SNOW BUSINESS

This year’s behemoth Ski and Snowboard Swap will be happening this Saturday, Nov. 1 at Putnam’s Ski Shop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s a welcome event for the cost conscious and a grand kick-off to the snow season. It is a one-day only event from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

New ski equipment can put a huge hole in your checkbook, but the deals and the massive amount of goods that are available at this ski swap are a boon for the thrifty.

The swap is sponsored and organized by the Seacoast Ski Club and orchestrated by an army of volunteers. Skis, boots, poles, snowboards, gloves, goggles, snowshoes, helmets and the entire gamut of ski-related merchandise is up for grabs. The Seacoast Ski Club is a terrific organization that has been presenting the swap for decades ”“ this will be the 31st annual swap ”“ and it gets bigger every year.  

Last season, I picked up a black and orange snowboard that had a few seasons of wear on it, with bindings, for only $45. I took it home, removed some of the tacky stickers, gave it a good cleaning and gave the edges a few swipes with a file and ended up with a real prize.  

There is a substantial range of price depending on the age and condition of the equipment. Members of the club will be on hand to offer knowledgeable advice on appropriate equipment, help with boot fittings and suggest the best type of gear that is age and ability appropriate.  

Although the doors officially open at 9 a.m., the line begins to form much earlier.  

If you happen to have ski equipment that you would like to sell, you can bring your equipment to Putnam’s Ski Shop between the hours of 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 or Friday, Oct. 31. Ski equipment must be in good condition. If the club sells your equipment, the club retains just 20 percent of the purchase fee. Unsold equipment can be picked up and returned to the seller.  

The revenue from the swap helps defray the costs of the many ski trips the club sponsors for its members. Trips to Canada, Europe and the American West are offered. The club membership continues to grow; at present there are over 500 members. A yearly membership fee is only $25. Membership is open to everyone. For complete information on the club, visit its website at www.seacoastskiclub.net.

— Greg Morell writes a weekly column on the ski and snowboard industry for the Journal Tribune. He can be reached at [email protected].