Catch a Ski and Snowboard Show

This past weekend there were four major Ski and Snowboard shows across North America, plus a good number of smaller shows that don't get a lot of advertising but have the same purpose as the major venues - and that is get everybody psyched to ski and ride.

If you have been to ski shows in the past, you know that by the time you leave you'll be so stoked you could head right for an indoor ski dome, if, in fact, there were any around. If you have never been to a ski show you owe it to yourself and your family to try to make one next weekend just to check out the hype.

Here's a preview of what you'll find at most every ski and snowboard show:

• The latest and hottest skiing and riding videos being shown non-stop
• Door prizes all day for free lift tickets, apparel and gear
• Usually at least one major destination vacation drawing
• Representatives from ski areas large and small
• Some kind of indoor skiing or riding demonstrations
• Great bargains on 08/09 and on past year's skis and gear
• Show only deals on lift tickets, season passes and ski vacations
• One or two skiing or riding stars

Boston is one of three cities in the U.S. hosting really big ski and snowboard shows this coming weekend. Expos are also set for Sacramento and Las Vegas, so if you are in any of those areas try and make it out at least for one day. If you have to travel to get there, make it weekend trip and take in two days. Actually I'm heading over to the Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo, and I'll share the scoop on this really big show that has been going strong for 27 years.

_{ISPO ski expo Copyright Getty Images Johannes Simon}