The Case for a Larger Regional Snow Show in Spokane

Spokane's "Ski the Northwest Rockies" Snow Show is a great event. It brings together legions of local skiers and acts as a great kickoff to the ski season. If offers a great place to go pick up your season pass or just wander around looking for free swag. But that's not to say it cannot be improved.

The one-day event only showcases a small portion of the vast skiing and snowboarding industry. Significantly, it never completely fills up with exhibitors. And it takes place in one of the smaller Spokane Convention Center ballrooms -- the smallest venue it has ever been located in. It may be a great local show, but by no means does it compare to the SIA Snow Show in Las Vegas (next year in Denver). But it will never be that size. But it is a reasonable goal to shoot for a ski show the size of Seattle's SkiFever Snow Show.

It's time to improve the Spokane Snow Show for the greater Spokane region. We've got five great ski resorts, including one world-class one -- Schweitzer, two regional-class ones -- Silver and 49, and two smaller local ones -- Mt. Spokane and Lookout. The Spokane region has roughly 80,000-120,000 unique skiers. However, a good ski show would draw skiers from as far away as Seattle, Missoula and Boise -- but only if it promised to be good enough.

In order to increase the amount of exhibitors, we'll need to move the Snow Show into a new location. The ideal choice would be the Spokane Convention Center downtown -- the old one. This way it is close to the INB Performing Arts Center for movie premieres. Plenty of space and room for growth.

The second thing on the list would be to actually add exhibitors. In order to reach the most potential skiers, you would have to include a wide variety of exhibitors. For best results, INSA should focus on reaching the following exhibitors:

• LINE Skis
• K2 Skis/Snowboard/Telemark
• Armada Skis
• 4FRNT Skis
• 686
• Atomic
• Billabong USA
• Bern Helmets
• Bolle
• Smith Optics
• Bonfire Snowboarding
• Burton
• Marker
• Salomon
• Patagonia
• O'Neill
• Quiksilver
• Ride Snowboards
• Scott USA
• Sessions
• Skullcandy
• Spy Optic
• The North Face

While not all of these manufacturers will sign on, many will if the Snow Show is correctly marketed.

In addition to ski/board manufacturers, INSA should also look at attracting new resorts to the Snow Show. Resorts should be within the immediate area -- Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, etc.

• Whitefish Mountain Resort
• Crystal Mountain Resort
• Stevens Pass
• Mt. Bachelor
• White Pass Mountain Resort
• Willamette Pass Mountain Resort
• Tamarack Resort*
• Big Sky
• etc.

Now, the final step will be to move the dates for the show back slightly. For 2009, my recommendation would be to hold the show November 13-15.

Finally, what do we charge people to get into the show? Considering factors such as the venue, the potential exhibitors, etc., a cost of $20 would not be unreasonable. Sponsorships (including title sponsorships) could defray much of the cost and bring it down to roughly $10.

Of course, that's if it happens; this is simply a wishlist for an improved Spokane Snow Show.

Skiing, Golfing, Boating, Oh My! skiSchweitzer's Got You Covered This Memorial Day Weekend - Day One

There's a lot of things you could be doing this Memorial Day Weekend. But if you're like most people in the Inland Northwest, you're probably planning on golfing, barbecuing, and/or spending a day out on Lake Coeur d'Alene. If you want to do something really fun, however, why not try doing all this and more in one weekend?

Saturday, May 23, 2009

6:30 AM: You're going to get an early start, or you're going to be out of luck. Spokanites and Sandpoint-residents will want to get up early and be out the door no later than 6:30. Coeur d'Alene residents can probably sleep in until about 7. You're starting your weekend off right with Silver Mountain -- just make sure you pack shorts and a t-shirt. Silver (silvermt.com) will open 17 runs and two chairlifts at 7:30, so you want to be prompt. Once you arrive, grab your gear and pick up a breakfast burrito in the Gondola Village.

7:30 AM: Get in the Gondola. Now. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? pie Skiing awaits, and it's twenty minutes up the mountain.

2:30 PM: Stop skiing. No, it's not that you want to, but the mountain will close at 2:30 to preserve snow for skiers on Sunday. Go down the gondola, get in your car and start driving toward Coeur d'Alene.

3:25 PM: Hopefully you skipped lunch, because you're going to the best hamburgers in the Inland Northwest at Hudson's (207 E Sherman, CDA). Grab a bite and walk around the town as you wait for your tee time at Trailhead in Liberty Lake. You'll be back soon enough.

4:30 PM: Arrive at Trailhead (located here and actually near the site of a lost ski resort, by the way) with your clubs ready. Play nine holes, then drive home to Spokane, or wherever (sorry people of Idaho and elsewhere, but most readers live here).

8:00 PM: Barbecue at your home in Spokane, or wherever. Mmm, burgers, fries, and potato salad. What's not to love?

Upcoming Events - 1/21

While Schweitzer has had its fair share of sun and warmth for the month of January, a more active weather pattern will come into play this weekend. Expect snow and cold temperatures to prevail.

In addition to the upcoming snow, many events are on tap for the coming week as the winter season heads into high gear. The following is a summary of what's coming soon to Schweitzer and Sandpoint. By the way, if you missed the Winter Carnival/Schweitzer Lights Up the Night, it was spectacular. Luckily more great events are on their way.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THIS WEEKEND AND BEYOND
January 23 - Starlight Junior Race Series - every Friday in January on the NASTAR course.
January 23 - Campfire in the Village - every Friday and Saturday in the Village. Be there.
January 24 - Paint Your Own Pottery - now in the Bark Beetle Room in the White Pine Lodge.
January 24 - Snowshoe Hikes at 10am and 12pm.
January 24 - Music With Altitude - local and regional artists perform live in Taps.
January 24 - Terrain Park Etiquette and Safety Class - 12:30pm in the park shack.
January 24 - Cougar Gulch XC Race - Cross Country Race on Schweitzer's great terrain.
January 24 - Wii Night - Starts at 4pm in the Caribou Room. 'Nuff said.
January 24 - X Games Party with the Holland Brothers from 11-4 in Taps and the Lakeview.
January 25 - Sunday Solution - $20 lift tickets after 12:30pm. The best deal around!

As you can see, there are many great events coming up. When I was staying in the Selkirk Lodge over MLK weekend, it was clear that Schweitzer Village was hopping - even after the bullwheel stopped turning. Even more are events on the way. Stay tuned!

REMINDER: Spokane Ski Swap - 10/25

Remember, the MSSP ski swap will start at 9:00 AM at the Spokane County Interstate Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 25. It will continue until 6:00 PM on Sunday (but obviously not through the night). Know that all the good, new gear sells out quickly Saturday morning, so set an alarm and come looking for good deals.

Are You Going to the Ski Swap?

Sure, it's really Mt. Spokane's event, but it is truly considered the kickoff to the ski season in the inland northwest, and if you are a local and need new gear, you can't miss it. Here's the information direct from MSSP.

The 44th annual Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap. The region’s largest winter sports equipment and clothing event featuring thousands of new and used winter sports items being sold by both individuals and area sports stores. Equipment, clothing and accessories for all winter sports are available, including Nordic and alpine skiing & snowboarding.

WHEN?
Registration - Friday, Oct. 24th - 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SWAP Open - Saturday, Oct. 25th - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 26th - 9 a.m. to Noon.
PU Checks/Unsold Equip - Sunday, Oct. 26th – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE?
Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, Havana Street, Spokane.

WHY?
For the best selection and buys on winter sports equipment. The annual event has come to symbolize the kick-off of the winter season in the Inland Empire. The “Swap” is the primary source of funding for the MSSP for operations, purchase of medical and first aid supplies, rescue equipment and training materials.

HOW?
Register items on Friday. A fifty-cent fee will be charged for each item registered for sale at the swap. Show up Saturday or Sunday to purchase. Cash, credit cards and personal checks are accepted. Note: come early Saturday morning to beat the crowd. Come back on Sunday to take advantage of 25% discount on market items. Pick-up payment, or unsold
equipment Sunday, 2-4 pm.

WHO?
Admission is $4 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE. Brought to you by the over 125 volunteers that make-up the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, a volunteer, non-profit educational organization.

Frequently Asked Questions:
About the Swap How many items are available?
It is anticipated that over 18,000 items will trade hands at this year’s SWAP.

What kind of equipment is available?
About half of the equipment is alpine (downhill) ski related - including boots, poles, bindings, skis, gloves, clothing and accessories. The selection of cross country and telemark equipment is expected to increase again this year. The amount of boarding equipment continues to grow as boarding popularity has increased - with thousands of new and used
boards and boots available. Equipment and clothing is available for all sizes and ages. Children’s gear and clothing is the fastest to go, for best selection, early arrival on Saturday is recommended.

Where does the equipment come from?
Approximately 30% of the gear is brought to the SWAP by individuals. 70% is from approximately 20 retail shops in the region that bring both used and new equipment.

For more information on the ski swap and how you can put your gear up for sale, visit MSSP's website by clicking THIS LINK. We'll round up the upcoming swaps for you in the coming weeks, including a full list, countdowns, and when you should wake up to get the best deals.

Overnight Lows Begin to Drop as Summer Events Reach their Climax

AS the days begin getting shorter and seasonal lag loses its effect, the lows traditionally go down at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. When the lows go down, the highs often stay fairly high. It gets interesting when precipitation begins to fall. Speculation: how low will the temperatures go? Will it snow? Keep it here at skiSchweitzer. We'll tell you first - just look at the webcam at the right. That mountain in the background is Big Blue, often where the snow accumulates first. Stay tuned for more news

AND in the events front, here's the latest news, in convenient Bulleted text:

• There's an Artist's Studio class on "off-loom bead weaving" in the White Pine tomorrow, August 23rd, at 9:30 until 12 noon. All ages are invited, but call the Activity Center in advance to RSVP, (208) 255-3081. The cost is $35.
• Music on the Lawn, Sunday August 24th. Live music in Schweitzer main village plaza, open to the public and free.
• Wednesday the 27th hosts Twilight Race Series #4, expect lots of action and lots of fun.
• Friday the 29th, expect the last Movie on the Lawn, where SLIFF comes to Schweitzer for one of their hits from last year, Last Stop for Paul. Entertaining and Free.
• Fall Fest comes to the mountain on August 30th and 31st. Free live music, NW microbrews, and kids activities, as well as chairlift rides and mountain biking.
• Schweitzer Lakedance International Film Festival, SLIFF, returns for 2008. SLIFF2008 will feature more breakthrough directors and actors than ever before. SLIFF2008 goes from the 7th to the 14th. Ticket packages are available starting this month at lakedance.com.

There you have it, the latest roundup of Schweitzer weather events. Keep it here. Subscribe. Come back. We'll have even more content for you as the weather gets cooler.

Fantastic Snow and Fun Events

With such wonderful snowfall (over 160 inches so far) and even more on the way, right now seemed like a perfect time to focus on the great events that the mountain has to offer for its skiers.
Tuesday, January 8th: Music on the Mountain, a hands-on experience to create some great music to enjoy on the mountain.
Wednesday, January 9th: Ski Movie Night - a ski movie is shown every Wednesday night in the village. Check at the Activity Center for this week's offerings.
Thursday, January 10th: Open Mic Night - Karaoke in the Taps Lounge for the few of us that are good - or confident - enough to try.
Friday, January 11th: Junior Race Series - Part 2 of the junior's race series hosted by the the Independence Ski Team.
Saturday, January 12th: National Trail Day - enjoy free Cross Country trail access and complimentary rentals for the day.

Also lots of snow is in the forecast. A Heavy Snow Warning is currently in effect for the Idaho Panhandle. Expect 6-12 new inches of light and fluffy powder by Wednesday - but at this rate it may be wise to expect even more. A new storm comes through Thursday with more heavy snow, and snow and snow showers continuing until Saturday - at least. The mountain makes a point in pointing out that we are on