Bemidji shop hosts Nordic ski swap, supports local high school team

Home Place Bike and Ski Shop will stage a Nordic Ski Swap from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 29 at 524 Paul Bunyan Drive SE in Bemidji. The event brings together sellers and bargain hunters looking for used skis, poles and boots, and will direct proceeds to the Bemidji High School nordic ski team, a local program that relies on community support for travel and equipment costs.

The shop began accepting items on Wednesday, November 19 during its posted regular business hours. Organizers have also posted hours for drop off and for sale day operations to guide prospective sellers and buyers. The swap format allows homeowners to consign or donate equipment that may otherwise sit unused, and gives families a lower cost path to prepare for the winter season.

For Beltrami County residents this is both a sporting opportunity and a form of community fundraising. High school athletic budgets frequently depend on booster activity and local events to cover expenses beyond what school districts provide, such as travel to regional meets and replacement of gear. Selling used equipment locally keeps spending within the community and stretches household budgets at a time when inflation and rising costs have tightened many family finances.

The timing of the swap matters. Scheduled in late November, the event gives skiers a chance to acquire gear as trails open and school teams finalize rosters. Buying second hand can be a meaningful cost saver because new ski sets and boots often cost several hundred dollars. That price gap can determine whether a student can participate or must sit on the sidelines.

Beyond affordability, the swap has environmental and logistical benefits. Reusing equipment reduces waste and extends the service life of durable goods. For parents managing growth spurts and season to season changes, a local marketplace for gently used items helps move equipment quickly without out of pocket costs required to buy new.

Organizers encourage anyone planning to sell or shop to check the shop posted hours, and to bring standard cross country equipment for the drop off window that began November 19. With proceeds earmarked for the Bemidji High School nordic ski team, the swap doubles as a fundraiser and a practical community service that supports youth athletics and keeps winter sports accessible across Beltrami County.