Returning to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds for its 55th annual event, Bridger Ski Foundation presents its long-running Ski Swap on Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th. Steeped in tradition, the event attracts local legends and newcomers alike, with more than 10,000 items for sale.
Skiers and riders will 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 retailers.
For those who want to make room for new gear, you can pre-register all of your consignment items online and then drop everything off on Friday, Nov. 3rd between 10am and 7pm at the Fairgrounds. All sales take place in person, and BSF retains a 20% commission on sold items. You can pick up any unsold items at the end of the day on Sunday.
Bridger Ski Foundation expects 5,000 people to come through the swap throughout the weekend. “It’s a ski swap, but it’s also a celebration,” says BSF Communications Director Jenny White. “People willingly (and cheerfully) stand in line – some of them hours before the doors open.” You will also find local organizations and sponsors with information tables and giveaways. Once again this year, BSF will award $50 Golden Tickets to local youth.
BSF takes a 20% commission if a consignment item is sold. 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 1,000 youth and adults and also grooms a vast network of Community Nordic Ski Trails, including snowmaking at Sunset Hills. “For BSF, the Ski Swap is also a community service. It gives the people of Montana easy access to more affordable ski gear. Instead of things gathering dust in someone’s garage for 20 years, we’re getting those items circulating back into the community.”
Intermountain Health has signed on to be the title sponsor of this year’s BSF Ski Swap, and a number of local businesses have also committed to supporting the Bridger Ski Foundation through this event. “It takes a village,” says White. “Bozeman has always been about keeping skiing a grassroots activity, and the BSF Ski Swap is a huge part of that.”
BSF Annual Ski Swap Hours:
Friday, Nov. 3rd, from 10am–7pm: Drop off your pre-registered consignment items.
Saturday, Nov. 4th, 10am–6pm: Sale! $5 cash admission fee (BSF members & Community Nordic Trail Pass holders get in for free at 9am). Children under 12 admitted free.
Sunday, Nov. 5th, 10am–2pm: Sale! $2 admission and free after noon. (Some prices drop on Sunday); 2–5pm: Unsold item pick-up.
Ski Swap Pro Tips
– BSF Membership & Trail Pass perks. Anyone can purchase an annual BSF or Trail Pass membership, one of the perks being you get in to the Ski Swap free and early.
– Selling items? Clean them up so they sell better. Take your time entering items into the online system and be sure to note the size, color, and brand.
– Cash. You’ll need cash to pay $1 for each pre-registered consignment item, as well as 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. 5th. Sellers must pick up their unsold items between 2pm and 5pm. Any items left unclaimed by 5pm on are permanently retained by Bridger Ski Foundation and may be donated to local nonprofits in need.
– Payout. BSF will mail checks to sellers for the amount of their sold item(s), minus the 20% consignment fee.
Register your items and learn more about the Ski Swap, Bridger Ski Foundation membership opportunities, and other events at www.bridgerskifoundation.org. •
