Ski shopping in autumn usually means paying full whack for the latest models. Not this year. Minimum advertised pricing rules have just expired on 2026 skis, which means retailers can discount last season's skis freely — and since many are identical to the new 2027 versions apart from the graphics, the savings are hard to argue with. Ski Magazine has pulled together seven deals, each up to half off and each put through its test programme.
The headline bargain is the Fischer Ranger 108, now $400, down from $900. It took top flotation honours at the Deer Valley test thanks to a wide tip and soft flex, handles wet powder and corn with ease, and is friendly enough for intermediates while staying playful for aggressive skiers — just don't expect it to shine on icy mornings.
Another big cut is the Rossignol Soul 102, a three-time winner of the all-mountain wide category, at $580 with NX 12 Konect bindings (was $950). Light and forgiving for strong intermediates but damp and stable enough for experts, one tester called it a 'hero ski'.
Big-mountain chargers should look at the Dynastar M-Free 100, a tamer take on the M-Free 108 that patrollers and freeride pros favour. A stiffer Hybrid Core 2.0 sharpens grip on hardpack, and it's surprisingly nimble in bumps — though it's genuinely heavy, so lighter skiers may struggle.
For soft-snow fun, the Atomic Bent 100 pairs Chris Benchetler's artwork with a light wood core, 100mm waist and generous rocker, making it effortless to ski in fresh snow. It's not built for ice or crud, but as a powder-day toy it's a blast. The Atomic Maven 94 CTi takes the playful route too — exceptional in bumps and soft snow with a lively tail, though East Coast skiers may find the soft tip loose on groomers.
Frontside skiers get two options: the Head Kore 87 Ti W, voted 'best confidence booster' at Deer Valley for its forgiving, balanced feel, and the Line Optic 96, the first Line all-mountain ski to impress testers, with Titanal in the core for tenacious edge grip on groomers and a playful, directional shape — a smart pick for ex-park skiers wanting one-ski versatility.
Why it matters: this is the second-best buying window of the year after summer. If you're booking a winter trip and your gear is a decade old, picking up last year's tester-approved ski at 40–50% off is the easiest upgrade going. Just buy soon — discounted lengths tend to disappear once the season starts.
