The 2026 swap will be held Sunday, November 15th, from noon – 3pm at the Budd Visitor Center at Notchview (89 Old Rte 9, Windsor, MA). Get your seller’s consignment sheets here. Last year’s event was so much fun that we’re once again teaming up with the incredible crew at Notchview to make the swap part of a larger season kickoff shindig. Get an early bird discount on your season pass, grab a bite from a local food truck and enjoy some live music while browsing gear!
What is the Ski Swap? An annual Nordic skiing and related gear exchange that raises funds for the Berkshire Trails Bill Koch Youth Ski League (BTBKL). The ski swap also provides a means for participating families to gain access to used gear at reasonable prices and promotes passing that gear on to others once it no longer fits their children. This helps offset cost as a barrier to entry to Nordic skiing as well as supporting a more circular economy (reducing the environmental impacts of a gear-intensive sport). It also serves as an excuse to gather, an opportunity to build community, and a pre-season reminder to get excited about skiing!
Like all aspects of the club, the ski swap is 100% volunteer-powered. Think you can help out this year? We’re looking for volunteers to collect consignment items the day before and lots of help on the big day. Sign up here: BTBKL Ski Swap 2026 Volunteer Signup.
FAQs
What kind of gear is appropriate for the swap?
Working skis, poles, boots, bindings or clothing. Gear doesn’t need to be pristine. Even items in need of some tender loving care may find a new home. Youth equipment and clothes are particularly wanted!
Where do I bring gear I want to sell?
There will be at least four* gear drops for sellers:
- Saturday, Nov 7th from 10am-12pm at Groff Park (83 Mill Lane, Amherst, MA)
- Saturday, Nov 7th from 10am-12pm at First Street Parking Lot (First St, Pittsfield, MA; across from the common)
- Sunday, Nov 8th from 9:30 to 11:00am at Sheldon Field (26 Old Ferry Rd, Northampton, MA)
- Saturday, Nov 14th from 3-5pm at Notchview
*Volunteer capacity permitting, items may also be accepted the morning of 11/15 from 11-11:30am, but will be subject to **25% commission**
How does the swap raise money for BTBKL?
The club charges a 15% commission on all sales for sellers who drop items off ahead of time (25% for any items accepted the day of the swap).
How do you keep track of whose items sold?
All sellers must complete a seller’s consignment sheet (template here) and tag each and every item prior to gear being accepted for sale by ski swap organizers. Important: make sure to write legibly and fill out all information! That includes both sides of each item tag. Attach item tags firmly but in such a way that our checkout team can easily tear off half: that’s how we’re able to connect the item to the right seller at checkout : )
What should I charge for my items?
It really depends. Original cost, condition, and how much you want to sell the items are all a factor. Searching for similar used items online (eBay or dedicated sites like GearTrade.com) can give you some idea. Volunteers at drop off can provide further guidance. It’s better for things to find a new home than sit unused in the closet, garage, or basement right?
What happens if my items don’t sell?
Organizers will email and call you immediately following the sale to notify you that you have unsold items to reclaim. It’s your responsibility to pick them up from Notchview no later than noon the following Sunday. Any items not reclaimed by then will be considered donations to the club and disposed of accordingly.
How do I get paid for the items that sell?
Organizers will mail checks for the sale amount less commission shortly after the swap. Be sure to provide a complete address and type or write neatly on your seller sheet!
