Coming from a ski family, everything I wore on the mountain growing up was a hand-me-down. Nothing was ever really "mine". I will say that there are pros and cons to this.
Pros: I never needed to buy new gear, I unknowingly brought back vintage trends, and I always found chairlift treats in my pockets…well, maybe that’s a con.
Cons: I don’t always get to choose something that fits my style, and the gear is usually more than a little worn down.
For me, the cons started to outweigh the pros, so I began searching for some sweeter, newer, and more stylish gear of my own. That's when I decided I needed to discover Utah’s amazing ski and outdoor thrift stores. Cause let's be honest, if you’re buying all brand-new gear, you're probably giving out hugs as your holiday gift to others this year because I'm not sure how the bank account will survive that.
My advice to you: get out and thrift great deals. And this goes for all types of skiers. As a college student in Utah, I’ve skied with all kinds of people—from first-timers without any gear, to visitors whose equipment is back home, to seasoned locals just looking for something new on a budget. There’s truly no better feeling than scoring a great deal on something you need. (okay, maybe being first skier on a powder day, but thrifting good ski fits is a close second!) It’s all about knowing where to look. Let me help you out.
Thrift Store Chains
My first recommendation is to check out the classic thrift store chains. You might be wondering, "I'll never find good, quality ski gear at these stores”, but seriously, don’t knock it until you try it. Going to these chain stores, you NEVER know what you might find. From high school to now, I've gone to these stores, and I find hidden gems all the time, so I recommend making a day out of it with some friends!
COMMUNITY/DONATION BASED:
Deseret Industries (DI): A Utah staple and one of the best-known thrift chains in the state, you’ll find everything from vintage ski jackets to winter layers at unbeatable prices. Bonus: each store is organized and regularly restocked, so there’s always a fresh batch of gear waiting to be discovered.
Goodwill: A nationwide classic with plenty of Utah locations, Goodwill is worth checking out for affordable base layers, snow pants, or even cozy après-ski sweaters. The best part? Your purchase helps support job training and community programs right here in the state, so that’s a really cool bonus. I recommend going to the Salt Lake outlet location!
Calvary Thrift Store: This locally run gem keeps things community-focused—proceeds go towards helping Utah families with food and clothing needs. Alongside furniture and household finds, you can often spot quality winter gear or outdoor apparel ready for another season on the slopes.
PRICE FOCUSED/FASHION
Green World Thrift Market: If you’re hunting for ski gear on a serious budget, Green World is a gold mine. Prices are super low, and you can score extra deals with weekly discounts like half-off tags or even $1 racks. Plus, their reward system makes it easy to save even more on your next thrift haul.
Savers: With locations all across Utah, Savers is a classic go-to for secondhand finds. The selection can vary, but if you take the time to dig, you can uncover great outerwear, base layers, or insulated coats to keep you warm on the mountain.
Uptown Cheapskate: Uptown Cheapskate buys and sells gently used brand-name clothes—perfect for scoring stylish ski fits or mountain-town fashion without paying full price. I highly recommend checking out this store, even if it’s just to score a super cute apres-ski fit!
PERSONAL/CITY SPECIFIC
Pib’s Exchange: If you’re after something with a little more flair, Pib’s is your spot. Known for its funky, vintage vibe and killer selection of outerwear, this is where you’ll score those standout retro ski jackets or 80s neon fits that turn heads in the lift line.
Indy Clover: Think of Indy Clover as the cool, curated cousin of a traditional thrift store. Local sellers rent booths to showcase their best vintage and trendy finds, which means you can snag stylish, mountain-ready pieces while supporting local creatives.
Vantage: Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Vantage is part consignment, part vintage dreamland. It’s the perfect place to piece together a timeless ski outfit—whether you’re going for “mountain chic” or full-on “retro racer.”
Moving away from thrift store chains, I want to dive into some local retail and discount stores that primarily sell ski and snowboarding gear. I also highly recommend checking out my friend, Paula Coleman's blog about this similar topic. She also touches on sustainable savings. She has a lot of similar recommendations, and if anyone knows where to find a good deal and cute ski gear in Utah, it’s Paula! 
Lone Pine Gear Exchange
When I think of a good thrift find, I think of Lone Pine Gear Exchange. As they put it, “Lone Pine Gear Exchange provides the community access to affordable, high-quality gear at the lowest prices around.” Located in Millcreek, just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake, Lone Pine is a must-visit if you’re looking to get a great deal on ski gear and outfits! From insulated ski coats and touring shells to park bibs and helmets and goggles, they will hook you up! Not only do they sell stellar snow gear, but they also feature in-store gear repair and tuning shop, plus boot fitting services. That’s what they call a triple-action pony. Gear repairs, new discounted ski gear, and tuning/ fitting service. Oh, and don’t skip out on their cozy, in-house coffee shop. There’s nothing like finding an amazing deal on Rossignol black-ops skis while sipping on a warm latte. And if we’re being honest here, I’ve never had a latte, but it just sounds like a great time.
Level Nine Sports
Being around for almost 25 years, Level Nine is a Utah staple. Having locations in Millcreek and Ogden, Level Nine has helped skiers all over Utah with finding top-of-the-line, brand-new gear at super sweet discounted prices. If you browse their website, you’ll find it all from skis, snowboards, coats, bibs, pants, helmets...pretty much everything you need for winter. Something worth highlighting: their boot selection. If you’re like me and have been rocking the same ski boots for ten years plus, and if you’re not like me, then you have the correct boot size and something from this decade. Either way, it’s always time to treat yourself. Level Nine carries new, high-end gear from brands like Rossignol, Salomon, and Atomic, often for half off. Seriously, such a steal!
The Gear Room
Founded by two brothers in 2014, The Gear Room has become a go-to spot for used outdoor gear from skiers, boarders, and climbers all over the Salt Lake Valley. These brothers have a seriously cool story, so check it out! From top-tier brands to their trusted tune shop, The Gear Room is another gem for finding winter apparel and equipment. Located in Cottonwood Heights — just 15 minutes from Salt Lake City and 25 minutes from the nearest ski resort — it’s a perfect pit stop before heading up the canyon. They’re also known for having “some of the most affordable tune rates in the Wasatch.” Their website makes it easy to shop by brand, too, featuring skier favorites such as Arc’teryx, Patagonia and Black Diamond.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more Utah thrift and resale favorites that my friends, family, and I all love.
REI Co-op Re/Supply Shop
REI’s Re/Supply program is a dream for sustainability-minded skiers. It’s REI’s used gear business, where members can shop for returned or traded-in gear that still has plenty of life left. You’ll find top brands like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and The North Face for a fraction of retail prices. It’s the perfect place to grab lightly used ski jackets, midlayers, or base layers, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re keeping great gear out of landfills and back on the mountain where it belongs.
Amer Sports Factory Outlet
Amer Sports is home to some of the biggest names in skiing—think Salomon, Atomic, Arc’teryx, and Wilson. Their factory outlet, located in Ogden, is a gold mine for discounted gear straight from the brands themselves. Whether you’re looking for new skis, boots, or outerwear, the prices here are hard to beat. If you’re after high-performance gear without the high price tag, it’s definitely worth the drive.
Big Powder Ski Shop
Big Powder Ski Shop is another great local spot to score deals on hard goods. From skis and boards to boots, bindings and poles. Their staff knows their stuff and can help you find gear that fits both your budget and your style of riding. The shop often runs seasonal sales, so keep an eye out for markdowns on last year’s models. Whether you’re a beginner getting your first setup or a pro looking to upgrade, Big Powder is worth a stop before you head up the mountain.
Sports Den
Located in the foothill area of Salt Lake City, Sports Den has been a go-to for Utah skiers and boarders since the ’70s. While they’re known for high-end equipment and expert boot fitting, they also offer amazing deals during seasonal clearance events and off-season sales. It’s one of the best spots to grab top-quality ski gear — helmets, goggles, gloves, jackets, and more — at a discount. Plus, their staff are serious gear experts who can help you find exactly what you need without overspending.
So there you have it, whether you’re a first-timer looking for your first setup or a seasoned local upgrading your gear, Utah’s ski thrift shops make it easy to save big while keeping your style sharp. You’ll find everything you need, and maybe even a few hidden gems, before your next day on the mountain.
