Ski and Snowboard Swap Offers Fun And Raises Funds

Volunteers at the annual Ski and Snowboard Swap on Saturday said this year’s turnout has so far been the best in years.

“I remember going to the first one,” said volunteer Robi Perley. “The line this morning was much bigger than in recent years. The event just gets bigger every year."

The swap was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and will be open again from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at San Ramon Valley High School.

The event is a volunteer run PTA fundraiser. Roughly 250 students, parents, and community members give their weekends each year to support snow sports and the high school.

Sandy Garcia, co-chair of the event, explained the significance of the volunteers’ role at the swap.

“I tell parents, if your kid is [at San Ramon Valley High] for all four years, they will directly benefit from the ski swap,” she said. “More recently, there’s been talk of funding robotics."

The many volunteers scattered around the two buildings dedicated to the event seemed to enjoy helping out for the benefit of the high school.

“The school asked if anyone wanted to volunteer and I thought it seemed like fun,” said Shree Mundae, a San Ramon Valley high school student. “I’ve had a good time so far today."

And the consumers seemed to benefit as well. As they walked toward the parking lot, Lorin and Marva Young had smiles on their faces and used skis on their shoulders.

“We came here years ago, and we felt like checking it out again this morning,” said Lorin Young. “And we came out of there with [skis]."

The swap brings in 2,500 people from all over Northern California.  About $45,000 is raised each year.

“All of the money benefits the students,” said Pat Ryan, head of the school's technology department. “None of the money goes to the administration.”

The swap first started in 1978 as a school-sponsored garage-sale that wasn’t that much different than it is today. People could bring in their old ski gear to donate.

Those looking for used equipment had access to a range of quality and prices. The school benefited by keeping the proceeds and using the money to fund technological improvements.

Several years after the events inception, vendors became a part of the swap, using it as a venue to sell their company’s gear and giving a percentage of the proceeds to the high school.

Rick Hughes of Hughes Ski Hut in Chico said his company has been a part of the swap for 25 years.

Hughes is located in the vendor section of the swap, held in the high school cafeteria. The gymnasium houses the consignment portion of the event.

Other vendors include Milo and Nor-Ski. 

Those who missed today's swap will still have the opportunity to visit tommorow. The school is located at 501 Danville Blvd.