New skis and snowboards get most of the hype, but they’re not what quietly empties your wallet. The real financial sneak attack is ski clothing. A properly waterproof jacket routinely costs $200–$500. Ski pants often land in the $200–$400 range. Base layers, gloves, goggles, helmets—stack those together and you’re suddenly flirting with a four-figure total before you’ve even thought about lift tickets.
If you’ve ever searched for “cheap ski clothing near me” or wondered whether used ski apparel is actually worth the effort, you’re not alone. Denver is one of the best cities in the country for buying second‑hand outdoor clothing, and not because people are settling. It’s because the volume, quality, and turnover here are unusually high.
This guide focuses exclusively on ski clothing. No skis. No snowboards. Just jackets, pants, insulation, base layers, gloves, and accessories—the things that actually keep you warm, dry, and functional when the weather decides to get aggressive.
Why Buying Used Ski Clothing Is the Smart Move
Buying used ski clothing isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about understanding depreciation and not paying full price for something that loses value the moment it leaves the store.
It’s not uncommon for a jacket that retailed for $400 as recent as last winter often lands somewhere between $100 and $200. Gloves, goggles, and base layers frequently sell for 40–70% off original prices. Those savings compound quickly across a full kit. It’s the difference between compromising on quality and buying exactly what you want.
There’s also a performance upside people don’t talk about enough. Used gear has already been tested. Zippers have survived real use. Fabrics have flexed, washed, dried, and proven they won’t immediately fail. You’re not discovering manufacturing quirks halfway through a storm cycle.
Then there’s the environmental reality. A significant portion of outdoor apparel never sees a second owner and ends up as waste. Ski manufacturers estimate that roughly one‑third of produced gear never reaches full use, and apparel follows a similar pattern. Buying used keeps functional jackets and pants in circulation and reduces the energy, water, and materials required to produce replacements that didn’t need to exist.
At FERAL, we call this gear “Field‑Tested.” It’s not just used, it’s already proven it belongs outside.
Where to Buy Used Ski Clothing in Denver
Denver’s outdoor‑obsessed culture means there’s no shortage of places to shop, but not all stores focus equally on apparel. The shops below consistently stock jackets, pants, gloves, base layers, and winter accessories, without requiring you to dig through piles of skis and snowboards if clothing is all you’re after.
Each listing includes location details so you can easily pair gear shopping with food, coffee, or a beer, which is honestly how Denver shopping is meant to work.
FERAL — Berkeley / Tennyson Street
Address: 3936 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212
FERAL is known for having one of the largest selections of used outdoor clothing in the city, covering all seasons but especially strong in winter. We carry insulated jackets, shells, ski pants, gloves, base layers, mid‑layers, and ski accessories, with inventory rotating constantly.
What sets FERAL apart is our massive selection and how the gear is sourced and sold. Clothing is purchased outright for cash or store credit. No consignment waiting period…and that allows us to keep prices LOW. Everything is inspected before hitting the floor, and Field‑Tested items are fully vetted and ready for more miles.
FERAL also carries a substantial selection of new accessories, making it easy to fill gaps without needing a second stop. Located in the Berkeley neighborhood on Tennyson Street, it’s surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, turning gear shopping into a productive and enjoyable afternoon.
Wilderness Exchange Unlimited — LoHi / Platte Street
Address: 2401 15th Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202
Wilderness Exchange operates one of Denver’s larger outdoor consignments, and their basement level is often stocked with used ski jackets, pants, gloves, and layers for men, women, and kids. Because inventory is consignment‑based, selection changes frequently, which rewards repeat visits.
In addition to outerwear, the store carries base layers, mid‑layers, and technical apparel alongside backcountry and climbing gear. Hours generally run from late morning through early evening, making it an easy stop before dinner or drinks in the Lower Highland neighborhood. Platte Street’s cluster of breweries and eateries pairs well with a long browse through the racks.
Sports Plus Denver — Platt Park
Location: Platt Park, Denver
Sports Plus positions itself as a full‑service sporting‑goods shop, blending new gear, used gear, consignments, rentals, repairs, and custom fittings under one roof. While they carry skis and snowboards, they also maintain a solid selection of used ski clothing, including jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets.
The store is particularly strong during late‑October consignments and end‑of‑season sales, when apparel prices drop sharply. It’s a practical stop if you want flexibility, consign old gear, rent for the season, or buy discounted clothing in one visit. Afterward, South Pearl Street offers plenty of low‑key spots to wander.
2nd Time Sports — Northglenn
Address: 11295 Washington St., Unit C, Northglenn, CO 80233
This family‑owned shop focuses on new and used snow gear for both adults and kids, with jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets making up a significant portion of their inventory. Customers are encouraged to bring in gently used gear and trade it for store credit toward upgrades, which is especially useful for families dealing with growth spurts.
The store is open seven days a week and has built a strong local reputation, earning recognition from the Northglenn community. While it’s north of Denver proper, it’s an easy stop if you live or ski on that side of the metro area.
Boulder Sports Recycler — Boulder (Worth the Drive)
Address: 7123 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO
Located roughly 30 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder Sports Recycler is a long‑running outdoor consignment shop with one of the broadest clothing intake lists around. Their accepted gear includes ski jackets, ski pants, shells, insulated layers, base layers, fleece, gloves, hats, helmets, and more.
They also offer apparel repair services, which can extend the life of a well‑priced piece and turn a good deal into a great one. If you don’t mind the drive, Boulder Sports Recycler can be a deep source of affordable ski clothing.
More Places to Check
Gear swaps and community sales: Local ski swaps, resort events, and community center sales often feature racks of used clothing alongside hard goods. Showing up early and knowing your sizes makes a big difference.
Online marketplaces: Platforms like Geartrade, SidelineSwap, and Patagonia Worn Wear offer used ski clothing with condition ratings and return policies, making them a reliable option for shopping from home.
How to Evaluate Used Ski Clothing
Start by inspecting waterproofing and seams. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings should still bead water, and seams should show no signs of peeling or delamination. A quick spray test can reveal compromised protection.
Check all zippers and closures. Zippers should glide smoothly, snaps should hold, Velcro should still grip, and drawcords should cinch properly. Replacing technical zippers can be costly, so factor that into the price.
Look closely at high‑wear areas. Cuffs, elbows, knees, and seat panels tend to wear first. Minor scuffs are normal; torn fabric or blown seams usually aren’t worth the trouble.
Do the sniff test. Persistent mildew or sweat odors are difficult to remove completely and can indicate improper storage.
Factor in age and use. The 50%‑off‑last‑season guideline exists for a reason. Technical fabrics degrade over time, and very old pieces may no longer perform as intended.
Whenever possible, buy from shops that inspect apparel before resale. It dramatically reduces the odds of discovering hidden issues halfway through winter.
Final Thoughts
Affordable ski clothing isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing where to look, understanding how used gear is priced, and having standards. Denver’s outdoor‑centric neighborhoods are full of shops that make it easy to build a solid winter kit without overspending.
Buying used saves money, reduces waste, and supports local businesses that actually understand life in the mountains. You stay warm, dry, and functional…and you keep more cash for lift tickets, road trips, and the days that actually matter.
