Just as the Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in the Tahoe Basin, it also heralds the arrival of some killer deals for the approaching winter ski and snowboard season as various resorts and towns host annual "tent" sales.

Down in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly, for the 26th consecutive year, is conducting its massive bargain bin at the resort's California Lodge. For three days (Sept. 1-3), winter sports enthusiasts can rummage through stacks and racks of overstocked, used and/or demo ski and snowboard gear and apparel, with savings up to 75 percent off on such top brands as Salomon, Atomic, Burton, Oakley, Lange, Patagonia and North Face. New gear also will be available at a discount.

On the northwest side of the lake, Tahoe City will host a Weekend Sidewalk Sale, with local winter-sports merchants, including Dave's Skis and Boards and Alpenglow Sports, selling gear and apparel at big discounts on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Other Tahoe City shops that aren't necessarily ski/snowboard-related will be offering end-of-season specials as well.

Northstar resort will have factory reps on hand to discuss gear and offer huge savings on such noted manufacturers as Salomon, Burton, Atomic, Line, Armada, Dalbello, Spyder, Scott, Volkl, Bonfire and Giro at its three-day tent sale in the Village.

The Village at Squaw Valley will be the site of a four-day (Friday-Monday) winter and summer gear and apparel sale, with discounts as much as 80 percent off on many top-name brands.

And Sugar Bowl will clear out its inventory of skis, snowboards, boots, clothing and accessories with a three-day sale at the Truckee High School parking lot from Saturday to Monday.