By David Schissler
(October 2014) Every year, just when I begin to miss the beaches of Cape Cod and the zaniness of Provincetown, the ski show comes to town and completely changes my outlook. I owe this mental seasonal transformation to one man. Bernie Weichsel. Bernie’s company, BEWI Productions, owns and operates the Denver Ski and Snowboard Expo, taking place November 7-9, and the venerable Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo, running November 13-16. He’s a long-standing leader in the industry, and his list of deserving honors is as long as your arm (Google him and see for yourself). Each year in Boston, Bernie hosts one of the best functions in the ski industry, his annual award luncheon. There are perhaps 150 guests (I was honored to be invited last year for the first time and will be going again this season) including at least a dozen or so Olympic and World Cup Champions from various disciplines as well as industry luminaries and executives. It’s a writer’s dream event.
I bring this up because I’m getting ready to work the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo. I urge you to get to these shows if at all possible. You won’t find a better bargain all winter! Admission is only $15 at the door. Discount coupons for $3 are available online. Those 12 and under are free. The freebies you get with admission provide a great return for your money. Paid admission includes a subscription to SKI or Skiing magazine and a $10 Liftopia Gift Card, not to mention all the swag and discounts you’ll find at many of the exhibitor booths.
Here’s some of the fun you’ll find inside Bernie’s shows.
Salute US Paralympians, Past & Present – These uniquely skilled athletes will offer up personal highlights of their careers and give presentations on their adaptive equipment and personal stories for a real hands-on look at what it takes to excel in their specialized events.
NEW – Vertical Runway Fashion Spectacular – regularly scheduled stage shows of the latest in ski and snowboard fashions & accessories – all the hottest looks of the new season presented by East Coast Alpine, Expo’s retail sponsor, and their clothing company partners.
NEW – Nordic Village Learning Center – simulations of cross-country, snowshoeing, jumping for a hands-on indoor learning experience, with instruction by top athletes and expert teaching pros, the perfect way to discover how easy it is to enjoy the Nordic side of winter or get involved at a competitive level close to home.
RETURN of the Skyriders! – a spectacularly choreographed aerial show featuring skiers and boarders in an original high- flying acrobatic trampoline show full of visual and audio thrills. The Skyriders! repertoire has wowed audiences around the globe.
THEY’RE BACK – SLACKLINE – one of the hottest competitive and training apparatus on the planet, are back after a one-year hiatus with a new pro-level competitive event, always a huge crowd pleaser, great video ops, an event featuring serious athletic feats.
RETAIL SALE OF THE SEASON – East Coast Alpine’s gigantic snowsports sale –right inside the Expo hall, with savings of up to 70% on a huge selection of ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories. In-the-know New Englanders shop Expo for the best deals around.
BEST DEALS ON TICKETS, VACATIONS – Expo is loaded with deals around every corner. With resorts from across N. America, and vacation offers overseas, there are literally hundreds of Expo-only lift ticket, season pass, and vacation specials for great savings on the mountain and at the lodges.
FREEBIES ABOUND Throughout Expo – posters signed by Olympic stars, stickers, hourly drawings, prize wheels feature giveaways happening everywhere throughout the Expo hall.
FOODIES TAKE NOTE: Chef demos & tastings, specialized food product samplings, a beer garden, and plenty of food court offerings mean it’s easy to spend the day/evening at Expo and find plenty of fuel to keep up the energy levels.
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC – Live entertainment and interactive exhibit areas, including popular regional musical groups, games and participation activities geared for children.
Visit www.SkiSnowExpo.com for Expo coupons and other ski and snowboard deals.
Expo’s Facebook link is: www.facebook.com/BostonSkiSnowboardExpo and Twitter is @BOSkiSnowExpo for additional special offers and news updates.
* A special thanks to Kathe Dillman for the majority of this content.
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