Second-hand ski sales draw record demand in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg ski-club sales of used winter sports equipment are seeing unprecedented demand, ORF reports. In Klaus, the number of buyers has tripled since the event began more than 20 years ago.

The Götzis ski club, which has organised its sale with the town’s parents’ association since 2015, says both customer numbers and the volume of goods brought in are rising. Lower prices are one draw, but customers are also motivated by sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.

Families shopping for children’s first ski courses or school winter sports trips make up much of the clientele. Teenagers, adults and people returning to winter sports also look for good-quality equipment at lower prices. Sellers set their own prices; children’s skis start at about 30 euros and children’s ski boots at around 20 euros. The clubs keep a 20 per cent commission.

Children’s equipment is especially popular. In Götzis, skis, boots, poles and back protectors sell well, while ski clothing is less sought after. The Klaus-Weiler ski club says skis without sidecut and adult ski boots can be difficult to sell.

Both clubs screen goods before accepting them. Klaus turns away about one item in 20, while Götzis accepts only branded goods and rejects items that are damaged, dirty or outdated. Unsold equipment that is not collected may have to be disposed of at the clubs’ expense.

The clubs say the sales help make winter sports more affordable and extend the life of equipment. In Götzis, the parents’ association and ski club share the organisation, costs and proceeds equally, with the event run by volunteers. The Klaus club says affordability is a barrier to winter sports for some people.

Upcoming sales include Götzis on November 7, Klaus on November 14, Tosters on November 7, Nofels and Gisingen on November 14, and Egg on November 15. The Götzis sale will be held at Blattur primary school’s sports hall, the Klaus-Weiler sale at Winzersaal, the Tosters sale at Tosters primary school, the Nofels sale at Stadtgut Nofels, the Gisingen sale at Oberau secondary school and the Egg sale at Egg primary school.