The Wānaka Snowsports Club’s annual ski sale took place on Saturday (May 10), drawing a large crowd and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the local community.

Skis stacked three and four deep leaned along the walls, and ski boots overflowed from tables to the floor after a steady stream of locals dropped off gear for resale the previous day.

This year’s sale will inject nearly $35,000 back into the community, club committee manager Claire Arkell said.

She said the money raised for the club will be distributed to athletes to help them with training and competitions.  

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Wānaka community for their ongoing support,” she said. 

“It’s a privilege to help make skiing more accessible to everyone.”

Claire said the committee was thrilled by both the quantity and quality of gear, and by the time the doors opened at 10am a queue of people had already formed down the street. 

Children’s equipment proved to be the hottest items, with skis, boots, clothing, and helmets disappearing within the first wave of shoppers. Adult and older kids' gear followed with a steady stream of purchases throughout the day.

Claire said the sale was “chaotic” at times. 

“The room was bursting with people hunting for bargains — and there were plenty to be had.”

The Wānaka Snowsports Club thanked the volunteers (including club athletes who pitched in), and supporters New World Three Parks, Mitre10 Mega Wānaka, and the Wānaka Presbyterian Church.

PHOTO: Supplied