The snow season is almost upon us again, so time to dust off the skis. Skiing is an expensive sport so one way to keep the prices down is to buy second hand. The charity Carla store in Andritz usually has a good selection of skis, boots and helmets. (I also get all our ski jackets and snow trousers from Carla stores for between €9 – 15. Tip: look for the good brands!). The kids second hand stores usually have a small selection of ski equipment and clothes. Willhaben can also be a good on-line option. TK Maxx in Seiersberg, Sports Direct at Center West and Hervis at City Park or Murpark shopping centers are also good places to buy new but at good prices.

I would also like to recommend our favourite place – Andrea’s Ski Second Hand .

They operate from the basement of their home in Premstätten and have a huge selection of second hand ski equipment to rent or buy, plus good prices on new acessories (helmets, gloves, socks etc) as they buy them wholesale . They are open by appointment only between 8 am – 8 pm and they just see one family at a time (for about 30 mins). The friendly personal service includes measuring and fitting boots and advising on ski lengths. They are especially good with kids! My husband and I both brought skis for around €140 and boots for about €80 and we rented boots, skis & poles for the kids for the season for €90 each (see prices below). You also follow them on facebook and they open every year for the winter season around the end of Sept. It’s worth booking an appointment early on as they are very popular. They take cash only and I don’t think they speak English but they were very patient with my German!