Mount Spokane Ski Patrol kicks off 62nd annual ski swap in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol opened its 62nd annual ski swap Saturday morning at the Spokane fairgrounds, drawing an estimated 4,500 people looking for winter gear as the Inland Northwest’s mountains see their first snowfall.

This morning, the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol opened the doors of its ski swap at the Spokane fairgrounds, giving families and winter sports enthusiasts a chance to outfit themselves before the slopes open.

The ski swap is one of the largest of its kind in the world, according to the event’s organizers. Organizers said about 4,500 people came to the fairgrounds Saturday in search of skis, boots, jackets and other equipment.

The event is run by the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol, a group of volunteers who say the money raised at the swap makes their work on the mountain possible. Volunteers set up the event and serve customers, and they say the effort is a labor of love.

“This year’s ski swap is awesome,” said Regina Thompson, an alpine ski patroller. “Like the volunteers here, we just love putting it together for everybody. The customers have been great. I’ve heard so many stories about people getting their kids up on the mountain for the first time, littles getting their first pair of boots or a new jacket.”

Thompson’s remarks reflect what many shoppers said they came for: affordable access to the sport. One first-time attendee told reporters he could not believe how inexpensive the gear was. For families who are new to skiing, the swap offers a way to get started without paying full retail prices.

This month’s swap also includes a table where attendees can build their own pair of goggles, adding a hands-on activity for those who want to customize their gear.

The swap continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Spokane fairgrounds. Shoppers who missed Saturday’s opening can still find equipment for the season, and the ski patrol’s volunteers will be on hand to help.