The Ski Swap
This time of year, the Ski Swap notices start coming and people get excited for the coming season. The Ski Swaps are not only an outlet for selling and buying equipment, but also a social time to reconnect with your ski buddies who perhaps you have not seen since last winter. But there are plusses and minuses for these things, and I believe that there should be an acronym for the word SWAP (S#$% we all purvey) Yes, we are purveyors of the “s@#$” from our basements and garages and in most cases, we just want to unload and if we get a buck or two for it, so be it.
But the main reason is to clear out so that we can make room for new equipment. Old boots, helmets, skis, and various auxiliary ski items can be moved but the funny thing is the difference in what we think they are worth compared to what people are willing to pay. If your main reason is to unload stuff at the swap, then you will take whatever is offered. But if you think your “stuff” is worth more than people are willing to pay- you will be sorely disappointed. If you want to get rid of your “stuff” then you better be prepared to let it go for next to nothing.
Credit:JackF
Let’s go through a couple of examples, shall we? Skis- if your skis are straight skis and not shaped, meaning they are “old”, you have next to no chance to sell them. You are better off disposing of them or donating them to those guys that make Adirondack chairs out of old skis. Or hang them up above your fireplace if they are really old. Anything 10 years or older – the ski shops will not work on the bindings for liability purposes.
Do you have better skis? If you want to move these, you need to be realistic about the price. You may have paid over $1000.00 per pair for them with bindings in the past, but people are not going to want to pay more than half of that if they are several years old- no matter how well they are maintained.
Let’s talk about boots. A discerning buyer will look at used boots to see what kind of shape they are in. Are the liners worn down? Are the toes and heels of the shell worn? They won’t work well in the bindings if they are. Are they more than a couple of years old? If the aforementioned things are true, don’t expect much from a swap. Take what you can get and leave the building.
Rear entry boots- use them for a flowerpot. Not worth a hoot. My dad’s old buddy had a pair of Hansens that he wanted to sell back in the day. I told him to plant his geraniums in them in the spring. Nobody in their right mind was going to buy those things. Be realistic.
Clothing- a lot of swaps do not have clothing options because of COVID. However, there are some that may try it. Again, don’t expect much for used clothing. Your old Bogner one piece may have been cool in the day, but it is not worth a thing today. Again- lower your expectations and try to unload if you can for a cheap price.
But the bottom line is see your friends, see what s@#$ they are trying to buy or sell, laugh at the curmudgeons, and enjoy one of the highlights to the beginning of ski season. Think snow and thanks for reading.
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I am a new wannabe skiier and new to Kalamazoo, moved from Florida. Senior 67 in decent shape. Where to I begin. Looking for lessons, gear at a swap etc. Sre there any senior clubs? Im open for all suggestions.
Ty
Dave S
If you can arrange to move to Northern Vermont, there is a 55+ ski club at Smuggler’s Notch.
Crystal mountain in northern Michigan has a great senior group.” Retired not tired”
The 70+ Ski Club has a mid west Ski Fest at Nub’s Nob, Michigan 1/16-1/18. https://70plusskiclub.org/category/events/
My husband and I, from Illinois are planning on driving up there.
Dave
Head up to Boyne Mtn or better yet Nubs Nob near Petoskey and you’ll find a good number of senior skiers. Boyne has a nice fall Ski Swap and many events. Be sure you have an all wheel drive vehicle that should be first on your list in Mi ⛷️
It is interesting how some people seem to think they can sell obsolete gear for top dollar. Let’s start with the fact that we can find brand new, but maybe last year’s model for around half price. So, if you’ve got some recent high end skis that you aren’t using, then you have a good chance at the right price. But, half what you paid for them is the most you can get. Boots older than five years will be packed down and the plastic is liable to break down, so worthless. And skis that have old bindings a tech won’t work on are also worth very little. In fact, these are not really safe products and I wouldn’t want to set up a buyer for an injury. So, most of that old ski stuff you have in the basement, is only worthy of the landfill, unless it is really old then you can mount it on the cabin wall.
Stay away from used helmets. You can’t tell by looking if they have received a blow, making them unreliable at best.
Anyone know of ski swaps that are scheduled? I’m particularly interested in New Jersey.
I have worked as a volunteer at my local ski swap for 40 years. This is a great way to equip/cloth grandchildren or beginner skiers. At my swap bindings are checked to make sure that the shops will still service them. The insulation inside the ski boot will “pack out” causing cold feet. Additionally, the bottoms of the boot sole cannot be overly worn or the binding will not release correctly. Items need to be a bargain or they will not sell.