Ski swaps help wintersports crowd gear up for season
OUTSTUFF – 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 Saturday. Register items for sale 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Saturday.
Info: ski49n.com.
• Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (52nd annual event) at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center in Spokane Valley. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 30. Register items for sale 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Info: skipatrolskiswap.com
• 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. 5. Register items 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Info: winterswap.org.
• Schweitzer Alpine Racing School Ski Swap at Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 12. Bring items to sell noon-7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Info: sars.net.
Young snowmobilers
offered safety class
OUTSLED –A free snowmobile safety course for youths ages 12-16 will be held at the 36th annual Spokane Winter Knights Snow Show on Nov. 12 at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.
The snowmobile safety course training includes:
Basic snowmobile maintenance.
Survival skills and dealing with emergencies, including an avalanche awareness.
Preparing for a ride and proper clothing and protection from winter weather.
Hand signals and other basic riding skills.
The class is cosponsored the State Parks Winter Recreation Program.
Sign up: tinyurl.com/parks130
- Info: (360) 902-8664.
5th-graders ski free
at area resorts
OUTDEAL – 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. Students three free lift tickets at each of the participating mountains: 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. Details at 5thgradeskipassport.com.