Bridger Ski Foundation will host the 58th annual Ski Swap on Saturday and Sunday, November 7th–8th, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. Steeped in tradition, the event attracts local ski legends and newcomers alike, with more than 10,000 items for sale and a festive atmosphere that sees a line around the block.
Skiers and riders can find equipment ranging from cross-country skis to fat powder skis, snowboards, poles, backpacks, helmets, boots, winter clothing and more. In addition to consignment items from individuals, the Ski Swap also carries both new and used inventory from local and regional retailers.
For those who want to sell items, you can pre-register all of your consignment items online, preferably by Nov. 3rd, then drop everything off on Friday, Nov. 6th between 10am and 7pm at the Fairgrounds. All sales take place in person, and BSF retains a 25% commission if an item sells. Sellers may also choose to discount items for Sunday. Any unsold items may be retrieved by sellers at the end of the day on Sunday, Nov. 8th, or they will be donated to area nonprofits.
With thousands of items going out the door, it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit club that has supported skiing in our community since 1936. BSF provides ski programs for more than 1,000 youth and adults and also grooms a vast network of winter trails in and around Bozeman, including snowmaking at Sunset Hills.
“The tradition of the BSF Ski Swap runs deep. It’s more than a place to shop; the entire weekend has a festive feel to it,” says Communications Director Jenny White. “Everyone is in good spirits and ready to kickoff ski season. For us, it’s also one of the ways we can keep skiing more accessible in our community, by recirculating winter gear and making it more affordable to get a winter setup.”
There are a few ways to shop the swap before the general public gets in on Nov. 7th. Volunteers who must be a member or trail pass holder can shop at 8am. BSF members and trail pass holders can enter at 9am. Memberships start at $50 for an individual or $100 for a family, and voluntary BSF trail passes support grooming of more than 80 km of ski and multi-use trails in town.
Once again, Intermountain Health has signed on as the title sponsor of this year’s BSF Ski Swap.
“Skiing in the Gallatin Valley has always been grassroots,” says White. “Everything here is non-profit, from BSF, to Crosscut and Bridger Bowl. Part of our mission is keeping skiing accessible, and the BSF Ski Swap is a huge part of that.”
BSF Annual Ski Swap Hours:
Friday, Nov. 6th, from 10am–7pm: Drop off your pre-registered consignment items.
Saturday, Nov. 7th, 10am–6pm: Sale! $5 admission fee (Early entry for BSF volunteers at 8am, or 9am for members & pass holders). Children under 12 admitted free.
Sunday, Nov. 8th, 10am–2pm: Sale! $2 admission and free after noon. (Some prices drop on Sunday); 2–5pm: Unsold item pick-up.
Register your items and learn more about the Ski Swap, Bridger Ski Foundation membership opportunities, and other events at www.bridgerskifoundation.org. •
