Skiers get into pole position at annual Ben Eoin swap
Fundraiser benefits ski patrol operations
BEN EOIN — Large crowds taking advantage of an opportunity to grab inexpensive ski equipment is yet another indicator of a banner ski season ahead for Ski Ben Eoin.
The annual ski swap serves as a fundraiser for the hill’s ski patrol and usually attracts parents in search of inexpensive gear to help their kids get started in the winter activity. Other more seasoned skiers were also in the crowd on Saturday looking to part ways with skis, boots and bindings in favour of upgrades to newer models.
“It’s a good way for people to get good equipment at a good price,” said Gary Kaizer, a lifelong skier and a member of the ski patrol.
“My kids started on used gear and the stuff they started with was given to us with the condition that we pass it on to someone else.”
That used equipment helped to make skiing a family outing for the Kaizers, including his children and his grandchildren.
“When our kids were young, they started at five and six. Once the chair was installed, the first ride up in the morning was always the four of us on the chair. It was always a family thing.”
A percentage of all items sold on Saturday and Sunday will be donated to the ski patrol as part of an ongoing effort to assist patrol operations.
Kaizer said the swap means skiers are another step closer to the new season.
“The ski patrol, we’ve been doing our recertification training for a while now but this seems to say ‘ Yes, it is getting nearer.’”
On Saturday, families could be seen sifting through ski boots and getting fitted for inexpensive skis. Snowboards and other equipment were also available.
“Thirty dollars for a pair of skis can’t be beat,” said one parent.
“My boy’s feet grew by two sizes over the summer, and needed new boots again this year,” added another. “The swap helps us to keep up with that.”
The weekend swap has been a tradition at the hill for about 30 years, according to Ski Ben Eoin staff.
“A lot of people may have had the gear two or three years and maybe looking for an upgrade,” said Darren MacDonald, a member of the management team at the ski hill.
“They are not too focused on what they are trying to get. They are not here to make money.”
Though there is no snow on the hill, MacDonald said the number of people on hand interested in skiing indicates a banner ski season ahead.
“The total number of ski passes that we sold last year is what we are already at now. We could be in for a good increase.”
Ongoing upgrades at the ski hill, which will include a conveyor-style Magic Carpet lift system for the bunny hill, and people rediscovering skiing are among other potential reasons for the renewed interest.
“We like to think that people were introduced to it last year and now they have the bite and want to come back. I met two ladies in their 70s at the YMCA that are coming back to skiing, some of them after 20 years away.”
Ski Ben Eoin has also been doing extensive promotional activities that have included offseason training programs at the YMCA and participation in various membership drives and expos.
“It’s a great cross promotion with the Y. There is a natural fit there — they have active people, we have active people, and we want to get them together.”
Hill management members have been watching weather trends in search of clues to the kind of ski season Mother Nature will provide.
“It’s apparently going to be a good winter. Kevin (MacInnis), our general manager, is all over that stuff, and apparently everything is lining up to be a good winter. Our fingers are crossed.”
If all goes well, he said there’s a good chance Ski Ben Eoin will open for the season by Dec. 20.
For further updates, check the Ski Ben Eoin Facebook page.
Go to winterextreme.com for more information on the ski swap.