at axisboutique.com