It’s August, so Colorado’s big preseason sales on ski and snowboard equipment, apparel and accessories are back. SkiRex and Powder Daze with similar formats are going strong, Both feature deeply discounted prices. The sales culminate over the big Labor Day weekend on-site ski area reps selling low-price season and multi-day passes, and perhaps drawings for prizes and other specials. Talk to the reps to get the inside word about on-mountain improvements.
SkiRex, Epic Mountain Gear’s big sale takes place under canvas in Aurora and Westminster, and also inside all retail locations.
This is the time to upgrade your gear, restock essentials (why is it we can only find one sock, when we know we put two into the wash?), snag discounts on some of last year’s models and take advantage of lift ticket deals.
♦ First out of the blocks once again is Christy Sports’ Powder Daze, with different dates for metro Denver and mountain locations. August 23 through September 3 at the Christy Sports Event Center (8601 W. Cross Dr., in Littleton, next to the Southwest Plaza Mall). In the high country, Powder Daze dates are August 16 to August 25 in Steamboat Springs and August 16 to September 25 in West Vail.
In addition to the gear and apparel sale at up to 70% off, Powder Daze is the place to pick up exclusive lift deals at more than 10 resorts. Ski and snowboard lesson packages are also available for purchase.
♦ Powder7 launches its Sweaty Yeti Ski Blowout on August 22 through September 4. New skis, bindings, boots, and clothing will be on sale, along with used demo skis (which is a big piece of their business). Used demo skis will be up to 70% off, and new gear will be up to 60% off. You can shop the brick and mortar store (open every day) at 880 Brickyard Circle, Unit 150 in Golden or online.
♦ Friday, August 30 marks the start of SkiRex at Epic Mountain Gear stores (Aurora, Boulder, Littleton, Park Meadows, Westminster, Frisco and Colorado Springs).
The big air-conditioned tent is up at the Aurora location (2650 Havana St.) and the Westminster store (9170 Wadsworth Pkwy.). Once again, all stores offer SkiRex pricing.
Additionally preferred customers with invitations get in on Thursday, August 29. Click here to sign up.
Save up to 60% off skis, boots, snowboards, bindings, clothing and accessories, with sale prices in effect through Sunday, September 15.
For families, SkiRex is also the ideal time to sign up for the Junior Trade program that allows families to save on kids’ new or used skis and snowboards. Purchase used gear starting at $99 or new gear for $199, plus $15 for a mandatory binding safety check and then bring it back next season to trade for larger sizes starting at just $49.
The process can be repeated season after season as long as the child can be fitted in youth-sized equipment. Junior Trade, a Colorado tradition, has been making equipment more affordable for young skiers and riders since 1983.
During Ski Rex, families can also sign up for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack, a free program for Kindergarten through 5th grade students that provides four days of skiing or riding at each of the state’s top-ranked resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte, for a total of 20 free days. Epic SchoolKids enrollment is not available at Epic Mountain Gear’s Frisco location.