BURLINGTON—Vermont’s first winter sports show, the VT Ski + Ride Expo, is coming back to Burlington this year, Oct. 7-8, with a new location: the downtown Hilton.
Vermont’s premiere winter sports show, VT Ski + Ride Expo is being put on by the Rotary Club of Burlington for a second year. It benefits the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation and is presented by title sponsor, Vermont Ski + Ride magazine.
Last year, more than 1,000 people showed up for the inaugural expo, many coming from as far as Boston, Albany and Hartford just for the event. The expo welcomed more than 50 exhibitors —ranging from emerging Vermont brands such as WhiteRoom Skis and Powe.Snowboards to ski resorts such as Stowe, Sugarbush and Smuggler’s Notch, apparel companies such as Ski the East, ski shops and more. Ski films showed round the clock and experts hosted talks on topics ranging from sports medicine to the latest trends in boot fitting.
“It was a huge coming together of everyone in the ski and board business,” said Rotary’s Jesse Beck. “Pretty much everyone will be there, bringing with them bargains and some never-seen new gear.”
This year, a whole new line-up of exhibitors is expected, along with the top returning brands. “We’re welcoming new apparel brand, Orsden, as well as shops such as the Alpine Shop and SlopeStyle Ski & Sport, Sugarbush Resort, Stowe, organizations such as the Catamount Trail Association and more,” said Beck. “It’s going to be an even better event than last year.”
What can you look for at this year’s expo?
The latest gear. Major ski shops will be there showcasing what’s new for 2017/18. Plus, see what brands such as Volkl, Marker, Powe.Snowboards and others have on tap for this year and check out great bargains on last year’s equipment.
Resort news and deals. Vermont’s major resorts will be present and ready to showcase what’s new for 2018 and the latest deals on lift tickets and passes.
Movies, talks and clinics. See the latest releases from Matchstick Productions, Ski the East, TGR and others. Learn backcountry tips, bootfitting techniques and more at top clinics that will be going on all day.
Beer and music. Long Trail Brewing is just one of our many sponsors. Drink up and listen to rockin’ blues of The Dog Catchers and other live music acts.
All proceeds from this event support the charitable works of the Burlington Rotary and the Flying Ryan Foundation. “We want this show to celebrate the passion for freeskiing and principles that my son Ryan lived by,” said Peter Hawks, referring to freeskiing legend Ryan Hawk’s Principles of Living, which the Flyin’ Ryan Foundation promotes. “And we hope to get more people excited about what skiing and riding here in Vermont can offer.
“This is the first consumer ski show of the season not just in Vermont, but anywhere on the East Coast” said VT Ski + Ride editor Lisa Lynn. “So if you want to get the inside scoop on gear and what’s going to be happening on snow in 2017/18, it’s the place to be.”
Information on schedule, vendors, tickets is available at vtskiandride.com/expo2017/. Tickets are on sale now for $5.
Photo By Jason Levinthal
Vermont-based ski company J Skis will be just one of the vendors on display at the second annual VT Ski + Ride Expo.
