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Where to Spend and Where to Save on Ski and Snowboard Gear

For sports centered around the simple accumulation of snow on a mountain, skiing and snowboarding are not cheap hobbies. Not only do you want clothing capable of keeping you warm in freezing temperatures but you’ll also need a pair of boots, a set of skis (or a snowboard) and a host of ancillary gear like goggles, helmets and gloves. The initial investment into the getup alone can often be enough to dissuade people from getting into these sports in the first place.

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But it doesn’t have to. With a bit of savvy shopping and a clear strategy concerning what, when and where to buy gear, getting on the mountain doesn’t have to be a wallet-crushing ordeal. To help you get a feel for where to spend and where to save when it comes to ski/snowboard gear, we’ve put together the following tips.

1. Assess What You Have at Home

Your closet is the best place to start, when it comes to sourcing ski/snowboard-ready. This could mean an old pair of thermal underwear or a long sleeve shirt, a pair or two of thick socks or a versatile winter coat. You likely won’t be able to completely outfit yourself for the mountain with what you have at home, but the less you have to worry about buying, the cheaper your kit will ultimately end up being.

2. Know Your Sizes

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Few things are as annoying as having to return a piece of clothing that doesn’t fit the way you’d hoped. This frustration is even more apparent when shopping for ski and snowboard gear for one big reason: Ill-fitting gear can either leave you unprepared for the elements or uncomfortable. Neither of which are particularly pleasing for people just getting into the sport.

When shopping for ski/snowboard attire, the key thing to remember is that sizing may differ wildly from brand to brand, so it’s smart to physically try on gear before buying. This doesn’t mean you have to resort to shopping in-person only (more on this below), but having a general understanding of your sizes is important and it’s hard to do this without trying something on in a physical store.

Same goes for ski and snowboard boots, gloves and helmets. Buying well-fitting gear can make your trip to the mountain much more enjoyable.

3. Shop Used and Hunt for Deals

A common misconception among both beginner and veteran skiers and snowboarders is to lean towards buying the newest, most expensive gear. According to Curated ski expert, Daryl Morrison, this is not the case at all.

“Most of the time, ski gear isn’t going through a significant overhaul from one season to the next,” Morrison told AskMen. “Most of the time it’s slight modifications, so last year’s gear is effectively the same and costs a lot less.”

Buying prior season or used gear is more beneficial when done during the offseason, but there are still plenty of shops (both online and brick and mortar) that offer year-round deals. Simply put, sale racks can be a gold mine. Make sure you know your exact sizing before purchasing, however, as some places may institute an “All Sales Final” policy.

When shopping for used gear, try to stick to legitimate storefronts or trusted online marketplaces. It’s tempting to wade into the world of Craigslist shopping, though you’re much more likely to run into a variety of scams. Thankfully, Craigslist does have an entire page dedicated to spotting scams on the site, but it might be wise to avoid it altogether if you can help it. Local sporting goods stores or mom-and-pop shops may not have as screaming of a deal, but you can rest assured that what you’re buying is legit.

4. Know When to Invest in the Best

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What to target when shopping used often comes down to what you’re comfortable with – though, there are some pieces of gear that shouldn’t be skimped on. Coats, pants, gloves and goggles are typically fine to purchase used, so long as you ensure they are of high quality before dropping any cash on them.

For goggles, look for scratches on the lenses that can’t be fixed and that the elastic band still functions properly. When looking at gloves, double check the insulation to make sure they aren’t badly worn – a worn glove will have your hands freezing in seconds.

The most important piece of gear to avoid buying used is a pair of ski/snowboard boots. A well-fitting and comfortable pair of boots make a world of difference and when you attempt to buy these used, you’ll have a hard time finding either of those qualities, let alone a pair that satisfies both. There is the rare case of finding a needle in a haystack, but boots are best bought as new as possible (this is where buying last year’s “out of style” gear can be massively beneficial).

5. Know What Your Buying (And Where You’re Riding)

This may seem like a no-brainer but it’s important to know what kind of gear you need before hitting the mountain. Along with the first tip of assessing what you have at home, researching the rest of the gear you need gives you a better idea once you start shopping. If you already have base layers and a pair of socks, you know you can skip searching for those and spend more time on finding a good pair of gloves or set of goggles.

It also helps to know the environment you plan on riding in. Some areas are much more frigid than others and require a different setup of gear. The last thing you want is to be too cold without anything to put on, or be too warm without any layers to shed.

The same can be said for the terrain and your ability on a ski or snowboard. Morrison added that, “oftentimes people want to overestimate their skiing ability and get skis that are too aggressive for them. This leads to them not having as good of a time.”

It’s so vital to understand your skill level and limitations, and to buy gear that supports it. There’s nothing wrong with embracing being a beginner. Once you’ve progressed to the point where you want something more advanced, give back by selling your old gear and then use what that cash to make your next purchase.

6. Don’t Be Enticed by the Stylish Options

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It’s incredibly easy to only shop for what you think might look the best, both in terms of the clothing you wear and the ski or snowboard you ride. You may ultimately think you’ll feel more comfortable but it’s smarter to buy something that’s actually going to function better for you instead of what’s stylish.

“Pretty topsheets [on skis] are great but if you’re investing the money, but you should get something that is going to work for you and give you the best ride possible,” Morrison said. “Plus, topsheets always look better in pictures than in person.”

Skiing and snowboarding are inherently spendy hobbies. Even after you purchase all the gear you need for a day on the mountain, you’ll then have to worry about the lift ticket. But with the tips above, you’ll have a better opportunity to save a little cash and focus more on enjoying the snow than if you made the right purchasing decision or not.

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Rick Stella, Khareem Sudlow