Boulder ski clubs host expo at Boulder High

Nordic skiers have a chance to take the buyer-beware out of used equipment at Wednesday night's expo and ski swap at Boulder High School, hosted by the Boulder Nordic Club and Boulder Junior Nordic Racing Team.

Olympic cyclist and speed skater Connie Carpenter -- whose daughter Kelsey, 15, races for the team -- said the expo and swap has a wide range of equipment and clothing, plus people can get expert help in choosing used or new equipment, which can be tricky.

"This ski swap is great because there were tables full of really good equipment," Carpenter said, "and our coaches are there to help."

In addition to the team's coaches being available for help with choosing gear, Boulder Nordic Sport will assist with fits on new or used equipment free of charge.

"We bring our flex-testing machines and help people fit the skis," said Nathan Schultz, owner of Boulder Nordic Sport. "That's a big part of cross-country skiing -- you have to have the right fit."

Schultz, a former pro racer, said skis that seem similar can behave differently under a skier's weight, so the flex tester can be invaluable for dialing in fit. And new skiers are going to have more fun if they have the right equipment, he said.

"We like to help people out like that, because people coming to a swap are looking for deals and maybe aren't as experienced with cross-country skiing," he said. "That's our specialty."

Officials from nearby Nordic ski areas -- like Snow Mountain Ranch, Eldora and Devil's Thumb Ranch -- will be at the expo as well. Some will be selling some of last year's rental fleet and other equipment and clothing from their ski shops, plus season passes and punch cards.

Tim Schuld, a longtime member of the Boulder Nordic Club, said he's been going to the swap to both buy and sell since it began 19 years ago. He favors new equipment himself, but he often ends up buying used gear for friends and family who don't want to plunk down a few thousand dollars to buy a new ski package, especially before they know whether they like the sport.

"Even if it's nine or 10 years old, it still works, you could probably buy for a third of what a new set-up would cost," said Schuld. "If it's five years old, you can pick it up for maybe half the cost of new."

Fifteen percent of the proceeds of the expo and swap go to the junior ski team.

"Last year we grossed maybe $5,000," said Toni Geer, president of the not-for-profit team and parent of two racers. This helps the team pay coaches, team van fees, insurance, waxes and some skis.

"We try to provide some equipment for people who are just starting up," Geer said.

Geer said the swap usually has skis, boots and poles in many sizes.

It's possible to walk out of the swap with a full set-up -- skis, boots, bindings and poles -- for $150, Geer said.

"For parents who are coming in with kids who just like to ski, it's a good way to get pretty good stuff," Carpenter said.