Budapest’s beloved winter ritual is back: the Ski Swap returns for the 2025/2026 season at the Ferencváros Cultural Center (Ferencvárosi Művelődési Központ), offering a large marketplace for ski and snowboard gear, protective equipment, accessories, and on-the-spot advice. Shoppers get in free, and the vibe is friendly, fast, and focused on getting you ready for the slopes without blowing your budget. The venue is at 1096 Budapest, Haller u. 27., easy to reach in the city’s District IX.
Three Sunday dates anchor this year’s swap: January 11, January 25, and February 7, each running 8:30–13:00. Expect a mix of new and pre-loved skis, boards, boots, helmets, goggles, and all the must-haves, plus expert tips if you’re upgrading or just starting out. If you’re buying for kids, you’ll likely find the right size without the hassle; if you’re tuning your setup after a few seasons, there’s plenty of guidance on what fits your style and budget.
Where and when to go
The Ski Swap happens at the Ferencváros Cultural Center (Ferencvárosi Művelődési Központ) in Budapest’s Ferencváros (District IX), at Haller u. 27. Dates and times:
– 2026.01.11., 8:30–13:00, Budapest
– 2026.01.25., 8:30–13:00, Budapest
– 2026.02.07., 8:30–13:00, Budapest
Shoppers enter free. Got questions or want to confirm details? Call the organizers directly. If you’re planning a morning browse, arrive early for the best selection. The atmosphere is casual but efficient, with plenty of help on hand.
What you’ll find
– Skis and snowboards in a wide range of sizes and types, from beginner-friendly to more advanced setups.
– Boots, bindings, and poles, plus helmets, back protectors, and impact shorts.
– Goggles, gloves, layers, and other accessories to round out your kit.
– On-site advice to help with sizing, compatibility, and condition checks—handy if you’re unsure which flex, length, or binding setting is right for you.
Staying nearby: hotels and more
If you’re turning the swap into a Budapest weekend, the city center and Ferencváros offer plenty of places to stay—many with excellent public transport links.
The Actor Hotel sits on the Pest side of the historic downtown, with easy access to the city center and the airport. Metro, bus, and tram are close by, making it a smooth base for exploring. The hotel’s event-friendly spaces are set up for conferences, training sessions, exhibitions, product launches, receptions, and both corporate and family gatherings, with natural light in every room—the kind of detail that makes long sessions more bearable.
Boulevard City Pension (Boulevard City Panzió) is a cozy, family-run option in District IX near the Danube. Rooms occupy the upper floors of an eight-story residential building, and the location is an easy springboard for city exploring—walkable to the center, with a range of room types to suit different needs. It’s a solid pick if you like a quieter, homier setup within reach of the action.
Canada Hotel is aimed at groups and business travelers who want straightforward amenities. You get free Wi‑Fi across the property, a spacious on-site car park free of charge, and a generous buffet breakfast included in the room rate. It’s a practical choice for teams or those planning meetings and small events alongside their stay.
Looking for something relaxed and green? Haller Camping brings a homey vibe right in the heart of Budapest, in a quiet park with 24-hour reception. Thanks to its central location, it’s perfect for sightseeing: museums, restaurants, the city’s famous thermal baths, nightlife, and historic neighborhoods are minutes away by metro or tram—even late at night. Several grocery stores and a shopping center are just a short walk from the campground.
For budget-friendly central comfort, the 3-star Thomas Hotel Budapest is close to the Great Market Hall—about a 17‑minute walk—with Wi‑Fi throughout and private on-site parking. Rooms come with soundproofed windows and desks; some feature darker wood furnishings. Rudas Thermal Bath is roughly 1.2 miles away. Mornings start with a hearty buffet breakfast, and there’s a café bar on site. Nearby, Bonjour Cafe serves Hungarian dishes.
If you want to stay right by a metro hub, Ibis Budapest Centrum sits just 165 feet from Kálvin Square (Kálvin tér) station (Lines 3 and 4) and about 985 feet from the Hungarian National Museum. Expect free Wi‑Fi, a garden terrace, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and satellite TV, and a 24‑hour bar with a wide selection of light bites and drinks. Restaurants and cafés are steps away.
Traveling in or out by plane? Ibis Budapest Citysouth is midway between the airport and downtown (about 20 minutes), opposite a metro station and next to a shopping mall—an easy-in, easy-out base when time matters.
Make a day of it
With the Ski Swap wrapping at 13:00, you’ve got the afternoon to roam. Ferencváros is close to the Great Market Hall, the Hungarian National Museum, and riverside walks along the Danube. If your gear hunt ends early, treat yourself to a soak at a thermal bath, grab lunch at a local bistro, or hop a tram to explore Buda’s hills.
Why it’s worth it
Free entry. Serious selection. Hands-on advice. If you’re upgrading, equipping a fast-growing kid, or finally leaning into that first ski trip, Budapest’s Ski Swap is a smart, low-stress way to get kitted out before snow season hits. Mark the dates, bring a shortlist, and be ready to pounce when you find the perfect fit.
