Just to wet everybody's whistle for the coming out of the 2009 line of skis, here's another look at the On-Snow Demo Days held back in February at Stratton Mountain Resort, in Vermont. Jointly sponsored by The Eastern Winter Sports Reps Association (EWSRA) and the New England Winter Sports Representatives, Inc. (NEWSR) this annual event brings retail buyers, shop owners, and staff together to see what the manufacturers will be offering for the coming season.

Impress was the operative word as all the major ski, board, and boot companies laid out their best 2009 offerings for a discerning audience. For example, Elan is introducing a new mogul ski called "Bloodline" which has major design input from Elan Team skier Glen Plake - Glen was on the scene to ski and answer questions - now, that's impressive.

Head was toting a new line of Ladies skis called the One series and the nice wide Sweet One was getting a lot of attention, along with another Head model, the Mojo 94, Head black with some white graphics - nice look and a nice ride. Right behind the Head booth was the Hart booth displaying some Hart Javelins, ah yes. Hart also has a mid-fat called the Twisted Twin, which should lead the Hart brand back into the big time.

Goode, with a home-base and factory in Ogden, UT, is showing a 95 mm that should float up some of that "Greatest Snow On Earth." I also think you'll be seeing a lot of the thinner Goode skis around the NASTAR circuit next season.

Volkl and K2 displayed some soon to be legendary fatties and K2 prettied up the Lotta Luv just so they would match my daughter's boots, which will be reason #2 that I have to buy them for her next season. Reason #1 being the way she says, "But, I'm your skiing buddy, Dad."

Check out my photos from the midway.

Photo © Mike Doyle