Swaps!

NEW?

Gear grabs:

Mountaineers. More focused on groomed trails.

Washington Ski Tour Club. More focused on groomed trails.

Below: Nordic.

This may be updated several times over the next days.

Therefore, "REFRESH" YOUR BROWSER PAGE AT LEAST 1 TIMES EACH TIME YOU VISIT THIS PAGE.

Do NOT give out this link or list to anyone. Thanks!

View by author-invitation only.

UPDATES POSTED:

· 2013-1102 ~1:56AM PT (CORRECTION: SPVSP Swap TIME (Red Hook Brewery).)

· 2013-1030 ~10:44AM PT (Updated.)

· 2013-1019 ~2:21AM PT (Minor change. SEE 1015.)

· 2013-1015 ~5:38AM PT (New Swap!)

· 2013-1012 ~7:17PM PT (Updated a few Swaps.)

· 2013-1009 ~6:49PM PT (and :38) (Updated text, and Okanogan swap. Evo may not do its event. Outing Club, late Nov.? Past swap lists completely removed but still at old link.)

· 2013-1008 ~1:07AM PT (Updated WSU Swap.)

· 2013-1005 ~9:03AM PT (Updated an Oregon Swap.)

· 2013-1005 ~4:46AM PT (Updated several Swaps, Shows, Fair(s).)

· 2013-1004 ~9:51AM PT (Updated October Swap for 2013.)

· 2013-1004 ~9:38AM PT (Updated October & early-November Swaps for 2013.)

· 2013-1003 ~11:47PM PT (Updated October & early-November Swaps for 2013.)

· 2012 None.

· 2011 Several posts/updates. (A lot of formatting got goofy in 2011 when I copy-pasted. I fixed only some of it.)

SWAPS! -- Skiing, Snowboarding, and XC/Nordic, etc:

Compiled and Copyright by Stephen D. of the Seattle, WA area! Unless I am SELLING my stuff at a Swap, I do NOT plan to go to any of these myself this season!

DISCLAIMER: Posted without rereading. If you are thinking of going or telling someone about a Swap, first check the original source for accuracy! (Dates/Times may be off here!)

CONSIDER ALSO: Consignment items at stores like Ski Mart, and other ski shops, etc.; Rummage sales; REI's Garage Sale events; Etc.; Special sales such as Skibonkers, and other sales; and Online pricing (special sites, eBay, etc.), but be careful about the latter. And ALWAYS thoroughly check over equipment before you buy it. (See a section here for some buying tips.)

INTRO:

Want to know what a swap is like? how to buy? how to sell? See below!

Note: All swaps sales are usually final, and no returns accepted.

SWAPS OVERVIEW & CONTENTS:

OVERVIEW:

Buy & Sell info is listed at each Swap site. And each Swap differs!
General Buy & Sell info & tips are below these lists.

CONTENTS:

2013-2014 Swaps Lists.

· WASHINGTON Swaps and select Sales.

· OREGON Swaps.

· BC CANADA Swaps.

What's a swap like?

How to BUY.

Tips Links Found.

For Sellers.

PAST Swaps Lists. Now, only a link to previous lists.

Copyright Info.

2013-2014 SWAPS LISTS: To CONTENTS.

To simplify for me, for some Swaps I may just post a link and an approximate date. In some cases, dates listed include the Drop-off date, while in other cases, the dates do not. Again, please check dates at the links! Where there is OLD information, the Swap could be a week or even a month before or after that (I've seen that occur!), so please CHECK DATES! BEFORE MAKING PLANS.

N.B. – READ FIRST!: Last edit of this N.B. was ~10/5/2013.

Details may change! Check before you plan or go!
Dates I list might include Drop-off dates, not just actual Sale dates, but most are probably just the Swap date(s). That is, dates I list might NOT include Drop-off dates, but may list just actual Sale dates. Please check the date(s) before you go or decide to sell.
There may be more then one Swap on the SAME DATE, maybe even several! So be sure to check. (I do try to list them mostly-chronologically but have been known to goof.)
Times differ widely for every Swap/Sale. Most start in the morning, some in the afternoon, and even some in the evening!
Many swap links have changed since this was previously updated.
Some swaps have apparently not listed their dates, etc., yet.
There are some new swaps, and some old swaps may have dropped off the list(s).
Sellers: Drop-off dates and/or times typically differ from the Swaps attendance times! and are often a day or days previous to the Sale.
Sellers: Every Swap has its own sale rules. Read before you decide to take your gear/items to sell. Pick-up times vary. If you don't pick up your gear/items on time, it could be kept, donated, sold, or disposed of.
Details may change! Check before you plan or go!

WASHINGTON Swaps and select Sales: (Oregon & Canada are below.) To CONTENTS.

Labor Day Weekend (August-September) -- SkiBonkers* (SALE NOT SWAP):

Southcenter, Seattle, WA. *Put on by Sturtevant's. Westfield Southcenter.

http://www.skibonkers.com

September -- GEAR SWAP at Mountaineers OutdoorsFest (SWAP):

Location, Seattle, WA.

http://www.mountaineers.org/

October* & March -- Lakeside Rummage Sale (Special SALE):

* Apparently none for October 2013, as the buildings were being rebuilt, and none is listed on the site, though March 29-30, 2014 is listed.

Lakeside School, Seattle, WA.

http://www.lakesideschool.org/rummage

October 12, 2013 -- Vashon Ski School GENTLY USED GEAR SALE (SWAP):

Location, Vashon Island. Between Saucy Sisters and Spider Sports. Saucy Sisters, 17636 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070; Spider Sports, 17626 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070.

When: 8:30 to 2 PM

http://vashonparks.org/section_home/SkiSchool.html

Saturday, October 12, 2013 -- Leavenworth Gear & Ski Swap (SWAP):

Drop-off location and date/time: Cascade High School, Friday between 5PM and 7:30PM.

Swap location: Icicle River Middle School, 10195 Titus Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826 (cross-street Pine St.).

http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/ski-swap-all-winter-sports-equipment

Friday-Saturday, October 18-19, 2013 -- Komo Kulshan Ski Swap (SWAP):

AKA: Komo Kulshan Ski Club's Annual Ski & Snowboard Swap. "Bellingham’s oldest and largest ski swap."

Mt. Baker area: Bloedel Donovan Park (Gym), 2214 Electric Avenue, Bellingham, WA (in the Silver Beach Neighborhood).

"Volunteers get first dibs on equipment!" Link below.

Equipment Drop-Off: Thursday, October 17th, 4pm - 9pm

SALE:

Thursday, October 17: Volunteers are permitted to shop at about 8:30 pm "for the very best deals of the swap".*

Friday, October 18th:*

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Early bird Shopping – First 100 shoppers (16+) can pay $10 to shop early and beat the crowds.

4:00pm – 9:30pm – Public Shopping

Saturday, October 19th

9:00am to 2:00pm – Public shopping

3:00pm to 5:00pm – Pick up unsold items and/or proceeds for sold items.

SWAP DETAILS:

http://mtbakerraceteam.us/ski-swap/

Volunteer sign-up link and details:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CAEAC2AAB9-skiswap

* "If you have signed up to volunteer before Thursday, October 17, and are on the volunteer list, you are permitted to shop Thursday evening at about 8:30 pm for the very best deals of the swap. Volunteers who can’t make it Thursday night have a second chance for early-bird shopping on Friday one hour before the doors open to the general public."

OTHER LINKS:

Mount Baker announcement: http://fall.mtbaker.us/events/komo-kulshan-ski-swap1/

Ski Club FB page: https://www.facebook.com/KomoKulshan

Article: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/10/06/3242105/komo-kulshan-ski-swap-runs-oct.html

Park info: http://www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/bloedel-donovan-park.aspx

Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20, 2013 -- Mountain to Sound Outfitters Ski Swap (SWAP):

American Legion West Seattle, 3618 SW Alaska St., Seattle, WA

http://shop.m2soutfitters.com/pages/west-seattle-ski-board-swap

Saturday, October 19th, 2013 -- 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol Ski Swap (SWAP):

NE Washington Fairgrounds, Colville, WA. Hwy 395 in Colville. Go West on Columbia Ave, at Les Schwab.

9:30AM-3PM.

http://www.ski49n.com/calendar.php?id=1843

Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20, 2013 -- Walla Walla Valley SKI SWAP (SWAP):

Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, 363 Orchard St, Walla Walla, WA. Science/Education bldg., near the main entrance.

http://www.theskiswap.com/Walla_Walla_Swap.html

Saturday, October 19th, 2013 -- Sammamish Kiwanis Ski & Sport Swap (SWAP):

Bring equipment to sell Friday-Saturday.

Pine Lake Covenant Church (New Gymnasium), 1715 - 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA 98075. (South of Skyline High School)

Participating merchants: Gerk's Ski & Cycle, Pacific Bike & Ski.

http://www.sammamishkiwanis.org/News_View.aspx?Articleid=47

https://www.facebook.com/events/148416325367653/

Saturday-Sunday, October (25) 26-27, 2013 -- Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (SWAP):

Spokane Fair & Expo Center, 404 N Havana St, Spokane, WA

http://www.theskiswap.com/Spokane_Sales.html

http://skipatrolskiswap.com/

http://www.mssp.org/

Friday-Sunday, November 1, 2, 3, 2013 -- SPVSP's Annual Ski Swap (Snoqualmie Pass Volunteer Ski Patrol, which is Summit West Volunteer Ski Patrol) (SWAP):

Friday 12-9.

Saturday 9-9.

Sunday 9-1. CORRECTION.

Red Hook Brewery, 14300 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072. 425.483.3232 (brewery).

http://www.spvsp.org/Ski_Swap (It has a directions link.)

http://www.redhook.com/

http://www.theskiswap.com/Seattle_Tacoma_olympia.html

Friday-Saturday, November 1-2, 2013 -- Tacoma Ski Swap (SWAP):

Public check-in times are on Friday only, 12PM-5PM.

Friday 5-9.

Saturday 9-5.

University of Puget Sound Tennis Pavilion, 1500 N Warner St, Tacoma, WA 98416.

To help out the UPS Ski Team.

http://www.tacomaskiswap.com

Friday-Saturday, November 1-2, 2013 -- Gig Harbor High School Ski Swap (SWAP):

GHH Ski Swap.

Location? 5101 Rosedale St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. 253-857-4842, 253-530-1400.

http://ghhs.psd401.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=524

http://ghhs.psd401.net/

Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 -- Mercer Island Ski Swap / Islander Middle School PTSA MI Ski Swap (SWAP):

Islander Middle School, 8225 SE 72nd St, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

http://www.mi-skiswap.com/ (New link.)

http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/2 Click on November.

http://www.miskiswap.net Previous, EXPIRED DOMAIN.

Saturday, November 2, 2013 -- SKIHAWKS Racing Team Gear Grab (SWAP/SALE):

Downtown-Seattle REI store, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 (206-223-1944).

9:30-4PM.

http://www.rei.com/event/54156/session/81850/12022013

http://www.skihawksracing.org/

Old? http://www.outdoorsforall.org/SKIHAWKS.html

Saturday-Sunday, November 2-3, 2013 -- YAKIMA Ski & Snowboard Swap, Ski & Snowboard Swap for Eastern Washington (SWAP):

Saturday 9AM-6PM.

Sunday 10AM-3PM.

The Modern Living Building, State Fair Park, 1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima WA 98901.

http://yakimaskiswap.com/

Map: http://www.fairfun.com/fair/general_info/images/Map072507.jpg

White Pass Ski Patrol Web site http://www.whitepassskipatrol.org/

November 2, 2013 – Okanogan Ski Swap (Loup Loup Ski Patrol) (SWAP):

Agriplex Agriplex/Agri-Plex, Okanogan, WA.

9-1 ("please confirm with Oakly")

"Public Check-in: 5 - 7:30PM 11/1 at Agriplex."

"Special Methow Valley drop-off/check-in 10/30 4 - 7PM LBHS west side entrance".

(The Canadian version of the name is spelled Okanagan. People have probably misspelled it Okonogan or Okonogon. But the USA version is Okanogan.)

In 2012, it was October 27, 2012. Okanogan, WA.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loup-Loup-Ski-Patrol/106349872752324

https://www.facebook.com/events/503514506345226/

Ski Area site: http://www.skitheloup.com/

Ski Area FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LoupLoupBasin

November 8, 9, 10, 2013 -- Ski Dazzle, The Seattle Ski & Snowboard Show (SALE NOT SWAP): (NEW! Added in 2013.)

CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134.

http://www.skidazzle.com/seattle.htm Click on Tickets link for more info.

(NEW! Added in 2013.)

Friday-Saturday, November 8-9, 2013 -- Newport High School Snowsports Swap (SWAP):

Newport High School, 4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 (128th Ave).

http://skiswap.info/

Saturday November 9th, 2013 (6PM-8:30PM) -- Gear Swap to benefit Chelan County Mountain Rescue Association, hosted by The Inner Circle Gym (SWAP):

IF at Inner Circle Gym, 525 N Piere St, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

http://theinnercirclegym.com/events

Saturday-Sunday, November 9-10, 2013 -- Olympia Ski Swap (Olympia Ski Club and White Pass Ski Patrol) (SWAP):

National Guard Armory, 515 Eastside St SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Saturday 9-6.

Sunday 10-3.

http://www.olympiaskiswap.com

Saturday, November 16, 2013 -- Hurricane Ridge Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap (SWAP):

11-3. Gear pick-up 4PM.

$3, $7 family pass

"New this year ... afternoon party and a movie." 5PM Happy Hour & Movie $10

Vern Burton Memorial Community Center, Port Angeles, WA (next to City Hall at 308 East 4th Street).

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151981836752037&set=a.189517342036.169322.137864092036&type=1&relevant_count=1

http://www.cityofpa.us/parkrec-vernburton.htm

http://hurricaneridge.com

https://www.facebook.com/HRWSC

November 29, 30, December 1, 2013 -- Tri-Cities Ski Swap & Snowboard Sale (SWAP):

Holiday Inn Event Center at TRAC, Pasco, WA (Road 68, Exit 9 on I-182)

Friday, 5PM-9PM.

Saturday, 9AM-5PM.

Sunday, 11AM-3PM.

http://www.theskiswap.com/tri_city_winter_swap_sale.php

http://www.traconline.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theskiswap

November 2013 -- CANCELED - SkiFever is NOT in Seattle in 2013 (but in Portland) -- SkiFever or its Swap:

Their site says to check out Ski Dazzle (November 8-10) Seattle. SEE November 8, 9, 10, 2013.

http://www.skifever.org/

November 2013 -- CANCELED - SAAS Ski Swap CANCELED (SWAP):

Do not plan to have it again. Did not have it in 2012.

Source: Phone call with Sheila, Communications director.

Previously (in 2011) at Seattle Academy Gymnasium (SAAS), 1111 13th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (between E Union & E Spring).

http://www.seattleacademy.info/

November 2013 – CANCELED - MVSTA Ski Swap / Sports Swap (Methow Valley Sport Trails Association) CANCELED (SWAP):

"Two years ago MVSTA decided to delete that event from our offerings." SOURCE: Email 10/4/2013.

Previous/Old: 2011: http://www.mvsta.com/swap.html

Friday, December 6, 2013 -- SNC Nordic Ski Swap 2013 (SWAP):

6:00-9:00PM ONLY. (Be there early.)

This one goes like: Show up, and try to sell your own gear. Pretty much Cash.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church

111 NE 80th St, Seattle (Greenlake area)

1 block west of I-5/NE 80th Exit

For XC, SKATE, Telemark, RANDONNE & SNOWSHOE GEAR.

To benefit the Snoqualmie Nordic Club.

See details at link:

http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/events/ski-swap-2013

2013: http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/events/ski-swap-2013

2012: http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/arc/nordic-ski-swap-2012

2011: http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/arc/nordic-ski-swap-2011

Maybe related: http://www.foothillswinter.org

Friday-Saturday, December 6-7, 2013 -- WSU Ski and Gear Swap (SWAP):

Friday 6PM–9PM.

Saturday 9AM-12PM Noon.

Hollingbery Fieldhouse, Washington State University, Pullman, WA (The Fieldhouse is adjacent to the Washington State University (WSU) Football Stadium (Martin Stadium).

"Access is via Stadium Way and Colorado Street in the heart of the WSU Campus."

"Free event parking can be found in the yellow parking lot located just south of Beasley Coliseum."

Admission: $1.

http://skiswap.wsu.edu/

Pullman Campus Map: http://map.wsu.edu/

See Directions field at that link: http://map.wsu.edu/

Contact: http://skiswap.wsu.edu/contact-us.aspx and 509-335-4270.

January. Skiing and Snowboarding.

February. Skiing and Snowboarding.

Saturday & Sunday, March 29-30, 2013 -- Lakeside Rummage Sale (Special SALE):

Lots of stuff more than just ski stuff.

Lakeside School, Seattle, WA.

http://www.lakesideschool.org/rummage

Spring – CANCELED—Not in 2013 -- Bellingham Ski to Sea Gear Swap (SWAP):

Location, Bellingham, WA.

Not in 2013, someone said by email.

WASHINGTON SWAPS THAT ARE NOT YET UPDATED:

FROM 2011 - Saturday, November 12, 2011 -- Grass Roots Outdoor's Ski Swap, Everett (SWAP):

Grass Roots Outdoor, 500 SE Everett Mall Way A1, Everett, WA 98208. 425-423-0717.

http://grosno.com/

November ?CANCELED? -- Evo 'Barnstorm' Ski / Snowboard Blowout Sale (SALE/SWAP??):

For 2013: I wrote to them, and Justin said, "We didn't do the barnstorm event last year and it doesn't sound like we'll be doing anything like that again this year. We blew out a ton of our older gear at the scratch and dent sale we had at our store last spring. If you're looking for deals beyond what we currently have in store or online feel free to check out ... [Ski Dazzle]".

http://culture.evo.com/

http://www.evo.com/

SEE NOTE—OLD Friday, December 10, 2010 -- Fall Rendezvous, Ski Swap, and Fundraiser Event for the Outing Club & the Northwest Avalanche Center (SWAP):

For 2013: I wrote, and someone named Lance said "probably late November or early December".

http://www.outingclub.org

OLD INFO:

Though their Events says 2011, the swap date listed MIGHT be for 2010. I couldn't tell. (And IF again on a Friday, that's 11/11/11, not 11/10.) http://www.outingclub.org/events.htm
OLD 2010 INFO (NORDIC):

5:00PM Ski swap begins. (Free)
6:30PM Hors d'oeuvres will be put out. Slide show to follow.
REI Seattle, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 223-1944.
"Holiday Season benefit for One World Outing Club. Like last year, this is a joint benefit with the Northwest Avalanche Center. Come for the ski swap only or stay for the hors d’oeuvres ruffle and slide show. If you are coming to the ski equipment swap bring any old gear you might have laying around and put a price tag on it. The proceeds can either be kept to put toward your new replacements, or donated to the cause! For those who elect to stay for the slide show we will be featuring highlights from last year including, Whitefish, Silverstar, the Italian Dolomites and our Summer Grand Canyon raft trip! All are invited, so please invite your friends and neighbors if you think they might enjoy the event. The ski swap is free (the food and show are $15)."
"RSVP by 11/23 if staying for the food (see below)."
What: Benefit Event for 1WOC and NWAC
When: Friday December 10th, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Requested Donation: $15 (if staying for food & show)
Please RSVP to ensure adequate food for everyone
Contact: One World Outing Club, 14810 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133; (206) 363-0859.
OLD 2010 INFO: http://www.outingclub.org/1wdnr11.pdf

WA Ski Areas' SALES or SWAPS, etc., selected:

Stevens Pass: **, 2011.
The Summit/Alpental: **, 2011.
Crystal Mountain: **, 2011.
Mt. Baker: **, 2011.
Eastern WA/Mission Ridge: **, 2011.
White Pass: **, 2011.

BC CANADA Swaps: To CONTENTS.

BRITISH COLUMBIA Swaps: And other Canada swaps.

http://winterextreme.com

2013:

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Whistler - Oct 11-13 - The Whistler Mountain Ski and Snowboard Swap.
Vancouver - Oct 19-20 - Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap.
Abbotsford - Nov 16-17 – (~12 minutes Closer to Bellingham than Vancouver, BC. An hour East of Vancouver, BC)

BC Ski Areas, etc., selected:

Whistler-Blackcomb: About 2 hours north of Vancouver, BC.

Vancouver, BC areas: Just outside Vancouver, BC.

Cypress Mountain.
Grouse Mountain.
Mt. Seymour.

Vancouver Island:

· Mt. Washington: About 1.75 hours north of Nanaimo, BC, and about 3 hours north of Victoria, BC.

OREGON Swaps: To CONTENTS.

If you ski in Oregon, remember that you need to buy a parking pass. The Washington Sno-Park Permit/Pass may work for this.

Friday-Saturday, October 4-5, 2013 -- Mt. Hood Snow Sports Swap (SWAP):

"The Largest Ski Swap Event in Oregon and SW Washington".

Washington County Fairgrounds, 873 NE 34th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124

http://www.mhsss.com

Resolves to http://mthoodsnowsportsswap.weebly.com/index.html

Saturday, October 19, 2013 -- Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol Ski Swap (SWAP): (NEW! Added in 2013.)

Riveria/Rivera Activity Center, 2609 N Second St, La Grande, OR 97850 (at the corner of 2nd and Y Avenues). (**Check spelling of building name.)

Equipment check-in 9AM - 12PM.

Sale 12:30 - 3:30PM.

Equipment pickup and payout: 4 - 5PM.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=738872219472509&set=o.224924813264&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/events/167810703412099/

https://www.facebook.com/skianthonylakes

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anthony-Lakes-Ski-Patrol/175836122554613

http://www.anthonylakes.com/

(NEW! Added in 2013.)

Saturday, November 9, 2013 -- Gorge Gear Swap - Hood River Valley High School Ski Team (SWAP):

Friday, November 8 (set up and check-in); Saturday, November 9 (sale and pick-up).

HRV High School Gymnasium, South Entrance, 1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031. (1220, NOT 1221)

http://hrvskiteam.org/

http://www.onc.org/node/2001

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hood-River-Valley-High-School-Ski-Team/136607023109640

Friday-Sunday, November 15-17, 2013 -- SkiFever & Snowboard Show (SHOW & SWAP):

Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97217.

Friday 1pm - 10 p.m.

Saturday 10am - 10 p.m.

Sunday 10am - 6 p.m.

http://portlandskifever.com/

November 18, 2013 -- Ski Fair (Northwest Ski Club Council, NWSCC) (FAIR):
Holiday Inn – Portland Airport, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97220.

6PM Doors open.

http://nwskiers.org/

??? NO YEAR WAS LISTED: Friday-Saturday, November 11-12, 2011??? -- Sandy SnowSports Swap (for Sandy High School ski team):

http://sandysnowsports.com

OR Ski Areas, etc., selected:

Portland/Hood River/Mt. Hood areas: Meadows, Timberline, Skibowl, Summit, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny (tubing, cross country).

Mt. Bachelor/Bend, OR areas.

What's a swap like?: Posted without rereading. To CONTENTS.

Some swaps combine with ski shops, and have both unused/new AND used gear. Some gear is on consignment.

Prices CAN be all over the map, some very low, some pretty high. One had adult boots starting at $20? and adult skis at $40? (or less); while other prices at the same swap (by the ski shop) were much higher. One swap had a half-price sale in the last hour of the Swap, but the ski shop's stuff was not included in that. Some clothing is unused; some has tags; and some is preowned.

At the SkiFever Show, while you may not be go for the Swap or retail deals from various retailers, including Sturtevant's, you may want to go for the swag (free stuff) you can get from product reps and resort booths!

Related: An October REI Garage Sale I went to (in Issaquah) had hardly any ski gear or clothing. WHY? Because much of the Sale is returns, etc., and was too early in the season for there to be much of that. Someone at the Issaquah store said (in 2010) that they have these every two months or so.

Me: In 2010-2011, I bought some used skis at the SkiFever "swap" (Ski Mart consignment). They all seemed okay, but not ideal. At another swap, I got a $5 REI-brand jacket at a swap; after I washed it, it ended up sounding like something (probably the Gore-Tex?) had disintegrated inside, because it then had lots of particles swooshing around in it. They also partly coated the washer. I got new ski socks for $15. And used poles for $15.

NOW to get some boots! Maybe I'll get those new. DID. And then my knee said, Sorry, No skiing this year.

How to BUY?: Posted without rereading. These tips are incomplete. To CONTENTS.

Good question. I kept wondering that myself!

Look over everything you intend to buy really well, as there are NO RETURNS.

First of all, whatever you buy is usually As-Is, and No Returns. So, you're taking a risk!

IMO, Ask more than one person at the Swap about anything you're considering.

Some considerations while buying. This is by no means complete, and is geared to be general information, some of which is tweaked for buying USED items at Swaps, etc.

Poles:

I asked a few people about measuring ski pole length, and got two different, contradictory explanations. Too long, they drag and even get in the way. Too short, and pushing is a drag! Make sure you get the kind you want, for the conditions (hard packed vs. powder). And Alpine vs. Cross Country. Metal or Fiberglass? Metal is usually sturdier for pushing; while Fiberglass can flex, and feel funny. Metal will be more likely to get bent, and no longer work (e.g., if you land on it). The end basket: A small basket may not work well in powder. Most poles seem to come with small baskets. If you push yourself up with your poles, eventually a plastic basket may crack and break. If its removable and user-replaceable, you can possibly get a new one, if they are standard-sized (etc.), and found easily at ski stores.

Skis & Bindings:

At a SkiFever show -- where there was a Ski Mart "swap" (consignment), and some people were volunteering -- I asked about some skis I was considering. 3-4 people said different things. One volunteer seemed to know a lot about the skis. If skis or bindings are "too old", the bindings may not be on the Indemnified* list, which means (in part) that ski places may not want to adjust them for you. Look at the condition of the bottoms and edges. Check the bindings. Look for cracks. Make sure that Alpine skis come with ski brakes. The proper length of the ski depends on your height, weight, ski style, level, and design of the ski.

Skis that have been used a lot eventually lose their flex resistance.

* SEE "Indemnified Binding List" elsewhere here.

Boots:

They should be snug all around without hurting or toe-curling.

Boot flex differs from boot model to model. This may be important, as some boots are designed extra-stiff (and uncomfortable) for racers and aggressive and/or advanced skiers. While beginner boots may be looser or have a softer flex that isn't as conducive to quick turns that Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert skiers may want.

Some boots have special features, like adjustable flex, etc.

Many ski stores will do special adjustments to NEW ski boots, maybe for free, but with USED ski boots you may have to pay even at the stores where they did adjustments for free with new boots.

I personally don't like the idea of buying used boots. Boots and feet can be finicky. One moment they seem to fit; the next, too tight. (The time of day you try it on matters; or whether you're retaining water; or a few pounds difference.)

If you consider used, check out the lining condition. Check all snaps, and the top Velcro band. Is anything missing? bent? broken?

How old ARE they? If they are several years old, depending on the materials they are made of, it is possible that they could just break apart on the slopes. (I had a boot do this. It simply disintegrated while I was skiing, and broke apart, probably because it had "rubber" or something that decayed over the years.)

Boots that were NOT rented may not have been taken care of to guard against mildew and mold. Boots kept in unheated basements or garages (etc.) will likely have yucky smells to them.

If you do buy used ski boots, I suggest looking to see if you can remove the lining. (I don't know much about snowboard boots, but the rest may also apply.) I soaked the lining of mine in a mild bleach solution. Same with the outer boot part. (Some of those could get damaged by immersing them.) I soaked mine in a top-load washer, for an hour or so. If you soak for too long, parts could rust. Then I "washed" them in the washer to remove the bleach. Bleach is not nice to fabrics, and must be washed out with soap/detergent. You have to watch the washer; and not let it agitate any more than it does on Gentle Soak cycle. Careful if you use the Spin cycle. Dry them immediately after the Rinse by placing them upside down over a forced-air heat vent (with a good amount of heat coming out of it). You may need to repeat this process. Washing boots (or liners) even if you're the only user can be a good thing. Microbes can not only cause bad smells -- and possible skin issues -- but may eat away at the materials that the boot liner is made of.

Gloves & Mittens:

Make sure that they are ski or snowboard gloves, not just any gloves.

Do any really keep you dry? Gore Tex probably does better than most kinds of weather- or waterproofing. Gloves with a guarantee could be good.

When skiing, I suggest bringing along a second pair, and keep somewhere, just in case the get wet (which would be miserable), but more especially on a ski trip.

If you use a rope tow, keep in mind that it could ruin the look (or function) of your pretty gloves.

Mittens are sometimes a nice change. Your fingers are together, and keep each other warm. But they are kind of clunky to handle things with (like poles).

Hybrid gloves/mittens have been devised; and may end up becoming a preferred choice.

Coats:

Is it "weatherproof" or waterproof? There is a difference.

How breathable, waterproof, etc., is it? There are sort of "ratings" for these now. What kind of waterproofing is it? Will anything but Gore Tex do?

Do you want a thinner shell, under which you may wear warm ski clothing? Or do you want a thicker shell? Removable inner lining?

Is it really a ski jacket, with a snow bib?

Do you want it to have a hood? a removable one? Rain guard on the hood (like on some rain gear--probably rare)?

Are the pockets in the right places, like for a water bottle, camera, or RFID lift card or season pass?

Do you want a coat with emergency locators on it?

Ski or Snowboard pants: