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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Ski patrols, local clubs gear up for season

The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol's Ski Swap has been outfitting skiers and boarders with bargain gear for more than 40 years while helping fund the patrol's volunteer staff. (FILE / The Spokesman-Review)
Rich Landers Outdoors editor
The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol's Ski Swap has been outfitting skiers and boarders with bargain gear for more than 40 years while helping fund the patrol's volunteer staff. (FILE / The Spokesman-Review)

Snow accumulating in the high country is a sure sign that used gear will be coming out of closets to make up the great deals offered by annual ski and winter gear swaps.

These fund-raisers help raise money for area ski patrols.

Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap at Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds in Spokane Valley, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 29. Register items for sale from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. on Oct. 27. Info: www.mssp.org.

Silver Mountain Ski Patrol Winter Swap, Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 4.

Register items 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Info: (208) 818-8038, www.silverpatrol.com/ winterswap.asp.

49 Degrees North Ski Patrol Ski Swap, Stevens County Fairgrounds in Colville, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 11. Info: www.ski49n.com.

Cross country

Several upcoming events are geared specifically to nordic skiers

Nordic Ski Swap at Fitness Fanatics, 12425 E. Trent, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 4. “I encourage folks to take their cross-country gear to the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol swap the weekend before, and if it doesn’t sell, then bring it to the swap here,” said Robin DeRuwe, Fitness Fanatics owner. “We like to encourage support for the ski patrol.” Info: 922-6080.

Youth nordic skiing will be the general topic in programs and sign-ups Nov. 4 at the Southside Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave., sponsored by the Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation. Sign up for the Nordic Kids program for kids ages 5 through teens that run Saturdays through the winter at Mount Spokane. Also, hear presentations on:

“Injury prevention in the youth Athlete, by Dr. P.Z. Pearce, sports physician.

“Zone training, a beginner’s guide, by Spokane ski racer Matt Halloran.

Info: 448-2520.

Cross-Country Gear trade-up Night at Mountain Gear, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 8.

This is one of the best programs around for keeping young cross-country skiers in gear that fits their growing bodies or for adults who are working up in ability. Purchase a new ski package at Mountain Gear then bring it in the next year and trade for new sizes of used equipment for a small fee. Special prices this day only. Info: 325-9000.

Clothing swap, an informal “garage sale” of winter recreation clothing, sponsored by Spokane Junior Nordic Ski team, to help families swap lightly used gear to defray costs of outfitting rapidly growing kids, noon-4 p.m. on Nov. 19. Location has not been set. Items can be sold on consignment or donated to junior team. Member will pick up donations. Info: (509) 838-4225.