How to Find a Place That Buys Skis

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One of the most difficult aspects of skiing is that every season shiny, new equipment comes out and makes your old skis look like antiques (even if they're last year's model). Then, at the end of the season, retailers cut prices so drastically that it's hard to resist buying new gear, even if you don't need it. If you're looking to unload a pair of old skis to get money for a new set, you'll want to find a place to sell your skis. Like anything, selling skis is easiest if they're newer and in good condition---or historically significant---but if this is the case then you have a chance at being successful.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Sell your skis directly to the consumer. You can expect the best price from a buyer that actually wants to buy used ski equipment for himself. If you have a set of skis, ask friends, family and other skiers that you know if they'd be interested in buying them.

Step 2

Contact local ski clubs. Some of the ski clubs in your area may buy equipment to sell or loan out to their members. Call a couple of them and see if they'd be interested in buying. Consider high school, college, municipal and greater area ski clubs.

Step 3

Bring your skis to a ski swap or sale. Some ski resorts, mountain towns and cities host annual ski gear swaps in the summer and fall, which serve as venues for buying and selling used ski equipment.

Step 4

Take out an ad. If you can't personally find anyone that wants to buy your skis, put them up for sale in a local paper or on Craigslist or eBay.

Step 5

Advertise your skis on ski forums. Ski forums are some of the best places for peer-to-peer communication. Popular forums like EpicSki and Teton Gravity Research have specific sections for selling equipment, offering a direct advertising vessel that reaches the skier demographic.

Step 6

Contact local ski shops. If you're having trouble selling your skis directly or don't have much time to spend advertising and waiting, contact local ski shops to see if they'd be interested in either buying the skis or selling them on consignment.

Step 7

Ask your shop about trade-ins. Even if your local shop doesn't buy used equipment outright, they may offer trade-ins, in which you can get a certain amount off of a new equipment purchase. If they do accept trade-ins, inquire about the types and condition of skis they accept.

Step 8

Contact a decorator or home decor shop. If you have older skis that aren't selling to actual skiers, you may be able to fetch some money for them by selling them to a decorator. Older skis can make for interesting decor in and around the home for hanging directly on the wall or building furniture and fences. You'll do better in a ski resort area or mountain town as more homes in these areas are likely to feature rustic ski decor.

Step 9

Take your old skis with you on a ski trip. Your hometown may have a limited ski equipment market, but resort towns have a booming market filled with ski shops, ski locals and ski tourists that need gear. You'll likely have more luck selling your skis in one of these locations, so bring them on your ski trip and try to sell them or trade them in while there.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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