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By Alessia Proietti

all things Ski, snowboard & snowshoe

Red Deer’s largest ski swap is back this weekend; held for the first time at Canyon Ski Resort

Oct 18, 2023 | 4:58 PM

It’s time to get excited for ski season and one way you could do that, is by getting some new equipment at Red Deer’s biggest ski and snowboard swap this weekend.

After a three-year hiatus, the event is back for Red Deerians looking to purchase or sell used equipment, all while helping raise funds for the Canadian Ski Patrol.

Held from October 20 – 22, this will also be the first year the swap is held at Canyon Ski Resort (38433 Range Road 264A), in their base lodge.

How it works is people can bring in their used equipment, no registration required, on Friday from 3 – 9 p.m. for drop off. After verifying equipment standards, the owner of the equipment will list their desired price for sale. If the product sells, 20 per cent will go towards the Canadian Ski Patrol. Cash for sold items or product returns for unsold items will be given to their owners on Sunday from 4 – 5 p.m.

A few stores will also be present, selling new equipment for those interested.

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Products available are related to downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, ranging from the varied types of skis, snowboards, helmets, boots, and more.

Barbara Steeves, Instructor, Examiner and Patroller for the Canadian Ski Patrol’s Red Deer Zone, has been with the non-profit for 25 years.

She says the equipment swap has been going on in the city at least throughout her entire time with the patrol, if not longer.

While earlier swaps took place in high school gyms, they were more recently partnering with the Red Deer Snow Fest – Ski, Snowboard & Outdoor Adventure Show held at Westerner Park. After taking a pause due to the pandemic, they also had to cancel last year’s swap after they discovered the Red Deer Snow Fest would no longer be taking place.

However, she says she is excited to welcome back Red Deerians to the swap, especially those who loyally returned each year, and for the event to take place at the local ski hill for the first time.

“It gives families that can’t really afford brand new equipment to get their kids started in skiing and it’s a great place to pick up kids’ equipment for a lot less than going out and buying brand new. And anybody else that wants to maybe start learning or just wants an extra pair of skis for something or wants to try out cross-country and isn’t sure if they’d like it and get some equipment for a lot less. It’s good for them,” she said.

Having attracted hundreds of attendees in the past, she hopes to see the same participation this year, but understands other swaps are also taking place in Calgary and Edmonton this weekend.

She also hopes to raise similar funds in comparison to prior years, around $6,000, or more for the Canadian Ski Patrol’s Red Deer Zone. She states the funds go towards their three alpine resorts, including Canyon, Medicine Lodge Ski Area near Bentley, and Valley Ski Club near Castor, to purchase equipment needing upgrades like toboggans or backboards. All patrollers are volunteers and there are roughly 60 in the Red Deer Zone.

The sale runs on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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