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Used skis and snowboards are a good deal for the one or two trips a year most Dutch skiers make. Boots are the tricky part: they need to fit your feet, so try them on or consider buying them new. Have any used binding checked and adjusted by a shop before you hit the slopes.
For most recreational skiers, a ski roughly between chin and nose height works. Shorter is easier to turn, longer is more stable at speed. Look at the model year: skis from the last five to eight seasons are still modern in shape. Older straight skis from the 1990s are not worth having at any price.
Most skiers from the Netherlands want on-piste or all-mountain skis. Brands you will see: Atomic, Salomon, Rossignol, Head, Fischer, Volkl, Elan, Blizzard and K2. A ski sold with integrated bindings (system ski) is normal for this category.
The binding is what releases your boot in a fall. Its release setting (DIN) depends on your weight, height, age, skiing level and boot sole length, so it must be set for you. Take used skis to a ski shop for a binding check and setting, and ask them to wax and sharpen them at the same time, which usually costs in the range of EUR 30-60. Some shops will not work on very old bindings that are no longer on the manufacturer's list, so check the binding model if the skis are more than ten years old.
Ski boots are sized in mondopoint, the length of your foot in centimetres (for example 26.5). Try them on with ski socks. Your toes should just touch the front when standing straight and pull back slightly when you bend your knees. A liner that has packed out from years of use feels roomy in the shop and loose on the slope.
Check the plastic shell for cracks around the buckles, that all buckles close and hold, and the soles are not worn down so far that the binding cannot grip. If you ski every year, new boots fitted by a shop combined with used skis is the best value.
Children outgrow skis and boots every season or two, which makes used kids sets the best deal in this category. Many Dutch families sell a complete set (skis, boots, poles) for less than a week's rental. Check the binding adjusts to the next boot size.
Helmets are different: a helmet that took a hard knock may be damaged inside. Only buy a used helmet from someone you trust, and check the production date inside.
Board length depends mostly on your weight and riding style; a board that reaches between your chin and nose is a common starting point. Check that the bindings match your boot size and that the straps and ratchets are not cracked. Burton, Nitro, Salomon, Jones and Rome boards are common. A twin shape suits park riding and riding switch; a directional board suits carving on piste.
Buy in spring, after the season, when people clear the attic. Prices go up from October. On vindje.com you can describe length, boot size and level at once, like all-mountain skis of 160-170 cm under 150 euro, and skip listings for loose poles and clothing.
| Item | Typical asking price |
|---|---|
| Adult skis with bindings, 3-6 seasons old | EUR 80-250 |
| Kids skis with bindings | EUR 20-70 |
| Ski boots, adult | EUR 30-120 |
| Snowboard with bindings | EUR 80-250 |
| Snowboard boots | EUR 25-80 |
| Complete kids set (skis, boots, poles) | EUR 50-120 |
Rough Marktplaats asking prices in the Netherlands. Condition, age and season move them a lot.
Describe what you want in your own words and vindje.com searches Marktplaats in Dutch, then reads every listing and keeps only the real matches. For example:
All-mountain skis of 160 to 170 cm with bindings, not older than 6 seasons, no core shots, under 180 euro, within 30 kmSearch Marktplaats like this
Yes, if they are less than about eight seasons old and the bases and edges are intact. Have a shop check and set the bindings.
Only if they fit well when you try them on with ski socks. Boots that are too big or packed out make skiing harder and less safe.
Roughly between chin and nose height for most recreational skiers. Beginners can go a bit shorter.
It is safer to have a ski shop set them, since the release setting depends on your weight, height, level and boot.