Who doesn't want to own their own ski equipment? Did you know that having your own gear would allow you to skip the wait at the rental shop before hitting the slopes? And that in the long run, it could save you money? At Passe Montagne, our mission is to make skiing more accessible, particularly by helping our members ski at reduced prices.
That said, we know that the cost of a ski day depends not only on lift passes, but also on ski equipment and the full outfit (jacket, trousers, goggles, gloves…). Several options are available if you want to buy skis without paying full price. Here are our tips for making the most of a ski swap or finding discounted new gear in outlet stores.
What are the key things to check when buying second-hand skis?
Buying second-hand ski equipment at a ski swap is an excellent way to gear up at a low cost. But to take the plunge without any unpleasant surprises, here are a few things to check before you buy:
The base: Check whether it is scratched or has holes. If a hole exposes the internal structure of the ski, you should definitely not buy that pair. A hole left unrepaired can allow water to seep in, which will inevitably damage the ski beyond repair. Another issue, less serious but still annoying: check that there are no bubbles under the ski, as these indicate that the waxing iron was pressed too hard.
The edges: Look for large dents and scratches, which weaken the edge. Also note that if there is almost no edge left on the ski, it means the ski is too worn. Better to move on.
The bindings: It is the proper functioning of the bindings that ensures they release in a fall. To protect your knees, avoid any DIY fixes!
And what about boots? You absolutely need to try them on to make sure they fit the shape of your foot. Remember to wear a thick pair of socks when trying them on, to test in the most realistic conditions.
Why are ski swaps the best way to gear up without breaking the bank?
Ski swaps are undoubtedly the best way to find a great deal on ski equipment. One of their key advantages is the wide range of gear available: for all skill levels, all ages, and all budgets. Plus, when you buy at a ski swap, you can immediately check the condition of the item and try the boots on.
If you missed the Annecy ski swap on the weekend of 29 and 30 October 2022, you can still catch one at the ski swap organised by l’Association Neige et Montagne les 11, 12 et 13 novembre 2022 à La Motte-Servolex (73 – Chambéry). A wide range of alpine and cross-country ski gear will be available. You will also benefit from expert advice to help you choose the right equipment for your level and discipline. Specialists will be on hand for ski waxing and to advise you on equipment maintenance. As a bonus, the Passe Montagne team will be there on Saturday to share some great ski deals!
Among the must-visit mid-November ski swaps, you can also find those :
Thônes, 11 November 2022;
Bourg-Saint-Maurice, 19 and 20 November 2022;
Sallanches, 12 and 13 November 2022
Finally, bear in mind that scoring a good deal at a ski swap is rarely compatible with a lie-in. The best bargains go fast, so head there early in the day, with a chequebook or cash in hand (ski swaps rarely accept card payments), and hunt down the gear of your dreams!
Is it a good idea to turn to outlet stores?
Yes! If you weren't able to make it to a ski swap, or if you didn't find what you were looking for, outlet stores could be just what you need. How does it work? At the end of the season, to make room for new collections, older models are sold at reduced prices. These are recent, brand-new items! As soon as a brand makes even a small change to a model, it becomes an opportunity to buy new ski equipment at a discounted price.
Outlet stores offer more flexibility in terms of timing and location than a ski swap. They are therefore an excellent alternative for buying skis, but also for finding everything you need to be fully equipped! Jackets, trousers, thermal base layers, gloves, goggles, helmets… A wide selection of major brands at reduced prices is available in these stores.
Some stores specialise in outlet sales, for example:
Degrif Sport
Ekosport
Finally, if you don't live near an outlet store, you can also visit the Private Sport Shop. As the ski season approaches, several limited-time sales offering discounted new ski equipment are available.
Is it a good idea to buy second-hand equipment online?
Yes and no. Buying second-hand ski equipment from a photo is a risky gamble. It can be hard to assess its condition and you risk unpleasant surprises. To help with this, you can turn to specialist outdoor equipment peer-to-peer selling platforms. One such example is Campsider. Unlike general marketplaces like Le Bon Coin, on Campsider, the equipment and selling price are verified by experts before being listed online. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing you're protected from scams!
And if you can’t find what you’re looking for at ski swaps or clearance sales, remember that with Passe Montagne you can still benefit from discounted ski rentals in our partner stores.
