Every year I get ‘accused’ of advertising for Aldi. When I wrote this satire piece people asked how much Aldi had paid me? For the record, nothing. Then I dared to reveal the Aldi range this time last year and, well, the ski industry called me all sorts of names. So, I wrote this.
Now it’s May 2018 and the Aldi Ski Sale has been announced for Saturday, May 19 and whether I reveal the range or not you can be guaranteed there will be a line up at your local Aldi. Why? Because Aldi ski gear is cost effective, great for entry level skiers, and allows many to save on outerwear so they can afford to take a ski holiday for a few days longer.
Once again, Aldi have not paid me, though I wish they would. Consider this post a public service announcement for our snow community to share the love to help introduce others to the sport we love. Most will go on to upgrade their gear and invest more money into our ski industry through retail and tourism.
This year they’ve upped the ante with their quality control with fully taped seams, waterproof ratings, breathability and wind resistance. All important factors for skiers and boarders hitting the slopes of Australia and New Zealand. Though we’d like to see more information on their sustainability, production ethics and eco conscience and are hoping that will be introduced in 2019.
The 2018 Crane ‘Snow Extreme’ line is a new range of specialist snow wear created for both casual and serious users of all ages, with high product functionality. For alpinists and hardcore users, the INOC ‘In Need of a Challenge’ range is ALDI’s premium ski apparel line for this year, suitable for all seasons and featuring superior functionality across both clothing and accessories.
I’m not saying that Aldi will have better gear than Patagonia, The North Face or other long term adventure brands that specialize in the elements. But they are affordable for the average Australian family and that makes skiing and snowboarding more accessible. Think of them as entry level training wheels outerwear to be used for a week to two every year. Those who become obsessed with snow, and who can blame them, will no doubt start to seek out other more technical focused gear as their ski and snowboard skills progress.
Until then, you can check out the full range on their website, launched today. In the meantime, check out our pick of what we think will be hot items in Aldi’s sale catalogue come May 19.
Kids and teens
Kids ski socks start at $6.99, base layers from $14.99 and jackets and pants from $29.99.
Adults
Expect base layers from $19.99, jackets and pants from $49.99.
Accessories
From goggles and helmets from $19.99 to beanies, touch screen gloves, balaclavas and more.
You can peruse the Aldi website prior to the sale but you can only purchase in person at an Aldi store from Saturday, May 19.
Well said yes I was very sectical a few years back but do buy their socks as they are very good value keep up the good work here’s to a good season in Aus
I read your Aldi article last year and again this year I’m 100% with you and find myself repeating your same arguments to people wanting to try skiing or snowboarding but scared of the ongoing costs. We aren’t entry level snow people but I will still line up at Aldi on that Saturday morning to buy thermals and socks and possibly snow boots (they have to be pink!) for the grommet who will wear them maybe 12 times over the season and then be too big for them next year. We got through a season of Aldi kids gear a couple of years ago which went on to serve another family last year. Her Aldi ski pants from last year will get her through this year. The gear is absolutely fine -and so much better than sticking yourselves or your kids into 10+ year old gear that has old or worn out technology. Ignore the haters!!
Lots of it is good and as a part time ski instructor with one of the kids’ programs here in Victoria I’d have to say the kids’ suits are excellent quality. However, there is a but….the kids’ sizes are simply, all wrong. Cuffs are way too tight and our 20 month old grand daughter (tiny) can’t fit the size 3 jacket, just too tight. If they got the sizing right it would be really good. Just a bit of constructive feedback. The quality of the manufacture is outstanding, it’s just the mis-sizing that has meant we can’t actually get value for money as we purchased several sets of various sizes last year to try and get the right size in the ‘bunfight’ that is May 19. Luckily Aldi are fairly good about returns……bit like the old ‘buy on apro’ system Myer had in the old days!
We need to welcome the “Aldi” skiers and snowboarders. These new skiers and riders save money on their gear but they still pay for lift tickets, resort entry, accommodation, ski hire and lessons. They eat in the restaurants and drink in the bars.
With a ski season as short as ours we need as many people as possible to make the resort busineses profitable. A lift company who can’t make a profit will never invest in new lifts. A restaurant or bar that doesn’t make a profit will increase prices for all of us.
We all want the slope to ourselves and to ski straight onto the lift but the only way to keep Australian skiing and riding affordable for all of us is to increase visitor numbers.
If it wasn’t for the need for full riot gear during Aldi ski sales i would take a look, while most of my gear has been acquired and upgraded to better quality over time the Aldi sales helped me get started and the gear has always been very good for the price
Well said. I wore the INOC premium ski jacket more than 100 times. I skied with it in NZ, Japan and Perisher. It was totally waterproof. I always recommend ALDI to anyone, who wants to try skiing for the first time. It is as cheap as renting. I totally agree that skiing is an expensive business and the industry would benefit from more participants. For beginners, the first ski trip can cost $1,000 because they have to rent skis/boots/helmet and pay for ski lessons on top of the regular costs of transport, accommodation, lift pass and food.
Thanks for the sensible comments, James. By the way, it’s not just new skiers who use this gear. I was a very avid skier and an instructor, but these days I’m grateful to enjoy one or two trips a season. I don’t mind being seen in a pair of ski pants that cost me fifty bucks instead of a hundred and fifty.
My Aldi pants are as good as any I have owned (better than many). My pants have done about 300 days but are still warm and dry. I will be queuing for a new oair next year. My 3 grand kids wear Aldi and it works well.