BURLINGTON — Vermont’s first winter sports show, the VT SKI + RIDE Expo returns to Burlington this year, Oct. 7-8, at its new location — the downtown Hilton.
For the second year, Rotary Club of Burlington will hold the EXPO. VT SKI + RIDE Magazine is sponsoring the event, along with additional support from University of Vermont College of Medicine, Farrell Distributing and Long Trail Brewing.
Last year, more than 1,000 people showed up for the inaugural EXPO, coming from as far as Boston, Albany and Hartford. The EXPO welcomed more than 50 exhibitors — emerging Vermont brands such as WhiteRoom Skis and Powe. Snowboards; ski resorts Stowe, Sugarbush and Smuggler’s Notch; apparel companies 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,” says 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,” says 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 showcase 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 & DEALS — Vermont’s major resorts will showcase what’s new for 2018 and the latest deals on lift tickets and passes.
•  MOVIES, TALKS & CLINICS — See the latest releases from Matchstick Productions, Ski the East, TGR and others. Learn backcountry tips, boot fitting techniques and more at top clinics that will be going on all day.
•  BEER & MUSIC — Long Trail Brewing is just one of our many sponsors. Drink up and listen to the rockin’ blues of The Dog Catchers and other live music acts.
 All proceeds from the 2017 EXPO 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,” says 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“ says 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, and tickets:  vtskiandride.com/expo2017/
 
Tickets are on sale now for $5 at vermontskiandrideexpo.ticketspice.com/vermont-ski-and-ride-expo.