Arcteryx is supposed to be the best. Also, Arcteryx garments are sewn together in Vancouver under some of the strictest standards in the business. I find North Face to be a bit overrated. Their Summit Series jackets are good (do they still have that line?), but you pay a lot for the brand name rather than the quality of the jacket. If you get a softshell jacket, or a hardshell, or both (although I don't see the point of doing this. I know it's a popular thing to do in some groups, but still...), you shouldn't have a problem. If you want more affordable good stuff, Mountain Hardware sells some pretty decent softshells for a very good price. Avoid companies like Columbia and Helly Hansen if you want waterproof and windproof stuff. They're not all that waterproof. This is important even for snow and ice, although it's a bit counter-intuitive.
What "winter sports" do you plan on doing? What is best for you will depend greatly on what you do. Maybe Arcteryx isn't the best brand for what you're doing. Spider, Karbon, and Phoenix are good brands for skiing. Even Rossignol jackets aren't so bad. The Phoenix and Rossignol jackets feel thin, but they're highly breathable, and assume you'll be doing something physical in those jackets (ie: they assume you'll get hot). If you want something more affordable, Couloir is good.
Don't buy anything with a hood if you go up ski hills. They may not let you up.
I used to work in one of the best, highest class sports stores in Canada, although I used to suit up more kids than adults. It has also been a few years since I worked there.
