Snowflakes hit the foothills, and it’s Ski Swap time in Boise…

It is snowing - snowing! - right now in the Boise foothills. It’s not sticking, but the timing is perfect for today’s start of Boise’s big annual Ski Swap, which opens at 5 p.m. today at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds, also known as “Expo Idaho.” The swap, which benefits the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation, runs through Sunday; it costs $3 to get in, and is the place to find deals on new-to-you gear, from skis and snowboards to helmets and outfits, or unload your kids’ outgrown gear and find replacements.

Sellers can take their gear in (11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday) to check it in for sale; the swap takes a 25 percent commission on items sold. The swap is open to buyers from 5-10 tonight (folks line up for the opening); 10-8 Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday.