• expired

The Great Annual ALDI Snow Gear Sale - Saturday 17 May - from $1.99 - [UPDATED]

1160

UPDATE: This offer is now available on the ALDI website, the deal now links there. Original link

G'day guys and girls, I know many of you have been hanging out for this ridiculous sale, so I've uploaded the catalogue ASAP. I've scanned all the (useful) pages for your perusal.

Looks like ALDI has a very wide range of items available this year. I would recommend heading in very early next Saturday as the best items in terms of quality and price will sell out (scroll down to find out which ones to look for).

ALDI is known for having some fantastic quality products but they also have some real lemons. Fortunately, though, there are an abundance of ALDI stores in Australia and their warranty replacement is (in my experience) generous and hassle-free.

I have not personally purchased their snow gear before but I'll be making the most of these super cheap prices before going to Queenstown in July.

Let me know if I have missed any details and I will fix it up. As per usual with their Special Buys, this is available while stocks last.

Enjoy!

List of available items:

  • Jackets & Pants, Ski & Board $40-$100
  • Skull Caps and Balaclavas $10
  • Touchscreen Gloves $10
  • Softshell Jackets and Pants $40-$60
  • Knit Jumpers $25-$40
  • Kids Jackets, Pants, Ski & Board $25-$40
  • Beanies, Scarves, Various Fleece Accessories $4-$6
  • Tops - Roll Neck, Midlayer Fleece, Merino $8-$40
  • Adults & Kids Thermal Underwear $15-$25
  • Ski Compression Underwear $12-$17
  • Merino Thermal Underwear $30
  • Snowboard Padded Shorts $35 (lol)
  • Thermoboots $20-$30
  • Merino Wool & Thermolite Ski Socks $8
  • Ski & Snowboard Carrier (for roof racks) $60
  • Walkie Talkie $35
  • Extra Large Shopping Bag $2
  • Snow Chains $40
  • Kids Ski Socks $6
  • Ski Goggles - come with lenses for cloudy and blue bird days, and a pouch $16
  • Adults and Kids Helmets $25-$30
  • Gloves and Mittens $7-$13

Some advice, although this may or may not be correct.. If you usually shop at an ALDI in a medium to high socioeconomic area, perhaps go to an ALDI in a lower socioeconomic area, as people who shop at these stores are perhaps less likely to go to the snow… You may have a better chance at getting the item you are after.

EDIT: Lots more excellent in the advice in the comments, highly recommend you read through.

Quick-fire tips:
  • Go to a store located in an older community as elderly people aren't super interested
  • The INOC gear represents incredible value for the ratings they carry
  • The goggles are worth about $15. That's it. You get what you pay for.
  • I have heard good and bad about the shoes, if you don't take them on the snow though they are apparently excellent hiking boots for an insane price.
  • Thermals and jackets go first. You've been warned!
  • Snow chains are lightweight but perfect for those days when you need to carry by law.
  • If you're fashion conscious don't get the ski jacket. Half of the people on the slopes will be wearing the exact same jacket as you… :)

Related Stores

ALDI
ALDI

closed Comments

  • +16

    Prepare for battle everyone.

      • +7

        Hi astrodude,

        To add to your comment about which stores to go to, I have found stores in areas with older people who are less likely to undertake highly active sports, may be suitable when looking for specials such as these. That means avoiding some of the newly developed areas and seeking Aldi in older more established residential areas. Conversely these are the areas to avoid on aged care specials week! Interestingly areas with a high dependency on Centrelink benefits may actually sell out quickly as these people need to budget carefully to afford holiday and luxury items such as these. Also the bigger Aldi stores - those that are longer and with more than 4 aisles - receive more merchandise. These stores are not always in areas of highest demand, just newer stores after the Aldi concept became more established. There are so many items this year in a large number of colourways so the smaller stores will have issues trying to display all this stuff. I suspect they will have to lower prices of previous weeks left over merchandise to make space which may be good for those waiting on further reduced merchandise. Hope this helps someone in their "battle".

    • +5

      The real Hunger Games.

      • +1

        Looks like there's an avalanche of bargains in this deal

  • +11

    Bought multiple items in the same sale a couple of years ago. Good quality thermals. Snow shoes were meh. I was only was able to get a bright neon yellow ski jacket. It was highly amusing how many people on the NZ slopes were sporting the exact same jacket.

    • This is what I'm afraid of. You can get away with the socks, scarves and gloves though. Goggles, I don't think I'll get those..

    • +2

      I got the snow shoes. Admittedly I haven't used them on snow, but they're amazing for winter-time hiking. Super light, flexible, water-proof, tonnes of grip and super comfy. Had strangers complement how cool they look. Been taken for a lot of hiking and still going strong. Were a complete bargain for $30. I'm buying another pair in case I overuse my current pair.

  • +6

    You need to be very brave to tackle all the school mums for snow gear at opening time.

    • +2

      what, u mean thats why i send my wife, the high school mum, to go hunting for good gear for all of us!

      bring it on…

  • Any feedback on their goggles or helmets?

    • Are you going anywhere in particular this season?

    • +4

      Bought the goggles last year. They're much cheaper than the name brands. The fit was good, but the visibility is poorer compared to name brands. It was OK for beginners, and OK in good conditions; once it began snowing, couldn't see much. Tried a name-brand one, and it was much clearer. So, can recommend for beginners, as they are not completely useless. Helmets same, they do the job, the fit is OK, but nowhere near as comfortable or padded as name-branded ones. We had a few big stacks with the helmets, and the skier survived haha.

      I would also check out Costco for goggles. They had some branded ones (can't remember the brand) for about $50 that were very good; clear vision, no fog, comfortable fit, overall better than Aldi.

      • +2

        Good review. Thanks. Sounds like typical Aldi products, OK for basic tasks, wouldn't touch them for anything serious

        • +10

          I've survived incredibly well for two seasons on my Aldi gear, heading into a third season. It's great gear, keeps me warm and dry every day. Every last bit of kit I have is from Aldi (except not goggles anymore. They were actually really decent until I lost them).

          I'm resort staff, so I use it literally every day on the slopes for 15-18 weeks PER SEASON. So I know what I'm taking about, I'm not your average punter. I need to re-waterproof my gear after the season, but thats to be expected with all gear in constant use.

          My two cents.

      • Did exactly the same on goggles. Ended up taking them off first day and using nothing. 0 peripheral vision. Chance of skiing into someone was too high. I suck at the snow btw haha.

      • +3

        Costco have Bolle goggles ($43) and helmets ($75)

      • +2

        i bought two pairs of Smiths optics' phenom last year from Amazon for less than $50 in total including shipping (two pairs). they are far better than aldi's.

        as to helmet, i do NOT agree with janeymac AT ALL. we use smith's variant brim. i tried all the other cheaper models of smith's. the reason i chose variant brim is it looked the best. however, the perfect fit was from a cheap model.

        the quality of aldi's helmets seems good (never used one). you have to try it on yourself to know if it is comfortable or not. if it doesnt stay on your head comfortably, most of time, it is just because you get a wrong size. another major reason is it doesnt fit your head shape. i like smiths and giro, but had horrible experience with red and uvex.

        • Ya, the helmets did the job, but I would suggest trying on in the store before purchasing. They were no better or worse than the rental helmets, in terms of comfort and padding. In fact, some ski hire places in NSW (even the cheaper big warehouses) actually have free rental of helmets with ski hire. I would consider this option, too, before I bought a helmet.

    • +3

      Goggles are worth spending extra on, cheapies (as I assume the Aldi ones will be) generally have poor peripheral vision and fog up quickly and badly.

      Catch of the day had some good offers on snow goggles a couple of weeks ago, they seem look to still have some stock. I own several pairs of Electric EG2s bought from them for $100 last year. Highly recommended - I have big problems with goggles fogging up (been through probably ten different brands and spent well over $2000 on them over the years) and my EG2s are by far the best I've ever owned.

      Eg: https://www.catchoftheday.com.au/product/electric-eg2-snow-g…
      http://www.catchoftheday.com.au/product/electric-eg2-parker-…

      • The EG2s have amazing peripheral vision as well.. Probably the best in class.

  • +1

    I saw some of their Inoc snow gear last year (jacket and pants). From memory it had 20k/20k waterproof/breathability rating. Jacket was about $80 - including a removable liner.

    That is INCREDIBLE value for those ratings. It also looked almost identical from a $450 snowboarding jacket I had already from the 686 brand - likely came from exactly the same factory.

    You'd normally pay $450+ dollars for those waterproof and breathability ratings.

    Looks like they have it again this year: http://imgur.com/a/P1FUW

    • Yeah i've been very happy with the ski jacket i got last year, is great quality. Even the softshell ski jacket i got the year before was excellent.

      Im all sorted, so no need for me to attend this years fight to the death sale.

    • +1

      if you paid $450 for these jackets, you probably dont know the right places to buy these branded stuff. my Mountain Hardware stuff only cost less than $300. they are certainly top of the line.

  • How about the Snow Chains, was looking at buying some Aldi ones off ebay a few months ago, but heard/read along the way that they weren't considered to meet the legal requirements in some Vic resorts.

    • The snow chains are light weight but good enough for a occasional light use. Plus last years chains were a bit fiddly to fit. Worth practicing before you head up.

      They are perfect for the days when you need to carry chains but don't actually have to use them and this can be quite often.
      Baw Baw is a real pain because you have to carry chains even when it's bone dry on the road. And even if you have a 4WD.

      Chain hire is about $35 bucks and they cost $40 to buy from Aldi so two days at the snow and you are already ahead.

      Just make sure that they are diamond patten as any other type of pattern is now prohibited in Victoria. Last years chains were diamond pattern.

      • The snow chain law is the same for most resorts in both NSW and VIC. However, 4WD's are exempt in NSW.

        • how about AWD?

        • Further down in the thread it says no.

        • AWD are exempt too from carrying chains in NSW (ie. to Thredbo and Perisher)

    • http://www.mthotham.com.au/plan-my-trip/travel-to-hotham/by-…

      The actual signed determination/condition of resort entry:
      http://www.mthotham.com.au/plan-my-trip/travel-to-hotham/by-…

      Extract: Diamond pattern chains are now mandatory for all vehicles entering the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort. Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are not permitted to be used at any time.

      Looks like the Aldi ones fit the 'new' Hotham rules so I would be surprised if other resorts didn't allow them.

  • Can you please confirm if Aldi are selling ski roller bags this year? Last year they were $40, hoping they are this year too!! It's the one item I need…

    • +2

      The ones last year that looked like DoucheBags?
      I bought one and took it back the day after. They're terrible as you cannot adjust the size like the original douchebag so when you roll it around it sags terribly where there is no rigidity from your gear.
      If your gear is long enough to fit the entire bag then they will be fine, if not, go for something better.
      I bought a DoucheBag a little later in the season and have not looked back. worth the money if you can afford it.

      • They look nice, but way too expensive for me.

        Honestly, I would cart my crap around in a garbage bag if there was one big enough!!

        I bought one of the Aldi ones last year, and I too returned it the next day. My skis are 153, and that bag was ridiculously huge! I am kicking myself now, however, because I need one cheap - not fancy.

        • +2

          I would cart my crap around in a garbage bag if there was one big enough

          You sir are a true Ozbargainer.

        • If I was a 'Sir' :p

        • 153? Are you skating or skiing?

        • +3

          I'm fun sized.

    • +1

      i bought a ski bag from Kathmandu last year. for merely $50, it was/is a fantastic bag!! Kathmandu, only when it is on real sale!

      • What month did you buy it?

        • +1

          we went to mt hutt in aug, iirc i bought the bag in july.

    • Bought on of these last year and it's terrible. No rigidity built into the bag, so it sags badly and the should strap didn't even make it through the airport to check-in (on the way out the first time) before giving way.

      • Are you selling what remains of it? Please PM me if you are :)
        All I need it for is to travel on a train for 8 hours. I'm sure it will last for me!

  • +2

    Or if anyone has one from last year they could sell to me? Looking for something cheap to cart my crap there and back (I'm resort staff) :)

  • I'm gonna check out the quality of the Beanies.

  • Edit: Nevermind, didn't realise there was 2 dates on the front cover

  • +1
    • Skull Caps and Balaclavas $10

    The jews of OzBargain will be warm this winter.

    • +3

      But deep down, aren't we all Jews?

      • +2

        Of course! I think I got negged because I forgot to capitalise the word "Jews". Hopefully a mod will fix it for me as I can't edit the post anymore.

  • +4

    I am still having nightmares from last year's sales. About 100 people (and kids!) descended on our local ALDI store at opening time, all scrummaging through (and trying on) the winter gear.

    The jackets were typically the first to go followed by the thermals…. so be warned.

  • https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/143448 to win Oakley snow goggles

  • +1

    Huge thumbs up!!

  • Last year I bought one of their "INOC" Soft Shell jackets, they are amazing. Did spend all last season on mountain and it was suitable for most conditions aside from very very wet and snowy.
    The one thing that was most prevalent was that the inner cuffs had thumb holes so that they would not ride up and kept snow out - very useful and makes for a much better experience. only gripe I had was that the velcro on the cuffs was not the best, but definitely worth the purchase.
    Will likely buy one of the 'premium' jackets this year and see now they go :)

  • Can someone clarify, is the 'Inoc premium gear' two separate pieces, one a hardshell that can be worn on warmer days, and then a soft shell mid layer that can be worn if needed?

    Thanks

    • +2

      It does say "removeable inner jacket"" on the INOC page, however if you want to be sure go in to the store and see for yourself. By the time you've decided someone might've grabbed the one you're holding and paid for it though… :)

      • Yep, becareful not to fall for the old tap-on-the-opposite-shoulder-distraction technique!

  • Do they have any mini skis? I couldn't be arsed carrying skis and poles everywhere.

  • +4

    Well last year i pretty much bought all the main items, here are the reviews:

    Jacket: Very warm and functional [Recommend]
    Shoes: Warm (even too warm lol), loads of grip and light as [Recommend]
    Thermals: Very warm & Functional, I even use in cold morning and sleeping [Recommend]
    Socks: Love them and comfy [Recommend]
    Mid Layer Merino Top: Quality wasnt great (not fine merino) but very warm and functional [Recommend]
    Gloves: Became quite wet quickly, [Don't Recommend]
    Pants: Went to the slopes twice last year, I'm a noob and spent a lot of time on my ass (about 15-20min total after lessons etc) and they became drenched, mate that had another pair from Rebel was fine and spent identical ass time [Don't Recommend]

    • The different ranges have different waterproofing levels and Aussie snow conditions are often quite wet so if you fall down a lot the soft shell pants and jacket are not going to do it for you. Go for the more waterproof ranges.

      Walkie-talkies - limited range and seemed to only really work well when you had line of sight.
      Helmets - This years looks a little different but last years was good

      Other items we purchased, INOC standard pants, INOC standard jacket, gloves, boots, goggles, thermals,mask. All good quality for price and performed well. Only negative would be that the zips are low end and can jam occasionally.

      • Yeah i did, 12k rating not the 5k..

        • +1

          Sounds about right - It doesn't take a lot for the 12K to get wet. Maybe you need to go the 20K ?

          Or perhaps you'll have improved so much this year that you don't fall down as often. Makes a huge difference.

          I've got the 12K myself. Last year's 20K pants were pretty good but they had no insulation so you needed to wear thermals..

        • yeah i ended up buying the 20k today :)

  • Walkies any good?

  • +1

    These winter gear sales at Aldi remind me of Boxing Day. So stressful and degrading having to rush about at opening time to pick something up, but a lot of people seem to like and even enjoy this stressful shopping.

    While some of the items are designed for skiiers, a lot of the items are useful winter clothing for those of us without heated residences (beanies, thermal underwear, softshell jackets, etc).

  • +1

    Hey, hey! No laughing on the padded shorts. They're sorely needed for the Australian ice conditions.

  • didnt know they even sell snow chain. we are planning to ski in australia this year, so probably will drive our own car. anyone can comment if we do need snow chains? my car is AWD. thanks.

    • No chains needed with AWD :)

      • thanks.

        • +1

          Pretty sure you need to at least Carry Chains in Victoria , however usually chains are only required to be fitted on 2WD cars, and only in bad conditions are they required on AWD/4WD.

    • Resorts will vary so check the requirements for the mountain that you are going to.
      EG

      Buller
      Mt Buller's wheel chain requirements are decided on a daily basis and are determined by weather forecasts and existing road conditions. Chain requirements may vary between 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) and 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, as each of these types of cars react differently to snow and icy road conditions.

      Baw Baw
      Chains must be carried during the declared snow season REGARDLESS of snow conditions (07 June- 30 September)
      You WILL be denied access to the Resort if you do not have wheel chains so be sure to plan where you are going to hire chains if you do not own any.

      Thredbo (not all that helpful)
      The roads are clear for most of the year, but when the big snowfalls hit, chains may be required for 2 wheel drives

      • ive never ever once been asked for chains when i drive my jeep grand cherokee 4wd.

        in fact, thats the reason i bought a 4wd…

      • it seems i should grab a pair no matter what.

        • @AlwaysEric - Correct.

          I've NEVER had to put chains on but I have ALWAYS been asked if I am carrying chains when the conditions required or if I am staying overnight. For one resort I even had to bring them out.

          If you stay overnight on the mountain then chains a very likely mandatory regardless of the existing conditions. Check the policy of the mountain before you go.

          If you are going to the snow a bit you could invest in some quality chains for around $200-$300 bucks but as per my comment above I've never had to put mine on since resort management everywhere work hard to keep the roads clear.

          @Sachz
          Chain requirements vary from location to location
          If you bought a 4WD to void buying chains then you might be disappointed.
          Does not matter if you have 4WD/AWD. I also have a 4WD.

          From the Falls Creek site
          Chains:
          During the snow season it is a legal requirement that all vehicles entering the resort carry snow chains. This includes AWD and 4WD vehicles.

    • +1

      In Victoria you will need to carry chains even if you don't need to fit them. Depending on conditions sometimes they require 2wd cars to fit chains but 4wd and awd don't need to fit chains, all still need to have them in the car though. Even if there is no snow on the hill it is law that you need to have chains in the car in Victoria during the season.

      I have bought chains for my last 3 cars and have only had to fit one set of chains once to one of the cars. If they are making you fit chains rejoice because it means there is good snow on the hill.

  • +1

    This sale should show record sales in Queensland so we can enjoy the snow here.

  • +3

    Avoid the rolling ski/snowboard bags if they have them. Bought one last year and it didn't even make it through the airport (on the way out) before the shoulder strap attachments gave way.

    Pants were good. Will buy some more as I've dropped some tonnage since last year and there's way too much space for snow to get in now.

  • +1

    +1 for uploading the whole catalogue for everyone to see!

    • +1

      I aim to please :)

  • +1

    CANNOT WAIT FOR THE START OF THE SNOW SEASON!

  • Lol-ing in QLD. snow stuff just usually sits and sits and sits and then is discounted.

    bought ski socks for $2 a pair last year as they weren't selling

  • Make sure you check if the snow chains fit your tyres!

    Bought a pair last year that had my tyre size listed on the box… but were way too small and did not fit at all. By the time I checked this, I had misplaced the receipt.

    Keep your receipt and make use of the 60 day return in case they don't fit.

  • +3

    I have a mate that wears these Aldi pants and loves them. I have skied in Niseko Japan, Breckenridge and Vail Colorado and last year Whistler Canada with him, all the time whilst he was proudly wearing his Aldi pants. What I would say though is that all of those places had drier snow and normally better conditions than here in Oz. Slied a weekend with him at Buller in Vic last season and his pants were leaking.

    If you are clever you can pickup great name brand stuff from the big US and UK end of season clearances now on. I normally ski in a Patagonia Brand full Goretex jacket that cost me about $150 in an end of season US sale about 2 years ago. I could go swimming in Goretex and not get wet! Look for one of the 40% off codes for Sierra Trading Post when it comes along.

    • was your friend wearing 20,000mm aldi pants?

    • I agree, now is a good time to buy from pretty much US,Japan.. ect.. If you can find decent website and prices. I think you hey what you pay for… most times..

      I like to Snowboard and always look to get good gear at cheap price. For a day/two.three any gear is ok. But I would be interested like the situation with your friend who had Aldi gear and went to the Snow for weeks or more and how they would fare?

      Thats why, I would just get socks from alid..

  • +3

    Wow. Just came back.

    It was hectic as hell LOL

  • +1

    Just got back too
    The premium jackets are brilliant, highly recommend
    Snow chains look good, I managed to get some that would fit my focus ST but a friend with a ford kuga couldn't find the right fit, not sure if the store just didn't have any
    Like the light gloves for phones, particularly for Aus mountains
    The ski fleece tops are awesome
    Oh and I also grabbed the roof rack kit, will work for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards based on size

  • +2

    Just got back from Aldi- heaps of stock left in many sizes. Picked up a non premium ski jacket and snowboarding pants, and some socks. Once the snow hits the mountain I'll give them a go.

  • I arrived 3 minutes after opening and the store was packed like crazy ! (maribyrnong Aldi)

    Managed to score the last L in the premium men's black jackets, I bet all the other sides were being tried on by parents.. so many with their kids trying on shoes lol

  • BigW are having a even bigger ski sale launch on thurs.

    Oneill jackets for $109.

  • I was surprised to go to my local Aldi on Wednesday and there was still heaps of snow gear left.

    • There's always a bit left over. The point about getting there on day 1 is so that you get the colour and size you want.

      And just to follow up on snow chains. My mate tells the story from last year. Talking to some of the law enforcement at Bright he found out that in one day they dished out more in fines for not having chains than for speeding fines in a month.

  • FYI, lots of snow gear still for sale at Castle Hill Aldi, also Blacktown, Quakers Hill and Stanhope Gardens.

Login or Join to leave a comment