Get Swap Ready - North Tahoe Ski & Snowboard Swap

Written by: Wendy Lautner
This article appeared in the Tahoe World on October 22, 2008

Yes, it is that time of year again. In the midst of Christmas-wish-list-making season, imagine one
big yard sale (except that it’s indoors) where you can find that sweet ski jacket you’ve been pining for or a new pair of snowboard boots for an unbelievable price.

Saturday, Oct. 25 the North Tahoe community will come together once again for the 44th annual Ski & Snowboard Swap. Known as the pre-ski season event of the year, you’ll find loads of hard and soft gear, including new and used skis, snowboards, poles, boots, clothing, helmets, goggles, kid’s stuff and more.

Shopping starts at 9 a.m. Saturday morning for the general public. But, if you have at least four hours to volunteer at the Swap you can earn yourself exclusive early entry to start shopping at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Interested volunteers should contact Ginny via the “Ski Swap Hotline” at (530) 581-7050, ext. 4344.

Doors close on this one-day, mega-sale at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Swap organizer Dee Dee Driller has been volunteering at the Swap since 1988. At that time the Swap was run solely by the Tahoe Community Nursery School, which received 20% of the profits. In 2006 the North Tahoe High School and Middle Schools took over the event and now 20% of all proceeds from the sale go to benefit all the local school programs – nursery school through high school.

“This is a great place to get awesome gear for great prices,” Driller said. “Last year I saw a guy get a pair of one-year-old, nearly brand new set of skis for $50. I saw a mom get a killer jacket for her daughter – brand new – for only $30. Usually, there are some great deals in just about every area – soft and hard goods – you just have to look for them.”

Sellers, who are looking to make space in their garages for this year’s newest gear, need to bring items for sale to the North Tahoe Middle School Friday, Oct. 24 between 4-9 p.m. Make sure to write down the price of your items for sale beforehand. Keep in mind that 20% of the sale price will be donated to North Tahoe school programs, so expect to receive 80% of the sale price.

Items cannot be damaged, dirty or unsafe. Volunteers will screen gear brought to the swap, so if it belongs in the trash can don’t expect to pawn it off at the Swap. Also, sellers need to return to the North Tahoe Middle School Sunday, Oct. 26 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to pick up their checks for sold items and/or unsold items. If unsold items are not retrieved by 1 p.m. Sunday they will be donated.

For buyers, cash, check and credit card are all accepted forms of payment. Know your way around: Hard goods like skis, boots and boards will be in the North Tahoe Middle School gym. Soft goods will be sold in the high school gym. Keep in mind there will probably be a line Saturday morning, but a friendly group of seniors will be selling coffee and breakfast treats so you can eat and drink while you wait.

Ski & Snowboard Swap Info:

WHAT: North Tahoe Ski & Snowboard Swap
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
WHERE: North Tahoe Middle School and High
School Gymnasiums, 2945 Polaris
Road, Tahoe City, CA
MORE INFO: (530) 581-7050

Cross Country Swap Info:

WHAT: Cross Country Ski Swap
WHERE: Tahoe City Cross Country Ski Center,
925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City, CA
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
MORE INFO: More info: (530) 583-5475

Help raise money for the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association while getting great
deals on new and used cross country equipment. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; gear
check-in for sellers is from 2-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. All sellers receive 85 perecent of the purchase price of equipment sold. Fifteen percent of each transaction goes to the Tahoe Cross
Country Ski Education Association.

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com