JH Ski Club hosts annual ski swap this weekend

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Ready to buy a starter set-up to finally get on the slopes? Want a pair of late model fatties? Time to get rid of those long, straight skis taking up room in the hall closet?

Bring your old ski stuff and pick up a few bucks with which to buy newer, better ski stuff to the annual Ski Swap, organized by the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club.

Early birds can pay $10 ($5 for JHSC members) to get a jump on the fierce competition, entering the Teton Heritage Arena, on the west side of the fairgrounds, at 7:30 a.m. The rest can get in at 8:15 a.m. at just $1 a head, or free for JHSC members. The event goes to 1 p.m. and pickup runs 2-4 p.m.

The event raises money to subsidize programs for over 350 young athletes involved in the organization’s nordic, alpine and freestyle programs, but it’s also a much-anticipated opportunity to gear up for winter sports with otherwise expensive startup costs, or, for the more experienced, to find rare bargains on quality (if somewhat used or dated) equipment and clothing.

Carrie Pennington, executive director of JHSC, said the swap is important not only to transfer of working equipment to new owners, but also because a new skier or snowboarder can usually find everything he or she needs, and usually at a fraction of the costs at most retail stores.

“If people are new to skiing, it’s a great way to come in and get equipment and get them on to the snow,” she said.

The unloading side of the swap is open both to individuals and commercial vendors selling off skis, boards, boots, soft goods and goggles. JHSC takes 25 percent of proceeds from each item sold.

Individuals must check-in items for sale noon-7 p.m. on Friday. Vendors must check in noon-2 p.m. and must first contact JHSC for information on a vendor’s packet.
Pennington said come early with a check or plenty of cash on hand. Last year’s ski swap raised nearly $23,000 for JHSC.

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JH Ski Club hosts annual ski swap this weekend | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

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