Where to Ski And Snowboard - Nearly ski show time ...

Nearly ski show time ...

29th September 2011, by Chris Gill

The annual arrival of the UK’s major ski and snowboard shows announces that winter is not far away now… The shows will kick off in just a couple of weeks time, with the first event in Scotland, followed by London and Birmingham.

We’ve already covered the London Ski and Snowboard Show in our news item here. It’s considered the biggest and most popular of the ski shows, and this year tries out its new venue at Earl’s Court (just down the road from its original home in Olympia) between 19-23 October.

But what of the other two?

Scotland – 15-16 October

Scotland’s Ski and Snowboard Show debuted last winter in Glasgow. This year it is back, combining winter sports with the Scottish Outdoors Show. Headline sponsor is one of the world’s great adventure capitals: Chamonix Mont-Blanc. So, lovers of all things ‘mountain’ and ‘snow’ should get along to Glasgow’s SECC on 15th and 16th October – for two shows on one ticket, starting at £12 per person on the door.

Visitors can enjoy over 100 exhibitors, offering winter holiday deals as well as equipment, clothing and new ideas for the season ahead. In addition to the retail therapy, key events (such as the big air show) are planned to keep the whole family entertained. And you can always relax in the après-ski bar.

Details: www.scotlandskishow.co.uk

Birmingham – 28-30 October

If you can’t make London, or live too far north, the NEC in Birmingham is a great alternative. The spacious halls make getting around the event easy. Parking is no hassle and there is plenty to entertain on a day out.

The British Ski and Board Show will take place there from 28 to 30 October. Sponsored by the Daily Telegraph, the show follows a similar line-up to the other two, with numerous resort and retail stands. Tour operators will be there to offer deals, advice and the low down on this winter’s destinations.

The show promises to bring lots more interactivity than previously, including ice-climbing, roller-skiing, a freestyle show, an Adventure Film series, and even a bike tour – introduced by a former top snowboarder-turned-biking guru, James Thorne.

Among the new exhibitors is Adventure Bash – a company specialising in young, group-oriented holidays. So if you’re looking for something a bit different this winter … get along to the NEC to find out what’s out there!

Tickets start at £7 on the door, on Friday 28 October; £12 at weekends (adults). It’s a bit cheaper if you buy in advance.

Details: www.britishskiandsnowboardshow.co.uk