The United States’ only retailer of lost luggage, Unclaimed Baggage, is set to host its 45th annual Ski Sale event on November 7, 2026. While Scottsboro, Alabama, might not be known for its ski slopes, thousands of skiers and snowboarders will make their way to the Yellowhammer State this fall to get their hands on some bargains at the ski gear sale from lost and unclaimed luggage.
This one-day event will showcase over 50,000 square feet of ski gear, winter apparel, and holiday finds. In addition to tons of gear, shoppers can score incredible deals with discounts of up to 80% off retail prices.
Unclaimed Baggage has been putting on its ski sale since 1981, and it has become widely popular over the years. Shoppers camp out overnight waiting to begin their spree, with many traveling hundreds of miles to get the best possible spot in line. The event also takes these lost items and helps to get them in the hands of people who need gear, rather than the gear ending up in landfills.
For skiers preparing for the winter season, shopping for new gear is a part of the fun. And over the past few years, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular for skiers looking for gear upgrades. According to an online survey conducted by Inghams Ski, searches for ‘Pre-owned ski clothing’ surged 950% between 2024 and 2025 as skiers look to save money when purchasing gear. At a time when prices for gear steadily rise year after year, Unclaimed Baggage’s ski sale is an opportunity to give quality outdoor gear a second life, while also finding equipment at affordable prices.
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Each year, airlines in the United States misplace around 2 million suitcases. Every suitcase lost by an airline in the United States and not reclaimed by its owner eventually ends up at Unclaimed Baggage’s warehouse in Scottsboro, which occupies an entire city block. Unclaimed Baggage stockpiles the ski gear it receives throughout the year for this one day. Aisles are filled with skis, snowboards, jackets, helmets, gloves, and more. Top brands like Arc’teryx, Moncler, Marmot, The North Face, and Canada Goose are also among the items that are sold at the event.
“This event is one of America’s most delightfully unexpected traditions. It’s quirky, it’s sustainable, and it brings thousands together to celebrate the thrill of discovery,” Unclaimed Baggage spokesperson Sunni Hood said.
As they have in previous years, Unclaimed Baggage will host a camp-out on the night leading up to the sale. The camp-out builds anticipation for the event as hoards of people surround the building awaiting the sale.
“The energy around Ski Sale is super fun!” Lauren Briggs of KC Communications said. “The camp-out experience is very family-friendly and community-oriented, and the sale itself is high-energy given the thrill of the hunt and the amount of new product that is wheeled out and released each hour.”
As the 2026-27 season creeps closer, it is time to make sure all the gear for the upcoming season is ready to go. And if you are in need of some fresh gear at a killer price, a trip to Alabama might be calling your name.
