You deeply inhale the crispest mountain air you’ve ever encountered.  Sweeping the panoramic mountainside with your goggled eyes, you notice crystalline sparkles gleaming from the miles and miles of snow.  The air is frigid and cool, yet the sun shines brightly around you, letting just enough warmth in to fuel you for what’s about to happen.  There is just enough powder sitting atop the white mounds to keep the snow slightly soft.  You listen to the mixture of nature’s quiet, and the yelps and whoops of satisfied enthusiasts, knowing that you are part of something every skier dreams of….the perfect ski day.  Sighing with the satisfaction that comes from this knowledge, a sound rings out that shatters this immaculate moment.

“Hey dude, 1978 called.  It wants its ski gear back!”

Photo © Jason LugoAs any ski or snowboard enthusiast will tell you, many components can make for a perfect day on the slopes…weather, powder, light.  Don’t let your outdated gear be the one thing that ruins that flawless winter outing.  Instead, why not trade some of those old duds for some new to you gear?

For the past 42 years, snow enthusiasts in the Magic Valley have been able to do just that at the College of Southern Idaho’s Annual Ski Swap.  The longest student run CSI fundraiser will be held at the CSI Gym/Rec Center November 18th-20th.

Have ski gear laying around that you need to get rid of?  Simply take your skis, boards, apparel and other winter gear to sell or trade.  Used ski items can be dropped off on Thursday, November 17th from 1:00pm to 9:00 pm and all day Friday, November 18th.  Used items will be sold during the event on consignment, with a portion of the proceeds going to scholarships for CSI Business Club students.  Any unsold items should be picked up Sunday, November 20th between 3-6 pm.  Unclaimed items will be donated to local charity.

Photo © Jason Lugo“I think in tight financial times people are more willing to consider swapping used gear” says CSI Business Administrator professor Dennis Heiner.  Not only can you get gear at some great deals, it’s also a great way to get rid of the stuff that may be laying around the house.  Twin Falls native Katie Vaughan says “We go to our local ski swap every year. They always have killer deals on outerwear. We got my oldest son snowboard pants, gloves, and hat. My stepson got his snowboard there for a good price. Honestly, with how tough my kids are on stuff, its the best place to get it.”  With the local economy still on the rebound, the ski swap is a fantastic to way to continue to enjoy some of the best recreation that winter in Idaho has to offer, without breaking the family piggy bank!

Sponsored by Locally Owned Radio and KMVT, this year’s event is slated to be the best one yet.  You won’t want to miss the biggest ski swap in Idaho, where hourly door prizes will be awarded, including a 10 day Pomerelle Pass, Soldier and Magic Mountain Passes, a night at Cactus Pete’s, and Sun Valley Lodge prizes.

Admission will be only $2 per person.