Ski Swap & Winter Expo
BY YANNA LANTZ
Join Rotarun Ski Club and local ski enthusiasts for this year’s “old school”-style Wood River Valley Ski Swap & Winter Expo on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Community Campus in Hailey. Enjoy great sales on equipment and help raise money for a good cause: affordable ski programs.
“This event supports affordable skiing for the entire Valley,” said Ben Frank, treasurer for Rotarun’s board of directors. “People can sell their used equipment and get great deals on used and new gear for the upcoming season. Rotarun is the gateway into skiing, particularly for South Valley residents. The ski swap makes it possible to get gear for kids and families who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”
On the day of the swap, public merchandise is set up, displayed and sold by the owner, who keeps 100 percent of what they make from sales. There is a $15 fee to set up a sales station, but the fee covers a general admission pass. The setup time for those selling merchandise begins at 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the event runs until 3 p.m. People not wishing to have their own booth can drop off their used gear at Sturtos in Hailey during regular business hours.
Additionally, 12 local vendors will have new and used equipment sales stations inside the Community Campus. Participating businesses include: Backwoods Mountain Sports, Formula Sports, PK’s & PK’s Rentals, Ski Tek, Sturtevants, Sun Summit South, Surefoot and Terra Sports Consignment.
Events run throughout the day, including a silent auction for items such as custom-fitted ski boots, a Blaine County Recreation District Nordic season pass and more.
“We have a tremendous auction lined up for this year with about 60 different items and packages up for grabs – everything from a Sun Valley Challenger pass to dog care packages,” Frank said. “People can get some really great deals from these items.”
Furthermore, attendees at the swap can learn about local winter programming and businesses. More than a dozen community groups and public agencies will have indoor stations to provide information about their organization and programs. The Campus Café in the Community Campus will be open most of the day for snacks and treats.
“We are also going to have a DJ from Rich Broadcasting this year on the front yard,” Frank said. “He’ll play us through the day and talk up some of the big deals available. Last year we had about 650 people who paid to enter the event, which is a big event for this Valley. We are really hopeful that we’ll get even more people this year.”
The Wood River Valley Ski Swap & Winter Expo opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. A $3 entrance will grant admission; children under 5 can enter for free. The Community Campus in Hailey is located at 1050 Fox Acres Road. Visit rotarunskiarea.org for addition information.