Good Deals: Labor Day
Some might consider the sales that occur around Labor Day a mixed blessing. The blessing: companies have to rush to get rid of last year’s inventory to make way for the newest products, so you get what was new and incredible months ago for dirt cheap. The mix: Labor Day sales signify that our precious summer is almost over.
Summer may almost be over, but we’ve got until September 22 until the fat lady sings. So let’s focus on the blessings:
- Black Diamond Epic Sale (August 23-September 1): The Epic Sale features “up to 30% off nearly everything,” but the emphasis here should be on the “up to”–most gear is not 30% off. Still, there are some Good deals in this sale on climbing gear, ski gear, and mountain gear; you just have to find them.
- The Wilderness Exchange: The Wilderness Exchange usually has plenty of Good gear on sale (such as tents, sleeping bags, and climbing shoes), and here’s a link to 10% off any one item–even if it is already discounted (valid through August 29). Follow Wilderness Exchange’s Facebook page to stay on top of their frequent Good deals.
- REI Labor Day Sale and Clearance (August 27-September 6): REI’s Labor Day Sale and Clearance has Good deals in nearly every store category: 15-25% off bikes and bike gear, up to 30% off camping gear, 15-30% off water sports gear, 25% off Clif and Luna bars, special deals on skis and boards (Denver store only), and much more.
- SNIAGRAB 2010 from Sports Authority (starting September 4): Save up to 75% off ’09-’10 boards, skis, outerwear, and accessories. This sale is full of steep discounts–but be sure to get to the store early to get the best deals. If you are out of town for Labor Day weekend, have no fear: this will be the first year ever that SNIAGRAB will also be online.
- The Epic Pass: The Epic Pass is perfectly named. It gives you unlimited ski/snowboard access to Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Basin, and Heavenly for $599–totally epic. There also is a new Epic 7-Pack, which gives you (or probably a friend/family member planning a vacation) seven days of access to the same six mountains for $449. The Summit Pass, which was around last year, gives you unlimited skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone, and A-Basin for $409.* If last year is any indicator, you will probably be able to purchase these passes into late November, but don’t push your luck–get yours now while the price is guaranteed. We highly recommend the Epic Pass.
- The Colorado Pass: The Colorado Pass gives you unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin, and 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek (excluding blackout dates). This pass will go on sale starting September 3 for $449. *If you are considering purchasing the Summit Pass, consider this: for less than half of the cost of one day pass at Vail or Beaver Creek you can get 10 days of skiing at either by purchasing the Colorado Pass instead.
The next two deals could bless us a little more. But if you can put them to Good use, bon voyage!
- Frontier Airlines Labor Day Holiday Sale: If you want to fly on the Saturday or Sunday before Labor Day or the Wednesday after it, then this sale is for you. Frontier has flights from $49 to $129 one-way for travel on September 4, 5, and 8. Tickets must be purchased by September 3.
- United Airlines Discounted First-Class Tickets and Summer Deals : United is currently offering discounted first-class tickets to and from Denver (a 7-day advance round-trip purchase is required and travel must be complete by September 30). United also has summer deals to/from Denver from $49 one-way (tickets must be purchased 14-21 days in advance and travel on a Sunday is a no-go).
Finally, don’t forget about 30% off Gap, Gap Outlet, Gap Factory Store, The Gap Generation, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Old Navy August 26-August 29 with 5% of your purchase being donated to Teach For America.
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Did you know? Denver is predicted to be the fourth-most visited U.S. city on Labor Day weekend.
