North Tahoe Ski Swap to Support Schools
October 12, 2009
Celebrating its 47th consecutive year, the North Tahoe Ski Swap, slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at North Tahoe High School gymnasium, is a beloved annual local event that heralds the beginning of the much-anticipated winter snow and snowboard season.Offering a vast variety of snow sports equipment and clothing, this year’s event will not disappoint the masses who enjoy getting a great deal, while also supporting worthwhile programs at North Tahoe High School and North Tahoe School.
“We feel that we are still the best place to get your winter shopping done,” explains Dee Driller, event director. “However this year we are also offering a venue for folks to get the best deals on all sorts of recreational items like water sports, in-line skates, bikes and more.
The event began almost five decades ago as a glorified garage sale to benefit a Tahoe Community Nursery School. As interest grew, the sale later moved to more spacious digs including the high school gymnasium, as well as Alpine Meadows. Now the swap is under the auspices of North Tahoe’s public high school and middle school and will again be held in the North Tahoe High School gymnasium.
“A percentage of each sale goes to the student fund accounts,” Driller says, adding that proceeds from a fantastic raffle will also benefit the schools. “Many of the classes use the money for field trips like Catalina or school events and equipment.”
Mega bargain shoppers who want to beat the crowds should consider signing up as a volunteer for the event. Positions are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Best of all, volunteers get to pre-shop at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 before the swap opens.
Admission to the Saturday, Oct. 24 North Tahoe Ski Swap is $1. Additionally, students will be selling raffling tickets for awesome prizes including ski passes, dining gift certificates and much more.
Interested in selling some equipment at the swap? On Friday, Oct. 23, both public and merchant sellers are asked to register equipment at the middle school gymnasium entrance from 3 to 10 p.m. Public payout and unsold item pickup is on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items left after 1 p.m. are considered donations.
For more information, call 581-7050 ext. 4344.
Ski Swap Primer
For those who have never been to a North Tahoe Ski Swap, here are some veteran swap shoppers’ tips for novices:
Volunteer for the event and you’ll get to pre-shop at 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Get there early for the best selection and while waiting in line buy some raffle tickets from the enthusiastic students working the line.
The night before figure out your equipment/clothing wish list. With more than 17,000 different items (imagine racks upon racks of skis and bleachers stacked with ski boots) you’ll want to focus on your top priorities and then move on to the I-didn’t-know-I-needed-it-but-now-I-can’t-live-without-it items.
Shop for great deals on items such as poles, helmets bindings and ski clothing for the entire family.
Do your research ahead of time. Check out ski web sites that rated last year’s best equipment or ask knowledgeable ski/rider geeks who can offer tips. Once at the swap you can zero in on your dream equipment.
Think stocking stuffers! Everyone needs more ski socks and there are hundreds of wonderful hats and gloves to score as well.
For ease of shopping, leave your heavy coat in the car and tuck your wallet in your pocket.
Take time to say hi to old friends and ski buddies, conjecture about the winter forecast and get psyched for the season ahead!
