End-of-Season Ski Clearance 2026: Up to 60% Off Premium Gear
Key Takeaway: March is when ski retailers start clearing inventory hard, and 2026 is no exception. Premium gear from Black Crows, Salomon, and others is hitting 30-60% off across evo, Backcountry, and Steep & Cheap. If you know what you want for next season, now is the time to buy.
Why This Matters
End-of-season clearance is the single best time to buy ski gear, period. Retailers need to move winter inventory before spring merchandise takes over floor space and warehouse shelves. The discounts are real — not inflated MSRPs marked down to normal pricing, but genuine reductions on gear that was selling at full price two months ago.
We've tested a lot of gear cycles — this pattern holds every year. The best selection hits in mid-March, and by April the sizes and models are picked over. Right now the window is wide open.
Black Crows Atris — $629 (30% Off)
The Atris is Black Crows' freeride all-mountain ski, and at $629 it's at its lowest price of the season. This is a ski that normally commands full retail because demand stays high, so a 30% cut is noteworthy.
The Atris handles variable conditions with a confidence that makes it a legitimate one-ski quiver for aggressive skiers. It's wide enough for powder days (108mm underfoot), stiff enough to hold an edge on hardpack, and playful enough to keep things interesting in the trees. The poplar/beech wood core gives it a damp, stable feel at speed without making it heavy on transitions.
What we like: - Versatile 108mm waist handles everything from groomers to powder - Wood core delivers stability at speed without excessive weight - Playful enough for tight trees and variable snow - 30% off is the deepest discount this ski typically sees
Who it's for: Advanced to expert skiers who want one ski for 80% of conditions. If you ski aggressively and want something that charges through crud, holds on ice, and floats in fresh snow, the Atris at $629 is a strong buy.
Where to Shop: Retailer Clearance Roundup
evo
Running their annual winter clearance with 20-50% off across skis, boots, and outerwear. Selection is strong right now across categories. Free shipping over $50 makes it easy to compare across sizes.
Backcountry
End-of-season markdowns hitting 30-60% on select gear. Their semi-annual sale overlaps with clearance pricing, so some items stack discounts. Filter by "on sale" and sort by discount percentage to find the deepest cuts.
Steep & Cheap
Backcountry's outlet site is where last season's gear goes to get moved. Discounts here typically run 40-60% off, with the tradeoff being more limited size runs. Check daily — inventory refreshes regularly as Backcountry rotates stock over.
Smart Buying Strategy
Buy now: Skis you've already demoed or know you want. Popular models in common sizes will sell out first. The Black Crows Atris, Salomon QST series, and Nordica Enforcer line tend to move fast at these prices.
Wait and watch: Boots (fit matters more than price — wait for a proper fitting), and outerwear in uncommon sizes (these keep dropping through April).
Skip: Helmets and goggles from 2+ seasons ago. Safety standards evolve, and the savings aren't worth it on protective equipment.
Note on powderdeals.com: We're holding the Powder Deals version of this guide until a site image issue is resolved. Once fixed, a powder-focused version with additional backcountry-specific clearance picks will go live there.
FAQ
Q: How long do end-of-season ski sales last? A: The best selection is typically mid-March through early April. Discounts continue into April and May, but popular sizes and models sell out early. If you see your size in a ski you want at 30%+ off, don't wait.
Q: Is it worth buying skis without demoing them first? A: If you've skied the previous year's model or a similar ski from the same brand, you're probably safe. If it's a completely new ski for you, check the retailer's return policy. Both evo and Backcountry have reasonable return windows, even on sale items.
Q: Should I buy next year's boots now too? A: Generally no. Boot fit is too personal and too important to buy based on price alone. Wait for a proper fitting from a bootfitter, even if it means paying more. A well-fitting boot at full price outperforms a discounted boot that doesn't match your foot.
Q: Will these prices get lower later in the spring? A: Some will, but the selection narrows dramatically. If your size is available now at 30%+ off, that's a strong buy. Waiting for an extra 10% off risks losing your size entirely.
Q: Are the discounts real or inflated MSRP markdowns? A: At evo, Backcountry, and Steep & Cheap, the clearance discounts are genuine. These retailers sell at full retail during peak season and discount to move remaining inventory. The Black Crows Atris at $629 was $899 two months ago — that's a real $270 savings.