Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — As if New Year's Day was sometime in October, Steamboat residents have already started making promises and resolutions to spend more days on the mountain this year.

Everyone was talking snow on Saturday at Steamboat Springs Middle School during the Winter Sports Club's 2002 Ski & Swap.

The cafeteria and stage were filled with old skies, boots, snowboard gear and coats for prices that may not be seen until this time next year.

For someone who has never tried skiing, a pair of late-model Rossignols with Marker bindings was going for $10, while Dynastars were selling for $30.

Anyone gearing up for Local's Day on the hill could buy a cheap "dress like a tourist" one-piece ski suit in a variety of '80s colors for $10.

Outside the cafeteria, vendors were selling last year's gear.

Bootdoctors from Telluride had a line of new Dynastars, Volants and Volkls leaning up against lockers for around $300.

Rick Denney walked out with a pair of skis and loose-heel bindings for his 12-year-old son who wanted to try the sport.

The entire purchase cost him $19.74.

It was Denney's second trip to the ski swap.

On Friday he bought a pair of skate skis with bindings for $40.

"They have a much better selection than last year," he said. "And it was very well organized."

Denney has been living in Steamboat for 20 years and has come to the ski swap every year since he moved here.

Bobby Wied, 22, has been in town for four years, but Saturday was his first time at the ski swap.

"I had to come, because I'm not working in a ski shop this year," he said.

He walked away with a pair of bump skies for $190 and a pair of Dynastars with Salomon bindings for $30.

His resolution this year: "To get upside down more often."

The Ski & Swap is a great chance for cheap gear, but it is also an essential fund-raiser for the Winter Sports Club.

Though exact figures aren't in, Katy Tirone, director of development and special events for the Winter Sports Club, believes the numbers will probably be higher than last year.

On Friday night, the Winter Sports Club sold $5 tickets to an Early Bird Sale, for people who want to get first pick of the best deals. The take at the door was higher than last year, giving the group hope that Saturday would be the same.

"There has been a constant flow of traffic and people walking around with armloads of stuff," Tirone said.

The goal was to meet last year's earnings of $18,000, but final totals will not be known until Wednesday.