This Weekend: 2008 Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo

DENVER, CO – Oct. 2, 2008 – The best bargains on last year’s equipment, the hottest styles for this year, the last chance to get early season lift ticket prices, explosive entertainment, intense competitions, and plenty of giveaways are the key ingredients at the 17th Annual COLORADO SKI & SNOWBOARD EXPO Nov. 7-9, 2008. And, Colorado Ski & Golf is expanding their enormously successful recycling program so that attendees can drop off old and unwanted skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, boots, poles and bindings at the Expo and do their part to keep equipment out of landfills. See photos from this year’s Expo.

This massive festival at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver is renowned for hosting the single largest ski and snowboard sale in the single biggest temporary ski shop in Colorado-more than 20,000 square feet of inventory for men, women, kids, skiers, and riders in the latest styles and with deep discounts. In addition to the bargains, the Expo is a giant psych-fest for snow and winter sports.

An estimated 30,000 people attend to take advantage of the exceptional deals on skis, boards, boots, poles, jackets, clothing, and accessories. All 25 of Colorado’s resorts will have exhibits with information about improvements at their resorts with lots of souvenirs and giveaways. With more than $100 million in capital improvements throughout Colorado this year, there is a lot to talk about. Admission is $12 for adults or $10 with a discount coupon available in the Denver Post or at all five Colorado Ski & Golf stores. Attendees can save even more by pre-purchasing a ticket online at www.OnTheSnow.com. As always, kids 12 and under are free.

In addition to the shopping, the entertainment and action is non-stop with dozens of attractions and exhibits. The Honda Rocky Mountain Snowdown Rail Jam is a mesmerizing competition where skiers and riders literally ride the rails. Three different rail configurations are designed to challenge all contenders with skiers and riders showing off and hanging on as they vie for four coveted positions to compete at the DNA Evolution Tour finals in Las Vegas in late January. Sliding sideways on skis or a snowboard along a narrow rail two feet above the ground isn’t easy and requires balance and finesse. The ramp is free to ride but participants must provide their own equipment and sign a waiver. The rails will be open for practice on Friday and Saturday with competition on Sunday.

Special guest appearance by world famous freeskier Glen Plake will be an extra treat for fans during the weekend. Plake is arguably the most recognized face and personality in skiing today and he loves meeting his fans and sharing his skiing adventures such as his recent trip to Peru where he hiked, and then skied, a 20,000 foot peak in Peru. Olympian Tommy Moe will be signing posters in the Jackson Hole booth.

The Expo isn’t complete without a high-flying trampoline show and this year’s performers, the SkyRiders, headed by three-time national champion Ken Kovach, are some of the best trampoline aerialists in the world. They’ll be showcasing individual and synchronized flipping on their two trampolines and among the six performers will be athletes such as Chris Estrada who competed in the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. With and without their skis or boards on, these athletes put on some of the most eye-popping performances of the Expo.

For a gentle, climate-controlled introduction to winter sports, the Breckenridge Kid’s Center is the ideal venue. With its non-intimidating slope and kid-friendly instructors and equipment, this learning slope allows parents to give children up to age 13 their first exposure to the sport of skiing. Interactive competitions and a live emcee make it a fun and light-hearted learning experience.

Zany entertainment and unpredictable antics have become the hallmarks of the Grand Central Entertainment Center featuring the ever-popular and amped-up energy of emcee Uncle “E.” This center stage includes outrageous contests and performances that are designed by hyper imaginative ski area employees from various resorts.

The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7. Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For details, athlete appearance times, schedules, and discount coupons, visit www.OnTheSnow.com.