'Swap' coming soon

More opportunities for those lacking funds to pick up some nice new gear are coming up this month.

If you didn't find what you were looking for at SNIAGRAB or other pre-season sales around town, the upcoming gear swaps will give you another chance.

Steamboat, Winter Park and Vail resorts are all hosting gear swap events this month that will give skiers and riders the chance to get rid of their gently used gear and pick up last season's overstock at deep discounts.

Winter Park will be hosting their 23rd annual ski swap this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because the best deals will go fast, getting into Friday's swap will cost $2/individual, $5/family (proceeds will help fund the Winter Park Competition Center and scholarship fund). The swap will go from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday.

The next swap will be hosted by Steamboat on Friday, Oct. 19, and Saturday, Oct. 20. Doors open at 8 p.m. on Friday, and the swap will continue on Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. No admission charge was listed on their website, but those wishing to sell their gear will need to pick up gear tags at the Howelsen Hill Lodge before 5 p.m. on the 19th.

Vail's 38th annual ski swap, which claims to be the largest of its kind in Colorado, will kick off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. Early birds shopping from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. will cost $15/person. To shop from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday or from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday will cost $5/person. Shopping from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday is free.

The Vail swap brags that over 35 local vendors will be at the show, alongside individual sellers, to provide buyers with a great selection of new and used gear.

Seeing as the recent weather has epitomized fall, and breath-taking views of the mountains can be found all along the front range and I-70, the next three weekends would be a perfect time to make the trek to any of these fine mountains. A beautiful drive with the added bonus of sweet deals and new gear? I sure won't miss it.