Nordica Speedmachine

The Stores on the Web vs. eBay

There are websites that sell nothing but ski and snowboard gear. They include reviews of the equipment and buyers guides. Often they have excellent prices, especially on closeout merchandise from last season. The end of the season is the best time to buy, not at the beginning. The season end is when the big discounts are offered.

The downside of online buying is you can't try on that jacket, or check those ski boots for fit before you buy. The return process can be time-consuming and costly. If you know exactly what size you need, and what you are looking for, these stores can be an excellent source.

Auction sites such as eBay offer an additional challenge. You don't know the seller you are buying from, and what condition the skis are really in. Check the reputation of the seller, and if pictures aren't clear, ask for better ones before you purchase. Used equipment can be a bargain, but you could be inheriting someone else's nightmare of unrepairable bases or damaged edges. Shop carefully, and you could get a good deal.

Manufacturers Websites Offer Clearance Steals

A couple years ago I purchased a Nordica boot bag, normally $100, for less than $20 dollars at their website clearance section. There were gloves, ski bags, and countless other items as well. Atomic, Dynastar Lange, Rossignol, Salomon, and countless others offer these end of season deals as early as January or February, when the purchasing frenzy of November and December is over.

Occasionally they offer skis or boots as well. These are often not returnable items, so be sure of your size, fit, and desired ski length as well before you shop. The money you save can be astronomical.

Local Ski Swaps are Better Than Auctions

I have dedicated an entire article to this subject (see below), but suffice it to say that the advantage over buying used gear on the web is that you get to handle and inspect the gear before you buy. Often sellers will be present if you have questions, and gear can be extremely reasonable.

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