SPOKANE, Wash. — It is just a matter of time before skiers will be heading to the mountains. And what better way to celebrate then getting decked out at the annual Mount Spokane Ski Swap.
"This is actually believe it or not the nation's largest ski swap located here in Spokane," Kristin Whitaker said.
Whitaker is the director of the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol. It's her organization that puts on the event year after year.
"The amazing thing is that it's put on by all volunteers Mount Spokane Ski Patrol are volunteers. And as huge as it is as you can see, we have to start planning for this event the previous march," Whitaker said.
Mount Spokane Ski Patrol is celebrating their 59th year of the ski swap. Whitaker says about 5000 people have come through during the two day event.
She said, "The proceeds do benefit the Mount Spokane Ski Patrol and that we use the money to purchase our life saving medical equipment or rescue gear."
Most people check out the ski swap because of its low prices.
"In the lower range for sure. They are definitely a little cheaper and some of the stores," Connor Reed said.
Reed is an avid snowboarder. He was surprised at the size of the swap.
"I expect it to be smaller," Reed said. "And it's way bigger than I thought it would be. And there's way more stuff here."
For others like Melissa Sene, it's her first time checking out the ski swap.
"I am very excited for ski and snowboarding season," Sene said.
She's only snowboarded a couple times, but coming to the ski swap has given her more excitement.
"I love being immersed in this community. I like to be around people who are very driven and this is a risky sport. It's not completely free of risk," Sene said.
Most of the equipment is supplied by local ski and snowboard stores.
Whitaker said, "Some of the shops will bring last year's inventory that didn't sell to this ski swap."
Members of the public can also offer their own equipment to sell.
Mount Spokane Ski Patrols says they haven't calculated the exact amount of money they raised this year, but it'll definitely be enough to fund their ski operations and patrols for this upcoming season.
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