By Dick Healy
If you’ve never visited Albany, New York, I suggest you attend the Albany Ski & Snowboard Expo, Friday, Nov 4 through Sunday, November 6, presented by area SnowSports retailer Alpin Haus at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, located in the heart of New York State’s Capitol City.
You’ll not only be treated to one of the oldest continuous SnowSports shows in the country, you will also be visiting a city where a major portion of early American revolutionary history was made. From several points at the Plaza, you get vistas of the majestic Hudson River as it winds its way 150 miles up from New York City. Taking in a scene where 400 years ago, the man the river is named after, Henry Hudson landed.
Colder air from Canada has already invaded the Capital Region as fall has arrived. There’s still a fair amount of color in the trees. Early November is an ideal time to visit the massive complex of marble-faced state government office buildings, with the tallest being the 43-story Corning Tower. You might want to visit the nearby General Phillip Schuyler Mansion at 32 Catherine Street where the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, married Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780. Perhaps tour the famous Million Dollar stair case in the New York State Capitol Building which can be reached from the underground Concourse tunnel, a short walk from where Ski Expo is taking place.
According to Expo’s producer, Mark Bardack, the three-day show features a host of special events, new attractions, deals and gifts for show attendees. The first 500 attendees with advance ticket purchase of full paid admission on Friday, November 4, will receive a choice of “ Either a $50 gift card to popular Capital Region retailers and restaurant or a coupon for 50-percent off a pair of lift tickets to Mount Snow in West Dover, Vermont.” Bardack says the voucher must be presented at Mount Snow to receive the discount.
In addition, six participating New York State ski mountains will award the first 500 attendees coming through the gates on Saturday, November 5, and Sunday, November 6 coupons redeemable for a free lift ticket, based on the same criteria. The NY Mountains include Gore Mountain in North Creek, Hunter Mountain in Hunter, Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, West Mountain in Queensbury, Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington and Windham Mountain in Windham, NY.
Ski clubs from the New York Capital District Ski Council will have booths, and two new show venues include: New York Air National Guard 3D Virtual Reality Snowboard Simulator. For a voluntary donation you can try the simulator. The money will go to support flood disaster relief through the American Red Cross of Northeastern, New York. Also, for the very first time, Expo visitors will learn more about the Gore Mountain Snow Train and Saratoga and North Creek Railroad. Young skiers will learn plans for future ski trains by stopping by the Gore Mountain Snow Train Apres’ Lodge.
Bardack says families have always been a big part of Ski Expo from its inception. Hannaford Supermarkets, one of Expo’s sponsors, will have a Family Fun Zone featuring everything from magic shows to arts and crafts and coloring projects. Other show sponsors include Dunkin’ Donuts, NBT Bank, New York Air National Guard, and Saratoga $ North Creek Railroad.
Show Hours are Friday, Nov 4 from 4 – 9 p. m; Saturday, Nov 5 from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.: and Sun, Nov 6 from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.
Admission at the door is $8 ages 10 and up. Children 9 years old and under, accompanied
By an adult are admitted free. There is underground parking for a modest fee at during Expo hours.
