REI is having a rare winter sale on skis — save up to 40% before they sell out

If you ski regularly, it's understandable that you would want to buy your own pair at some point. After all, frequent rentals can add up over time, and having your own set means you can head straight for the mountain. But skis are an investment, so you'll want to get it right the first time.

At baseline, you'll want to choose skis that are the right length for your height, which typically translates to skis that hit between your chin and the top of your head when you hold them upright. Beginner skiers tend to prefer shorter skis, whereas their advanced counterparts like longer versions. Ski width is a factor, too. Narrower skis can give you faster edge-to-edge turns, and wider skis help you handle powder better.

Ready to invest in your own pair? These skis are on rare sale to leave you a little left over for your next lift ticket.

Coalition Snow SOS All-Mountain Skis

$599$749Save $150

Made for taller or more advanced skiers, these Coalition Snow skis are gorgeous.

$599 at REI

K2 Mindbender 85 Alliance Skis

$240$400Save $160

At $240 a pop, these skis are the right price — and height — for many skiers.

$240 at REI

Armada Trace 88 Skis

$360$600Save $240

These skis are lightweight and slim, allowing you to have more control as you cruise down the slopes.

$360 at REI

These Coalition Snow skis are 180 centimeters in length, making them a good option for taller skiers or those who are more advanced. They feature birch cores to absorb vibrations and a mid-width for all downhill conditions. A longer sidecut in the tips and tails helps keep your skis in line; a shorter underfoot radius makes for good carving.

"I ski in Whistler, and these are the perfect skis for the coast snow," shared a happy shopper. "I love how they float through powder, and they look good too!"

K2's Mindbender 85 Alliance skis are 163 centimeters long, making them a good fit for most adult skiers. They're specially designed for intermediate skiers who want to handle more adventurous slopes. These skis also have an all-terrain rocker profile to let you effortlessly handle a slew of powder conditions.

At 172 centimeters, the Armada Trace 88s are a good fit for many adult skiers. They're specially designed to be light and slim, so you can carve down the mountain with speed. A lightweight edge helps keep you fast on turns and uphills, while adaptive mesh helps you work your way through all types of snow.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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