Four ways to save this Labor Day weekend

A professional boot-fitting is essential. (File Photo)

Wachusett Mountain’s annual MTNside Labor Day sale is usually a pretty big deal. But this year, the ski area’s retail shop was forced to alter its plan a bit. 

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, those interested in attending the sale had to make reservations. The first 100 to make one received a free lift ticket for this upcoming winter, while those who spend $100 or more this weekend at the sale will receive another, so it’s clear to see why all spots have been filled.

In response, MTNside has decided to offer its Labor Day sale prices throughout the month of September. 

If you didn’t snag a reservation, no worries. There’s still plenty of other fun to be had at the Princeton mountain this holiday weekend, with a slate of bands set to perform, chairlift rides, and O’Brien’s Deck Bar and Grill serving up some end-of-summer fare and craft beers. 

But if you’re still looking to snag a deal on some equipment or apparel, there are a few other places to look this weekend. 

Gunstock Mountain Resort will hold its Labor Day weekend sale under a giant tent in the base area, on the deck, and inside the Gunstock Ski and Sport shop. Visitors should expect deals up to 80 percent off all inventory. The sale takes place Saturday-Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until all products are sold out. www.gunstock.com 

In Vermont, Killington Sports’ flagship store, at the junction of Route 4 and Killington Road, is holding its sale on Labor Day, with savings up to 60 percent off all outerwear, helmets, goggles, accessories, and more. Sale hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.killington.com. 

The annual tent sale at Stratton Mountain Resort will be located in the East Wing in the Main Base Lodge with savings of 30-50 percent off brand names like Burton, Vans, The North Face, Rossignol, Salomon, and GoPro. The sale runs Friday-Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.stratton.com 

Visitors to any of these sales should recognize that dressing rooms may not be available in the midst of the pandemic. Face masks will, of course, be required for all.