Ski Season (#4.2) - Vail Ski Swap Ski Season (#4.2) - Vail Ski Swap

Every year on the last real weekend of October is the Vail ski swap, put on by the junior racing program there. A somewhat worthy case - one of my brothers raced for that team in high school. Nevertheless, it is a tradition, and it is really the last landmark on the yearly buildup to ski season.

Last time I went, I got there about 6:45 and talked them into letting me in at the 7 p.m. reduced price level. This year, I went early, and was in line about 4:45 for a 5 p.m. opening. I met some great people from over on the Dillon side of the (Vail) pass while waiting in line.

And then I did the unthinkable. I bought two pair of skiis, two pair of poles, two pair of socks, and a pair of books for my offspring. This brings me up to four new used pair of skiis this season (for well under what any of these would cost new).

The reason for more poles is that poles break. I go through a couple a year. So, I found two identical pair at the same low price, with the idea that having four would allow me to make up a pair even after breaking two of them.

My brother is already skiing at the areas, and should be starting his race training no later than this coming weekend. I will probably wait another week or so, given the hassle of getting a season pass for just those days, only to get a refund in a week or so. I can wait.