Snow is already falling in the American West and some lifts could be spinning by the end of October — which makes now a smart moment to upgrade your kit before full winter pricing kicks in. Outdoor retailer Evo has launched its anniversary sale, and Ski Magazine's editors have pulled out the eight deals worth a look. There's a bonus too: Evo members get 20 percent off one full-priced item.
The headline picks span the whole quiver. Skiers after one do-everything women's ski can grab the Rossignol Rallybird, which won Ski's 2026 All-Mountain Wide category thanks to its versatility in crud and mixed conditions. For experts, the Völkl M7 Mantra is 30 percent off — a demanding, powerful ride the testers say isn't for everyone but rewards strong skiers — while the Blizzard Anomaly 102 gets a nod as a more forgiving alternative to the famous Cochise, with a rocker-camber-rocker profile that floats in powder without folding in chopped-up snow.
Backcountry travellers get a particularly good deal: last year's Atomic Backland, ranked the best women's backcountry ski in the 2027 gear guide, is over $300 off. Its poplar-and-caruba core keeps swing weight low for the uphill, and 55 percent camber with a 108mm waist handles the descent. The Head Kore line — titanium-laminate construction, poplar and PET wood core — rounds out the ski picks as a balanced all-rounder that's slightly softer than rivals.
Outerwear and small stuff matter just as much when you're out all day. The Stio Figment shell from Jackson, Wyoming is a classic cut with 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability, a helmet-compatible hood, five pockets and water-resistant YKK zippers, with several colours and sizes still in stock at the time of writing. On the hands, Hestra's Fall Line gloves and mittens were just named 'most rugged' in the 2027 guide — cowhide leather, neoprene cuffs, and a fit testers say improves the more you wear them. Editors also stock up on Smartwool ski socks whenever they're discounted, praising the targeted cushioning over shin, toe and heel that keeps high-performance boots from feeling crowded.
Why it matters: good ski gear rarely gets cheap mid-season, so anniversary-sale timing is when savvy buyers lock in testers' favourites — including a few award winners — at meaningful discounts. If you're planning a North American ski trip this winter, kitting out before the season properly starts could save you hundreds, especially on the discounted Backland and the Mantra.
