Ski Swaps: The Art of the Deal

The first Ski Magazine arrived in my mailbox in August. August? Flipping through the pages while basking on the sand, conquering cornices and floating on bottomless powder just doesn’t seem real.

But no doubt winter is on its’ way. The air turns cool with those nippy nights. The aspens fade to gold. The flurry of little animals stocking up for winter is incessant. Man’s erratic behavior to store wood and stake out driveways is an annual right of passage.

Nothing says “winter” better than standing out in the cold for an hour waiting for the frenzy of rifling through piles of winter wear and racks upon racks of skis or snowboards.  Whether you are cleaning out the closet or gearing up for winter, the annual swap is worth some attention. It’s a great opportunity to recycle clothing, skis, boots, snowboards, snowshoes, poles, gloves, winter boots – anything really related to winter.  And it’s a great opportunity to gather gear at low prices.

The Tahoe Truckee area and of course Reno Nevada, is home to many swaps. Better than E-Bay, Tahoe swaps rock, offering up a huge collection of used and NEW gear. Shopping the swap successfully can be an art. Here are some tips to make your swap foray a success.

 BUYERS:

Know what you need before you go:

• Pull out all the jackets, gloves, goggles, boots – everything winter related.
• Make a checklist of exactly what you need.

Research big purchases before the sale:

• Check out gear related websites to find out gear trends, what’s new and more.
• Visit a specialty shop before the swap. Talk to the sales people about various options.
• Be sure that “used” is the way to go.
• Beware “used” bindings – they may not work as intended. ALWAYS have bindings tested at a ski shop after purchase.

Beware the swap frenzy:

• Many swaps let volunteers shop before the general public. Inquire about helping out – and you might get a jump on the bargains.
• Get to the swap BEFORE it opens. At good swaps, people will start lining up an hour or two before the door opens.
• Wear something comfortable, without a lot of layers. Some swaps need to tag your stuff before entering.
• Take cash with you. Credit card and check lines can be long.
• If your children will run amuck – leave them at home. Know their sizes – and shop without worrying where they’re hiding.
• Swaps can be an elbow nudging, pile picking, got-to-have it nightmare. Don’t feel pressured. If you find something you love – grab it. If not – let it find a new home. Beware the “new” gear hype. Just because something is marked half off doesn’t make it a good deal. Be sure the fit, color, etc., is what you want. Online deals abound throughout the season – so patience can work for you.

Children’s sizing dilemmas:
What may fit in September may not fit in January. If buying boots, size up GENTLY, as a sloppy boot won’t help when skiing or riding.

Best buys:

 

• Accessories are always a good deal. 
• Secondary equipment such as powder skis, rock skis, extra poles, etc., are good to have on hand.
• Kid’s clothing always sells out, grab it and hang on.

 

SELLERS:

Clean out the closets:

• Haven’t worn it in a year or two? Swap it.
• Grab jackets, pants, sweaters, vests, fleece, hats, goggles, even long underwear!

 

Prep:

• Wash clothing and accessories before the swap.
• Shine skis and snowboards. Clean out grime from bindings.
• Take out all personalized footbeds and add-ons from boots.
• Pick up tags early if possible. This gives you time to write good descriptions AHEAD of time.
• Use a highlighter to mark you tags. Makes it easier to find unsold items.
• Get an address stamp – you’ll zip through those tags.
• Be reasonable with pricing. Do you want to lug the item home? Remember that a percentage goes to the organization hosting the swap. Most are hosted by non-profits – be generous!
• Use zip ties to keep multiple items together.
• Arrive EARLY at drop-off.

 

Pickup of unsold items:

• NEVER, ever, pick up unsold equipment for a friend. It will be impossible to find unless you know what the item looks like.
• Make sure you have your half of item tags – no tag – no item.
• Bring in empty boxes or bags for unsold items.
• Consider donating your item if unsold. The organization can usually sell it or donate it locally.

 

Truckee Lake Tahoe Swaps: 

Oct. 22: North Lake Tahoe High School, Tahoe City

A fund-raiser for North Tahoe High School students, admission to the ski swap is $1 for adults, 50 cents for children, with children under 6 free. It’s not just about purchasing equipment. People are encouraged to clean out their closets to “swap” their ski-related items. Take your items to the North Tahoe High School Gym between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. People can pick up their money for items sold, or their unsold items on Sunday, Oct. 23, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

Nov. 5: Truckee Community Recreation Center

The Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park is hosting the their annual Truckee Ski Swap on Saturday, November 5 at the Truckee Community Recreation Center from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Admission is $2 with children 12 and under free. Equipment check-in for those wanting to sell is Saturday morning from 7:30-9:00am. The T.D.R.P.D. takes a sales commission on all sold items. The swap benefits local youth sports program. For more information call 530-582-7720.

Nov. 11, 12, 13: Reno UNR Ski Swap – Reno Sparks Convention Center (4590 S. Virginia St., Reno). A three day extravaganza of buying and selling equipment, annual UNR Ski Swap takes place Friday, Nov. 11 from 6pm to 10pm; Sat., Nov. 10 from 10am to 8pm; and Sun., Nov. 11 from 10am to 3pm. Sellers can check-in equipment on Thursday, Nov. 11, 1–8 pm or Friday, Nov. 12, 9 am–1 pm. Call 775-825-6555 for more info.