Shred costs to shred more with the BSF Ski Swap

“Broke” and “college student” are words that seem to constantly get paired. Bozeman has a large skiing culture, but it is not always affordable for some students. Passes to Bridger Bowl run upwards of $1,160 for young adults, according to bridgerbowl.com, and ski equipment is also expensive. Snow sports are simply not always an option for students running on tight budgets — however, the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF)’s Ski Swap lessened the blow for some rippers this season.

The BSF 56th Annual Ski Swap was held this past weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. With over 10,000 items, according to bridgerskifoundation.org— ranging from apparel to skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and more — there was plenty for attendees to peruse as they hunted for this season’s snow-sport equipment.

There was an entry fee of $5 on Saturday and $2 on Sunday, but BSF members and Community Nordic Trail Pass holders could get in for free on both days.

According to the Director of Freestyle Skiing for the BSF Mike Papke — who helps out during the swap — since there were so many items at different price points, MSU students could find budget-friendly options for their winter set-ups.

“Literally, you can get gear that is priced at $5 to $400. Today, we brought in so many ski boots priced at $10,” he said.

According to Papke, the items available really just depend on what the public brings in, but there are items from more recent years. “It’s not just people grabbing random skis from the ‘90s out of their basement,” Papke said.

While there, you could find some of last year’s ski models — brand-new and unmounted —for around $300. The deals were present, it was just about hunting them down in a sea full of people.

The clothing aisles also had deals: one Patagonia Women’s Retro Pile Fleece Marsupial — a pullover with a big front pocket and a half-zip made from recycled polyester — selling for around $35. This same item brand new costs around $150, according to Patagonia’s website.

BSF recommends that people who are selling items in the swap also take advantage of the discount option on the second day of the sale. This is a flat-out 50 percent discount, according to the BSF website. Although there were fewer items available on the second day, finding gear at even lower prices might be enticing to some.

Noelle Hamilton — fundraising chair for the MSU Alpine Ski Club — knows what it is like to be a college student wanting to save money during the winter season. She recommended buying second hand gear. “Bozeman has an amazing selection of quality used gear,” she said.

Hamilton also explained that there are other ways for students to save money this winter season. For example, when going skiing, packing a lunch can save money as the food at Bridger can be expensive. Carpooling can also save money on gas and make parking easier.

When looking for passes at places like Bridger, there are multiple options at different price points, according to their website.

“Purchasing blackout or mid-week Bridger Bowl passes are much less expensive than the all inclusive pass. Purchasing these as early as possible will also help save money as they get more expensive as we get closer to the season,” Hamilton said.

Skiing does not just have to happen at commercial hills either. “If you can’t afford a season pass to a ski area, taking up backcountry skiing can be another alternative. It’s fun and often free,” Hamilton said.

Snowsports bring a community of people together, and that’s what events like the BSF Ski Swap help facilitate. “It's a fun event. There's so many people you only see in the winter time and so it is like getting the band back together,” Papke said.

For college students not looking to break the bank, attending ski swaps or seeking out used gear elsewhere might be a worthwhile purusit. The BSF Ski Swap only happens once a year at the beginning of Nov., but discounts can still be found on Facebook Marketplace, at holiday sales and end-of-season sales as well as consignment stores such as Second Wind Sports. Regardless of your budget, options exist to get you out and ripping this winter.