SnoNews

High-flyin' fun at ski and snowboard expo. (Colo. Ski & Snowboard Expo photo)

A sure sign that winter is just around the corner comes when the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo opens its doors in downtown Denver.

Fall shows are the place to be to get ready for the ski and snowboard season. (SnowBomb/Facebook)

Skiers and riders look to the fall ski shows to decide on their ski vacation and getaway plans, discover improvements ski areas have made over the off-season, get deals on equipment, talk with manufacturers’ reps, and enjoy live entertainment.

Denver Convention will be crowded for Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo. (Joan Christenson Communications)

A sure sign that the winter season looms in the Rocky Mountains is the annual Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo.

Set for Nov. 4-6 at the downtown Denver Convention Center, the annual retail show celebrates its 25th year in the Colorado capital city. The three-day event features the usual deep discounts on equipment, apparel and accessories from last season, and tickets and packages for this season.

However, there’s now a bit of the new and unusual with activities, showcases and skills challenges.

“The anchor is, of course, the retail sales,” organizer Bernie Weichsel told SnoCountry.com. “But, entertainment has become more and more of a staple at the show.”

The Denver extravaganza will have freestyle exhibitions, a teaching slope, training center, ropes course, climbing wall – and more.

Youngsters have gotten the attention of the industry, in hopes of growing the number of participants in an industry that has often struggled to find – and keep – newcomers. For the first time, kids 12 and younger get in free for all three days.
“The show is particularly family-friendly,” Weichsel told us. “We want to keep the kids active and happy, and then the parent will buy more product. There is a family attitude and feeling for the show.”

Weichsel sees the continuation of the shaped-ski revolution at the show, with the all-mountain ski now taking center stage: “Shorter, lighter skis get people to stick with the sport, because we are getting better even as we get older,” Weichsel said.

Backcountry equipment and apparel also will highlight the retail section. A new Nordic Interactive Zone will introduce folks to snowshoeing and cross-country – right in the convention center.

And, the inner cowboy and cowgirl can get his or her jones satisfied with a mechanical bull sponsored by Crested Butte.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10-8 on Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday. Tickets cost $15 ($12 with Denver Post coupon) for those 13 years and older.

Go online to purchase tickets and get more information.

A little ripper checks out the Burton Riglet Park. (Minnesota Ski Areas Association)

As fall settles in across the nation and skiers and riders start thinking about getting back to the slopes, fall ski shows are a great way to tap into the excitement of the coming season. Skiers and snowboarders in the know make early plans to attend the shows to get the best buys and discover what’s hot on the slopes this season.

The annual Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo, produced by BEWI Sports, returns to downtown Denver, Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8 with kids’ activities, the Rocky Mountain beer garden featuring live music, resort representatives, and more. 

Skiers and riders look to the fall ski shows to discover improvements ski areas have made during the off-season, talk with equipment manufacturers’ reps, decide on their ski vacation and getaway plans, get deals on swapped or new equipment, and enjoy live entertainment. 

The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo returns Nov. 7-9 to the Colorado Convention Center. Meet resort exhibitors, equipment manufacturers, and get a head start on the season at the ski and snowboard sale.

Ski shows are a mountain lover’s paradise. Thanks to exhibitors — resorts, equipment and clothing companies, and travel and tourism organizations — as well as special events and sports personalities, they are exciting, entertaining, and informative not to mention a fun prequel to snow season. 

Three consumer ski shows kick off the new season Nov. 8-10 in Denver, Colo., Seattle, Wash., and San Diego, Calif. 

The 21st annual Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo, produced by BEWI Productions, comes to downtown Denver’s Colorado Convention Center Fri., Nov. 2 to Sun., Nov. 4.