Newport Ski & Snowboard Swap

NEWS

I am very sorry that the checks did not go out sooner. Most were sent today, Nov 28th. The pending inventory issues were also resolved so those changes should be showing up on your registration and a check will go out for the additional funds that did not get in the first check.

For those who missed Sunday 10-2 unsold gear pickup, the remaining gear has been donated.

It is almost over for another year. Sales were up this year 7.7% to $384,369. We had some great successes and also some new challenges. We have received many much appreciated compliments and also excellent improvement suggestions for next year.

The long line still - so sorry, what to do is still the question. We had hoped that some things including the earlier start time and many more cashier stations would put a big dent in it. Part of the problem is that 1869 people or 38% came in the first 2 hours or 14% of a 17 hour swap. This obviously is something that we can not change. Earlier start times just means people come sooner for the first really big bargains. We already have some ideas to reduce check-out time by full bar-coding of inventory, improved processes and additional training of check-out volunteers. Later Friday and all day Saturday there was lots of great gear at great prices still, lots more personal attention, and a more casual atmosphere.

Reasons why the Newport Ski Swap might be interesting to you

Biggest & Best - Why pay more or settle for lower quality? This sale is huge, now with 15,000 Sq. feet, over 10,000 inventory items and over $350,000 in sales. It is well organized with a huge selection of equipment and accessories at incredibly low prices. The swap provides tremendous value for the school, buyers and sellers! The Newport Ski swap rivals the big commercial events in Seattle except that we have More Gear, Lower Prices, Free Entry and Free Parking. We take major Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard & AMEX), personal checks and of course, cash. We are in Factoria, south Bellevue with easy access from both I-405 (Coal Creek) & I-90 (150th SE).

Major savings on NEW gear (30-60%) - Local ski and snowboard stores offer gear at highly discounted gear, often 30-60% discount off regular season prices. How do they do it? Every year, the industry over-manufactures by as much as 30%. This is not junk but rather high quality, new gear that shops have left over or that they buy at a discount from manufacturers for swaps and early season store sales.

Major savings on USED gear (50-90%) - This is a great opportunity to help others by selling your good used equipment or buying someone else's. Note: Sporting equipment and clothing value drops about 50% per year for the first three years ($600, $300, $150, $75). Many people come year after year to trade-up their gear as their kids grow and their own skiing or snowboarding skill improves. There are 1000s of very nice, high quality, high value, used gear for sale at amazingly low prices.

Ski Day Convenience - It is much more convenient for new skiers and boarders to have their own equipment than to stand in line each week to rent equipment (30-60 minutes wait prime season). Renting in town also requires time for pickup and drop-off. Buying used is very cost effective since used equipment is deeply discounted and generally costs less than renting for the season.

One Stop Shopping Convenience - We have new and used equipment for beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders so you can outfit the entire family. We have all the accessories that you will need including jackets, pants, underwear, socks, helmets, goggles, poles, boots, and bindings.
Snowsports Shops - Enumclaw Ski & Mountain, Bothell Ski & Bike, Gerk's Ski & Bike, Liquidation Sports, Mt Si Board & Skate, and Goldstar have provided some fab gear at incredible prices as well as providing technical assistance to find the just-right gear for you. These shops can also tune your gear so that it performs well on the slopes.
Snowsports Training - You can also sign up for Bellevue Ski & Snowboard School for Elementary, Middle or High School students. Husky Winter Sports who helps us with advertising at the University of Washington will also be at the swap.
Ski Areas - The Summit at Snoqualmie will be at the swap providing information and recruiting instructors. They will also be once again providing discount coupons for group and private lessons. More Information.
Crystal Mtn will be at the swap providing information, posters and other memorabilia. More Information.

Charity - The Swap is a Newport High School PTSA fund raising function. All profits enhance Newport's education experience. The Swap also has an valued association with other charities such as SOS Outreach, a sports-based youth development organization, whose goal is to help build character and self-esteem in underserved youth through mentorship, community outreach and outdoor recreation. In past years, we also contributed hundreds of left over soft goods (jackets, pants, fleece, under clothing) to Camp Korey who mission is to honor the courage, strength, and determination of children and their families who battle life-threatening and serious illnesses; and to provide them with a safe, friendly, medically sound environment in which to simply have fun and be kids and to Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.

Bonus - Student Volunteers get volunteer hours for working the swap - Be sure to check in and out. Also to support our new skiers and snowboarders, the Summit at Snoqualmie is providing a significant number of discounted New Skier/Rider and Private Lesson Discount Coupons which will be provided at random to folk buying gear. Big White / Silver Star will be at the swap introducing their fabulous terrain and conditions and providing some free Lift Coupons to lucky shoppers. Crystal Mtn will be at the swap providing goodies and introducing the mountain and their latest improvements such as the Gondola and Terrain Park.