Winter is coming: Ski swap and sell bigger than ever

Calgary’s annual one-stop-shop for ski and winter equipment is back and bigger than ever, says an organizer.

The Calgary New and Used Ski Sale, which opens Friday, is celebrating 57 years of welcoming the winter months by getting people outfitted for ski season. The inventory of new and used equipment that has already been brought to the consignment-style sale surpasses anything the group has seen before, with more than 17,000 items valued at more than $2 million.

“We are on track to have our largest offering ever, and so we expect that will also result in some of our best prices ever,” said Geoff Scotton, chair of the sale.

Proceeds from the $8 entry fee are divided between three non-profits, the Canadian Ski Patrol, Calgary Ski Club and Lake Louise Ski Club. The ski clubs run different ski-related activities that engage young people, while the Ski Patrol fosters skiing safety and education on slopes in and around Calgary.

“We like to think of the sale as a win-win-win because it’s good for these clubs, it’s good for the ski and snowboard community, and good for Calgarians, the shops and public consigners,” said Scotton.

Last year, about 10,000 people visited the sale. This year, to improve the flow of customers, the number of checkouts has been increased to 16.

The sale takes place Friday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Max Bell Centre, at 1001 Barlow Trail S.E. For those looking for an even better deal, items with red tags will be half price on Sunday.