Why are used skis such a big deal?
Not only is used ski gear good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet and your soul. We might be biased, but used ski gear is one of the best ways to get into the sport and learn how to love gear. Snow sports are expensive, and any few pennies saved are pennies that can go to your next ski trip or a bigger ski pass. We break down the reasons why you should consider buying used ski gear, what to consider while shopping, and what else you can buy used.

Buying Used Ski Gear: The Reasons
The Value
There are so many used skis and ski clothing out there that go unloved and could use a home. Often, gear that was used lightly for a season or two. Manufacturers often design the gear to last for upwards of five years. That means there are loads of ski products out there that have plenty of life in them left, and not because they’re faulty. People ditch used gear for any number of reasons—whether it’s because they’re over the look of it, it doesn’t fit their needs, or they’re the type to upgrade the gear every year. Most used gear (and everything we sell here) still have long lives to live.
Certainly, there’s a big range of mind-boggling-insane deals to “pretty good” pricing when you’re shopping in the used market. For some, it might make more sense to buy new for a price difference if having new gear is important. But often, you can save hundreds of dollars going used. That makes a big difference these days, especially when that money can buy lift tickets or gas to go powder chasing.
The Sustainability
The ski industry is acutely aware of how climate change and consumption are affecting our sport and the mountains we love. As a result, you’ll see plenty of products built with sustainable materials. Things like recycled ABS plastic in sidewalls, recycled plastic and foam in ski boots, FSC-certified wood cores, locally sourced materials, and bio-resin to replace toxic epoxy all add up to mean the gear we make today are by and large the most sustainably produced gear ever. Things are only moving in the right direction.
But, making a new product is inherently consumptive. You’re still using resources and energy to make that product and transport the goods. There’s also a significant amount of waste produced. Think about all those rectangular products being cut and shaped into skis. Industry leaders estimate that for every pair of skis made, a third ski is essentially thrown away with the waste.
It’s great that the ski industry is making moves where it can, but if you’re really mindful of your carbon footprint, buying used is a great way to go.
Buying Used Skis: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying a used ski?
You’ll want to see what condition the ski is in. Check for base repairs, like streaks of ptex or base welds. Ptex is not a problem (we all ride with lots of ptex in our bases). But if the skis look like more ptex than original base, that could be a problem. Best be sure they’re offering a good price.
The condition of the edges is crucial to check. Take a few minutes to examine every inch of them. Look for cracks, compressions, and separations. Cracks and separations are the big ticket red flags which should be an immediate “no thanks”. Compressions are more of a gray area, and we discuss that below. See how sharp they are, or if there are jagged “burrs” on them. Those aren’t deal breakers, but mean that you should probably get a tune before riding.
We discuss top sheet wear a lot with customers. Dings and nicks are definitely not a structural issue; they’re purely cosmetic. Of course, if you want a good-looking ski, all the more power to you! But, cosmetics won’t lessen the functional life of the skis. Topsheet separations, on the other hand, raise some concerns. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something you’ll need to get repaired. If it’s something that’s been there for a while, it’s possible water has gotten in the core.

What makes a used ski “broken”?
A ski becomes “broken” if it features damage to the core from a heavy compression/impact/water damage or a broken/cracked edge. You’ll also want to watch out for separations. Either from the edge and the sidewall or from the top sheet and sidewall. Topsheet separations are not a big deal, and a ski tech can repair those with a quick epoxy. Most damage to the base can be repaired with ptex or isn’t too noticeable while you’re skiing. Here are some examples below taken from our Ski Maintenance 101 article.



Sometimes, there’s damage that’s not really repairable but doesn’t deem the ski broken. This small edge compression doesn’t mean the ski is toast, and is something a lot of us here at the shop would feel comfortable riding, especially if carving isn’t a priority (where every millimeter of edge contact is critical). An edge compression like this will not have affected the core. But, something larger, or a similar “dent” on the base may mean the core is compromised.

Pro tip: When shopping for used skis with us, our skis are inspected by our ski experts before going up on the site. Nothing we sell you is fully out of commission.
Should I buy used ski boots?
We typically don’t recommend buying used ski boots, especially if buying used skis is an option. Used ski boots just have too much variability in the wear in the liners to fit appropriately, and won’t last as long. Liners all pack out over time, as they pack out, they can cause pain and hot spots. Finding a well-fitted boot that matches your foot shape is the best bet for a good day on the hill. Read more about why boot fitting matters here.
So if it comes down to it, spend the money on a new pair of boots with supportive insoles, and buy the used skis. Skis don’t rely on a good physiological match (aside from winding up in an appropriate size). You could be riding on the best skis in the world, but if your boots don’t fit appropriately, you won’t get the reactivity and support you need from the boot. Skis come and go in our lives, but a well fitting boot will last you for seasons to come.
What about used ski clothes?
This is a great way to go. Ski clothes are easily repairable with patches or quick stitches. To revive waterproofing and repellency, give used ski clothes a quick wash with a specific detergent. You’ll find it will work close to new. Ski clothes that are highly breathable and water-repellent can easily break the bank, but cheaper options often don’t do the trick in really wet climates. If you can track down some used ski clothes, that’s a great way to save money on your whole setup.