Kids Gear?

Back when I lived in Maryland, my local ski store bought and sold used kids gear, which made it affordable for us to keep our son in correctly-fitting ski boots. Some shops here will rent boots for a season, but I haven't seen anyone that buys or sells used boots.

I know there are a lot of parents on this forum; how do you keep your young kids equipped? I've got a 7 yo son that needs new alpine boots, and I've got two pairs too small that I need to eBay, Craigslist, or otherwise unload somehow. Suggestions?

No good answers for you, but I'm in the same boat.... I'm looking to buy gear for my kids for the first time this year so I don't have anything to offer in trade, but I might be interested in what you're trying to get rid of. Might be better to PM me rather than sidetrack the thread (like I guess I just did!).

Thanks!

Ski swaps are a good bet.
You just missed the big one, the Newport swap. See www.skiswap.info
The next most worthwhile is Snoqualmie patrol's swap, at Red Hook Woodinville
See www.spvsp.org/
Looks like they finally got it scheduled: it is Nov 21-23 (usually it is earlier than Newport)
BoeAlps used to have a swap as did Crystal patrol but I don't think they have had one for the last few years.

sturteyants does season rentals.....a co-worker was enthusing about 'em for his kids the other day

I've had luck buying gear at Play It Again Sports (the one near REI). Most of my friends get season rentals for their kids. Many of the ski shops do that. Just call around. The Summit (Snoq. Pass) also does season rentals (that you take home). I buy gear because I have 2 kids so want to hand down the gear. Another good place is Craigslist.

The only other ski swap I know if the ski patrol one

Snoqualmie Pass Volunteer Ski Patrol
Nov. 21, 22 and 23, 2008
Redhook Event Center, 14300 NE 145th
Woodinville, WA 98072

I have had luck at Ski Mart (Stertevants "liquidation" store) in Bellevue. They offer season rentals for kids around $140. They also have a consignment area which has a decent kids section. I picked up some boots for my boys last Saturday, both pairs were barley used, one pair was $49 and the other $59. I was planning on doing season rentals again but after I looked at some of the consignment deals I decided I could probably set them up for under the rental price and start the hand-me -down game.

I believe they are still accepting consignments so you might be able to unload your excess boots with out the hassle of ebay etc.

As well as lurking around here I spend a little time lurking around cascade climbers and I think they were trying to start a kids gear thread.