Boston Expo: reason to go?

[JasonE]

OK... Just heard about the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo next week at the Bayside Expo Center. Haven't looked into it much, but thought I might be interested in going.

The thing is... it costs $10 (which isn't that much, really), but then I'd have to pay $5 to park at Alewife and $4 round trip on the T. The walk in the cold from the T stop to Bayside, etc. etc. etc.

Is there a real reason for me to go? Anyone handing out freebies, etc.?

Who here has been, and do you suggest I go or not? What's it like?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[SnowRider]

whent last year and it is a lot of fun. It gets you so ready for the season. Every resort hands out free stickers (the ones you BUY at the resort) and free posters. got tons of stickers and covered my walls in posters. What are the days I want to go back but havnt seen any ads for it.

 

[JasonE]

whent last year and it is a lot of fun. It gets you so ready for the season. Every resort hands out free stickers (the ones you BUY at the resort) and free posters. got tons of stickers and covered my walls in posters. What are the days I want to go back but havnt seen any ads for it.

The info, as well as a flyer and a $3 off admission coupon can be found here:

http://www.onthesnow.com/bewi/boston

 

[askstowell]

Since we started skiing a few years back, we don't miss this. Told 10 year old daughter it was coming up in two weeks and she was all excited. She loves going around getting stickers and we tend to score some discounts/freebies along the way. Nice opportunity to pick up literature, etc. and get pumped for the season. If they're doing the freestyle shows again, you shouldn't miss it.

 

[MadPadraic]

Are their lift ticket deals to be had?

 

[snowmonster]

Are their lift ticket deals to be had?

MP, I got a free Sugarcard and a 2-for-1 lift ticket to Burke last year...but if you're an Arsenal fan, they charge you double!=)

 

[darent]

fun way to start season, discount tickets available in the boston globe, and on the internet, They get you for $10.00 to park at site.You can score lift tickets and other deals if you talk to the right person.

 

[MadPadraic]

fun way to start season, discount tickets available in the boston globe, and on the internet, They get you for $10.00 to park at site.You can score lift tickets and other deals if you talk to the right person.

It's on the silver line though, right?

 

[MadPadraic]

MP, I got a free Sugarcard and a 2-for-1 lift ticket to Burke last year...but if you're an Arsenal fan, they charge you double!=)

Giggs is getting old, and no matter how hard he tries, Ronaldo hasn't yet reached the level of diving prowess of your departed Van Nistelrooy.

 

[AMAC2233]

The expo is great in my opinion; it really pumps you up for the season. Last year I actually won 4 or 5 different lift tickets. SkiMarket sets up there and always has good deals; I bought a pair of skis at the expo a few years ago at a good price. You can actually talk to the reps. from all the areas, cool stuff. Parking is a pain though, if I remember correctly it was pretty expensive, and we had to walk far. EDIT: I see in a post above me that parking is $10. (Still not cheap in my opinion though.)

But to answer the question, yes, it is definitlely worth the $5.

 

[JasonE]

It's on the silver line though, right?

I don't know if it's on the Silver Line (never used the Silver Line), but it's less than half a mile from the Red Line's JFK/UMass stop.

Whenever I need to go to Bayside, I park at Alewife and take the Red Line in. $5 parking, $4 round-trip on the T, is still less than parking directly at the expo center and, frankly, avoids the hassle of driving in the city.

Incidentally, don't know which line, but the JFK/UMass stop also serves the Commuter Rail.

Jason

 

[AMAC2233]

It's not on the silver line, only the red line and commuter rail. Also right off the expressway. An all around pretty easy place to get to.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

It's alot of fun aside from all the collateral , discounts and freebies from all the resorts. You get a chance to talk one on one with someone from the resort. I worked at our booth back when the Bush and MRG shared a space.

 

[Rushski]

Yes, it does cost more than it should w/admission and parking. But, I find it enjoyable to grab trail maps, discount vouchers, talk to area reps about concerns/praise, see what the manufacturer's have out, check out what the manufacturers dump on Ski Market to sell and just get pumped to get the season started.

Won a Bromley day pass last year, which beat the price of getting in...

 

[ctenidae]

I'll take the contrarian view and say "meh".

The Skimarket sale is decent, but most of the rest is only good if you want to buy a vacation package or something. We've gone the past 2 years, but probably won't bother this year.

 

[WWF-VT]

My kids are looking forward to attending. A good way to spend a few hours getting updates on what's new in area ski resorts, gear, etc.

 

[tree_skier]

have fun in the city, I will be skiing.

 

[Vortex]

I liked them when I worked them. I will be making turns over the weekend as well. I know people do get discoutns and deals are to be had. Depends on your goals. If you have new gear and a pass your probably won't go. Already been marketed.

 

[riverc0il]

I'd rather be skiing