Out & About: Ski swap season is time to gear up

OUTDEAL – Used gear will be coming out of closets for great deals at annual ski- and winter-gear swaps.

The following fundraisers help finance area ski patrols and racers:

• 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol Ski Swap, Northeast Washington Fairgrounds in Colville, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 18. Register items for sale 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 17 and 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Oct. 18.

Info: eke@ultraplix.com; ski49n.com.

• Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (50th annual event) at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center in Spokane Valley. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 25. Register items for sale 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Info: mssp.org.

• Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain ski patrol’s Winter Swap, Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 1. Register items 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Info: winterswap.org.

• Schweitzer Alpine Racing School Ski Swap at Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 8. Bring items to sell noon-7 p.m. on Nov. 7.

Info: sars.net.

Ski resorts offer passes to fifth-graders

OUTDEAL – Once again, fifth-grade students are being treated like royalty at most Inland Northwest ski resorts, with free skiing and other discounts.

The Fifth Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport costs $20, entitles students to three free lift tickets at each of the participating mountains, including 49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass along with Bluewood, Loup Loup and Mission Ridge.

Free or discounted ski rentals and lessons are offered to participants, parents and siblings.

Applications are available in most fifth-grade classrooms in the region or see details and download applications at 5thgradeskipassport.com. 

Zombies to haunt Riverside State Park trail

OUTSCREAM – The third annual Return of the Zombies hike is set for Oct. 25 on “the scariest half-mile hike ever” in Riverside State Park.

Visitors of all ages can hike the half-mile haunted trail between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. as a fundraiser for the Riverside State Park Foundation.

The event is set at the park’s Seven-Mile Airstrip, 7903 W. Missoula Road, at Nine Mile Falls.

Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for youths age 3-12, free for kids under 3.

The Washington Discover Pass is not needed on vehicles for this event.

Adults are issued a flashlight and kids ages 3 to 12 receive a glow-in-the-dark bracelet.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed. 

Volunteer “zombies” provide the scary atmosphere. Participants should be prepared to walk over uneven terrain and wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Organizers will be selling hot chocolate and coffee. A DJ will entertain at a warming fire.

Info: Cherie Gwinn, 465-5066 or cherie.gwinn@parks.wa.gov.