Summer isn’t even officially over, but that doesn’t mean Colorado’s snow riders aren’t already planning for powder.

Labor Day weekend marks a key moment in the skiing off-season when big sales can mean big savings, and season passes go on sale. So while the temperatures hover in the high 80s this weekend and Colorado’s mountains still bask in sunshine, it may be a good idea to check out some of these events.

Sniagrab

This sale was started in 1954 by using the word “bargains” spelled backward, and it has grown into a two-month sale that attracts nearly 30,000 deal-hunting skiers and snowboarders.

This year’s sale begins Saturday, and the best deals will be available early. The main location for Sniagrab is at the Denver Sports Castle Sports Authority, but there are several other participating Sports Authority locations around Colorado, including the Boulder store at 3320 N. 28th St.

In addition to the sale, the Denver event will feature promotional tents and food vendors. Tents will also be set up at the Boulder store during Labor Day Weekend.

While the best deals — including some gear at 70 percent off — will be available Labor Day weekend, the sale will continue in Boulder through Sept. 28.

Ski Rex

The Ski Rex tent sale also is this weekend at Colorado Ski & Golf and Boulder Ski Deals stores around the state. It will also be a good chance for skiers and snowboarders to find cheap gear, months before the big snows hit.

While buying new equipment, old equipment in good shape can be dropped off to benefit charitable programs. And even banged-up gear will be transported to a facility where it will be recycled. A purchase isn’t required to participate in the recycling effort.

The only Ski Rex location in Boulder is at Boulder Ski Deals, 2525 Arapahoe Ave. The store opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, and this sale only lasts through Monday.

Season pass sales

Vail Resorts begins offering three different passes — including Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Beaver Creek — ranging from $399 to $579 this weekend.

Those passes will only be available at the Denver Sniagrab and the Ski Rex sale at the Colorado Ski & Golf in Aurora. The passes can only be purchased in person but will be available at several other locations after Labor Day weekend, including Boulder Ski Deals. They can also be purchased at the Boulder REI store on 28th Street, but only Fridays through Sundays after this weekend.

Visit www.snow.com for more information on the Vail Resorts passes.

Variations of the Rocky Mountain Pass — which includes Winter Park, Copper Mountain and Steamboat — are also on sale. Those range in price from $399 to $1,329 and will also be available at Sniagrab in Denver this weekend.

Eldora Mountain Resort, Boulder County’s only ski area, will be selling its various passes at Denver Sniagrab and the Aurora Ski Rex over Labor Day weekend as well. Snow riders can buy a three-pack of lift tickets for $89 or adult season passes for the early season rate of $399. Pass holders will have the chance to buy a five-pack of lift tickets to Steamboat for $129 until Oct. 12.