Nicola, Author at WhoSki.com

What happens to unwanted wetsuits?

An estimated 8,380 tonnes of neoprene, much from unwanted wetsuits, ends up in landfill globally every year. Wetsuits and other neoprene products have traditionally been impossible to recycle.

The only option has been to dump or shred them. The best way to prevent this eco disaster? Keep your unwanted water sports wetsuits in use as long as possible.

Selling on any wetsuit that is in good condition is the least polluting option, especially children’s wetsuits as they are generally little used and perfect for re-sale. As with other outdoor clothing, re-sale keeps no longer needed wetsuits out of landfill and in active usage. However cheaply you can get hold of a new wetsuit, for paddleboarding, surfing, a water sports course or whatever, buying one secondhand is the more eco option.

Wetsuits are exceedingly slow to deteriorate, depending on how they are stored and looked after. They do not break down in landfill.

Care about the environment? Keep your old wetsuits in active usage: sell them on.

Re-use and extending the usage of your wetsuits and other outdoor clothing and equipment beats recycling every time. Why? Because re-use saves the energy required to re-manufacture it into another product, reducing wastage and pollution at the same time.

Can you recycle neoprene?

Alternative plant-based materials are being developed, but right now pretty much all wetsuits are made from neoprene, a non-biodegradable synthetic rubber derived from petroleum or limestone: both non-renewable resources.

Until recently, there was no way to recycle neoprene.

Instead, the neoprene was shredded or simply re-purposed into other items such as laptop bags or mouse mats. The reason neoprene is used for wetsuits is because it is temperature resistant. It is also chemically inert, with a low oxidation rate and high sun and ozone resistance. Hence neoprene wetsuits are tough. They degrade very slowly and make a perfect secondhand purchase.

Be confident: that wetsuit you bought for your child when they were aged eight will most likely still be perfectly wearable at least a decade later. I am still using the wetsuit I bought for dinghy sailing back in the 1990s: 30 years on and it is still as good as new. Luckily, it still fits. If it didn’t, I would be passing it on to a younger family member or selling it on WhoSki.com.

What to do with your secondhand wetsuit?

Selling on a good condition, unwanted wetsuit is obviously the most environmentally friendly way to keep it in active usage and minimise its carbon footprint.

If you are looking for a wetsuit, think pre-loved before you buy new. Check out the outdoor clothing section of WhoSki.com to buy or sell secondhand wetsuits.

However, if you are looking for alternative ways to dispose of an unwanted wetsuit, the good news is that sustainable technologies are evolving.
A company called Circular Flow is working on a process to effectively and sustainably recycle neoprene for re-use.

The amount of neoprene it can cope with is limited, but some retailers have already partnered with Circular Flow to ensure their returned wetsuits are recycled using their proprietary technique.

Alpkit, Finisterre and Boardshop are among UK outdoor shops that will pass on unwanted neoprene wetsuits for recycling.

As with all outdoor wear, maximising its usage is the most eco way to ensure it causes least damage to the environment.

Think WhoSki.com next time you are having an outdoor clothing clear-out, and when you are stocking up for your next adventure.

Image by pressfoto on Freepik

Hey AI, what’s my walking style?

Here’s what we learned about walking styles when we asked the AI chatbot ChatGPT to explain the difference between walking, hiking, rambling, trekking and forest bathing…

Walking: a low-intensity activity

ChatGPT says: Walking is generally considered to be a low-intensity form of exercise or activity that involves moving at a leisurely pace on flat or even ground. Walking can be done almost anywhere and at any time, and it can be a great way to get some fresh air, clear your mind, or simply get from point A to point B.

We say: get yourself a decent pair of socks, however short your walk. Your feet will thank you for it whether in wellies, trainers or walking boots.

Hiking: a more strenuous activity

ChatGPT says: Hiking is a more strenuous and challenging activity that involves walking on uneven terrain, often through wilderness areas or natural settings. Hiking can involve climbing steep hills, navigating rocky trails, crossing streams or rivers, and even scrambling over boulders. Hiking can be a great way to explore the outdoors, challenge yourself physically, and enjoy beautiful scenery.

We say: every hiker needs a robust pair of hiking boots, waterproof for winter and breathable for summer.

Rambling: longer distance walking

ChatGPT says: Rambling is a more leisurely form of walking that is done for the purpose of exploring the outdoors and enjoying nature. It often involves hiking on trails or through countryside areas, and it may require more specialized equipment such as hiking boots and maps. Rambling can also involve more challenging terrain and longer distances than regular walking.

We say: invest in a comfortable backpack and tuck a thermal flask into a handy pocket, for a refreshing cuppa while you are out rambling.

Trekking: a multi-day hike

ChatGPT says: Trekking is a form of outdoor recreation that involves walking or hiking for an extended period of time, usually on trails or paths in natural environments such as mountains, forests, or wilderness areas. It often involves multi-day trips, with hikers carrying backpacks and camping gear to stay overnight in remote locations.

Trekking is typically more challenging than a simple day hike, and may involve steep inclines, rugged terrain, and exposure to the elements. It requires physical endurance, good planning, and adequate equipment to ensure safety and comfort during the trip.

We say: sounds like a DofE expedition? Buy and sell the kit your kids need via WhoSki.com.

Forest bathing: a mindful wander

ChatGPT says: Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and involves spending time in a forest or other natural environment to improve one’s health and wellbeing.

During forest bathing, individuals typically take a slow, leisurely walk in a forest or other natural setting, focusing on their senses and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment. This can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and boost the immune system.

Forest bathing is not a strenuous activity and does not involve hiking or exercise. Instead, it is a form of mindfulness meditation that encourages people to slow down, disconnect from technology, and connect with nature. Many people find that forest bathing helps them feel more relaxed and centred, and can be a useful tool for managing stress and improving mental and physical health.

We say: leave the electronics at home and breathe in that sweet forest air. Gorgeous!

Go properly equipped

Whatever your walking style, equipping yourself with the right kit, whether it’s a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, Nordic walking poles or a thermal tea flask, will help keep you safe and comfortable on the trails.

Boost your sustainability credentials by thinking secondhand before you buy new outdoor kit for your next trip. WhoSki.com: the secondhand marketplace for all kinds of outdoor clothing and equipment.

Images by Freepix

Buy and sell ALL your outdoor kit at WhoSki.com

NEW: Our marketplace just got bigger. You can now buy and sell all your secondhand outdoor kit at WhoSki.com.

From wetsuits to walking boots, kagoules to camping equipment. Buying and selling secondhand clothes and outdoor kit at WhoSki.com means you are helping keep even more durables in active usage within the circular economy.

As regular WhoSkiers already know, re-sale and re-use beats recycling every time, being less costly in terms of energy and materials than buying new or throwing away items you no longer use.

Keeping kit in active usage

Many thanks to all who have bought and sold ski kit via the WhoSki.com marketplace this season. Your actions have helped keep heaps of ski and snowboard clothes in active usage, reduced their carbon footprint and earned you useful spending money from no-longer-needed clothes and equipment.

We hope you will be inspired to do similar with our expanded marketplace, buying and selling the outdoor clothes and equipment you use for the other activities you enjoy all year round.

It is simple: same platform, same name, same log-ins and now with more departments. The only real difference? A summer-ised WhoSki.com logo: spot the sunshine. Plus more categories for you to list your outdoor clothing and equipment.

list your outdoor kit now

Perhaps your kids have a backpack or sleeping mat left over from a Duke of Edinburgh or Scout group expedition? Maybe there’s a pile of unwanted wetsuits in your loft, used just once during that trip to Cornwall or the Scillies? Has a child out-grown their walking boots?

Buy and sell ALL your outdoor kit and clothing at WhoSki.com.

Outdoor clothes and equipment that is still in good condition but of no further use to you could be exactly what another WhoSkier is looking for. List it now, boost your eco credentials, earn a bit of money on unwanted items and help make someone else’s outdoor activity trip a bit more affordable and accessible.

Questions and comments? Please drop us an email or get in touch via social media. We always love to hear from you.

End of season ski kit storage tips

Ski lifts are closing across Europe as ski season ends, and it’s time to pack away the ski kit in storage for another year.

Most of us are saying au revoir to our ski jackets and salopettes, and packing them away for the summer. Smart skiers take time to put their ski kit into storage properly for an efficient return to the slopes next season.

Follow these end of season ski kit storage tips to make life simple when you’re preparing for your next ski trip.

SKI BOOTS:

Make sure ski boots and liners are thoroughly dry before putting them into storage at the end of the ski season. Damp liners will start to whiff and deteriorate over time. Remove liners and allow them to dry thoroughly for at least 48 hours before replacing them inside your ski boots for long-term storage.

Check ski boot casing for damage – any cracks or issues will need attention. Lightly fasten buckles to maintain shape of the plastic outer boot. Fold straps carefully so kinks don’t set in, then place ski boots safely in their storage bag.

Make sure you keep your ski boot bag in a mouse- and squirrel-free area, ideally in a location that does not suffer huge temperature fluctuations.

SKIS:

Check for damage before storing away for next season. Scratches and chips on the base may need filling, while damages and dents on the edges may require repairs.

Getting them fixed now by a specialist means they will be ready for an early start next ski season.

Ask your technician to apply a coat of storage wax too to protect base and edges. This will feed your skis while they are in storage and prevent them from drying out. Don’t forget: storage wax will need to be replaced with a performance wax before using your skis again. Loosen ski bindings completely to help them stay in best condition while out of use.

Store your skis somewhere cool, dry and ventilated that does not experience big changes in temperature as this can stress your skis as they expand and contract.

SKI CLOTHES:

Top tip: take the time to put away your specialist ski clothing clean and tidy now, and you will save yourself so much aggro when you need it again next season.

Wash ski jackets, salopettes and ski pants using specialist waterproofing detergents as necessary and – preferably – eco-friendly products. Air or line dry where possible – tumble drying not only consumes planet-killing amounts of energy, it is also a leading source of microplastic pollution.

Make sure you follow full washing instructions as per the detergent brand you choose. Grangers is a Peak District-based company that offers a wide range of eco-friendly, tried and tested detergent options perfect for outdoor wear.

Now is also the time to sort out any repairs required for your ski clothes.
Small holes are easily fixed either DIY or by a local repair specialist. The better you care for your ski clothes, the longer they will last – the easier they will be to sell secondhand at WhoSki.com – and the smaller their (and your) carbon footprint.

Once your ski kit is thoroughly dry, close all zips and fastenings. Store ski clothes in labelled, sealed bags somewhere dark and dry, and remember to add moth deterrent if you want to avoid annoying holes in your merino base layers.

Clearly lABEL your ski kit

My biggest ski kit storage tip is to pack away outfits for each member of your family in separate bags/boxes. Label them clearly. This saves so much time when you are getting ready for your next trip. It also makes it simple to grab the relevant kit if any family member is going on a ski trip without the rest of you.

Got clothes or equipment that will no longer fit next year? Pack them away separately (labelled, obviously) so you can easily remember what to sell on via WhoSki.com in the autumn.

If your clothing is multi-purpose – such as base layers, fleeces – list it on WhoSki.com under our outdoor clothing category so it can find a purchaser who needs it for year-round activities such as walking, hiking, expeditions or camping trips.

If you have multi-purpose clothing such as baselayers or mid-layers, already listed at WhoSki.com you might also like to re-categorise it as outdoor clothing for an out of season sale.

Image by Freepik

Celebrating our first full ski season

As the ski lifts close at the end of Europe’s winter sports season, at WhoSki.com we are celebrating our first full ski season of trading, with your help.

Helping stem the textiles glut and cutting the cost of skiing with our simple, safe, online marketplace for secondhand ski and snowboard clothing: what a year it has been!

Season highlights include:

A customer database that keeps on growing: thanks to all who have registered and continue to do so. It’s the best way to be among the first to know when new items go on sale. Register quickly and simply here.
A Best Bu siness award for innovation (and a runners-up gong for sustainability).
Building partnerships with a network of businesses operating in the winter sports sector including Huski, Halsbury Ski, Club Europe, the Ski Club of GB and more.
Working alongside local, national and international players to promote circularity and the #SkiGreen message, like Sustainable Merton, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, SATI and Re-Action.
With your help, we have kept heaps of snow wear, from ski jackets to goggles, IN active usage and OUT of landfill.
We have enabled numerous WhoSki.com members to monetize their wardrobe while reducing their carbon footprint via the circular economy.
A stand at the NEC National Snow Show where we enjoyed meeting (and feeding – homemade biscuits, anyone?) so many potential customers. We look forward to seeing you at the next one.
Feedback from our many satisfied, supportive WhoSki.com users

It really feels like a distant memory since the evening Nicola suggested we set up the UK’s eBay just for ski clothes – now live and trading as WhoSki.com.

Pre-loved fashion then was a niche interest. The only way to reliably get your hands on a pair of affordable salopettes was via a friend or neighbour. And when your children grew out of their snowboots there was no real way to ensure they were passed on sustainably outside your immediate circle.

making sustainability simple

As one happy WhoSki.com customer puts it: “A very easy process to kit my children out to replace the items they had grown out of. Will certainly be using the site again.”

So, happy full first year to us – and watch out for exciting developments at the WhoSki.com marketplace during the year ahead.

Image by ArtPhoto_studio on Freepik

Mark Earth Day with year-round behaviour change

We agree with organisers, that bold action and everyday behaviour change are key to improving sustainability this Earth Day. Buying and selling secondhand are among the ways we can all make a difference year-round.

Global revenues for transactions in the circular economy sector – secondhand, rental and repaired goods – are predicted to more than double over the four-year period to 2026.

Great news, you might think: finally the message is getting through, that re-use beats recycle, and that pre-loved is the new “new”.

Sadly, it’s not that simple. While the UK plays a key role in trading secondhand and used goods worldwide, much of that trade is in the export of our unwanted apparel to the Global South and elsewhere. In 2018, the UK ranked as the world’s second biggest exporter of used clothing, with exports valued at approximately US$541.41 million.

Making waves in the outdoor sector

WhoSki.com, with our peer-to-peer marketplace for secondhand ski and snowboard clothing, is a minnow in the tide of textile waste flowing out of Europe. However, as the current European ski season draws to close, now is the perfect time to take stock of how our little marketplace is starting to make waves.

In our first full season, the WhoSki.com customer base has grown by a whopping 1,270%, we’ve won a Best Business award for innovation (and a runners-up gong for sustainability), we’ve built partnerships with a network of businesses operating in the winter sports sector, worked alongside local, national and international players to promote circularity, kept heaps of secondhand ski wear, from ski jackets to goggles, IN active usage and OUT of landfill and we have enabled numerous WhoSki.com members to monetize their wardrobe while reducing their carbon footprint via the circular economy.

Since its launch in 1972, Earth Day has sought to activate people to be more engaged and informed about protecting our planetary ecosystem. Awareness has grown and in latter years the deployment of solutions has undoubtedly accelerated.

Raising awareness

Our experience has been similar. A handful of years ago, awareness of climate change was minimal among consumers. Personal experience of unreliable weather conditions in European ski resorts in recent years has brought the reality of climate change to the front door of our chalets.

Enabling skiers to buy secondhand ski clothing and equipment where possible and pass on their unwanted textiles sustainably via the WhoSki.com marketplace is part of the behaviour change that can help convert consumers to embrace the circular economy across multiple sectors.

Investment in behaviour change is among the simple, sustainable steps we can and must take to support Planet Earth.

6 ways to stay safe on the slopes

High profile cases serve to put the risk of ski accidents front of mind, so what can you do to stay safe on the slopes for your next ski trip?

Firstly, think positive. The statistics show that your chances of hurting yourself while skiing are low. French injury rates stand at just over two injuries per 1,000 skier days: a tiny risk.

But there’s still a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe on the slopes.

Piste studies show that ski accidents are more common on days when temperatures are mild, snow consistency is less predictable and the slopes are busier. Take particular caution on relatively gentle blue pistes where you’re most likely to encounter skiers of mixed ability.

In addition to ‘be wary on the blue’, watch your speed, and always look up the slope before you set off, these 6 ways will help you avoid injury on your next ski trip:

1 Wear a helmet

Head injuries represent less than 4% of piste injuries, and wearing a helmet reduces your chance of head injury by 35%.

2 Get in shape before you go

The organisation Mėdecins de Montagne warns that the highest chance of injury comes on day 2 of your ski trip, the infamous “Second Day Syndrome”, with people who are unfit at highest risk.

Shape up before you go and stretch every day while you’re in the mountains, using video ski fit videos from our fitness partner My Life Tonic, at 50% discount using the code WHOSKI50.

3 Stick to the piste

The number of fatal accidents on marked slopes has declined in recent years. However, off-piste deaths have risen due to increased numbers of free-ride skiers combined with more unpredictable snow caused by greater variability in temperatures and conditions in mountain areas.

If off-piste or back-country skiing is your thing, the Swiss Centre for Accident Prevention advises you to take avalanche training, go out equipped with safety gear and – ideally – only head off-piste in the company of an expert local guide.

4 Swap downhill for cross country

XC skiing injuries represent just 1% of winter sports injuries and no, cross country skiing is not just for the oldies. GB Snowsport cross country athletes are enjoying unprecedented success, with Andrew Musgrave scoring a Top 10 World Cup performance in Lahti this month against an army of Norwegians.

Another advantage: cross country is cheaper than downhill skiing because you don’t need to buy a lift pass.

5 Leave sledging to the kids

‘Fun’ fact: more than two thirds of sledging injuries are suffered by adults. Stay sensible and step away from the sledge. Especially after you’ve spent an evening in Dick’s Tea Bar.

6 DON’T DRINK AND SKI / snowboard

For safety’s sake, steer clear of alcohol while you are on the slopes. Drinking impairs your judgement and balance, and increases your chances of not only injuring yourself, but also injuring others.

Be aware too, that if you are in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an accident, you are likely to be breathalysed by the piste police. This could both nullify your insurance and potentially lead to criminal charges. It is illegal to ski or snowboard under the influence of alcohol or drugs in countries including France and Italy as well as in certain US states.

Most importantly, every piste user should know and follow the FIS Rules of Conduct, the ‘Highway Code’ of the slopes. Read them on the Ski Club of GB website here.

Ace your next ski trip

Racing to the slopes for a ski trip? WhoSki.com is your best piste pal for snow tips for all the family, every step of the way.

Survive the drive:

From TAG to aire, 15 years-worth of tips to ease your experience of the autoroute to the Alps. Read more: Ski-drive tips

Offspring going on a Uni ski trip?

There’s a lot that goes on during student ski trip that it’s probably best for parents NOT to know. Ever. We persuaded some students to spill the beans and share their tips. Read more: Secrets of the student ski trip

Sell your ski stuff now:

Have you ever tried finding ski clothing in shops after February half-term? Our top tip – don’t bother! The shelves are full of summer sports gear already, making this the perfect time to list your good as new ski clothing at WhoSki.com for a quick sale. Read more: Five simple steps to selling your ski clothes

Dealing with reluctant skiers:

What can you do if your child – or grandchild – doesn’t like ski school? My daughter hated her ski lessons, for YEARS. Here’s what I tried, with varying levels of success… Read more: Help! My child doesn’t like ski school

Must-haves for a school ski trip:

Still looking for kit for a school ski trip child? The WhoSki.com shop is the best place to buy good quality ski clothes at great prices. Check our school ski trip essentials checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need. Read more: School ski trip packing list

Cross country ski essentials:

If you’re hitting the trails rather than the downhills, we can help. It’s hard work – but super-fun. Here’s exactly what you should be wearing to stay warm, look good and avoid overheating when cross country skiing. Read more: Dress right for XC skiing

Shop sustainably. Buy and sell at WhoSki.com: we donate 10% of our commission to teen mental health charity stem4 on EVERY sale.

Image by derich on Freepik

Help! My child doesn’t like going to ski school

Having a child who doesn’t like going to ski school can ruin your ski holiday as well as theirs. Is there anything you can do?

Of my two children, one was a ‘Ski-Do’ at ski school from day one, aged five. He went off happily every day, eventually progressing to avalanche drill and schussing the scariest of couloirs with his cool dude instructors.

Child No2, however, was a classic ‘Ski-Don’t’. Didn’t like the ski school experience, was always the one hanging off the back of the ski tiddlers-snake, terrified of getting lost on the mountain, anxiety-induced tummy aches. To her credit, she did try her best not to cry until we’d dropped her at ski school, but it was stressful for all. Even now, a keen late-teens skier, she reckons she’s got ski-school-induced PTSD: “It’s not the skiing I disliked, mum, it was the lessons.”

Parental guilt, moi? Big time.

So, is there anything you can do to help your child who doesn’t like going to ski school? Here’s what I tried and how successful it was…

1 COMFORT:

Make sure your child is comfortable in their ski kit. Clothes should be warm and easy to take on and off. Snip out any scratchy labels. Let them help choose their outfit – wanting to wear the ski suit they specially selected for ski school might act as an incentive to join in with enthusiasm.
Success rate: 3/5 (On day 1, at least. Enthusiasm subsequently plummeted)

“I love my Barbie ski suit – but I still don’t like ski school”

2 A COMFORTER:

One year, my daughter spent her time on the slopes with a favourite doll tucked down her front, securely zipped inside her all-in-one. Did it help? Somewhat, although there were still PLENTY of tears. This was also the year she caught Norovirus and scarlet fever while in resort. Note to self: perhaps it’s NOT ski school that’s the problem?
Success rate: 2/5 (Slightly happier but no silver bullet. Feeling like c**p probs didn’t help)

3 SNACKS:

A little packet of sweets tucked into a safe pocket for break time is a good incentive, especially if your child isn’t normally allowed much in the way of ‘naughties’.
Success rate: 0/5 (No kidding my girl, who knew life would have been happier with us, slurping a chocolat chaud avec Chantilly in a cosy cafe)

Hot chocolate with Chantilly cream — You can see the appeal of a chocolat chaud

4 ANXIETY REMEDY:

I used to send my quivering child off to ski school sucking on a ‘braveness sweetie’, with a couple more zipped into a pocket. Braveness sweeties = fruit flavoured Rescue Remedy pastilles. Did they work? Well, research suggests that Rescue Remedies can help reduce anxiety. They at least gave my little girl something to focus on mentally to help manage her worries.
Success rate: 3/5 (Recommend. Pack enough so all the kids in your group can enjoy the braveness bonus)

5 THROW MONEY AT THE PROBLEM:

The year we abandoned group lessons in favour of a private instructor was the first year EVER my daughter did not hate learning to ski. We shared the cost across two families and guess what? It was worth EVERY PENNY.
Success rate: 5/5 (Happy child = happy parent. Daughter only required private tuition for a few years before she was able to ski en famille. Bingo!)

6 DIY aka ‘DO A SALLY’:

My WhoSki co-founder Sally gave up on ski school, and she and her partner taught the kids themselves. As she puts it: “Sometimes this was bonding and at other times very, very hard work!”
Success rate: 3/ 5 on a good day (but 5/5 for affordability)

To be honest, perhaps my daughter’s aversion to group lessons stemmed from a bad experience on a dry ski slope aged four, where she got hit in the head by a rogue button lift seat. Not a great start…

Have you managed to solve the ‘Ski-Don’t’ problem? Let us know on the WhoSki social media channels.

Survive the Drive: tips on driving to the ski slopes

With 15 years’ experience of driving to the Alps, WhoSki founders Sally and Nicola share their top tips to ease your next car journey to the ski slopes.

Motoring Essentials:

Paperwork: Take copies of your insurance and vehicle registration documents and an up-to-date driving licence.

In the car: In France, you’ll need reflective jackets for everyone / warning triangle in case of breakdown / replacement headlamp bulb.

For the mountains: Snow chains, plus a tough pair of gloves for fitting them. Check WhoSki.com for secondhand snow chains before you buy new, then sell them on after your trip. Or try renting them out via KitUp.

On the car: Headlamp beam converters if your vehicle doesn’t auto-adjust / UK sticker displayed on your vehicle / a Crit’Air vignette if you will be entering a clean-air city or area.

Speed things up: A windscreen TAG to fast-track your way through auto-route toll gates.

Family Essentials:

Set off with full water bottles and plenty of snacks.

Pre-pack name-coded bags of goodies for each passenger. If your kids are old enough to manage their own food intake, this will save considerable hassle for whoever is in the front passenger seat – as well as time and money at service stations en route.

Tuck a sick bag into seat-back pockets: zig-zag mountain roads can cause havoc with little tummies.

A blanket and a pillow never go amiss on a long car journey.

Keep snowboots accessible – you will need them if you have to stop and fit snowchains, plus you may need them when you arrive in resort.

The Overnight Stop:

Pack an overnight grab bag to avoid unloading the car. Make sure you’ve eaten before you check in – or take food to eat in your accommodation. Looking for somewhere to eat late at night when you’ve got a car full of tired travellers is predictably awful.

If driving at February half-term, set off on the second leg of your journey as early as you can bear. Hitting the road at 5am rather than 6.30am can make the difference between arriving in your ski resort in time for lunch – or just about making it for a bad-tempered supper after a long, slow slog up the mountain in a traffic jam.

Let the kids travel in their pyjamas and pack everyone their own ‘breakfast grab bag’ to stave off hunger until your driver needs a coffee and a croissant stop.

Tips for an Easier Journey:

Print out / download all your arrival details in advance so you know where you’re staying / how to get there / where to park. WiFi can be annoyingly sporadic in the mountains so don’t rely on Google Maps to help you out.

Toilet stop required? Aim for one of the simpler ‘aire de repos’ picnic areas rather than a service station to avoid queues for the toilet.

Get the kids to download a heap of TV shows / movies to their devices in advance. A long car journey is not the time to get fussy about screen-time limits. Invest in dual chargers to avoid anyone running out of juice.

Last-Minute Planning:

FOOD on arrival: If you’re self catering, ordering a meal for the day you arrive is a no-brainer. The convenience of not having to shoot off to the supermarket the minute you ‘land’ cannot be underestimated, and leaves you more time to pick up your ski equipment from the hire shop.

Huski delivers throughout the French Alps, with plenty of tasty choices for all needs (veggie, vegan, gluten-free etc). Let them know where you’re staying and they will deliver in advance right into the freezer of your ski apartment. Sally can confirm: the food is great.
Use our Huski discount code WhoSki5 for money off your order.

THE auto-route TAG: If you haven’t already got one (mentioned above), you can order a speedy delivery windscreen TAG to fast-track your way through auto-route toll gates. It is seriously worth it.

Driving Home:

The journey home is much easier to do in one go if you can share the driving. Always take breaks and do not drive if tired. Overnight accommodation on the way home can make for a more relaxing experience, though the time difference is in your favour for getting it over with in one go.

Sell like a pro: price it right for a successful sale

Are you new to secondhand marketplace selling? Take our advice to create the most effective listing and help your ski clothes sell FAST!

Part 3 : Pricing your item right will help it fly out of WhoSki.com and into the hands of another skier. If your goal is to sell quickly and your motivation is to keep ski clothes out of landfill and in active usage: our secondhand selling tips should help.

Perhaps your pre-loved ski kit has been on sale for a while but still not been snapped up? A price reduction might help… Read on for more secondhand sales pricing tips.

Part 1: Our tips on how to post images that will help sell your ski clothes

Part 2: Our tips on how to write the best description for a successful sale

1 Get the pricing right

Experienced skiers know that a new designer ski jacket could come with a £500+ price tag. But let’s face it, most of us would not dream of paying jaw-dropping prices like that.

Be realistic when you are pricing your pre-loved garment for re-sale. Think affordable. However, be wary of pricing it too cheap unless you really want a fast sale – buyers may suspect it is damaged or of poor quality.

Top tip: Use the description box to mention the as-new RRP of your item to make it clear what kind of deal your buyer is getting.

2 What is a realistic price?

Bear in mind that secondhand items rarely sell for even half the original price, unless they are pristine ie unused, with the original labels still attached.

Selling on your pre-loved clothing helps reduce its (and your) carbon footprint. It is a way of recouping some of your outlay but we advise that you set your sights realistically. Think about the eco benefits of ensuring your clothes get maximum wear – and remember we donate to charity on every sale.

Top tip: High Street brands sell quickly – they are affordable and your customer is familiar with them, so do price accordingly. People will spend more on designer brand ski clothes, but remember affordability is key in the secondhand sector.

3 Check the competition

Browse the WhoSki.com shop on a regular basis. You will start to learn what sells, at what price, and what seems to shift more slowly. Make sure you are signed up to receive our emails which announce new listings so you can keep an eye on the competition. (If you’re not already a WhoSki.com member, register here for email updates.)

When pricing your pre-loved outfit, check what else is on offer at WhoSki.com. If you spot something similar, check the cost and think ‘Would I pay that?’ to give you a steer on your price point.

Top tip: Selling items affordably as a set rather than individually may help attract a buyer eg a pack of ski socks, a selection of base layers or matching ski jacket and salopettes. If they don’t sell, split and re-list them individually.

4 Be prepared to drop your price

We are a fixed-price marketplace, not an auction site, but it is easy to adjust the pricing of your items if you find they are not selling. Simply log in, visit your account and edit your listing. You can also re-write the description to make it clear you have reduced the price, if you wish.

Top tip: Think about timing when trying to sell your pre-loved ski clothes. The pre-Christmas period is buzzing as is half-term for kids’ stuff. Towards the end of the ski season, there is generally little ski clothing left in the shops so you may well clinch a last-minute sale at WhoSki.com.

One extra point to bear in mind: the ski season for UK skiers is relatively short. Most transactions in our marketplace take place between October and April, but you can leave your items on sale at WhoSki.com for as long as you like. If they don’t sell this season, they may well be snapped up next.

Read full WhoSki.com listing rules here

Remember to let your audience know via social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) that when they buy your item through WhoSki.com, we donate ££ to charity, PLUS they are helping keep valuable textiles out of landfill.

Happy selling!

Read Part 1: Our tips on how to post the best images to help sell your ski clothes

Read Part 2: Our tips on how to write the best description for a successful sale

Sell like a pro: how to write a killer description

Are you new to WhoSki.com or secondhand marketplace selling? Follow our tips to build the most effective listing and help your ski clothes sell FAST!

Part 2 : Providing the right information in your description will help clinch that sale and ensure your ski clothes stay in active usage to delight another skier.

Part 1: Our tips on how to post images that will help sell your ski clothes

Part 3: Our tips on getting the pricing right for a successful sale

1 your headline

Your listing headline should make it clear what you are selling, including details such as size/age and using keywords such as ‘ski jacket’ ‘snowboots’. This helps make it easier for wannabe buyers to find your beautiful item via search and also saves time when scrolling through WhoSki.com listings.

Top tip: Size matters. Prioritise sizing in your killer listing headline to help make it easier for others to know immediately if this item may be suitable.

2 KEYWORDS ARE KING

Use keywords like ski jacket, ski pants, child’s ski jacket etc in your description. This will increase your presence in the world of Google search – the more people see your post, the more likely you are to win the sale. Use the generous word count in our description box when you upload your ski gear for sale – the more information you can include the better.

Top tip: Brands sell, so include the make of your item, whether it’s high street or designer.

3 HIGHLIGHT FEATURES

Take a good look at the item you are selling and include all key features that may be of interest to others. Does it have a detachable hood, where are the zipped vents, how many pockets, is there a powder skirt or built-in goggles wipe? Check the manufacturer’s website for info on your item if it is still for sale there.

Top tip: Be honest about any wear and tear, and include info about defects. Your customer needs to know exactly what they are buying.

4 DETAIL COUNTS

Check the label in your item and add details to your written description including sizing information, waterproof rating (measured in resistance from 5k rainproof minimum up to 20k max), breathability and warmth ratings. For children’s wear, it can be useful to know if waistband and legs are adjustable.

Top tip: Sizes/ages don’t always tell the whole story. Include key measurements eg sleeve length, inside leg, waist etc.

5 PRICE IT RIGHT

Are you charging a realistic price? How keen are you for your item to sell? If you want it to shift, price it lower. And if you are unsure what the right price is, think about what you would be prepared to pay for it secondhand. Remember too that you can always go back to your item and reduce the price if it is not selling.

Top tip: When listing your item, check spellings in your headline and description. An error can mean it doesn’t come up in search results.

Happy selling!

NOW READ: Part 1: our tips on how to post the best images to help sell your ski clothes

AND: Part 3: Our tips on getting the pricing right for a successful sale

Read more WhoSki.com Seller Tips here

Read full WhoSki.com listing rules here