Gearing up for a season of skiing or snowboarding doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From ski swaps to used gear shops, season lease programs, and rentals, there are plenty of options around the Inland Northwest to get the gear you need on a budget.
Ski and Outdoor Gear Swaps: One of the best ways to outfit kids and adults with gently-used skis and snowboard equipment, boots, outerwear and more, you can also sell your used gear at these swaps. The regional ski swap season kicks off Oct. 18 with the 49° North Ski Swap at the Colville Fairgrounds. The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap follows Oct. 25–26 at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center. Find the final swaps of the season at the University of Idaho Nov. 6 in Moscow, Sandpoint’s SARS Ski Swap Nov. 8 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds and the Coeur d’Alene Ski Swap Nov. 15 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
Used Gear and Consignment Shops: Gear Garage in Coeur d’Alene has hundreds of used skis and snowboards and a wide range of other winter-sports gear for sale at its shop on Sherman Ave. Spokane’s Evergreen Gear Exchange at 1003 E. Trent Ave. also carries gently-used ski and snowboard equipment, accessories and outerwear. Both shops will have plenty of winter gear for bargain hunters to check out later this fall.
Season Lease Equipment: Kids grow fast, making buying and selling new ski gear each year a waste of time and money. Spokane Alpine Haus offers the only kids’ ski equipment season-lease program in Spokane, with more new equipment added to the program this year. Starting at $160 for a complete setup, the lease ensures a comfortable, safe fit. Stop by either the South Hill or north Spokane Alpine Haus location to get your child fitted for their skis, boots, bindings and poles. Get your leased ski gear reserved early for best selection.
Rental Gear: If you or your kids only plan to spend a few days on the mountain this winter, renting equipment at the ski area or from a local shop can be a much more affordable option than buying or leasing gear.
