Aldi’s biggest sale day of the year is back on May 20

WINTER is coming and with the chill is the inevitable chaos at supermarket giant Aldi for their annual snow sale.

The annual Aldi snow sale sees thousands of shoppers flock in store for a bargain. Picture: Claudia Baxter

WINTER is coming.

And with the chill comes the inevitable chaos at supermarket giant Aldi, who today announced its snow sale is upon us.

The annual winter ski sale — which is its biggest day of the year — traditionally attracts thousands of shoppers across the country desperate to snap up a cool saving on snow gear.

People queue up for Aldi's annual snow gear sale in Queensland in 2016. Picture: Darren England

The German retailer’s annual sale — which has been going since 2008 — offers huge bargains on ski clothing, boots, goggles and thermal wear, generating queues that rival an iPhone launch.

Some adult ski jackets and pants, for example, retail for less than $70 each, and that makes up just a small portion of bargains available.

The supermarket — which is primarily a food and grocery store — told news.com.au the ski sale is one of its most popular and eagerly ­anticipated launches each year, outweighing Christmas and Easter.

This year, the sale will start around the country on Saturday, May 20.

The Aldi snow sale is one of the biggest days of the year for the German retail giant.

What causes shoppers to create such a stir around the event is the savings, with “high-quality” items available for as little as $6.99.

Last year, the first day of sale created chaotic scenes in stores across the country, with some shoppers pushing and shoving their way through the aisles.

Aldi’s Adult Men’s ski jacket retails for $59.99

The Kathmandu Men’s waterproof ski jacket retails for $449.98

With ski jackets ranging from $49.99 — 119.99, and thermals under $40, the ski sale often sees merchandise stripped from the shelves by eager shoppers, and the entire range of snow gear sold out within just two weeks.

One minute until doors open and the line extends around the block at @ALDIAustralia Kelvin Grove @couriermail pic.twitter.com/MwFRQfPaAn

— Rhian Deutrom (@Rhi_lani) May 13, 2016

According to The Australian, the sale of ski gear is dominated by a select few chain and private operators who often struggle to compete with Aldi’s low price point.

Keen shoppers sort through ski clothes and accessories at Aldi in Queensland hoping to grab bargains at the annual ski sale. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Traditionally, buying or even renting gear, along with chair hire, snowboards, skis and boots is an expensive ask on a family.

Australia’s ski and snow retail sector — estimated to be worth more than $2 billion a year — has now been dominated by Aldi’s annual sale. It’s created such a cult following, that the retail giant introduced a competition which gives shoppers the chance to win one of 10 Perisher weekend packages — including accommodation, ski lift passes, lessons and ski or snowboard hire.

A trolley full of ski bargains from the annual Aldi ski sale. Photo: Claudia Baxter

Speaking to The Australian, Ross Elliott the owner of Snowgum — an outdoor clothing, footwear and camping equipment retailer — said Aldi has opened up the hobby of skiing to more people who might not have considered the sport previously because of the cost.

“What I see up at ski resorts, at weekends and day trips, is people wearing more appropriate clothing now than they would have 10 years ago,” Mr Elliott said.

The Aldi brochure with some of the ski bargains available on May 20.

“And perhaps it is more accessible now as they can buy at Aldi, and so we don’t personally feel it’s having any impact on our sales.

“Families that want to go with their kids once a year to the snow. They will buy a cheaper product at Aldi, for example, and use it once a year and that’s all it will be used for.

“So (they) just buy it once when it comes to kids’ stuff. Especially as they outgrow it by next year. But it gives them the opportunity to experience a day at the snow.”