Key Takeaway: Late March 2026 is the single best time of the year to buy ski and snowboard gear. Evo up to 60% off, Backcountry up to 70% off, Steep & Cheap clearing premium brands at 40-65% off, Outdoor Research 30% off sitewide, REI clearance with dividend stacking, and the Burton Shred Sale running stacked discounts. Buy now for next season at prices you will not see again until next March.
Why End-of-Season Is the Right Time to Buy
The ski industry runs on a predictable annual pricing cycle. October through February, prices are firm. March, clearance begins as retailers need floor space for spring inventory. Late March hits the sweet spot: deep discounts AND full selection. That combination disappears fast -- by April, the deepest discounts appear but most sizes are gone.
A full setup that costs $2,000+ at full retail in November can be assembled for $900-1,300 right now. The gear is identical. You are paying for timing, not quality.
Where the Deals Are Right Now
Evo -- Last Chair Sale (Up to 60% Off)
Evo is running their end-of-season clearance with up to 60% off skis, boots, outerwear, and accessories. The Evo outlet is particularly strong right now -- prior-year skis and outerwear at discounts you would not see during the season.
Best categories at Evo:
- Skis: Prior-model-year all-mountain and powder skis seeing 40-60% off. A 2025-model ski skis just as well as a 2026 with the same specs -- technology moves slowly in this space.
- Ski boots: End-of-season boot deals are rare. When they happen, they are worth prioritizing.
- Outerwear: Jackets and bibs from major brands at 40-50% off. Ski outerwear lasts 5-10 seasons -- buy quality at clearance prices.
Backcountry -- Semi-Annual Sale (Up to 70% Off)
Backcountry clearance is running deeper than Evo right now, with select items hitting 70% off. The selection is strong across technical backcountry and resort gear.
What to look for at Backcountry:
- Helmets: MIPS helmets from Smith, Giro, and POC at 30-50% off. This is the year to upgrade if you have been putting it off.
- Goggles: Smith, Oakley, and Anon clearing prior colorways at meaningful discounts. Lens technology does not change year to year.
- Layering systems: Midlayers and base layers from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Smartwool.
Steep & Cheap -- Deep Cuts on Premium Brands
Backcountry's outlet arm is running continuous markdowns on Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and Spyder ski gear. Discounts range from 40-65% off. Inventory rotates fast -- check daily for new drops. The dedicated Spring Ski Clearance section is where the best finds surface.
Outdoor Research -- 30% Off Sitewide
Outdoor Research is running 30% off sitewide right now. Their ski-specific pieces -- Hemispheres jackets, Skytour pants, and Carbide gloves -- are already competitively priced, so 30% off puts them well below comparable gear from Arc'teryx or Patagonia. OR gloves and mittens are particularly strong buys at this discount: the Stormtracker Heated Gloves and Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Mittens rarely see this kind of markdown.
Burton Shred Sale -- Snowboard-Specific Stack
The Burton Shred Sale is running stacked discounts on boards, boots, bindings, helmets, and outerwear.
Best picks from the Burton Shred Sale:
- Snowboards: Prior-model-year park and all-mountain boards. Burton construction philosophy does not change dramatically between model years.
- Step On bindings: If you have been curious about Step On and have not pulled the trigger, clearance pricing is your in.
- Outerwear: Burton GORE-TEX jackets and bibs seeing discounts that rarely appear during the season.
REI -- Clearance + Dividend Stacking
REI end-of-season markdowns are solid on their own (20-40% off), but the real play is the dividend stack. Here is how it works:
- Buy clearance gear now at 20-40% off.
- Your 2025 member dividend arrives in April -- typically 10% of your qualifying purchases from last year.
- Apply that dividend to your next purchase or stack it with the next REI member sale.
The effective discount when you factor in the dividend can push past 50% on REI Co-op brand outerwear and layering pieces. REI's return policy on clearance items is also more generous than most retailers -- if fit is a concern, REI is the lowest-risk place to buy.
Pro tip: If you spent $1,000+ at REI in 2025, your April dividend could be $100+. Time your clearance purchases to maximize the stack.
Gear Categories Worth Prioritizing
Outerwear (Buy Now -- Best Value)
A quality GORE-TEX shell or insulated bib bought at 50% off end-of-season will serve you for 5-10 seasons. The cost-per-use math is the most compelling in all of ski gear. Brands clearing significant inventory now: Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Burton, Outdoor Research, The North Face.
Skis and Snowboards (Buy Now)
A ski or board that was $800 at full retail in November might be $400 today. The gear is identical. Research your quiver and target categories. Do not buy skis you have never tried without reading detailed reviews.
Helmets and Goggles (Buy If You Need Them)
Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years or after any significant impact. End-of-season pricing on MIPS helmets from Smith, Giro, and POC is the right window. Goggles -- buy the lens category you need (low-light, variable, high-contrast), not the flashiest colorway.
Boots (Buy Carefully)
Boot fit is more critical than any other piece of ski equipment. End-of-season clearance is a good window for deals, but do not compromise on fit for a discount. If you can try before you buy, do. Know your last (shell shape) before ordering online.
The "Buy Now, Ride Next Season" Math
Full-season retail (October): Ski jacket $600-800 + Skis $700-900 + Helmet $150-200 = $1,450-1,900
End-of-season clearance (March): Same jacket $300-400 + Same skis $350-500 + Same helmet $75-100 = $725-1,000
Total savings on a full setup: $500-900. The gear is identical. The difference is when you buy it.
What Not to Buy End-of-Season
- Ski boots in your normal street shoe size. Boot sizing is counterintuitive. Get properly fit, or buy from a retailer with an easy return policy.
- Heavily worn demo or rental gear. Check product descriptions carefully.
- Last-season avalanche gear at any price. Transceivers, probes, and shovels are safety equipment. Buy current-model-year from reputable sources.
The Bottom Line
The clearance window is open now and will close fast. Evo at up to 60% off, Backcountry at up to 70% off, Steep & Cheap clearing premium brands at 40-65% off, Outdoor Research 30% off sitewide, REI with member dividend stacking, and the Burton Shred Sale running stacked discounts -- this is the moment to buy gear for next season at prices you will not see again until next March.
Check powderdeals.com for updated deals as retailers add new clearance items through early April.
Snow does not wait, but deals do not either.
Prices and availability accurate as of March 29, 2026. End-of-season clearance inventory sells fast -- check current pricing before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is end-of-season clearance the best time to buy next season's gear?
Retailers slash prices to clear warehouse space before new models arrive in summer. You get current-season gear at 40-60% off, and it's still the latest technology. Buy now, ride next season at steep discounts.
Are these models being discontinued or just marked down?
Mostly markdowns on current inventory. Ski technology changes yearly, so retailers need to clear last year's stock. The gear is still excellent—you're buying this season's ski or board at last season's clearance price.
Should I size up in boots or expect accurate sizing on clearance?
Clearance stock is standard sizing. Boot fit is critical—if you're between sizes, visit a retailer for a proper fit. Many clearance deals exclude exchanges, so size carefully before ordering online.