Are you looking for new skis to replace your old, worn-out pair? Or maybe you’re fed up with standing for hours waiting to rent a pair of skis?
In either case, having skis that you can call your own is exciting! But it can be quite expensive.
The good news is that this seasonal gear goes through price fluctuations throughout the year. This means that you can land yourself a pretty good deal if you get the timing right.
What’s the best time to buy skis? Keep reading to find out! We’ve also included a few buying tips to help you get your hands on the best deal.
The Best Time to Buy Skis
You can find great deals and discounts if you wait for the right time. The general idea is that the further you are from the ski season, the better the deals will be.
The End of Ski Season
Everyone we spoke to agreed that the best time to buy skis is at the end of the ski season. This would be from February until the end of March, maybe even into April.
“What makes prices drop during this time,” you might ask? Retailers need to make room for new equipment for the upcoming summer months. They’d rather sell skis at an undervalue than miss the huge profit potential of the summertime.
The Off-Season
The off-season starts from mid-April when the snow starts to melt until early September.
On the first weekend of September, the Labor Day sales hit the stores. This is the last chance retailers have to empty their warehouses of last season’s ski gear to make room for the new arrivals.
The downside to waiting until the summer to get your skis is that your choices will be much more limited. Sizes, colors, and model selections will become fewer and fewer.
But many people love skiing whether their ski gear is trendy and stylish or not. If you’re willing to do a bit of compromise so you can save a lot, then, by all means, wait until the off-season.
Just don’t wait too long. Others are just as keen to get their hands on great deals like you are, and those skis you’ve been eyeing won’t wait around forever.
Shopping Holidays
Some holidays were made for shopping. There’s Labor Day, as we mentioned earlier. Here are a few more shopping holidays. You’d better start saving up now!
- Black Friday
- President’s Day
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Father’s Day
- Fourth of July
- Amazon Prime Day
During the Ski Season?
We left this for last because it’s not a reliable option. The only way to find a great deal on skis during the ski season is if you buy from the previous season’s stock.
That depends on two factors. First, you shouldn’t mind using gear that might not follow the latest trends. Second, you’d have to do lots of searching to find stores that still have the old stock up for sale.
The Worst Time to Buy Skis
It’s important to know the right time to go shopping for skis. Equally important is knowing the worst time to buy skis.
Right Before Ski Season
The new ski season brings new models, brighter colors, and higher prices. Starting from late September all the way until February is when the ski season is in its prime.
Shops and retailers know they have several months to sell their products. They’re not in a rush to get rid of anything quickly, so they usually hold on to their high prices.
During the Holiday Season
While the idea of buying skis for your loved ones may seem merry and bright, it’s not a smart one. During the pre-Christmas frenzy, the demand is high. So the prices soar as well.
How to Find the Best Deals
Here are some tips on finding the best prices for skis. These tips are meant to be used throughout the year.
Keep Your Eyes on the Price
Knowing year-round prices will give you a clue of when prices rise and fall. This way, you can keep track of what’s a good deal and what sounds too good to be true.
Don’t Be Tempted
It’s easy to get tempted into buying new skis right before the ski season. They’re new and shiny, and you just can’t wait to take them out on the slopes.
But there are many advantages to being patient. The most important is that you won’t break your budget.
Wait a few more months. That’s the best time to make a decision you won’t regret later on.
Find the Right Balance
Just as you shouldn’t rush into buying, you shouldn’t also wait for too long. The more time that passes, the fewer choices you’ll have. You may end up not being able to find your size or the model of your choice.
Stay Away From Anything Used
It may seem like a good idea, but buying used skis isn’t the best thing to do. You won’t know what used skis have been through or how beaten up they are.
That could result in discomfort or even injuries. It could pose a serious safety risk.
Pay Attention to Your Boots
Your boots are your best friend out on the slopes. They give you control and power over your skis. Plus, they protect your feet from the cold and moisture.
Experts recommend saving on the skis, but splurging on the boots. Find boots that offer the most comfortable fit, even if they are a bit expensive. Your feet will thank you!
A Final Note
Finding the perfect deal on a pair of skis is easy if you know when to look. Use our buying guide to find the best time to buy skis.
Retailers offer great deals during certain times of the year. That’s when you should swoop in and get your hands on the best pair of skis for the most affordable price.
But it does take a bit of research and some patience. Keep an eye on ski prices, starting from the beginning of the ski season. Then when the end of the season rolls around, compare prices to find that one that best fits your budget.