Snow has already landed in the High Country making us snowsport diehards start dreaming. To really get your mouth watering for the snow season, Grand Nordic and Winter Park Competition Center are hosting the annual Nordic Ski Swap and Expo at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Nordic ski equipment was somewhat hard to find last season and many normal outlets or shops are still catching up. The market for used or year-old gear is huge as many people are finally getting those newer sets of skis or boots.
The swap encourages individuals to sell their used gear — skis, boots, poles, roller skis, clothing, backpacks and other appropriate Nordic gear. Bring your gear to the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center parking lot Saturday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Download the equipment resale form on GrandNordic.org and fill it out before coming. If gear is marked correctly, your items can be placed on a table and will be processed through Grand Nordic.
The shops offering discounts for club members on full price merchandise have been encouraged to bring any gear, as well as the local retail shops represented on SkiGrandNordic.org. Your gear must be picked up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., after 3 p.m. gear will be considered donated to Grand Nordic.
Some of the best local seasoned skiers will be on hand to offer buying and fitting advice. Whether your interest is skiing in tracks at resorts, skate skiing, spring crust, wild slopes in backcountry or the network of trails that crisscross the Fraser Valley, the swap will have something for you. And the prices are right!
If you have old gear to donate, Grand County libraries have donation boxes for Nordic equipment (no clothes please). We refurbish the gear, distribute it to schools, people in need or sell these items at the swap. Consider donating to Grand Nordic, we can give you a tax receipt.
Check out the season training programs offered by the Winter Park Competition Center. Come meet the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Director Jeff Paulson and learn more about upcoming plans and events. Better yet, come to the Campers Hub Friday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. to meet both Paulson and the new Winter Park Competition Center Nordic Director Ross Williams and learn some dryland training techniques to get ready for the snow.
Hourly door prizes will be offered. Bring your own skis for a cleaning and wax by Toko and even sit in on a waxing clinic. Food trucks will be on site, so you can browse the retail shops, individual used gear or shop at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center.
For more information, check the GrandNordic.org website or Facebook page, call Diana Lynn Rau at 970-887-0547, Ross Williams with the competition center at 231-632-9333 or email Chris Lee [email protected]. Volunteers are always needed.
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