How to Make the Most at This Year's Ski/Snowboard Shows

By Iseult Devlin

Around the country, ski and snowboard show producers are getting ready to host their annual kick-off events for the upcoming winter season. From September to December, ski shows are happening around the country. Whether you just want to gather information about a favorite winter resort or find a deal, there are a variety of expos to choose from.

Shows gather national and international exhibitors under one roof so it's easy to find out about trends and bargains in the snow sports world."People come to find out what's new in equipment, what's new at resorts, and what kind of bargains are out there." says Bernie Weichsel, president of Bewi Productions which produces SnowSports Expos in Boston, Portland, Denver, and Seattle. "We emphasize value at our shows and feature a big retail sale with a local ski and snowboard shop."

At Bewi's Boston show, there are fun areas to explore like the Vermont Country Store, a trampolene show, and a skateboard park. "Skiing's a fun sport and we want the fun to start before people even get to the slopes."

Ski Dazzles in Los Angeles brags "over four football fields of bargains" at its annual show. The National Ski and Snowboard Expo in Philadelphia offers the chance to view the new 2006 Warren Miller movie, Off the Grid.

Shows offer last-minute bargains like discounts on season passes or vacation packages. Equipment manufacturers set up booths so customers can touch and feel skis, snowboards, bindings or try on boots. You can pick up brochures, ask questions about gear, or just find out about the latest trends. Ski and snowboard shops clear out last year's inventory at rock-bottom prices and offer small discounts on current in-season gear.

From hourly raffles to stickers to door prizes, there are all sorts of giveaways at shows. At the SnowJam shows in San Diego and Las Vegas paid attendees get a free lift ticket to their market's top local resort.

Whether you are a die-hard enthusiast who can't wait for the snow to fall or a newcomer, snow sports expos are a great way to get motivated for this coming winter.