Vancouver Extreme Winter Ski and Board Swap

The Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap is an annual event at the PNE Forum in October. It’s a fundraising event for the Canadian Ski Patrol.

The event happens on the weekend of October 14th and 15th, 2023.

For the event’s official website visit skipatrol.ca/winterextreme/vancouver/.

Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap

One of the best places to buy used ski equipment is at the Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap. It’s one of a couple of massive ski swap events put on by the Canadian Ski Patrol (which is the organization with volunteers who rescue skiers when they tumble hard on the slopes).

Ski swaps are wonderful events for those looking to sell or buy winter sports equipment. Although most products available at the events are lightly used, there are often brand new products for sale at discounted rates as well. Individuals looking to sell their equipment at the swap receive a cheque in the mail if their item is sold. Otherwise, they can simply pick their equipment back up at the end of the weekend.

For folks looking to buy equipment at the swap, the earlier you arrive, the better the selection you’ll have. However, there are also further price reductions on the second day of the sale. On the Sunday of the Vancouver swap, for example, there is a Red Tag Sale where all items with red tags are 25% off.

The Vancouver edition of the ski swap at the PNE Forum is the second largest event of its kind in British Columbia. An even larger event happens at Exhibition Park in Abbotsford.

2023 Vancouver Ski Swap

In 2023, the Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap happens from Saturday, October 14th to Sunday, October 15th. The event takes place at the PNE Forum, as usual. The venue’s address is 2901 East Hastings Street.

On Friday, October 13th, folks looking to sell their equipment are able to check in and drop off their items between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Saturday is when the sale actually begins, and the hours of operation are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The sale continues on the Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Unsold gear is available for pickup on that same day by its owners between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Admission costs $5 for adults, $2 for kids between 6 and 12 years old, and $10 for families. Children aged 5 and under get in for free. Everyone who purchases a ticket receives a wrist band which grants them access to the sale on both days.

Big White Ski Resort Booth

Prizes at the Ski Swap

A small number of BC ski resorts often participate in the ski swap events. They set up booths and tell people how awesome their ski hills are. Big White, Manning Park Resort and Silver Star are at the event in 2023. Big White and Silver Star are Okanagan ski hills located between five and six hours from Vancouver. Manning Park Resort is about two-and-a-half hours drive from Vancouver. All three are great resorts with reputations for exceptional snow. Big White is in Kelowna and Silver Star in Vernon. Manning Park Resort is near Hope.

At the Big White booth in 2021, if you filled out an entry form, you had a chance to win a two-night getaway at the resort! Hopefully similar booths are at the 2023 event.

Also at the Vancouver event there is usually a 50-50 draw with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Ski Patrol.

For the event’s official website visit skipatrol.ca.

Vancouver Ski Swap Video

To give you an idea of what to expect at the ski swap at the PNE Forum, check out the video below. As you’ll see, it’s a massive event. There are hundreds if not thousands of skis and snowboards for sale. There are also tables and tables of boots, all organized according to size.

Abbotsford Ski Swap

The Abbotsford Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap is usually held at the Ag-Rec Centre in Abbotsford’s Exhibition Park. The place is located at 32470 Haida Drive.

In 2023, the equipment check-in day is on Friday, November 17th, from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. The sale is on the weekend of November 18th and 19th. Hours on the Saturday are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sunday hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Admission at this event costs $2.50 for adults and $1 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Family passes are available for $5.

Unfortunately, the swap didn’t take place in 2020, 2021 or 2022.