ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The annual New Mexico Ski Swap is back at Expo New Mexico this weekend, giving New Mexicans a chance to stock up on winter sports gear.

Many of New Mexico’s ski areas are expected to open later this month.

“Ski swap is the best place to get the best deals,” said Kim Linder from Sandia Peak Ski Patrol.

“Saturday is our busiest day by far, and we often get lines around the building for people coming in,” said Linder.

Rena Aragon from Sandia Peak Ski Patrol expects over 5,000 people coming to the event over the weekend.

Gear and deals

The event offers a wide selection of new and used winter sports gear, often on discounts.

“Skis and snowboards are, of course, the big ones,” said Linder.

Gear will also include boots, outerwear, beanies, jackets, and helmets of all sizes for children and adults.

Supporting safety

The Sandia Peak Ski Patrol hosts the event annually, raising money for their operations. Aragon said, “We ensure mountain safety, we do risk management, and if any of our guests need medical care or first aid, we provide that.”

“We are a nonprofit organization. We’re volunteers. A lot of people are surprised to hear that,” said Linder. “So that means we pay for all of our equipment, we pay for our medical equipment, we pay for the toboggans, we pay for all of our training.”

When to go

The Ski Swap officially begins today at Expo New Mexico. You can also sell your old gear at the event. Items for sale can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The VIP sale starts at 7 p.m. Friday with a $20 fee, and the main public sale begins Saturday at 9 a.m. with a $2 admission fee. The event wraps up Sunday at 2 p.m.