Outdoor gear swap returns to Ashland

Allayana Darrow, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·2 min read

Dec. 2—The annual Rogue Ski & Gear Swap is scheduled to proceed this weekend in the Rogue River Room inside Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

The consignment sale, formerly called the Ashland Ski Swap, will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 5.

Will Volpert, co-owner of swap host Indigo Creek Outfitters, said members of the public can participate as volunteers, consignors or shoppers.

After canceling the swap last year due to pandemic restrictions on gathering, organizers said they are pleased to once again offer people a place to find outdoor equipment without the supply chain and shipping issues associated with other forms of shopping, or the hefty price tag on new items in the retail store.

"I have always viewed it as a gateway to the outdoors for a lot of folks, because we're able to provide access to outdoor equipment that's sometimes cost prohibitive," Volpert said. "There's not anyone who wouldn't be able to find something for themselves, and because of that, it's a great community builder as well."

Patrons of the annual swap, which has been held for more than 40 years, typically include a range of outdoor enthusiasts, from families with children constantly outgrowing their gear to lifelong skiers looking for the next gem in their kit, he said.

Over the past six years, the swap has rotated about $500,000 worth of community gear, Volpert said. The average sale runs under $60.

Volunteers can register at rogueskiswap.com/volunteer. Consignors can register outdoor equipment items online at rogueskiswap.com/sellers. Items must be dropped off for the sale Thursday or Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Registration costs $2 per item, and consignors will receive 80% of the sale price minus outstanding registration fees if applicable, according to the Rogue Ski & Gear Swap website. Items that do not sell can be picked up Sunday between 4 and 8 p.m. or donated to the SOU Outdoor Program.

SOU campus policy requires that event attendees 12 and older show proof of vaccination completed at least two weeks prior to the event or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours. Face masks are mandatory.

Reach reporter Allayana Darrow at adarrow@rosebudmedia.com or 541-776-4497.