Gear up for snow

Instead, keep an eye out for used-gear swaps. There's one Saturday and Sunday, called the Spyder Mega Sports Swap at the Sullivan Arena, where you can find great gear at a fraction of the cost you'd normally spend.

I've been a winter athlete for well over 10 years, and the sports theme in my family has always been to have fun, participate with passion and keep things cheap. After all, skiing can be expensive. Still, even with a growing family, we've had no trouble keeping costs down by frequenting the swap.

Indeed, I've been helping at the swap for most of my time as a winter athlete. I can remember running down the aisles in a worker bib as a tot. Back then, I was probably more hindrance than help. Since then, however, I've become an experienced swap worker and deal finder.

Along with several other teen volunteers, my sister and I can handle pretty much all aspects of the swap. We work the layout, set up and tear down the show, run the registers, and, of course, we shop. After all, nothing is more fun than cruising the Sullivan and sniffing out must-haves, especially when you can be sure of parent-friendly prices.

Every year I trade in my outgrown hockey skates and ski gear for cheap at the swap. Hockey gear is a steal, with elbow and knee pads rolling out for a dollar. World Cup Sports even brings all its new gear, which goes for amazing prices. (A few years back, this meant that I could finally get my first new pair of skis.) It feels great to outfit a family with everything it needs for a particular sport, often for less than $25.

In any case, I've grown up with the swap, and now (at 16) I anticipate it with the same kind of excitement most reserve for Christmas. In fact -- who am I kidding -- it is my Christmas. The winter recreation and travel show downstairs lends to a festival atmosphere (with snacks and prizes), and of course there are gifts. This year, I may even follow my sister's lead and start snowboarding since hockey has more or less displaced my serious ski racing.

If you have gear that you'd like to sell, come to Sullivan Arena to drop off your equipment from noon to 8 p.m. today or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. We'll fill out a tag for your gear and help with pricing too. Labels help things run more smoothly if you have a lot of gear.

Anything that doesn't sell we'll hand back from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday. (Alternatively, we can donate unsold gear to suitable organizations).

Also, if you'd like to volunteer at the swap, call 346-1902, and we'll get you on the list. Anyone over 7 years of age can help. Hours are flexible, and training is simple. Also, volunteers get the first shot at gear before the doors even open, but of course they have to help once the doors do open.

If you're strictly a shopper, the doors open at 1 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. It's a great community event, and whatever your interest in winter sports, you're sure to find something that suits you.

Zoe Hickel is a sophomore at Frontier Charter School.

Five great shopping tips

1. Come early before the doors open to get first choice.

2. Know what you are looking for and your sizes.

3. After you've grabbed a few hot items during the initial rush, visit the winter recreation and sport show. Then return to the swap after the crowd settles and see what has been restocked from the first grab. Lots of great buys can be had that way.

4. Go right to what you are looking for. Items go fast.

5. If you need help, talk to anyone with a ski race bib. Staff from World Cup Sports will be in the ski and boot sections.