The 10 Best Places To Buy Cheap and Used Ski Gear

3. Patagonia Worn Wear

Launched in 2012, Worn Wear is the used gear hub of Patagonia, covering the brand’s outdoor staples like fleeces, hoodies, and, yes, ski jackets.

When buying an item here, make note of the condition: “good,” “great,” or “excellent.” While Patagonia states that everything available on Worn Wear is fully functional, some pieces of gear might have signs of repair or use, which, to us, isn’t always a drawback — we think a bit of love adds character. If you live in the U.S., you can begin the Worn Wear gear submission process through Patagonia’s online portal.

4. Facebook Marketplace

It’s tried and true. Whether you’re looking for a fish tank, a 3D printer, or skis, Facebook Marketplace is always worth checking out. While Facebook might be an increasingly irrelevant social media application—sorry, Mark Zuckerberg; at least Meta still has Instagram—its buying and selling platform is still a useful tool in the hunt for bargains.

5. Craigslist

Craigslist has a seedy rap. Why? We’re not totally sure. In practice, it’s not so much different than Facebook Marketplace, where, as always, caution should be used when engaging and eventually interacting with people you meet on the internet in real life.

Regardless, the website is a solid stop in the ski thrift circuit—you’ll probably have the best luck if you live in a mountain town like Jackson or Bozeman, where used gear is plentiful. There’s an added bonus to Craigslist, too. During your online visit, stop by the Missed Connections page to read about some juicy meet-cutes that didn’t quite work out.

6. Used Gear Brick and Mortar Stores

Despite the prevalence of iPhones, laptops, and VR goggles, plenty of used gear action is going on outside the metaverse. In cities throughout the U.S., there are brick-and-mortar stores that specialize in buying and selling used outdoor gear. Finding a store that’s specific to your location will take some sniffing around, but the payoff is worth it, as certain items, like ski boots, are best tried on and purchased in person.

7. Ski Swaps

Each fall, as winter approaches, various organizations hold ski swaps. Oftentimes, they’re run to help raise funds for a good cause, like a team of ski patrollers or a local high school. The draw of ski swaps isn’t just about improving your karmic debt, though—they also function as places to score deep ski gear discounts.

In many cases, these events function like a consignment store. Sellers register their gear with whoever’s running the ski swap, and the hosts take a percentage of the sale. Then, buyers arrive in pursuit of steals. Should you find yourself missing a piece of your loadout ahead of the ski season, do some research to see if there’s a ski swap in your area—you might walk away from the event with your new favorite pair of boots or skis.

Know this, though—ski swaps have a reputation for being chaotic as gear-hungry skiers clamor for the best deals. Before you arrive, make sure your plan of attack is solidified.

8. Geartrade

Geartrade takes the used equipment ski swap bazaar and makes it digital. The company, which was founded in 1999, operates a gear-selling consignment marketplace that services buyers and sellers. You can ship in your gear and have GearTrade make a listing, or you can browse the site with the goal of obtaining some used, cheaper-than-new ski kit.

9. Friends

“Friends” isn’t some hidden, nearly unknown gear-selling and buying platform—we’re literally talking about your friends. In the market for some ski boots? Ask around. Maybe your buddy has a pair they’re looking to pawn off.

If no one bites in your immediate circle, go bigger. Perhaps a friend of a friend can cut you a deal. Generally speaking, people you’re already familiar with will be inclined to let go of their old gear at a lower rate. A good old-fashioned “is someone offering” post on your Instagram story could go a long way.

10. Arc’Teryx ReGear

Arc’Teryx, like Patagonia, accepts and resells used gear through its ReGear program. Items submitted to ReGear have been refurbished by the brand, so you don’t need to worry about buying something that’s been torn to shreds. Arc’Teryx’s reputation for making bomb-proof equipment adds to the allure. One thing to keep in mind, though—Arc’Teryx is one of the pricier ski outerwear manufacturers out there, so don’t visit ReGear expecting to find a Gore-Tex jacket for $100.