Get ski hill-ready with annual Fairgrounds Swap
Whether you’re looking for a new-to-you pair of skis or hoping to sell your old boots, the Bridger Ski Foundation’s Annual Ski Swap has a long tradition of attracting winter enthusiasts and their gear. The 52nd Annual BSF Ski Swap will take place Saturday and Sunday, November 2nd and 3rd, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman.
Skiers and riders will find equipment ranging from cross-country skis to fat powder skis, snowshoes, snowboards, poles, backpacks, clothing, boots and more. The Ski Swap also brings in thousands of items from local retailers who sell last season’s rental gear and leftover inventory at the swap.
BSF takes a 20% commission if a consignment item is sold, and with thousands of items going out the door, it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit club, which provides ski programs for more than 600 youth and adults. They also groom an incredible network of Community Nordic Ski Trails for residents and visitors.
Skiers seeking deals cheerfully line up long before the doors open, local ski organizations set up information tables, and the title sponsor of the Ski Swap, Toyota, provides several raffles and giveaways. This year, BSF will award $50 Golden Tickets to local youth, and BSF coaches will offer ski waxing services as they raise money for a coaches’ education fund.
The Ski Swap is more than just a fundraiser for BSF, it’s a community event. “It’s how we help the community source affordable equipment. It keeps skiing more accessible for everyone,” says Communications Director Jenny White.
This year, for the first time ever, BSF will sponsor a Golden Ticket Contest. Any school-age child in Montana (18 and under) can enter at www.bridgerskifoundation.org through October 30th. BSF will randomly draw winners, who will each receive a Golden Ticket, including a $50 voucher good for any ski and snowboard equipment at the swap, plus free entry for the child and a parent or guardian.
BSF Annual Ski Swap Hours:
Friday, Nov. 1st, from 10am–7pm: Drop off your consignment items. ($1 fee per item; cash only.)
Saturday, Nov. 2nd, 10am–6pm: Sale! $5 admission fee (BSF members get in free at 9am). Children under 12 admitted free.
Sunday, Nov. 3rd, 10am–2pm: Sale! $2 admission. (Some prices drop on Sunday); 2–5pm: Unsold item pick-up.
Ski Swap Pro Tips
– BSF Membership perks. Anyone can purchase an annual membership to BSF, one of the perks being you get in to the Ski Swap free and early (9am on Saturday). Members can also volunteer at the Swap and get in two hours early. Memberships are $25 for individuals, $35 for partners, and $50 for a family.
– Selling items? Clean them up so they sell better. Take your time filling out your paperwork at drop-off and be sure to note the size, color, and brand.
– Cash: You’ll need cash when you drop off consignment items in order to pay the $1 per item fee. You’ll also need cash if you’re paying the admission fee ($5 on Saturday, $2 on Sunday). But don’t worry, you can pay for any items you purchase with a credit card.
– Sunday deals. Many sellers opt to drop the price of their items on Sunday. Great deals can still be found on day two!
– Don’t forget to pick up items. If you have items on consignment, BSF posts a list of unsold items on their website on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3rd. Sellers must pick up their unsold items between 2pm and 5pm. Any items left unclaimed by 5pm on Sunday, Nov. 3rd are permanently retained by Bridger Ski Foundation.
– Payout: BSF will mail checks to sellers for the amount of their sold item(s), minus the 20% consignment fee.
Bridger Ski Foundation offers educational and competitive programs in Nordic, Freestyle, Freeskiing, Snowboarding and Alpine skiing. They also groom 70+ km of community Nordic ski trails for the Bozeman public. BSF focuses on inspiring a lifelong love of skiing, athletic excellence, and personal growth. Learn more about the Ski Swap, membership opportunities, and other events on the BSF website.
