Winter sports don’t have to break the bank

For 58 years, the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) has been offering the Bozeman community an affordable and accessible way to purchase winter gear. This November, BSF collected over 10,000 used items to be sold at its annual Ski Swap, according to the BSF website.

BSF is a Bozeman-based nonprofit ski organization that provides and funds educational and competitive programs for all ages. The Ski Swap, which took place last weekend at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, is one way BSF raises funds to keep skiing accessible in the Gallatin Valley, according to its website.

From Oct. 1 through Nov. 3, community members were allowed to register consignment items online for $1. Sellers dropped off items on Friday and 25 percent of all sales made during the weekend went directly to BSF. The remaining 75 percent of each sale will be mailed to the respective sellers, and any unsold items were picked up Sunday afternoon.

While there are many consignment stores and online options for Bozemanites looking to buy and sell winter gear, the Ski Swap remains one of the most affordable. “This is the perfect time to buy something really ridiculously cheap, and that way it’s not a huge investment for a new sport,” said Paul Haye, a BSF volunteer at the event. 

Items available for sale included skis, boots, poles, backcountry gear and winter clothing. A wide range of prices, sizes and quality gave winter weather enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to find winter gear. Volunteers were also available throughout the weekend to answer questions and provide gear recommendations. 

For Haye, who is new to the Bozeman area, the Ski Swap was a way to get involved with the community. “I’m a snowboarder, but I’m trying to learn about other sports,” he said. “I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to get involved somehow, to know what’s going on and ask questions to certain people.”

To learn more about BSF, visit https://www.bridgerskifoundation.org/.