summer, the best time to find winter deals....

I've done pretty well the last few summers at getting some great gear at prices half of what they are at in season... They key is patience, and in turn you probably still spend the same amount of money as you would have but get gear that is twice as good...

Two things I was looking to pick up this summer at discounted prices, a nice pair of goggles and helmet-earphones for listening to some tunes while on the slopes...

Having a pair of old-scratched lenses, I was able to get by... and some cheap ear-bud style earphones also suited my needs for this season... But with a bit of birthday funds, I was able to snag these:

-Spy Soldier Goggles 60$ ($125+ in season)

-K2 Baseline Earphones (snap in-earflaps for my helmet) 25$ ($60 in season)
These allow me to listen to my mp3 player, walkie-talkie, or even if need be answer my cellphone without taking them out of my pockets... very handy when you are on a chairlift and you are all bundled up already...


both from REI.com, great store... great off-season deals...

Some other gear which I've mostly picked up offseason...

Looking forward to next winter already, even though this weekend -- memorial day, is often considered the official kickoff to summer....