WAX WIZARD Zenon Sharko waxes a board at last year’s ski swap. File photo by Kristian Rasmussen
If youre looking for a steal on gear before another pricey season on the slopes, then youll want to browse the Windermere Valley Ski Swap this weekend.
On Saturday, October 12th, the Windermere Valley Ski Club will be hosting its annual consignment service at the Invermere Community Centre.
Those who have outgrown or upgraded their old ski or snowboard gear are to show up between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., where gear will be checked in and priced by the seller. Knowledgable volunteers will be on site to help evaluate the price of winter goods for unsure sellers. Skates and winter clothing will also be a part of the swap, and a 20 per cent fee from every sale supports the local ski club.
Then at noon, the public is invited to see whats for sale.
At 12 p.m., the doors open and we basically have a storm of people coming through the hall wanting the best gear first, said Helmut Spiegl, head coach at the ski club. They rush through the door to find something, but if they cant, there are sales people in there who help to find the right gear.
In addition to community drop-offs, Panorama Mountain Village will have equipment for sale from last seasons leftovers, expanding the already vast selection.
Some equipment is old, but most is new and in very good shape, he said.
He said that shoppers can expect bargain prices, because people want to get rid of their stuff, and usually they do it at a price that other people would look at as a good deal.
Skiers will also have the opportunity to register themselves for ski programs through the club at the Ski Swap.
You can take your new gear to Zenon Sharko or Martin Grasic, who will be providing free tune-ups during the swap. Both are accomplished members of the Windermere Valley Ski Club.
Martin is one of our top racers with the B.C. Ski Team and Zenon is a former national team ski technician, Helmut said. Every year they provide that service for the locals.
Mr. Spiegl said they can always use more help at the swap, even if it comes with short notice. He can be reached on his cell phone at 250-341-1650.
