Alabama isn’t exactly known for skiing, but every November, thousands of winter sports enthusiasts make their way to the small town of Scottsboro for one of the most unusual ski gear shopping events in the country.
The 45th annual Ski Sale at Unclaimed Baggage takes place Saturday, November 7, bringing together an enormous collection of skis, snowboards, winter clothing and accessories that have made their way to the store through its unique business model of purchasing unclaimed luggage and merchandise.
“People travel from across the country for this once-a-year treasure hunt, and year 45 is one you DON’T want to miss! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 7th for our 45th Annual Ski Sale — with more winter gear, more one-of-a-kind finds, more deals, and more fun than ever before!”
Organizers say this year’s event will be their biggest yet, with more merchandise, additional shopping space and special giveaways, including a chance to win a 2026-27 Epic Pass.
How a Ski Sale in Alabama Became an Annual Tradition
Unclaimed Baggage has been a fixture in Scottsboro since 1970, when founder Doyle Owens began purchasing unclaimed luggage and reselling its contents. The company eventually established relationships with major airlines, acquiring luggage that could not be reunited with its owners.
According to the company’s history of the event, the first Ski Sale took place in 1981 after the store accumulated a substantial inventory of winter sports equipment and clothing. Rather than selling everything as it arrived, the company began saving its ski merchandise for one enormous annual sale.
The idea proved successful, eventually drawing customers from across the country. Today, the business continues collecting ski and snowboard equipment, winter jackets and accessories throughout the year before releasing its accumulated inventory during the November event.
The 2026 sale will feature so much merchandise that organizers plan to expand shopping into the parking lot with additional tents. Customers can also browse the store’s regular selection of jewelry, electronics, luxury goods and other items.
Shoppers Camp Out for First Access to Ski Gear
The event has developed a loyal following, with dozens of customers traditionally camping overnight in the store’s parking lot to secure a place near the front of the line.
This year, the first 45 people in line will receive a 45-minute shopping head start, a $45 Unclaimed Baggage gift card and a complimentary Ski Sale T-shirt.
That represents a change from last year’s event, when the first 50 shoppers received a 30-minute head start.
The Friday night campout will include complimentary pizza, fire pits, s’mores, games and movies. For those who don’t want to bring their own camping equipment, organizers are also offering tents that can be reserved in advance.
Throughout Saturday, shoppers can enjoy food trucks, games and giveaways. The store is also celebrating its 45th Ski Sale by giving attendees a chance to win a 2026-27 Epic Pass, which provides skiing and snowboarding access to dozens of resorts around the world.
2026 Unclaimed Baggage Ski Sale Details
The 45th annual Ski Sale takes place Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central at 509 West Willow Street in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Anyone planning to attend can find additional information about the event, overnight camping and giveaways on the official Unclaimed Baggage Ski Sale page.
While the event takes place hundreds of miles from the nearest major ski destinations, its unusual inventory and long-running traditions have helped make this small Alabama town an annual shopping destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the country.
