Out & About: Ski swaps get skiers, boarders in gear
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, Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Register items for sale on Oct. 23 from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and on Oct. 24 from 8 a.m.-9 a.m.
Info: bealeski@gmail.com; ski49n.com.
• Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (51st annual event) at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center in Spokane Valley. Oct. 31 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 1 from 9 a.m.-noon. Register items for sale on Oct. 30 from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
Info: skipatrolskiswap.com
• Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain ski patrol’s Winter Swap, Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Register items on Nov. 6 from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
Info: winterswap.org.
• Schweitzer Alpine Racing School Ski Swap at Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring items to sell on Nov. 13 from noon-7 p.m.
Info: sars.net.
5th-graders ski free at area resorts
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 and 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, Brundage Mountain and Loup Loup.
Free or discounted ski rentals and lessons may be 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 fourth annual Return of the Zombies hike is set for Oct. 24 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 Zombie Hike Shirts. Volunteer Zombies are still being sought.
Info: Cherie Gwinn, (509) 465-5066 or cherie.gwinn@parks.wa.gov.