48th Annual Ski & Snowboard Expo '09 set for Albany, New York
by Dick Healy

When the doors open at 4 p. m. Friday, Nov 6 for the 48th Annual Ski & Snowboard Expo in Albany, New York’s Empire State Plaza Convention Center, visitors will find the latest in equipment, apparel and mountain resort offerings. Attendees can also take pride in the fact that they’ll be participating in the longest-continuos running show of its type in the United States.

“ We’ve been expanding Expo every year,” says Amada Lecce, director of special events and consumer shows for Clifton Park based Ed Lewi Associates. “ We’ll have over 100 exhibitor booths featuring most eastern ski resorts and vendors. Two Canadian mountains, Le Massif de Charlevpix, north of old Quebec City and Owl’s Head located in the Eastern townships will attend, as will The Quebec Ski Alliance.

Isabelle Vallee, Le Massif’s PR manager sent along word that they received 15 inches of snow on Oct 23rd. Attendees can talk to representatives from such areas as: Belleayre Mountain, Gore Mountain Whiteface Mountain, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, Killington and Pico Ski Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Willard Mountain and Windham Mountain.

Another regular Expo exhibitor in recent years is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Bill Lewkowitz Jackson’s director of sales and a graduate of Plattsburgh State College before heading west to pursue a career in the ski industry, is very high on the Albany ski/snowboard market. “ Albany has a strong skier base,” says Lewkowitz. “ I knew this from my earlier days in this region. We book individuals and groups every year at Expo.” Incidentally, Olympic 1994 Lillehammer, Norway downhill Gold Medalist, Tommy Moe, is Jackson’s ski guide and ambassador.

Alpin Haus presents the three-day Expo and a portion of gates proceeds benefits the Adaptive programs at the year-round Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, N, Y where children, 6 to 21 - with chronic illnesses are given snowboard and snowshoe lessons. The late Charles Wood of Lake George, N Y and actor Paul Newman founded the ranch.

Other Specials at Expo include a mystery gift card from Dunkin Donuts to the first 500 paid admissions on Friday which, according to Lecce, is worth from $2 to $100 and may be redeemed for coffee and baked goods at Dunkin’s’ even the special fall flavor menu items. Also, advanced discount tickets are available exclusively at Hannaford Super stores for $6 adults and $4 for 12 and older.
Alpin Haus is offering a chance to win the Ultimate Snow Package consisting of the CXT 200 w/system binding and master Sore Snowboard pole by Axis.

For those attending Expo on Sunday, Nov. 8, the first 500 paid admissions get a lift ticket to Mount Snow in West Dover, VT. However, sponsors say some restrictions may apply.

From its inception Expo has been supported by the seven-ski/snowboard clubs of the New York Capital District Council (NYCDSC) which according VP of Administration Eric Handcock, has 2,500 members.

“ We will have council officers and club members on hand all weekend to assist in the annual equipment auction, fashion show, workshops and handing out general information to prospective sliders.” Handcock informs me. “ Skiing with council ski clubs can save you money. Several run inexpensive Sunday buses to mountains. Clubs sponsor weekend and ski-week ski trips and also packaged treks out west and to Europe.”

“Organized ski racing and recreational on-hill lessons and yearly social activities have always been council strong points,” Handcock added.

Unique to Expo is underground parking at the vast Empire State Plaza and easy access to the show floor by a series of elevators.
The season is nearly upon us. Take advantage of Expo and get ready for it.

More by Dick Healy