Best Time to Buy from Online Ski Shops: How to Save Up to 70% on Skis

If you're shopping for ski equipment, you need to know one thing: online ski shops follow predictable patterns when clearing out last year's gear. 

Most skiers miss the best deals because they don't understand when retailers make their moves. 

The difference between buying at the wrong time and the right time can mean spending $800 versus $400 for the same pair of skis. Here's what you need to know about timing your purchase.

What Triggers Previous Season Equipment Releases?

Manufacturers announce new ski models in January and February each year. These announcements set off a chain reaction. Retailers know they can't sell this year's models once next year's versions arrive. So they start planning their clearance strategy months in advance.

The ski industry works on a predictable cycle. New models hit retail floors in September and October, just before the season starts. Retailers stock up heavily because they know demand peaks from November through January.

But once February hits, the clock starts ticking. They have maybe three months to move older inventory before new models arrive and make everything else obsolete.

Here's something most people don't realize: year-to-year changes in ski technology are usually minimal. Unless you're a competitive racer or expert-level skier, you won't notice the difference between this year's model and last year's. 

Manufacturers make small tweaks—maybe a different topsheet design, slightly adjusted rocker profile, or minor construction changes. But the core performance stays basically the same.

When Do Online Ski Shops Actually Start Discounting?

The clearance calendar follows a specific pattern. Late February marks the beginning of end-of-season sales. Retailers typically start with discounts around 20-30% off. They're testing the waters, seeing if they can move inventory without slashing prices too deep.

March is when things get interesting. Around President's Day weekend and through early March, you'll see discounts jump to 40-50% off. Retailers are getting serious about clearing space. Industry data shows that discounts around President's Day can reach up to 60% at some shops.

By April and May, you're looking at the deepest discounts of the year. Prices drop to 50-70% off original retail. But here's the catch: selection becomes extremely limited. Popular sizes sell out first. If you wear a common size like 177cm or boot size 27.5, your options shrink fast.

Summer months from June through August offer the absolute lowest prices, but you're gambling on availability. Some retailers might still have scattered inventory, but you won't find complete size runs. And forget about getting exactly the model or color you want.

Time Period	Typical Discount	Inventory Level	Best For
February-Early March	20-30% off	High selection	Specific models/sizes
Mid March-April	40-60% off	Moderate selection	Flexible buyers
May-August	50-70% off	Very limited	Maximum savings, any model works
September-November	Minimal discounts	Full of new models	Latest gear only

How Do Online Ski Shops Handle Clearance Differently?

Physical stores have one major constraint: floor space. They need to clear older inventory to display new products. But online retailers don't face the same pressure. They can warehouse previous season equipment longer and release it more strategically.

Many online shops will hold back inventory and release it in waves. You might see a flash sale in July where they suddenly drop prices on specific models to 60% off for 48 hours. They're testing demand and moving targeted inventory without slashing everything at once.

Labor Day weekend represents another clearing point. Some online retailers use early September to dump remaining previous season stock before new inventory dominates their warehouse space. 

Discounts during Labor Day sales can hit 50-60% off, though selection is usually picked over by this point.

What About Demo and Rental Equipment Sales?

This is where you can find serious value. Ski shops and rental operations buy new demo fleets every season. These are current or previous year models that customers test before buying. After one season, shops need to sell these lightly-used skis to make room for new demos.

Demo ski sales typically happen in summer, usually June through August. You're buying skis that have maybe 5-15 days of use on them, often tuned and maintained by shop technicians. A Reddit user on skiing forums mentioned buying demo skis and bindings worth over $600 for just $250.

The advantage of demo gear is that it's been professionally maintained. Shops tune and wax these skis regularly because they want customers to have good experiences. You're essentially getting near-new equipment at 50-70% off retail.

Should You Wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Black Friday seems like it should be the best time to buy skis, right? Not really. Late November is actually one of the worst times to buy ski equipment. 

Here's why: retailers have fresh inventory of current season models, and they know skiers are eager to buy before the season ramps up. They have zero pressure to discount heavily.

You might find deals on ski clothing, goggles, or accessories during Black Friday. But skis, boots, and bindings rarely see significant discounts.

Some online retailers did offer deals on 2024 models during Black Friday 2024, with discounts hitting 60% off in rare cases. But these were exceptions, not the rule.

The demand is too high in November. Retailers know they can charge full price or close to it.

Why would they discount when customers are actively shopping and willing to pay? They save the real clearance for when demand drops—which is February through summer.

How Can You Track When Specific Online Ski Shops Release Deals?

If you want to catch the best deals, you need a system. Start by identifying which online retailers carry the models you want. Make a list of 3-5 shops that stock your preferred brands.

Sign up for email lists. Most online ski shops announce major sales 12-24 hours before they go live. This gives you a jump on inventory before sizes sell out. Set up alerts for specific keywords or brands if the retailer offers that option.

Check websites consistently starting in late February. Some shops update their clearance sections midweek when fewer people are browsing.

The absolute best deals often appear on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, not weekends when traffic is highest.

Follow ski gear forums and deal-tracking sites. Communities of skiers share when they spot major discounts. 

Someone might post that a specific site has 60% off certain models, giving you a heads up before the general public catches on.

What's the Smart Strategy for Buying Previous Season Equipment?

Be flexible but focused. Decide what matters most to you. If you absolutely need a specific model in a specific length, shop earlier in the clearance season when selection is broader. You'll pay more—maybe 30-40% off instead of 60% off—but you'll get what you want.

If saving maximum money matters more than getting a specific ski, wait until May or June. You need to be open to whatever models remain in your size. 

The skis might be lime green instead of black. They might be 5cm longer than you planned. But you could save $400 or more.

Don't obsess over getting the absolute lowest price. If you find a ski you want at 50% off in March and your size is available, buy it. 

Waiting for another 10% price drop in summer means risking that your size sells out. Then you've saved nothing.

Consider buying 2-3 year old models if you can find them. Some online ski shops still have inventory from multiple seasons back. 

These skis might be 60-80% off retail, and unless there's been a major redesign, they'll perform nearly identically to current models. For recreational skiers, a three-year-old ski works just fine.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Clearance Ski Equipment?

Don't buy boots without trying them on first, even during clearance sales. Boot fit matters more than anything else in skiing. 

An uncomfortable boot will ruin every ski day. If you find a great deal on boots online, make sure the retailer has a solid return policy. Many ski shops let you try boots at home and return them if they don't fit.

Avoid buying purely based on price. A $300 ski that's wrong for your ability level or skiing style isn't a deal—it's wasted money. Do your research first. Read reviews from skiers at your level. Make sure the ski's flex pattern, width, and intended terrain match what you actually ski.

Watch for old binding technology. Bindings have safety standards that get updated. If you're buying skis from three years ago with mounted bindings, verify those bindings meet current standards and are compatible with your boots. Some older bindings won't work with newer boot sole designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do online ski shops offer the biggest discounts on skis?

Answer: The biggest discounts usually appear from March through summer, with prices dropping 40–70% off as retailers clear out previous season inventory.

Are previous season skis worth buying from online ski shops?

Answer: Yes. Year-to-year changes are usually minor, and most recreational skiers won’t notice performance differences between last year’s skis and current models.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy skis online?

Answer: No. Black Friday typically offers minimal discounts on skis and boots because demand is high and retailers are selling current-season gear.

Why do online ski shops discount gear later than physical stores?

Answer: Online ski shops have more storage flexibility, allowing them to release clearance inventory gradually through flash sales, summer deals, and holiday events.

What’s the risk of waiting too long for clearance deals?

Answer: Waiting too long means limited size and model availability. Popular ski lengths and boot sizes often sell out before the deepest discounts arrive.