For decades, Idaho has paved the way for snow-based recreation. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, opportunity abounds. While the Gem State cannot claim the title of inventing skiing, not by a long shot, Idaho was the first in the United States to have what is now considered a “destination” ski resort, housed in the world-renowned Sun Valley. There are many theories about the origins of skiing, but one of the oldest pairs of “skis” ever found were about 8,000 years old and belonged to an ancient northern China civilization. Other reports indicate findings of similarly-aged skis in Russia and over 4,000 year-old skis found in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Wherever and whenever it was invented, Idahoans adore it. An average of 160,000 residents downhill ski in our state each year. And, of course, people travel from all over the world to experience outdoor recreation Idaho-style. Idaho-area ski resorts average nearly two million visitors in any given season.
“Every day is an adventure from start to finish,” shared Danny Jewell, Idaho local and avid snowboarder. He continued, “From the anticipation during the morning drive to make first tracks to the chili cheese fries at lunch and the magical feeling of pulling off your boots and enjoying your favorite apres-ski libation. A day on the mountain is exciting, relaxing, thrilling, and rejuvenating all in one and it truly incorporates each of your body’s senses.” He paused to reflect, “The feeling of weightlessness as you’re carving down an untouched powder run is… indescribable.”
Idaho’s many mountain peaks and incredible resort opportunities have made outdoor recreation one of the biggest contributors to the Gem State’s thriving economy. Not to mention the wonderful people you encounter and friends you make along the way. “The culture is all about having fun, challenging yourself, and making sure everyone makes it down safe, with a smile, at the end of the day.”
Perhaps one of the only downsides of being an avid skier or snowboarder, and likely one of the largest barriers to entry, is the cost of the gear. “Gear prices can really add up,” explained Jewell. “My whole set-up is probably $1,200 but I know some people who spend that much on skis and boots alone.”
Fortunately, Idaho ski lovers recognized this decades ago and started the annual Ski Swap to share and trade gear without breaking the bank. Now in its 73rd year, the annual Expo Idaho Ski Swap boasts an impressive stock of over 25,000 items, many of which are community-donated and gathered from all over the Treasure Valley and beyond.
The Treasure Valley Ski Swap is hosted by the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation (BBSEF), an organization founded in 1967 (originally known as the Bogus Basin Ski Racing Alliance) to provide training and competition programs for aspiring young ski racers. The organization now includes mountain biking, free ski, and snowboarding programs.
“The annual ski swap is a great event for our community!” said Shannon Carrell, who has been on the organizing committee for the Ski Swap for over 30 years. “In addition to kicking off the ski season, this community event is a major fundraiser for our foundation. Net proceeds of this event provide about 35% of BBSEF’s annual budget.” But it takes a lot of dedication to put something like this on each year. “Over 1,700 volunteer hours go into this event! Members of the Bogus Basin Ski Patrol and Bogus Basin Ski Club also pitch in to help.”
Whether you need to upgrade your gear or you’re looking to start a new hobby on Idaho’s snowy mountainsides, the Ski Swap is a great place to start your search, with the added bonus of supporting a great local ski organization! Don’t miss the annual Expo Idaho Ski Swap, from November 1 through 3. Looking to sell your own gear? There’s still time to sign up on the BBSEF webpage at bbsef.org!
Whether you need to upgrade your gear or you’re looking to start a new hobby on Idaho’s snowy mountainsides, the Ski Swap is a great place to start your search, with the added bonus of supporting a great local ski organization! Don’t miss the annual Expo Idaho Ski Swap, from November 1 through 3. Looking to sell your own gear? There’s still time to sign up on the BBSEF webpage at bbsef.org!
"The feeling of weightlessness as you’re carving down an untouched powder run is… indescribable.”