Skiing is an expensive hobby. That’s especially true when you consider the cost of all the gear you need. Once you add together the price of goggles, gloves, helmets and clothing – not to mention skis, bindings and poles – you’re looking at a small fortune. So, here are some tips on where to find the best ski gear deals.
Follow this advice and put a little bit of effort in and you should be able to keep your costs down. Which means that you can put the money towards a longer trip, or even your next ski holiday. Great deals do exist, you just have to look for them.
Sales
It’s almost an outmoded concept these days but most retailers still do have summer and winter sales. So, plan ahead and stock up on your gear when the price is right. Leave it to the last minute and you’ll end up paying full whack.
Get last season’s gear
Like everything these days, ski gear manufacturers release their ‘collections’ in seasons. This is a marketing ploy to convince you to buy the ‘latest’ on-trend gear. What it does mean, however, is that they often sell off last season’s kit on the cheap, even though it’s still perfectly good.
Look online
After skiing, the internet is probably the greatest invention ever. Sitting at home in your pants and buying salopettes at three in the morning is a genuine option. And the existence of a global market place without the overheads of a physical shop means you can get some incredible deals. Especially if you know where to look. Check out retailers like High Octane to find some amazing prices and the best ski gear deals.
Discount retailers
Found on almost every high street these days, discount retailers like TK Maxx buy seconds and past season’s collections in bulk from major brands. So if you’re lucky you can find some great deals. It’s a little bit hit and miss but put the hours in and you’re sure to find a bargain.
Forget brands
We mentioned earlier that skiing had lost its elitist image but it still exists to a degree. One look at some branded ski gear should make this very clear. However, does it really matter what badge you’re wearing? Unbranded ski gear is often still very good, OK you won’t ski to the south pole in it but for most people it is adequate. Check out cheap supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl and you can pick up the very best ski gear deals.
Go to a show
Ski shows are an opportunity for ski brands to establish themselves and show off their latest kit. As it’s often a marketing venture more than a sales opportunity, you can get some good deals. You will also find retailers at the show trying to shift last years gear.
Shop around
Don’t just go into the first shop and make a purchase, go to a variety of shops to get the best deal and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. Often shops in big towns near resorts are cheaper than in resort.
Second hand
OK this is a tough one as there are huge savings to be weighed against some risk. You can get great second hand deals, for example if someone has bought all the gear and then only been once. Likewise you could unwittingly buy something that is damaged, or just not very good. The secret is to buy through a reputable third party that offers some protection.
Don’t be fussy
Ok, so you might want to look like Brad or Angelina on the slopes but really the gear you’re wearing has no impact whatsoever on how good you are at skiing. As my old dad used to say, the best football players never worry about what boots they’re wearing. The bottom line is that if it’s warm enough and waterproof, then its fine.
So, there you go. Some great advice about where to find the best ski gear deals. Follow some or all of the above and you can pick up ski gear on the cheap.
