Avid skiers have found deals on new and used equipment at the Dolores Ski and Sport Swap for nearly two decades.
That tradition continued on Saturday at the Dolores Community Center. Event founder Cindy Vermeule said she got the idea for the Ski and Sport Swap, now in its 19th year, from the experience of purchasing ski equipment for her children.
“I started it because I couldn’t keep my own kids in gear,” Vermeule said.
The swap now allows families like hers to enjoy a sport that can sometimes be expensive. The one-day sale included used items as well as new gear from brands like Osprey Packs and Kokopelli Bike and Board. Vermuele explained that the swap benefits a good cause. Ten percent of sales goes to scholarships for Dolores students to ski at Telluride.
For Dolores resident Sarah Harmeyer, it’s a good day to find some deals.
“It’s nice to be able to get rid of old gear and get the new gear cheap,” Harmeyer said as she shopped for ski equipment with her children.
There are other benefits for families. Greg Ralph, vice president for marketing and sales at Purgatory Resort, was giving away free ski passes to children 10 and under and free day passes for adults.
“It’s a good opportunity to come hang out with the folks in Dolores,” Ralph said.
He said the free passes for kids can help young families get involved who might not typically be able to afford to take the family skiing.
sdolan@the-journal.com