Turn Used Ski Gear Into Cold, Hard Cash, Here's How

There aren’t a lot of winter sports that are more fun and popular than skiing, but it’s certainly not the cheapest of the lot either. And the cost of new equipment is a huge part of how expensive skiing is. 

When you do decide it’s time to bite the bullet and get yourself a new pair of skis, you don’t want your old ones to just sit in your garage collecting dust. After all, you probably spent a lot of money on them, and, even if you’re ready for an upgrade, they still have lots of value. 

That’s why I always sell my used skis, and why I think you should do the same!

Why Sell Your Used Skis?

In addition to the extra cash in your pocket (which can go towards offsetting new gear costs or buying a couple extra lift tickets at a pricy resort like Vail or Aspen), selling your used skis brings a couple of other benefits. 

It’s an eco-conscious choice, since it keeps skis out of landfills. It’s also good karma because it can help someone else get into the sport in a more affordable way than needing to buy new.

Choosing the Right Online Platform

Many online marketplaces (like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace) can work as a place to sell skis, but there’s not really a focus on sports equipment on those platforms. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have to deal with lots of low-balling and scam activity. 

I’d recommend choosing a specialized sports equipment platform like SidelineSwap. You’re able to get your used skis directly in front of people who are just as passionate about the sport as you are, and who actually know something about the value of skis. 

Preparing Your Skis for Sale

Once you’ve decided where you want to sell your used skis, it’s time to get them ready to list. First off, you want to make them look as good as possible by giving them a once over. I’d recommend cleaning them well using a mix of water and a bit of dish soap, as well as using a gummy stone or some fine sandpaper on any visible rust on the edges. 

Finally, you should take some photos using a decent phone camera from a few different angles.

Writing Effective Product Descriptions

There’s some key information that you absolutely have to include when listing your skis, like the model and year of the skis, length, and binding compatibility. You should also both describe the condition of the skis and highlight any unique features (like any modifications you’ve made or whether the skis are terrain-specific) that a potential buyer will want to know about. 

I’d advise using clear and concise language to describe your skis, since this will lead to less confusion and your listing look much more serious. 

Pricing Your Ski Gear

And what about the price? There’s always a little bit of judgment that goes into pricing a pair of used skis, but you can get a rough idea of what’s reasonable by researching comparable listings. You can then nudge the price upwards or downwards based on factors like condition, age, and whether you’re including bindings or not. 

While it’s always tempting to look to get the maximum amount of value for your skis, pricing them competitively will usually lead to a quicker sale. 

Tips for Successful Sales

There are a few other best practices for selling used skis online, including: 

• Creating a sense of urgency, perhaps by creating limited-time offers right before the ski season starts

• Sending quick responses to any questions potential buyers might ask

• Being clear about the shipping and handling method and cost

• Using a safe and secure transaction method (perhaps by selling on SidelineSwap, which has excellent buyer protection!)

Need some inspo? Check out all the recently sold skis on SidelineSwap.

Sell Your Skis Today! 

While selling used skis takes a little bit of work, the financial and ethical benefits make it more than worth it. Turning a pair of extra skis into extra cash just makes sense, if you ask me. 

If I’ve convinced you of that, make a SidelineSwap sellers account and start selling your used gear.