Stratton 2009 On Snow Demo Days

The annual On-Snow Demo Days were held recently at Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont. Jointly sponsored by The Eastern Winter Sports Reps Association (EWSRA) and the New England Winter Sports Representatives, Inc. (NEWSR) this annual three day event brings retail buyers, shop owners, and staff together to see what the manufacturers will be offering for the coming season.

What you will see on the snow during the 2009-10 season was on the snow at Stratton. Skis, boards, boots, and accessories were put through their paces by Northeast area shop owners and staff. Those who sell, fit, and fix the toys we love were able to get up close and personal with all the major and some up and coming snowsport manufactuers and their products.

While there weren't any industry bombshells. the most eye catching was the explosion of eye catching graphics throughout all the major lines, except good old Goode skis which carry on in their traditional black. Elan has a biggy in the Boomerang - a fatty sure to rock the powder. It was good to see a lineup of AT and tele ski makers, and Black Diamond, G3, and other brands were getting their free heel skis asked out quite a bit.

While this annual event is a good time for everybody, it does have a solid business purpose because it's basically runway time for companies. Put the newest and pretties out there and hope the buyers and sellers fall in love with your product.

As always, this venue is well organized, looked forward to, and greatly appreciated, by the buyers, the sellers, the fitters, and the fixers and, in the long run, does a great sevice for us consumers. Check out my photos from the midway.

_{Image Elan Boomerang Copyright Mike Doyle}