Organiser Pete Devine said snowboarding equipment sold out in 20 minutes last year, prompting the pre-emptive stock increase for this year's sale.
The annual sale continues a tradition dating back more than 30 years. It had humble beginnings as a ski club swap shop with equipment bartered among ski club members, Mr Devine said.
"As the event's popularity grew so did the sale. It progressed to become an auction, but then as the numbers of items offered for sale climbed, the auction process couldn't cope. The current sale process evolved during the '80s," he said.
Sale venues over the years have included the old ski club premises in Hallenstein St, Wicked Willies Tavern, Centennial Stadium, Memorial Hall, Wakatipu High School and now the events centre.
Mr Devine said organisers were expecting about 3000 people on Sunday.
In past years, most attending were local people looking for a bargain, but others were drawn from around Otago, Southland and further afield.
"This year's sale will run along similar lines to last year with a few processes being streamlined to reduce queues and make things a little less stressful for all. Specific times will be advised closer to the sale," Mr Devine said.
Half the stock comes from local skiers and snowboarders, while the balance, including ex-rental and demo equipment, comes from snow sports retailers.
The ski club charges $3 per item and takes a 15% commission on items sold. More than 100 volunteers have been enlisted to help.
Last year, 1400 items were sold and this year there will be about 2500 on display.
• When and where: Sunday, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Queenstown Events Centre. Item drop-off: 9am-11am. Unsold items can be collected between 3.30pm and 4.15pm.
