But cutting corners on the latest and greatest gear may be.
This weekend, two months of winter gear swaps kick off with the Winter Recreation and Travel Show at Sullivan Arena, which includes the SPYDER Mega Sports Swap and annual snowmobile swap at the Ben Boeke Arena next door.
"It's a mystery to us until the doors open," said Cristy Hickel, the Sports Programs for Youth Development, Education and Recreation program director, who's helped organize the swap for more than two decades. "Last year, under the market crash and total doom and gloom, we had our best year ever. Our volume was double."
A year ago, the collapse of Lehman Brother and the 11th-hour bailout of AIG roiled the financial markets and contributed to a tailspin by the U.S. economy. But the swap fit tough times.
"Our philosophy for having the swap was realized," Hickel said. "It's all about sharing low-cost gear so the average family can participate.
"In bad times, people will want to live and recreate and they like a deal. I foresee that will be a continued theme this year."
Typically, more than 5,000 items are available at what amounts to a giant winter sports garage sale. Shoppers can help themselves in a few key ways:
• Pre-swap research. Know what ski length a person of your height and weight needs. Pay attention to the camber of cross-country skis. With all your weight over the center of the ski, it should contact the ground.
• Seek experts from coaches and experienced skiers at the show.
• Visit ski shops before the show to be sure of the ski flex, pole length and boot size you need.
"In our current economy, people are proud of a bargain," Hickel said. "Being thrifty and efficient are in."
Because SPYDER is a volunteer organization, it's seeking a few workers who will be allowed to shop before the doors open to the public in exchange for four hours of work time.
Annual Snowmobile Swap Meet — Saturday at Ben Boeke Ice Arena. Check in at 8 a.m., with sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Machines, parts, accessories and clothing available. Steve Sheppard, 562-1911; 258-1977.
Weekend events
Annual Snowmobile Swap Meet — Saturday at Ben Boeke Ice Arena. Check in at 8 a.m., with sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Machines, parts, accessories and clothing available. Steve Sheppard, 562-1911; 258-1977.
SPYDER Mega Sports Swap — Nordic and alpine skis, snowboards, hockey gear, bikes, camping equipment, clothing Saturday and Sunday at Sullivan Arena. World Cup Sports is participating. Drop-off times noon-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Sales 1-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Free parking and entry. Information: 351-5545.
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