Ski swap to raise funds for schools

For the second year in a row, Lakeside Ski and Sports, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, and Lakeside/Somers School District are teaming up for a ski swap fundraiser for the schools at Lakeside Elementary School’s gym on Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We thought this would be a great opportunity to promote healthy activities,” Somers Middle School teacher Holiday Madich said. “We want to support Blacktail, the ski shop, and healthy lifestyle options for what to do with your free time.”

The evening before the swap, skiers and snowboarders can bring their used gear to the LES gym from 4-8 p.m., then 10 percent of the sale’s profits go to the schools.

Dean Maurice, owner of the ski shop, worked with LES staff to put last year’s swap together, which brought in $200 for the schools. This time around, things are going to be a little different and the goal has been raised to $500.

Instead of selling hot dogs, the students and volunteers will serve a pancake breakfast and hope to attract runners from the Somers Middle School 5k Wellness Run, which is also occuring that morning.

Maurice also said there will be more junior equipment at this year’s swap as well.

“I thought it was my obligation to give back to the community since I own a business there,” Maurice said.

Although the run and the swap are separate events, they share a common goal according to Madich, promoting healthy activities for young people.

Part of that promotion includes Blacktail’s free ski passes for fifth-grade students throughout the valley. Blacktail will be at the swap taking photos for ski passes and answering questions for those new to the sport.

“Fifth-grade is when kids decide what sports they will stick with,” Jessi Wood, snow sports director at Blacktail, said. “We want to say skiing is a viable sport, don’t forget about us. It is just a good promotion to get people outside in the winter. That is the challenge in the winter, when the kids are inside watching TV, and skiing and snowboarding is a great way to do that.”

Wood estimates Blacktail has offered free passes to fifth-graders for at least the last 10 years. Although the pass is essentially free, there is a $10 processing fee for a season pass, which would normally cost $140 until the end of October and then $150 after that.

“It is just Lakeside (and) Somers in our school district, and we want to support them however can,” Wood said.