Get gear on the cheap at upcoming Roaring Fork Valley ski swaps
Kersten Vasey/Courtesy photo
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
With ski season less than two months away, the Roaring Fork valley is gearing up for its annual ski swaps. And this weekend, with two ski-swap sales scheduled, is the perfect time to get all your gear on the cheap.
Aspen Ski Swap
The 69th annual Aspen Ski Swap, the oldest and largest in the valley, will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at Aspen Middle School, 235 High School Road.
The event will feature new equipment and clothing from many Western Slope vendors and lightly-used equipment from locals.
Money raised from the ski swap will help support the Outdoor Education Program for the Aspen School District. Those interested in selling their old gear can drop off their equipment between 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.
Aspen School District Outdoor Education Coordinator Katherine Gleason said that the swap raised over $40,000 last year, and they are hoping to get an even bigger number this year.
“This 100% volunteer event uses the funds raised to replace our outdoor program’s inventory,” Gleason said. “Last year, we were able to buy 40 new life jackets for our river program, 30 new climbing helmets and climbing harnesses, along with ten new telemark skis, bindings, and skins.”
Aspen Ski Swap is still looking for volunteers to help with the event. Volunteers get first pick of the inventory starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
“We can always use help, especially on Saturday afternoon for clean up,” Gleason said. “I want to thank everyone in advance to everyone who comes to support the ski swap and aspens outdoor education program.”
Readers can volunteer for the Aspen Ski Swap by following the QR code on posters at every Alpine Bank location around town, or email Gleason directly at kgleason@aspenk12.net.
12th annual Backcountry Ski Swap
The 12th annual backcountry-only ski swap will be held at Cripple Creek Backcountry, 571 Colorado Highway 122 in Carbondale at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
The event offers enthusiasts a chance to find or upgrade their Alpine Touring, Telemark, Skimo, and Splitboarding gear. This event has become a prime spot for both seasoned skiers and newcomers looking to gear up for the season.
“People from around the valley, along with ourselves and our demo department, will be out and about with gear available for purchase,” according to Cripple Creek Backcountry. “This is our annual kick-off party to get ready for the snow.”
Mountain Heart Brewing will be on-site with their tap truck starting at noon, offering beverages while shoppers browse through a range of new and used gear.
“Everyone has a good time. There is a lot of vibrancy,” according to Cripple Creek. “The air generally has a chill in it during the morning of the event, and it starts to feel like winter, so everyone is excited.”
To participate, sellers can drop off their gear anytime this month by filling out a form, with the option to receive 110% store credit or 70% cash on consignment.
Aspen Mountain, Snowmass open early amid incoming snowstorm
Heavier snow is expected to begin Monday night, with Ajax and Snowmass anticipating 1 to 2 feet by Thanksgiving, while Aspen proper could see 6 to 10 inches.
