Denver, CO – The Labor Day holiday weekend is about celebrating the end of the summer with barbeques, beer, beaches…and ski sales.
Many of the nation’s top ski retailers centralize inventory at key locations and erect massive tents to hold the goods that will be overflowing at deeply discounted prices. The best deals are typically available on last season’s hard and soft goods, but often decent discounts are available on the coming winter’s skis, snowboards and apparel as well. At most sales, staff on hand to help with selections includes representatives from the manufacturers themselves.
Sports Authority stores continue the tradition started by Denver’s Gart Brothers, now part of Sports Authority, with the SNIAGRAB sales, which is “bargains” spelled backwards.
“SNIAGRAB is a time-honored tradition from Sports Authority and we are thrilled to mark the 58th year of our customer’s favorite event,” said Jeff Schumacher, Chief Marketing Officer, Sports Authority. “We’ve partnered with all the top brands and we look forward to bringing out the best deals of the season.”
SNIAGRAB starts Saturday at select Sports Authority locations in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Washington. The first 100 customers in line at Sports Authority SNIAGRAB locations will not only get first crack at the most desirable merchandise at bargain prices, but will also be rewarded with Sports Authority “Bonus Bucks” that can be used toward their SNIAGRAB purchase. Drawings will also take place for a $1,000 shopping spree. Discounts of up to 75 percent are available on 2010-11 equipment and apparel from brands including K2, Völkl, Burton, The North Face and others. Prices include integrated K2 ski and binding packages beginning at $219.99, Nordica ski boots from $129.99, Sims snowboards starting at $119.99, Oakley goggles beginning at $39.99 and Giro helmets from $59.99.
Also beginning on Saturday, all five Colorado Ski & Golf and Boulder Ski Deals locations, owned by Vail Resorts subsidiary Specialty Sports Venture, will host their similar annual SKI REX Labor Day weekend sale. The biggest of the SKI REX events is held in the parking lot of the Colorado Ski & Golf location in Aurora under the super-sized tent on 2650 S. Havana. It continues through Sept. 18 in Aurora, with all other locations this Saturday and Sunday only. Popular skis from last season including the Völkl Mantra and K2 Lotta Luv will be sold at 50 percent off. Last season’s Burton and Ride snowboards will be sold at up to a 75 percent discount. Apparel from brands including Burton, Descente, Spyder, Roxy, The North Face, Marmot and Patagonia will be sold at a 30 to 75 percent reduction.
Resort representatives from Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin will be on hand at all locations to facilitate season pass purchases as well. Those who purchase a Vail Resorts season pass at SKI REX will receive a store voucher worth up to $50. Facebook fans can enter a contest with a video of why they love Colorado Ski & Golf and SKI REX and the most “likes” wins a free Epic season pass for the Vail Resorts and other prizes.
“Passionate skiers and riders have always looked to SKI REX for great bargains on quality merchandise and with this year’s selection and great prices, our customers will be psyched about the products and the money they’ll save by shopping early,” said Randy Bush, Colorado Ski & Golf’s regional manager. “After last winter’s record breaking snowfall, skiers and riders are hungry for the snow to start flying again and determined to take advantage of our tremendous outdoor culture. We know spending time with friends and families is a priority for Coloradans and believe that we have an obligation to provide quality gear at a value driven price that will get more people onto the slopes.”
Colorado Ski & Golf will continue popular programs from previous seasons, including its Junior Trade-in Program and ski and snowboard recycling.
Some other retailers, though, got a head start on this year’s Labor Day ski sales. Colorado and Utah retailer Christy Sports kicked their Powder Daze sale off last weekend at their Englewood, Colo. location at 9555 East County Line Rd. Fear not, however, for the sale runs through this Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, and all ski and snowboard products are being offered at up to 70 percent off.
Even if your local retailer isn’t mentioned here, check to see if they’re also participating in the Labor Day gear sale excitement. Barbeque, beaches and beer are all just a close second to scoring a great deal on equipment for the winter season ahead.