Ski swap tomorrow!

[Brian M]

Just a friendly reminder to all that the West High ski swap is tomorrow. This is the biggest swap of the year and the absolute best chance to get good gear at a great price. If you've been thinking about getting into backcountry skiing, this is the way to do it.

If anyone has any gear questions, please feel free to ask. I'll check back throughout the day. (Also, I'll be at the swap when it opens at noon tomorrow helping my brother find some skis. If you want some in-person help in selecting gear, I'd be happy to chat with you at the swap. Just let me know.)

-Brian

 

[elgoatropo]

Hello! I am planning to go about 1-2 o clock. Looking for a first pair of powder fatties for randonee setup. The Rossi 11.5 cut, or comparable, is what I am looking for. Alyeska had a bunch of them years back, and I had a blast demoing a pair. They should be pretty cheap by now.

It would be nice if the skis were stiff enough to hold an edge for the occasional trip to Alyeska, but I am primarily looking at skinning the ridgelines north of the Eagle River (Prudhoe Bay drive - where I live)

Is the ski swap just one big free-for-all mob? Would I be handicapped if I brought the wife and kids (0-5 yrs) through?

 

[elgoatropo]

Also, I have no idea what kind of boots/bindings skins I need. Should be a learning experience

 

[Brian M]

Sorry I didn't get back to you in time. I wasn't able to check late last night, and was out of the house by 6:45 this morning. If you were there anytime before 12:30, you'll find that it was indeed a mob. It always is with this swap, but that's because the selection is so good.

I'm assuming that you didn't get boots/bindings/skins at the swap. I did see a few of the above there, but I doubt it was still there by 1:00pm. If you'd like to chat about these, let me know. I'll post a thread on specific gear if there is an interest.

Hope the swap visit was successful for you. Didn't see the particular ski you mentioned, but saw a lot of good stuff.

-Brian

 

[elgoatropo]

Thanks for the reply Brian. I got there around 1:30. I found a pair of 180 Chubbs for plenty cheap with alpine rental bindings.

So now I have to decide whether to scrounge up some Fritschis and boots, or get some BCA trekkers.

What kind of gear do you use?

 

[TBLOOMA]

ski swap

ski swap

is it still going on tomorrow( Sunday10/22)??? I need to get some skiis for the wife and my self. along with some bindings and regular winter gear.

 

[TBLOOMA]

brian you going to be around at 2pm on sunday?

brian you going to be around at 2pm on sunday?

brian,
you going to be around on sunday at about 2 pm? I just figured it out by googling it that it will be open, but need some advice, since I have been out of it for awhile. Used to work in a shop 10+ yrs ago. but this career thing has gotten in the way slightly, now I'm back ready to play, but don't nkow anything about the new stuff!! any help would be appreciated, but if your busy, I totally understand!
Thanks a bunch for the post
Tim

 

[Brian M]

Sorry, I'm heading out at 5:30am to help my father fill his Tier II caribou tag. I'll post again tomorrow or Monday on some gear thoughts. Good luck at the swap.

-Brian

 

[funhog]

Nov 4th is the Anchorage Nordic Ski club's ski swap out at Kincaid Park. I think they are starting about 4.

I was in Play Again Sports and picked up a nice pair of Fabiano Leather boots for $30 Considering I blew my pair out last year I skied for 29 years, that was a great find. So 29 years for a pair of Fabiano's means I'll be skiing them until I'm 81, LOL.

 

[RainGull]

I got you beat! Brand new pair of Fabiono boots off of ebay for $8+ $8.10 shipping! Can't beat that.

 

[funhog]

I got you beat! Brand new pair of Fabiono boots off of ebay for $8+ $8.10 shipping! Can't beat that.

good for you!

The boots I picked up were brand new as well. The leather was dry and stiff, so I rubbed some mink oil into the boot, then followed up with some Nikwax Paste--waterproof wax. After walking around for a couple of days and skiing them this weekend, they look ok.

 

[lolavavoom]

Ski Swap

Ski Swap

My 13 year old son, learned to ski last year and I would like to get him his own equipment this year. I have no idea what to buy. I am planning on attending the ski swap tomorrow. I am on a pretty tight budget and I would like some guidance. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Brian M]

First of all, show up early. People start lining up over an hour in advance. They usually only let so many people in at a time, so it pays to be there early. As for gear, it's hard to give a general recommendation. For basic guidelines, though, get him skis that are about the same height as his nose for a beginner - maybe as long as he is tall at most. Good fitting boots are the absolute most important piece of equipment. Don't get boots that are too big so that he can grow into them. It'll make life far more difficult for him on the slope.

At this time, I don't think I'll be there on Saturday. If that changes I'll let you all know in case you'd like a hand.

 

[lolavavoom]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks for the advice, that helps, I appreciate it.

 

[LuJon]

Just a friendly reminder to all that the West High ski swap is tomorrow. This is the biggest swap of the year and the absolute best chance to get good gear at a great price. If you've been thinking about getting into backcountry skiing, this is the way to do it.

If anyone has any gear questions, please feel free to ask. I'll check back throughout the day. (Also, I'll be at the swap when it opens at noon tomorrow helping my brother find some skis. If you want some in-person help in selecting gear, I'd be happy to chat with you at the swap. Just let me know.)

-Brian

Talk about seing a thread a day late and a dollar short...