Diversity Ski Expo

December 20th, 2007

Note: As I write this blog it is snowing heavily with a foot of snow expected. What more can a skier ask for!

It was November 18th and I found myself driving over Boston’s beautiful Leonard Zakim Bridge headed towards the Ski & Snowboard Expo on the waterfront to check out the Ski packages being offered by the hotels and resorts of New England’s north country.

It’s been awhile since I hit the slopes, mainly due to a broken ankle that was not ski related(Let’s just say drinking and dancing don’t mix, especially if you don’t know how to dance in the first place). And, the last time I did hit the slopes it was an unsuccessful attempt at snowboarding, my backside was sore for days. But, after attending the ski expo my excitement level is through the roof, and I can’t wait to head up to the white mountains of New Hampshire.

The one thing that struck me as I was walking around the expo center was the strong showing of the Hispanic and Latino community. It’s great to see that skiing and snowboarding is gaining popularity amongst the minority communities. The one thing about being a New Englander, whether you were born here or moved here, you learn to adapt and take full advantage of the sporting opportunities that the extreme weather offers. From skiing in the Fall and Winter, to white water rafting  in the Spring and Summer. There’s always plenty to do.

While at the fair I had the chance to meet with representatives from many grand hotels in Northern New England, such as the Mt. Washington Resort, the Mountain View Grand Hotel, Loon Resort & others. And in Stowe, Vermont they are planning to build a resort complex at the base of Stowe Mountain called Spruce Peak.  All the hoteliers were very excited about the cold and snowy start to the season. And as of December 20th Vermont has already seen 10 feet of natural snowfall, and the snow guns have been firing away since early Novemeber. This has made for the best start to the ski season in over half a century!

Another great aspect of the Ski fair was the shopping. Winter coats, skis, snowboards, you name it. The deals were amazing! And to top it all off they had a Starbucks at the fair handing out free peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream on top! I had a wonderful time and will definitely attend next year as well.

Entry Filed under: myguideNewEngland