If you’re in the market for some new or slightly used skis and other equipment this year, you might want to hold on for another week. Same goes if you have some equipment to sell.
The Whistler Mountain Ski Club SWAP (Sale With Awesome Prices) will once again take place during Whistler-Blackcomb’s annual Turkey Sale event, Oct. 12 to 13 in the big tent opposite Merlin’s. Inside the tent there will be a consignment swap section for used gear, and a retail section featuring Can-Ski, Snow Covers, Wild Willies, Helly Hansen, McCoo’s and Mountain Shop.
The way the club sees it, it’s a win-win situation. You get some high-quality gear at a reasonable price, and the club will get some cash to help it through the upcoming competitive season. All purchases made at the swap will benefit the Whistler Mountain Ski Club.
"We’ve got everything from the hardware, to outerwear, to underwear," said Ken Chaddock, a WMSC parent and director who is helping to organize and promote the swap.
The event is a major fundraiser for the WMSC, which offers programs for youth from age 9 and up, with athletes competing at the regional, provincial, national and even international level. Seven club alumni are currently training with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.
Chaddock says part of the appeal of the swap is that everything is available under one roof. "It’s the convenience that made it popular. It’s one-stop shopping, and there are some incredible deals there," he said.
Still, only about 10 per cent of customers know that the swap supports the ski club.
"That’s an anecdotal figure, based on what we hear at the front counter and what the retailers are telling us, but it shows that people aren’t making the connection," said Chaddock.
To ensure that people understand that the WMSC will benefit from the sale proceeds, club volunteers will hang posters and wear badges. Club skiers, including some racers that were once with the national team, will also be manning a table at the swap to meet with the public, and explain the club programs.
With Whistler and Vancouver winning the 2010 Games, Chaddock said more people are aware of amateur sports, and the role clubs like the WMSC play in developing athletes. The club’s new motto is "Developing Champions for 2010 and Beyond".
"We want to be able to offer the type of programs to give athletes with the drive the ability to get to the national and international level," said Chaddock.
The sale gets underway on Friday, Oct. 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a blowout sale.
If you want to sell equipment in the SWAP, the cost is $3 per item, with 20 per cent of the sale price donated to the WMSC.
You can start to drop off your goods at 3 p.m. on Friday until 1 p.m. on Sunday. Pick-up of items ends at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and all unclaimed items after that point will be donated to the club.
The swap is limited to hardware only, including skis, snowboards and boots, and all items will be screened for quality. No clothing, poles, helmets or unmounted bindings will be accepted.
For more information on the WMSC, visit www.whistlermountainskiclub.com.
