Whakatipu Ski Club chief paper pusher Sharla Franklin said the club’s annual sale dated back to at least the 1990s — it was the club’s only fundraiser for the year.
Billed as a "sophisticated swap shop", anyone could register gear for sale, such as skis, snowboards, helmets, boots and clothing, this year paying just $2 per item, down from $4 last year.
Along with pre-loved items, there was also ex-rental and demo gear, manufacturers’ run-outs, brand-new items, and special packages put together by Queenstown retailers.
The entry fee to yesterday’s sale was $2 per person, and the club also took a 20% commission on any items sold.
Ms Franklin said the queue to enter the Queenstown Events Centre snaked around the carpark, "which we didn’t have last year, so it’s great to see people coming back".
"We raise, for the club, about $15,000 ... but people need to know it’s worthwhile to come along; they need a bargain, too.
"It’s about giving back to the community, it’s sustainability ... you see the same families come through selling their gear, putting it back [for sale] once they’ve outgrown it.
"Skiing is an expensive sport, so if you can find any bargains, it’s worth it."
Any items unsold and uncollected after yesterday’s sale were donated to charity.
Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona Alpine Resort are all scheduled to open on June 14.
