Your Guide to Thrifting Ski Gear Like a Pro

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or want to enter the bank-busting world of chasing powder, gear up without going broke.

Idon’t typically like used ski wear. No one can convince me that other people’s crotch funk comes out of all of those under-layer leggings, so even the labels that would make my friends squeal don’t get a look. But just beyond the two young women frantically scraping hangers at The Gold Mine Thrift Store in Ketchum, Idaho, I see that sweet, lightweight Patagonia layer winking at me: my size, pristine condition, a fraction of the retail price I’d been stalking. Thrifting got an instant convert.

But unless you’re on a  Macklemore-ish mission, wandering into a random thrift store won’t get the job done when you want to hit the slopes. However, some consignment stores nationwide consistently get the right flow of essentials. Add in some of the sport’s notable swaps, and getting gear and still being able to afford a lift ticket is possible. Fodor’s has you covered with what to look for, where to find it, and, in some cases, how to contribute to mountain communities along the way.

What to Look For in Used Equipment

Before you start the hunt, know what to check. Regarding gear, it’s best to team up with experts at stores or swaps who will set you up once armed with your ski level and abilities. But there are some key pieces anyone can consider.

For skis and snowboards, edges are essential. You want sharp edges of equal thickness without vertical impact breaks in the side walls. Run your hands along them–avoid bumps, bulges, and twisting. Make sure the side walls of the edges are not separating from the top or base, and the base should be smooth, without major gouges. For the bindings (where the boot connects), look for loose or missing hardware, cracks, and whether the spring settings match.

For the rest, boot fit and flexibility make or break a day. If you’re new to snow sports, work with a pro to understand the fine line of support and circulation. Otherwise, check for a good grip on the soles and structural cracks. When it comes to helmets, it’s hard to tell if they’ve taken a beating. Your head is worth it: this is a good new splurge.

If the tech terms start to overwhelm you, have no fear. All of these options have pros to help.

Where to Find Ski Gear

Sun Valley–Ketchum, Idaho

Sun Valley, “America’s First Destination Ski Resort,” has ushered celebrities into this powder haven since 1936. Yet the mountain and town of Ketchum are just as relevant today. This small community in Idaho will host the FIS World Cup Finals in March of 2025, a coup as the event rarely graces American snow. It’s an oasis of comfort surrounded by stunning wilderness, with both the loveable-named “dirtbag” culture of avid outdoor enthusiasts and plenty of private jet-level affluence. And as any good thrifter knows, this combination means the secondhand gear is stellar.

The Gold Mine is aptly named. From the airport shuttle driver to the mountain bikers at the Warfield Distillery’s bar to Cassie Abel, co-founder of the acclaimed women’s outdoor apparel brand Wild Rye, these locals recommend the Walnut Street store. The clothing selection is initially overwhelming, and be prepared to remind yourself you don’t need everything. But if you give into the urge to carry armfuls to the counter, rest assured in your good deeds. Seventeen women began putting this concept together in 1955, and all proceeds continue supporting the community library’s cultural events.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Ear-popping elevation attracts powder chasers, but this town is also serious about sustainability. As only the third Mountain IDEAL-certified destination by Green Destinations, a commitment to reuse is no surprise. In the south end of the historic district, Ridden sells gently used skis, snowboards, boots, outerwear, and more (as well as renting gear and guiding fat tire bike tours.) The shop has the relaxed but confident vibe of any legit gear go-to, and expert staff is on hand to help you assess your choices. Time it right, and you can celebrate success in the off-the-map tavern sharing the space.

Local Melissa Andrews likes The Clothing Cooperative for its self-described “picky” selection, which is still proffered at fair prices. High-quality base layers and snow-faring shoes are some of Andrews’s favorite snags at this mostly women’s secondhand shop.

Spokane, Washington

While the mountains of the Northwest are full of ski resorts, the ski patrol of a well-loved,  non-profit mountain in eastern Washington beckons the region’s seekers and sellers. Since 1963, the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol has hosted a swap every October, with all proceeds funding the needs of this non-profit patrol, made up of more than 150 volunteers. The two-day event boasts the largest selection in the Pacific Northwest, citing over 24,000 items for sale, including equipment and clothing. Ski patrollers and shop employees help over 6,000 shoppers find the best fit for their skill levels.

Seasoned shoppers get in line early for the first mad dash to deals on Saturday morning. But don’t miss the additional 25% off discounts on Sunday for the purchases you couldn’t get off your mind the day before.

New England’s Ski Swaps

 On the other side of the country, community and patrol ski swaps are the best way to score deals, and the Northeast has a plethora. Despite being one of the nation’s smaller states, New Hampshire packs in events where savvy shoppers can score great deals or unload their unwanted equipment. Every year, the state’s multiple community and ski team swaps start in October and run through the end of November. Pat’s Peak adds an Oktoberfest, Jackson’s focuses on cross-country skis, and Great Glen Trails kicks off their season with a swap.

If you can’t find what you need in the Granite State, Wachusett Mountain’s four-day sale in Massachusetts is the largest in New England. In Connecticut, the Sundown Ski Patrol has more than 4,000 items for sale yearly, including new gear.

Park City, Utah

Park City likes to lay claim to the “greatest snow on Earth,” a boast made possible by a high and dry climate that creates a powder as fluffy as a fresh fleece pullover. Three ski resorts in a five-mile radius give slope-seekers ample options just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport. 

Lone Pine Gear Exchange is a community staple, as a respected purveyor of high-quality yet affordable gear, and for their broader sustainability. In addition to the in-store and online consignment shop, the site has ski and gear repair, a coffee shop, and a station for refillable goods without plastic. Since its start in 2020, Lone Pine has kept over 60,000 pieces of gear in circulation, saved over 13,000 single-use plastic items, and planted more than 90,000 trees with One Tree Planted. Responsible consumption to feel the Stoke: it doesn’t get better.

Aspen, Colorado

For a certain generation, Aspen will always be associated with affluence and Harry and Lloyd’s idiotic antics on their comedic quest. But the skiing here is no joke, and the consignment shops offer far more than those garish orange and blue tuxedos.

Locals love Replay Sports and its solid selection of boots, bindings, boards, and skis for cheap. Customers throw around phrases like “gold mine,” “treasure trove,” and “nothing but grails” in their reviews and referrals, citing fresh gear and high quality for low prices. Additionally, experienced skiers and snowboarders swear there is usually gear for all levels, not just beginner castoffs.

For over 75 years, the Thrift Shop of Aspen has been the place to find donated goods at great value. Ski equipment can be hit or miss at the shop, but quality clothing is a staple. Even better, the shop pays it back to the community with more than half a million dollars raised annually for area non-profit organizations and student scholarships.

Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is home to the country’s largest concentration of ski resorts within 100 miles, ranging from big lake views to terrain parks to a backcountry focus. Massive snow dumps and regular sunshine round out the region’s appeal. And while there are ample gear shops, one has deals that match the destination’s hyperbolic stats.

On California’s north lake shore of this famous destination, a consignment store known locally as N.U.T.S. offers a full winter consignment shop. New and Used Tahoe Sports, a locally owned endeavor since 2011, works with retail stores, product reps, and athletes for great deals, as well as selling items for other skiers. New management is eager to carry on the shop’s legacy this season with fresh energy and perspective. The goal is to make buying and consigning gear easy for everyone.

While these are some of the best, there’s a good chance there are used gear shop deals anywhere there’s snow. Dial in, ask away, and happy hunting.