Do you attend ski & snowsport shows?

[ski diva]

Do you attend snow shows?

Seems like lots of places have them, where resorts and equipment manufacturers come together to get people excited about the coming season.

I've been a couple times, but didn't find them all that worthwhile. Mostly I just entered drawings for free vacations or lift passes, which I never won; I just ended up on some mailing lists. I also used it as an opportunity to pick up some trail maps, which did get me excited. But when it comes to skiing, it doesn't take much!

 

[Jilly]

We usually go the Toronto Ski and Snowboard show. Haven't the last 2 years because, its turning into a travel show and giant flea market. All the major resorts in the northern hemisphere come to the show. All the little Ontario and upper New York guys too. If you're looking for a vacation, great place. If you're looking for equipement - waste of time. It used to be the place to go to talk to knowledgeable people about skis and boots. Not anymore. All the major retailers in Toronto get large booths and sell off all of last years stuff. So, if you want semi-good deals on old stuff its good. If you're looking at comparing skis brands under one roof, forget it. I spoke to the Atomic snowboard rep last night. He didn't even want to be there, but had to be as Atomic snowboard did have a manufacturer's booth. The only one! So, I don't know if we'll go again even. Drive 2 hours, pay to park car, pay to get in and then lunch or snack. I'd rather change my closet, which I did.

 

[ISki]

No. But at the last one I went to I met Glenn Plake and Tommy Mo and got autographed posters. I also got a free book on all the ski resorts of the US.

I talked to someone in ski films. I asked how to get into a ski film. One thing they look for, he said, beyond skiing, is good teeth.

 

[Snowflake Jes]

Do you mean snow trade shows or on-snow demos? On-snow demos can be one of the best ways to decide on your next pair of skis or demoing skis from your local shop can help you with your ski selection.

 

[Bravosarah]

Yes, we always attend the Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show (which happens to be conveniently close to, or even on my birthday)

I agree with Jilly, the last few years have been heavy on the travel and a little lighter on equipment, but we get some great deals while we are there. That's where we found SkiCan and saved a bundle on our trip to Whistler.

We also pick up 2 Skiis & Biikes magazines (it's a local ski shop with 4stores in the Greater Toronto Area, GTA) in the centrefold there's a coupon for 50% off machine tuning which we do once a year and wax ourselves the rest of the year. (the skis I mean - not ourselves :D)

Then we renew our subscription to Ski Canada magazine at their booth really really cheap. If you live in the GTA you can buy your seasons passes at Blue Mountain at their booth, earlybird prices still in affect.

Then we go buy my birthday gift!!!! - and a bunch of other ski related stuff we really don't need.

Oh, and don't forget the chocolate dipped ice cream on a stick wrapped in crushed peanuts! Yum! Then we come home with bags of coupons, pamphlets, posters and magazines that we leaf through all year.

 

[Jilly]

Oh, and don't forget the chocolate dipped ice cream on a stick wrapped in crushed peanuts

One of the best reasons to drive into TO for a show of any kind!! Those guys do every show there is!!

 

[playoutside]

Usually go to Boston Snow Sports Expo every year. It's a bit of a game for us to try to get freebies or discounts to some mountains. Each year it gets a bit harder to get freebies, but we usually end up with something even if it's only an early/late season discount. It's in Nov and I go with a group of friends, we use it to help get psyched for the season. They also usually have members of the US Aerials team doing tricks on trampolines with skis/boards strapped on...very impressive and fun to watch!

 

[hoodgirl]

We went to the Portland Ski and Snowboard Expo for the first time this year and I was underwhelmed. We did find a good deal on some goggles (Oakley Wisdom for me and A Frames for Mr.) but we made the mistake of entering for some free trips and have been getting calls and junk mail since. We didn't win any trip.
We'll probably go again next year to get pumped up for the season but will avoid the contest entries like the plague.