It is the day thousands wait for each year, and 2009 promises not to disappoint.
On Sunday, the Queenstown Events Centre will be transformed into the biggest snow sports shop in New Zealand as the Wakatipu Ski Club hosts its annual trade-in ski sale.
One of Queenstown's longest-running fundraising events - it was first held in 1977 - the sale attracts more that 2000 people and caters for toddlers right through to advanced boarders and skiers.
A feature of this year's sale will be a silent auction for ski passes from all the major South Island skifields and an off-field helicopter experience with Over The Top Helicopters.
There are also spot prizes.
Club president Derek Brown said the event was a "huge effort" for the club, but brought with it big benefits.
"[It] provides the majority of funding required for facility maintenance and expansion as well as subsidised ski/board lessons for club members, making skiing affordable for local families who work and support the tourist industry here in Queenstown."
The Wakatipu Ski Club has been home to generations of local skiing families and has been in existence since 1949.
It continues to keep families skiing together by offering affordable ski lessons and comfortable base facilities at Coronet Peak.
As well as raising funds for the club, the sale provides people with a rare opportunity to outfit themselves and their families with affordable equipment and the chance to recycle surplus equipment.
• The Wakatipu Ski Club Sale will be held on Sunday at the Queenstown Events Centre.
Drop off for goods to sell is between 9.30am and 11.30am, $2 per item and 15% commission on any sales.
The sale will be held from 1.30pm to 3.30pm with a $3 entry fee - school children free.
Electronic payments will be accepted.
For more information visit www.wsc.co.nz.
