There's nothing quite as nice as hunting for deals. You don't have to be cheap, just appreciate landing that trophy bargain.
The good news is we have several large ski swaps in our area -- the bad news is each one of them is about a two hour drive. Listed below are the ski swaps for the 1999-2000 season.
A few tips about ski swaps.

• Wear some old, ratty, non-ski sweater to keep warm in line. If you are wearing a North Face jacket, they are going to want to tag it so the cashiers will know you didn't steal it off the rack and are wearing it out. Often the tagging process can bring the line to a halt while they tag someone's jacket.
• Wear just enough to be barely warm while waiting in line because I guarantee you will have sweat rolling off you inside when you do battle over piles of boots or aisles of skis.
• If you are going to try on some boots, bring the socks you plan to wear with them with you.
• If you are trying to buy a complete ski package, make sure the boots match the bindings (see bindings story).
• There are roving assistants who can help you with basic information, seek them out if you have a question about bindings, types of skis, etc.
• Bring cash if you can, the check-out line is much shorter and faster.

Saturday, October 23, 1999 -- Mt. Shasta Ski Swap
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mt. Shasta High School, Mt. Shasta
Sorry, I don't have any further information on this ski swap.

Saturday, October 23, 1999 -- Diamond Peak Ski Foundation Ski Swap
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Incline Elementary School, Incline Village
Bring items to sell from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. Pick up money or unsold items from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m on Saturday. (775) 832-1176

Saturday, October 30, 1999 -- Tahoe Ski Swap (The BIG One)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., North Tahoe High School, Tahoe City
Bring items to sell on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., pick up money or unsold items on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This is a big, well run ski swap to benefit the local nursery school. It is in its 36th year! Get there by 9 a.m. or the line will be really long. If you arrive at 10 a.m., the line will be REALLY REALLY long. While the bulk of the sale is downhill equipment, there has been a fair amount of nordic gear for sale. Lots of older racing and skating skis, plently of tele and backcountry skis, some loose bindings, a good number of boots and all types of clothing. (530) 581-4001.They take cash, checks and VISA/MC

Saturday, November 13, 1999 -- Truckee Ski Swap
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Truckee Recreational Center, Downtown Truckee (on Church St.)
Bring items to sell on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., pick up money or unsold items on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I haven't been to this one yet, but have been told there is more focus on backcountry skiing and travel rather than mostly downhill. It would figure. There are numerous downhill areas around Lake Tahoe, but Truckee is populated by more mountaineering and backcountry types. I am planning on going this year and will give a report when I get back. (530) 582-7720.

Sunday, November 14, 1999 -- CSU, Sacramento Ski Club Swap
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., CSU, Sacramento campus, South Gym.
Bring items to sell on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there was no mention of when you could get your money/unsold items.
This ski swap is mainly downhill items, but I did buy a brand new pair on backcountry boots and bindings for cheap. Most of the nordic skis were entry level beginner stuff, but as with all swap meets, you just never know what is going to be there.
email them at dexterrutecki@geocities.com