It all started because organizer Cindy Vermeule's kids kept growing out of their ski clothes 14 years ago. Now the Dolores Ski Swap is a regional hit attracting national vendors and shoppers from surrounding ski towns.
"I organized the sale back then so that my kids and my friends' kids could get some hand-me-downs, and it has been a hit ever since," Vermeule said.
Her mission now is to get kids hooked on snow sports for the health and fun of it.
Ten percent of the proceeds go toward ski scholarships for needy families who otherwise can't afford to ski or board at the resorts. The scholarship is for a three-day trip to Telluride complete with rentals and lessons.
"We don't advertise the scholarships a lot. Rather, we talk with school counselors and people to see who would benefit from learning to ski," Vermuele explained. "Kids are so wound up, letting the loose on the slopes is good for them and their parents."
The ski swap has generated more than 100 scholarships to ski or snowboard Telluride, which helps with the donations.
"The resorts love it because it gets kids into the sport at a young age, and they keep coming back," Vermuele said.
Scholarship winners volunteer at the ski swap, helping to set it up and assisting shoppers.
Locals bring in gear to sale, and donate part of the proceeds to the swap charity effort. Last year, sales topped a record $30,000.
Telluride sells passes, and the event has become a local community kickoff for the upcoming winter season. People came from Durango and Cortez, and vendors included Osprey Packs, Kokopelli's, Done Deal, Inferno, and Ski Barn.
The generosity of locals and volunteers has been impressive, although sometimes the gear is too outdated to accept.
"It is hard to turn down some of the old timers' classic skis and old leather boots, so we take some and donate it to people who appreciate it," she said.
The organization collects so much merchandise that it is able to donate coats and winter recreation gear to families that need it as well.
"Skiing is my passion, and passing that on to the younger generation is a great feeling. All kids should have the option to learn how, and it introduces them to a lifelong sport."
A lot of them will surely end up getting a job at a resort and carry on the honorable Colorado "ski bum" tradition, and then pass it on.
