An annual rite of fall is a sure sign winter is not far away.

The Vernon Ski Club hosts its annual Ski Swap Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14, at the Vernon Recreation Centre.

Consignment drop off will take place Friday, Oct. 13, from 3:30-7 p.m., and the public sale will run Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The club takes VISA, MASTERCARD, INTERAC and cash.

Volunteers are required. If you鈥檇 like to help out, email ssvscvolunteer@gmail.com.

鈥淕reat deals can be found at the ski swap, but everyone wants in on the action,鈥� said the club in a release. 鈥淓xpect the swap to be busy. Please be patient and show the volunteers respect. They are working hard to make this a great community event.鈥�

If you have equipment to sell, bring it to the rec centre auditorium Friday, Oct. 13, between 3:30 and 7 p.m. There is a $2 consignment ticket that must be purchased for each item you want sold. Only cash is accepted to purchase the consignment tickets.

If your equipment does sell, the club collects a 20 per cent commission on the sale price.

The club accepts alpine and cross country skis, snowboards, boots and poles. It does not accept equipment that has been poorly maintained or is a potential safety hazard. Helmets and older model straight (alpine) skis are not accepted.

鈥淥ur staff retains the right to refuse any equipment,鈥� said the club.

Pay-outs run from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday, oct. 14. Check at the auditorium any time after 12:30 p.m. to see if your equipment has sold. If so, the club will pay out the value of the equipment less the 20 per cent commission.

If it doesn鈥檛 sell, pick up your equipment any time before 3:30 p.m Saturday.

To help maintain security, the club does not allow any backpacks, large purses or bulky jackets/ski clothing to be worn into the swap. If you bring these items, you will be asked to leave them at the door. Items left at the door are the sole responsibility of the owner.

鈥淥ur security staff reserves the right to check all items that are leaving the building,鈥� said the club. 鈥淵ou can fully expect security to be doing their jobs, please respect them.鈥�

More information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the swap can be found at .