Black Friday winter sports and skiing

What the Black Friday of winter sports contains

During the event, discounted ski and snow gear is spread across seven pages. Each page has its filters for size, gender, and brand. Before the first runs, check your gear: it's often a scratched goggle or ripped gloves that ruin a day.

Seven pages to gear up before the first snows

• Ski jackets: insulated jackets, waterproof shells, and kids' models.
• Ski trousers: trousers and salopettes for the slopes as well as off-piste.
• Ski goggles: lenses for bright sunshine, whiteout conditions, or both.
• Gloves: ski gloves and mittens, warm and waterproof.
• Ski suits: especially for kids, who stay dry even after a fall in the powder.
• : ski boots, snowboard boots, après-ski, and winter boots.
• Ski helmets: for adults and children, to pair with your goggles.

Reading the label on a ski jacket

Two numbers appear on ski jackets and trousers. Waterproofing, measured in millimetres, indicates how much water pressure the fabric can withstand: the higher it is, the drier you'll stay under wet snow. Breathability, measured in grams, indicates how much moisture the fabric allows to escape: it matters as soon as you exert yourself.

Also, check the details: taped seams, snow skirts, hood compatible with a helmet, dedicated pocket for the pass, and underarm vents.

Goggles and helmet, a duo to match

A goggle is chosen based on the light conditions. Low category lenses brighten the terrain in overcast weather; high categories protect from bright sun and glare. A versatile or interchangeable lens avoids having to choose.

Always try the goggle with your helmet: it shouldn't leave any gap on your forehead, otherwise the cold gets in and fogging occurs.

Helly Hansen, Reusch, Peak Mountain: the cold specialists

Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand founded by a sea captain, is a reference for ski jackets. Its Alpha Lifaloft combines its LIFA technology with PrimaLoft insulation to keep warmth without adding weight. Peak Mountain outfits the whole family for the slopes, from jackets and trousers to kids' suits.

Reusch, a manufacturer founded in Germany in the 1930s, has made the ski glove its specialty. Dare 2B, a British brand from the Regatta group, offers technical ski jackets and trousers. And Whistler completes the selection with its jackets, trousers, and goggles for the slopes.

After the Black Friday, where to find cheaper ski gear

Once the event is over, the winter sports clearance gathers end-of-line items. In the midst of the season, the winter sports sales page will take over.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a warm and cheap ski jacket?

On the ski jackets page. If you often feel cold, aim for an insulated jacket; if you ski for hiking or in mild weather, a shell to wear over a fleece is more versatile.

Ski trousers or salopette: which one should I take?

The salopette protects the lower back and prevents snow from getting in during falls, a real plus in powder and for kids. The trousers are simpler to put on and take off. Both are on the ski trousers page.

Cheap ski goggles: can you wear them with glasses?

Yes, as long as you choose a model designed for it, called OTG, which is deeper and cut on the sides to allow for the frames. Look for this mention on the ski goggles page.

Discount ski suit for children: what size to take?

Take the size that corresponds to the child's current stature, possibly the next size up if they are at the upper limit, but not more: a suit that's too big lets in the cold. The selection is on the ski suits page.

Gloves or mittens for skiing?

Mittens are warmer because the fingers warm each other. Gloves allow for more precision to adjust bindings or hold poles. Compare both on the gloves page.