SKI SWAP SATURDAY

Ski Swap at the Alyeska Day Lodge (file photo)

Besides Loads of Volunteers, Ski Swap Gets Digital Help

Saturday's Swap at Alyeska Daylodge Runs From Noon to 3 p.m.

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

This year's Ski Swap could run smoother with an on-line tool that allows sellers to pre-register gear so volunteers can send it directly to the floor.

In the past, a paper control slip was used. 

The switch to digital promises a more efficient process, says Julie Johnson, the new director of Four Valleys Community School. 

."If you log into myskiswap.com and register all your items, you can print out your barcodes, and tape them on your item. We'll scan it and put it on the floor," she says

The annual event started in Girdwood around 40 years ago as a local answer to a larger Anchorage ski swap which meant a long car ride and long lines for gear, Johnson says.

The event is a key fundraiser for Four Valleys which takes in 30 percent of the proceeds.

"It goes right back into the community," Johnson says. "We're going to use that (funding) to make more programming, get more enrichment, and support organizations."

And though there are almost 100 volunteers, Four Valleys could use more, Johnson said. Volunteers get first dibs on shopping starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, an hour before doors open to the general public.

Gear sellers can find tips on pricing gear on the organization's website, fourvalleys.org. They will have to pick up unsold items before 4 p.m. or it becomes the property of Four Valleys, which donates unsold gear to Bishop's Attic and other charity groups. 

Volunteer staff, rental crew and other experts will also be on hand to help with sizing and questions.

"It's a long community tradition," Johnson says. "It takes everyone."

The Ski Swap takes place this Saturday. Gear drop off is from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer shopping goes from 11 a.m.-noon. General shopping is from noon to 3 p.m. Gear pickup runs from 3-4 p.m.