Ski club's gear swap on Saturday

For more than 40 years, Big Mountain Ski Club has focused on getting local families to the ski slopes.

This Saturday the nonprofit will hold their annual ski sale and swap at The Wave in Whitefish. The annual event is a critical fundraiser for the group’s ski program.

“We make skiing affordable,” said club president Sue Moll. “Skiing is a gift you can give your kids. This club lays the foundation.”

The club was started in 1972 by avid Whitefish skiers Jessie Harring and the late Don Harring. Their original mission to promote skiing in the valley continues today.

Membership to the club is $35 for a family, $25 for couples and $20 for individuals.

With a membership, skiers receive free lessons. Each year, about 120 children learn to ski through the club’s ski school. Whitefish Mountain Resort trains volunteer instructors who lead the weekend lessons.

The ski school season culminates in March with a race day and picnic.

Funds raised at the ski swap helps the club cover the cost of its liability insurance. Proceeds also go to DREAM adaptive and Special Olympics of Montana.

The Wave donates use of the gym.

This year Ryan Boyle’s wood shop class at Whitefish High School crafted new ski racks for the sale. Students used wood from the old gym bleachers for the project.

The ski swap is Nov. 8 at the Wave in Whitefish. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for members and 9 a.m. for non-members. Drop-offs are Nov. 7 from 1-7 p.m. To volunteer or for more information, contact Sue Moll at 862-6635.