If you’re still recovering from last winter’s record snowfall hangover, the antidote is just around the corner with the annual Seattle and Portland SkiFever and Snowboard shows on tap.
The Seattle show, formerly known as the Washington SnowSports Expo, will be held Oct. 26-28 at the Qwest Field Expo Center, while the Portland show comes alive the following weekend Nov. 2-4 at the Portland Expo Center.
After 28 years of producing a multi-retailer ski show in Portland, Dan Schindler of Trade Shows West, Inc. is bringing his expertise to the Seattle expo, previously produced by BEWI Productions.
After 39 years as “a one-shop sale” this year’s Seattle event will include several of the state’s top retailers in the most extensive ski sale Seattle has ever seen, according to Schindler.
“The hugely successful Portland show has always been a giant sale like the one Seattle show attendees will now be able to enjoy,” Schindler said. “Nearly every major specialty ski and snowboard retailer will be represented at the show. The selling atmosphere is competitive, which is good news for the consumer.”
Schindler’s interest in producing ski shows was rooted in his competitive days in the sport.
“I was on the United States Freestyle Ski Team and needed to put shows on to raise money to compete,” he said. “It went on from there.”
Over 300 booths and exhibitors will offer attendees a full range of the latest ski and snowboarding equipment, clothing, and travel ideas from resort and vacation destinations exhibits.
Representatives from Salomon, Rossignol, K2, Dynastar, Lange, Atomic and others will answer questions in the Product Information Center while over 15 ski and snowboard vendors will fit customers in the latest skis, snowboards, boots and bindings. Reduced pre-ski season prices will prevail on skis and snowboards with financial benefits for the early shopper.
“Beginning and advanced skiers and snowboarders are going to get direct information from top professionals on what equipment is best for them,” Schindler said.
All attendees to the shows will receive a coupon book containing two-for-one lift tickets from ski areas including Crystal Mountain, Mission Ridge, Mount Hood SkiBowl and Mount Hood Meadows. Those who can’t wait for the resorts to open can enjoy demonstrations on simulated slopes or snowboard demonstrations on a grind rail.
For those on a budget, both shows will include ski swap areas, with more than half a million dollars worth of used ski and snowboard equipment available. Attendees will have a chance to win ski merchandise and trips in hourly drawings. Prizes include ski passes, snowboards, ski gear and a ski vacation to Salt Lake City.
Discount coupons can be found online at www.portlandskifever.com and www.seattleskifever.com or at participating McDonald’s restaurants.
If You Go
Seattle SkiFever and Snowboard Show
Oct. 26-28
Hours: Friday, 1-10 p.m.;
Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.;
Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Qwest Field Expo Center
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
www.seattleskifever.com
Admission: $11/adults; $3/children ages 6-12; free for children under 6
Portland SkiFever and Snowboard Show
Nov. 2-4
Hours: Friday, 1-10 p.m.;
Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.;
Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Portland Expo Center
2060 N. Marine Dr
Portland, OR 97217
www.portlandskifever.com
Admission: $11/adults; $3/ages 6-12; free for children under 6.
The expos will offer great deals on ski packages, ski and snowboard equipment, season passes and accessories. Special performance areas will feature talented athletes demonstrating aerial ski and snowboard skills. Resorts and vacation destinations will be on hand offering special discounts and season passes. Both shows promise to wow skiers and snowboarders with live entertainment and the biggest ski and snowboard sales of the year.
Sarah Wyatt is a travel and outdoors writer living in Seattle. |
