DECRYPTION - The spindle and the moon boots are revolutionizing! The purchasing power crisis and ecological awareness are pushing skiers, experts and amateurs alike, to review the way they equip themselves.
Among the trending brands of the moment on Vinted, the online second-hand giant, in the middle of the traditional Zara, Nike and Levi's, three names stand out.
Decathlon, The North Face and McKinley together combine nearly 2.5 million searches.
Their common point?
These are sportswear brands, rather “outdoor” to use the fashionable term for outdoor sports.
Like the movement followed by the textile industry as a whole (the second-hand market has grown by 22% since 2020), sportswear is now sold massively second-hand.
And, when winter comes, the same is true for ski equipment, which is by nature expensive and very occasional.
A revolution driven by the current concerns of the French: ecology and purchasing power.
The numbers speak for themselves.
“The second-hand market is gaining 30% per year while the new one is decreasing
”, estimates Edwige Michau, the founder of the second-hand site Barooders, launched in 2021 at the end of the second confinement.
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To save money or to consume less, or both, we buy second-hand, but we also resell the clothes that sleep in our closets.
And, in this regard, the Internet has outdated the good old thrift store.
In addition to the big platforms that we know - Vinted, therefore, but also Le Bon Coin for generalists, Vide Dressing or Vestiaire Collective for the high end, in the last two years, many companies have been created around the project of selling , online, second-hand equipment.
They are called Campsider, Sporteed, Barooders.
What do they have to offer, compared to the aforementioned behemoths?
“Expertise,
confides Greg Cottret, the founder of Sporteed, specialist in outdoor clothing but also in equipment (cycling, skiing, hiking).
On Vinted, sports equipment is prohibited. And on Le Bon Coin, people are not reassured to see their technical equipment sold in the middle of mowers and barbecues... We are specialists and we have all our ads checked.
We have gone from a pure green clientele to a more opportunistic clientele, who thinks above all about their wallet.
Apart from the occasion, the trend is also for renting.
Certainly, the latter has always existed on site, in the shops of the stations.
But it has now developed and dematerialized, becoming, in passing, much more practical.
Even Decathlon got involved!
On the site of the Petits Montagnards, a family business created in Annecy in 2018, you choose your light outfit before having it delivered directly to your hotel or apartment at the start of your stay in the form of “kits” (child €58 , adult (€92) to dress from head to toe for his week of skiing.
Read alsoProtected but stylish skiing: 8 accessories that will make the difference this winter
One question remains: is the trend likely to fizzle out as soon as inflation subsides?
Not for Pierre-Gilles Massoulier, the founder of the Petits Montagnards.
“These are just the beginnings. Moreover, we have gone from a pure green clientele to a more opportunistic clientele, who thinks above all about their wallet.
Greg Cottret, from Sporteed also thinks that
“brands will integrate this new model and produce less. People no longer want disposable items, they prefer to resell and use their purchase for someone else.”
Three good reasons to get started this winter.
Read the fileSkiing and winter sports: the Figaro guide
Les Petits Montagnards offer a wide range of clothing, winter and outdoor, for hire.
The Little Mountaineers / Press photo
It's more eco-friendly
"Production, technical materials: by nature, ski equipment is energy-intensive
," judge Edwige Michau, from Barooders.
Buying second-hand (and reselling when you no longer have any use for it) therefore makes it possible not to participate in the overproduction of a textile industry that emits, let's remember, 4 billion CO² each year.
“It is all the more symbolic since the mountain is perhaps the place where climate change is most visible, it is enough to see the Mer de Glace receding more each year. Wanting to go skiing and at the same time buy the latest fashionable jacket is therefore particularly unreasonable
”, argues Thomas Gounot of Campsider.
This, especially since, because they do not live in Annecy or Saint-Gervais, most Sunday skiers will only use said jacket once a year, at the most.
“It's also the interest of renting, which amounts to nothing more or less than pooling a resource so that it is used as much as possible. It is a question of consuming fairly, as closely as possible to one's needs”,
according to the president of the Petits Montagnards.
Let us add all the same that to be 100% virtuous, the rental must be included in a green sector which includes dry cleaning and delivery to the customer.
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It's more economical
As we have said, ski equipment is inherently expensive.
"The average slate is 800 € per year, against only 50 for tennis"
, calculates Thomas Gounot, founder of Campsider.
However, second-hand clothes are on average 60% cheaper than new.
Enough to put winter sports within the reach of less full purses.
Campsider says that it counts many young skiers among its clientele, more snowflake than chamois level.
At the same price as new, second-hand also allows you to buy better quality clothing.
“Our direct competitors are the first prices in supermarkets. For the same note, our clothes are much stronger”
, assures Pierre-Gilles Massoulier, of the Petits Montagnards.
And for those who are put off by the idea of buying a garment that has already been worn, know that some sites host branded marketplaces.
They can sell their unsold stocks there.
As a result, knockdown prices and new business.
This is the case of Sporteed.
Read alsoFive tips for skiing longer
It is more convenient
Online rental has nothing to do with that of yesteryear, when you had to go to the store with the hope that there was your size.
On Les Petits Montagnards, we have it delivered before departure or directly on site, to the place of our choice: hotel, apartment, relay point, at the latest 24 hours before the start of the rental period.
And no setback possible.
“
We stick to it formally, it's essential to establish a relationship of trust with the client. If things go wrong, we crash people's vacations so we prefer to refuse a rental if we have the slightest doubt, rather than backtracking
, ”says Pierre-Gilles Massoulier.
The return, free, is done at a pick-up relay point.
Our selection of sites where to rent or buy second-hand ski gear
USED SIDE
Barooders
Rather specialist in “heavy” equipment.
All ads are verified by experts.
For sellers, the site offers a deposit-sale option: it takes care of everything, from the announcement to the photos and the packaging.
campside
Used outdoor clothing and equipment, including heavy and technical equipment.
Most ?
The community side, with in particular the possibility of buying clothes from professional “athletes”.
Sporteed
Second-hand ski clothing and equipment, as well as general sports: you can find both body-building equipment and bicycles.
RENTAL SIDE
The Little Mountaineers
No “heavy” equipment (skis, ski boots) but a large winter and outdoor textile offer for hire.
A range for children with attractive brands at good value for money such as Roxy or Quicksilver (all sizes from 1 to 16 years old).
Three ranges for adults: leisure, dynamic or technical.
From €5.25/day for children and from €10/day for adults.
Yapu-K&Co
Specialist in toddlers, from 0 to 4 years old, Yapu-K offers sports clothing for rent online but also in a selection of partner stores.
History to really leave the hands in the pockets, delivery of nappies and other small pots in option!
Decathlon
Since November 2022, the brand has been offering Wedze clothing for rental online, among 4 complete sets of ski clothing: men, women, children and babies.
Accessories (masks, helmets, ski backpack with back protector, gloves, mittens, sledge, scooters, snowshoes) can also be rented.
With the brands directly:
the French (and very trendy)
Picture
offers, for example, a rental space on its site.
FAQs
Is it smart to buy used skis? ›
Summary. Buying secondhand skis is an excellent way to save money. The condition of the used skis you purchase is crucial to your enjoyment on the Colorado ski slopes. You also want skis that will last a couple of seasons.
When should I buy ski clothes on sale? ›“The biggest way to save on new gear is to shop post-season,” Pyles says. The best deals will be found in March, when shops and companies are trying to dump last year's inventory. Another good time to buy is the beginning of fall, when your average consumer hasn't thought about skiing for a while.
Which of these months are you most likely to get a good deal on ski clothing? ›Shop out of season
You will usually find the best deals in March when ski gear companies are trying to offload their old stock ready for the new stock that will come in the next season. Most things are reduced by at least 20% and can even get to around 50% off!
Renting ski equipment costs about $25-$45 per day and $200-$500 per week across the United States. The rate could be higher or lower but this is the average. In comparison, the purchasing option costs $600+ for ski equipment and $400-800+ for clothing.
Do skis expire? ›Skis will eventually wear out. If you've skied hard on the same pair of boards, take time to inspect them closely to assess their current condition. Check the edges and base materials for cracks or deep gouges. Ski edges are particularly prone to wear and tear.
Is it okay to buy second hand ski boots? ›There is nothing wrong with them, light use, good care etc. Point is, they'd be fine for someone else, if they fit. Don't rule out second hand gear, and don't listen to salesmen/fitters telling you otherwise. If they're good condition and fit well then they'll be fine, and much cheaper than new.
Do ski clothes keep you warm? ›Ski jackets are insulated to keep you warm whilst in cold conditions with many also featuring fleece linings for additional warmth. A down filled ski jacket will provide more warmth than those with synthetic insulation.
What should I buy first skiing? ›- Skis, poles, bindings.
- Ski boots.
- Ski helmet.
- Ski jacket and pants.
- Base and mid-layers.
- Gloves or mittens.
- Ski socks.
- Goggles.
For the lowest ski holiday prices, January is the sweet spot – and it also usually has the best snow and fewest crowds, so it's a win all-round. Going at the start or end of the season can also be really good value.
Why do skiers wear special clothing? ›Ski & snowboard shell jackets & pants have two jobs: they protect you from moisture coming from the outside in the form of snow or rain, and it protects you from the cold that gusts of wind bring.
Are 20 year old skis still good? ›
Here are some things to consider regarding old equipment. Imagine you have 20-plus year-old skis, you use them 7-10 days a year, so the total work days would be 200-300 days. Can you still use them? If they have no major delamination, cracked edges, broken sidewalls, then yes.
Is it hard to learn to ski at 30? ›There's no right or wrong age to become a skier or snowboarder. No magic time period where you can learn with no effort, and no milestone at which you're “too old” to get started.
Why is ski clothing so expensive? ›More expensive skiing equipment is that price for a reason. It uses better performing materials, they are normally lighter more waterproof, more breathable and more robust than cheaper ones. This makes them better but also more expensive.
Do they weigh you when renting skis? ›The technician doesn't care what you weigh or how old you are, but he or she needs to know these accurate numbers to set your binding properly. Read the fine print of the agreement. It will tell you you're responsible for damages or stolen equipment.
Is it better to rent a ski gear? ›Renting clothes is a good idea if you're planning short stays once or twice every season – however, the cost will quickly add up if you go more often. Although buying ski clothing means a higher cost upfront, it will be worth the investment for keen skiers.
Is 70 too old to ski? ›Today's seniors are turning 60 and 70 with no signs of slowing down. If you love swooshing and gliding on skis, we have some good news for you: The benefits of skiing are great for your physical, mental, social and emotional health. The key is to be prepared and know your limits so you can enjoy the sport safely.
Can you ski after 60? ›Today, providing you are fit, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't ski in your 50s, 60s, 70s and even into your 80s! Today, ski equipment is far more advanced than years ago – skis are wider, so its easier to turn.
Is 40 too old to ski? ›As far as we're concerned, you can learn to ski at any age, and wholly believe that you are never too old. We offer a range of lesson plans for those starting out skiing, including a fun taster session for all age groups. If you've made a promise to yourself that you will be learning to ski at 40, don't hesitate.
Are 7 year old skis still good? ›You can technically ski on an old pair of skis for as long as they are intact and can attach to your ski boots – but if you want to get the best from your expensive lift pass – you probably should upgrade to a new pair at least every 6-12 years. More major improvements in design tend to happen every 5 years.
Are 8 year old skis still good? ›The lifespan of skis depends on how often they're used rather than how old they are. Generally, skis should last 100 - 150 days of use. The average skier skis around 12 - 15 times a year. So if you're skiing more than that, your skis will likely need to be replaced more regularly than 8 years.
Should I throw out old skis? ›
Although skis have a relatively long life they don't last forever, and therefore, disposing of them properly is imperative. Tossing all that metal and other materials into landfill simply isn't the only option, and there are much more eco-friendly ways to recycle your skis.
How do you know if skis are too old? ›- Rock damage: Burred, broken or deformed steel edges.
- Topsheet: Torn, chipped, peeling, delaminated or with pieces missing.
- Bases: Worn thin, torn up or holed-through. A thin base may result from repeated stone-grinds. ...
- Camber: As skis fatigue, camber may flatten.