Community gathers to celebrate 50th ski swap

• 50th Annual Ski, Board & Sport Swap
• Community gathers to buy & sell equipment
• Proceeds to help kids learn

As temperatures drop, the skiing community is putting on their annual event for people to buy or sell pre-owned gear at an affordable price.

On Friday, the Big White Ski Club (BWSC) opened the doors to its fiftieth Ski, Board & Sport Swap.

“This year, people are really excited to get back to the hill,” Dave Willoughby, President of BWSC told Kelowna10.

“It’s one of those few things that we can do outside that’s quite safe, and now most people are getting double vaccinated. I think it’s going to be a really good season; people are keen to get back to normal.”

The ski swap allows folks to clear out their unused gear and find some bargains.

“I just encourage everybody to really come down and take advantage of the good opportunities, there’s great deals here. We have a lot of new and used equipment,” Willoughby said.

All proceeds from the swap go towards funding the BWSC.

“The club enables kids to learn how to ski … that is kind of the main angle; for kids to be safe on the hill, learn to ski, and have fun amongst their peers,” Willoughby explained.

Cameron Roworth, 10, is a ski racer and has been on the slopes since he was only a year old. He's been a BWSC member for the past couple years and is excited to start racing again and seeing his coaches and teammates.

“It’s really nice to be back. [In] the summer I do some sports, but they’re not as fun as skiing,” Roworth said.

For this group of enthusiasts, winter is their favourite time of year, and they are looking forward to getting back on the mountains.