Expo generates snow excitement

"I don't know anyone who's not optimistic about a good season this time of year," said Bernie Weichsel, owner of BEWI Productions, which puts on Snow Sports Expos in several cities around the United States and Canada.

The show began yesterday and runs through Sunday at the Bayside Expo.

"This town loves its skiing, even more so than Denver," said Weichsel. "The show might impact 40,000 or 45,000 people directly. But then it goes on and on in the media. The interest is just great here."

Still anchored by the $5 million Ski Market sale that has become a shopping must for skiers, Weichsel said the show has become what he always envisioned: "one big all-in-one shopping marketplace." From ski and boarding clothes and gear to travel and destination deals, the show allows snow sports enthusiasts to get their seasons planned and stocked in one trip.

"What I see happening now is more and more deals on season passes," he said. "Anyone who buys a single-day ticket anymore should have schmuck tattooed on his head."

More than 100 resorts and vacation destinations will have exhibits, some of them offering show-only specials.

Some exhibits include high-action demonstrations, including:

The All-Star Aerial Review presented by A.S.C. This 45-minute show features Big Air snowboarders and high-flying New Schoolers doing leaps off ramps covered with plastic "snow."

The Honda Element Street Skate Classic in association with Waterville Valley. Local pros will be on the course throughout the weekend, and will compete tomorrow at a pro-am contest.

Stowe offers a children's-oriented introduction to skiing on the indoor hill. A special corner of the hall is devoted to first-time skiers and snowboarders.

ZLX Radio presents the Classic Apres Ski Lodge in which showgoers take a break to listen to music with refreshments.

On hand will be Billy Kidd, the first American male Alpiner to win an Olympic medal, and Doug Lewis, the two-time Olympian from Vermont.

Also appearing are X-Games multimedal-winning snowboarder Mick Nick, and US snowboarder Seth Wescott, a Carrabasset Valley Academy alumnus.

Admission is $10 for adults; kids under 12 are free. Discount coupons worth $3 can be found in The Boston Globe or at www.SnowSportsExpo.com.

Show hours are 4-10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

"We're all optimists at this point in the season," said Weichsel. "But I can sense a real energy this season. People are really ready to go skiing."