The community could donate old gear, and shop for the upcoming season.

On Friday night, the Sky Tavern along Mt. Rose Highway hosted its Ski Swap event. 

Members of the community could trade in, donate and shop for new gear before the season starts. 

The Tavern tells us the proceeds go to their "Learn to Ski and Ride" programs, where they have thousands of families come out. They are committed to keeping it as affordable as possible. 

We spoke with Tavern Marketing team member, Rick Reed, about what the community should bring to the swap. 

"You want to bring in usable gear. So, something that will still have several years of use left in it," he said. "We have lots of new and used gear, skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, accessories, clothing, and any kind of winter gear is awesome."

Reed also adds that this year has some exciting new details for their upcoming season. 

"This year actually is really exciting because our first installation of our snowmaking is ready," he said. "This is going to be the first year that we open with snowmaking capabilities, and we've been working on that for years."

We spoke to some event attendees, many of whom have been regulars at Sky Tavern. 

"We've come here for four years and it's really nice because the lessons are free. They're directed by parents. You don't need to really pay anything except for the pass," said Dylan. 

"It's a family-friendly place. Last year was my first year, and it was absolutely amazing. I love it here, and everybody's so nice. Everybody's so friendly. Like, it's like a big family out here," said Liza. 

Event organisers tell us none of it would be possible without their volunteers, who also love their time on the Sky Tavern slopes, 

"This is where I learned how to ski. And I think it was really helpful because the teachers are really hands-on," said Aspen, a volunteer and Ski Patrol trainee.

"It's really cool, actually. I love volunteering. I've been skiing at Sky Tavern for eight years, so it's something I've been looking forward to since I was younger," said Norah, volunteer and Ski Patrol trainee.