Clubhouse Chronicles: Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s Sports Swap is back, better than ever

As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. And what better epitomizes this in a ski town than a community-wide sports swap? Back and better than ever this year, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club will host its annual Sports Swap this weekend.

In its 69th year, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club Sports Swap will feature the best deals on gear and goods for biking, hiking, climbing and fishing — and, of course, skiing and snowboarding.

Come check out awesome deals and steals on new and used outerwear, equipment, accessories and more from your favorite local brands and shops and community members alike.

The event also serves as an important fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and its mission, as proceeds help fund the club’s scholarship fund, which benefits almost 3,000 local youth.

We hope you’ll celebrate with us and support the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club at the Sports Swap, slated 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, on Market Street in Willits.

In the meantime, here’s what to expect:

1. Awesome deals on new equipment

More than a dozen favorite local shops will sell old — and sometimes brand new — inventory. Participating vendors will include: Casual Culture, Corbeaux Ltd, CP Sports North America, Sidewinder Sports, Hamilton Sports, Incline Ski Shop, Radio Boardshop, Snowmass Sports, Sopris Sales, Strafe, Surefoot, Toe Toasters.

2. Great used gear

New or lightly-used gear from locals is also up for grabs. This is not your average ski swap, after all: Folks will not only have the opportunity to meet professional athletes, but could end up with their top-of-the-line setup.

3. A celebration of community and winter

If you are familiar with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club community as an alumni, parent, current athlete or coach, you know we are a pillar of the outdoor community in the Roaring Fork Valley — and the Sports Swap serves as a homecoming and welcome to winter. From dry-land training to strategic winter planning, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club eagerly is preparing for the 2024-25 winter season and we are looking forward to spending time with our families and community celebrating that!

4. Program information and help

Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club staff members will be on-site and available to answer questions, offer guidance and get you all set up with Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club schwag for the season. Come say hi and get a sense for where we are as a club and where we are going. We can’t wait to see you all there!

5. The Backcountry Symposium

Be sure to stick around after you shop at the SWAP for the Roaring Fork Valley’s inaugural Backcountry Symposium. As more people access the backcountry, learning how to safely and responsibly spend time in these spaces is a critical part of being prepared. Join Aspen Public Radio and The Arts Campus at Willits from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 for this FREE event that will convene local and visiting backcountry enthusiasts.