With the first flakes of snow already fallen on the Wasatch (and more in the forecast!), it's time to dust off your winter gear and assess. If you find you need some new stuff, you're in luck because the first ski swaps of the season kick off this weekend. Following is a round-up of area used gear sales in September and October. 

September 22 - 24: Snowbird Sports Education Foundation Ski and Snowboard Swap

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort hosts an absolutely free swap meet on the second level of the Snowbird Center this weekend. This is your chance to pick up new and used ski and snowboard gear for the entire family. Plus, in between perusing, you can also hop in on Oktoberfest festivities which are currently in full swing. Looking to sell? There's no tag fee to sell items and "check-in" for gear and clothing to be sold is Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A 25 percent sales commission will go to benefit the Snowbird Sports Education Foundation. Hours are 12 - 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. 

September 30: Locals Pro Sale - Park City

Stop by Wasatch Brewery on Main Street on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a beer and see if you can find the gear you're looking for at the Locals Pro Sale. Admission is free to this event, which offers quality ski and snowboard gear from 60 to 95 percent off retail prices. They're also promising an afternoon party so come out and enjoy. Locals Pro Sale also has two swap meet sales scheduled in Salt Lake City during October, see below. 

October 5 - 8: Sports Den

Outdoor retailer Sports Den (1350 Foothill Dr) has been hosting its annual swap meet for more than two decades and returns with four days of sales October 5-8. With equipment coming from people all over Salt Lake City, this is a great chance to pick up everything from kids gear to demo skis. You can also sell your own gear (for free) and pick up either cash or store credit. If interested, bring your equipment into the Sports Den October 1 to 4 to get help with pricing it. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 5 - 6; 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7; and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8.

October 7-9, 21-23, 28-29 - 2^nd Tracks 

Local outfitters 2nd Tracks are already accepting winter gear to be sold at their 7th annual swap meet. This secondhand gear store is offering three opportunities--in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Orem--to come out and find some great deals and join in for a pre-winter party. Events include a raffle, food, and a bunch of gear waiting for you. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday in Salt Lake (2927 E 3300 South); 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22 and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23 in Ogden (1273 Canyon Rd); and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 - 29 in Orem (644 N State St). 

October 7 & 19-20 - The Locals Pro Sale - Salt Lake City

In addition to the Park City sale at Wasatch Brewery, Locals Pro Sale is also selling discounted ski and snowboard gear in Pioneer Park (350 S 300 West) on Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at The University of Utah (451 S 1400 East) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 19-20. Not only is only do they give you a chance to pick up affordable gear, this swap is set it up so patrons can interact with brands, athletes, and members of the local winter sports community.

October 14 - Weber State Gear Sale and Swap

If you're interested in outdoor equipment for every season, then the 14th Annual Outdoor Program Gear Sale and Swap is for you. You'll find any number of items for sale, ranging from ski and snowboard equipment to inflatable kayaks, rafts, tents, and more from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on October 14 at the Lower Bell Tower Plaza by the north entrance of the Student Union Building (4022 Stadium Way, Ogden). Remember, the early bird gets the worm and the best selection of items.  

October 19-21 - Snowbasin Ski Swap

The annual Snowbasin Ski Swap at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington (151 S 1100 West), one of the bigger swap meets in the area, will be held October 19-21. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go to the Ogden Valley Winter Sports Foundation. The swap meet is free to all those 16 and under or on Saturday for everyone, but $10 on Thursday and $5 on Friday.

October 21-22 - Ogden Valley Winterfest Ski Swap

Even if you're not in the market for new gear, you don't want to miss the Ogden Valley Winterfest at Nordic Valley Ski Resort (3567 Nordic Valley Way). In addition to the swap meet, running from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, the weekend is a big pre-season celebration with ski movie premieres, concerts, food, inflatable rides, and more. They'll be screening films from Teton Gravity Research, Match Stick Productions, Level 1, Inspired Media Concept, and many others. Check out their website for more details. 

October TBD - Black Diamond

We're not sure when it's going down yet, but Black Diamond will also be hosting its annual swap meet in October. Stay tuned for more details.

November 3, 4, & 5: Park City Ski & Snowboard Swap

Perhaps the largest ski swap in the state, the Park City Ski & Snowboard Swap will take place early in November at the Basin Recreation Field House in Kimball Junction. Part of the sales will go to benefit the Park City Ski Team. The swap kicks off Friday night (8 p.m.-1a.m.) and continues Saturday (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.). Kids 12 and under get in free, while regular entry is $12 Friday, $5 Saturday, and $2 Sunday.

November 12: The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) Ski Swap

Join the Utah Nordic Alliance at McGillis School (668 South 1300 East) in Salt Lake for a ski swap from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 12. They're accepting equipment from 8:15 to 9 a.m. the day of the sale and 10 percent of sales will go to benefit TUNA Junior Ski Programs. They'll also have a coffee bar and baked breakfast goods available for purchase. Note, this is a cash only ski swap.

November TBD: Ogden Ski Swap

Weber County Fair Grounds will host the Ogden Ski Swap in November. Check back for more details. 

November 17-18: St. Lawrence Thrift Store

You can find really great deals on gear in Midway when St. Lawrence Thrift Store hosts their annual ski sale at Zermatt Resort (784 West Resort Drive). There's no fee to enter and items will be re-stocked daily so come back both days. Plus, you can also grab a free wax with any purchase thanks to Adventure Haus. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. onFriday, Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.

December 1-2: ACE (Alta Community Enrichment) Gear Swap

Rounding off the season's ski swaps is the ACE Gear Swap at Alta (10185 East Highway 210). Equipment will be available for purchase on Dec. 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission to the event is free. Sellers can drop items off on Friday Dec. 1 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 2 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. There's no fee to sell items, but ACE will receive 25 percent of any sale made. 

Finally, it's always worth mentioning that the Park City Christian Center also carries gear before and after the season. They start selling winter goodies October 2 and even though they may not have the biggest and best selection, they do offer insanely cheap prices and, take it from someone who picked up a pair of Full Tilt ski boots for 25 cents, rare treasures can be found.