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Stratton Mountain Snow Demo
By Dee Dee McKinney
Photos By Fred McKinney
Stratton Mountain Ski Resort
in Vermont was the setting for the 2013 East Coast on-snow demo and ski
test. This February event is the showcase for next year's skis, snowboards
and all related skiing products. Ski Shop owners and staff received
introductions to 2013-2014 new winter outdoor products. They were able to
ski and ride these new winter products on the Stratton snow.
The on-snow demonstration was sponsored by the Eastern Winter Sports Reps
Association which partnered with the New England Winter Sports Reps. Ski
shops from the entire east coast attended this on-snow demonstration and
expo in Vermont and were treated to ideal winter conditions for testing
equipment.
Over 100 ski and snowboard manufactures displayed equipment. The ski shop
representatives had thousands of different makes, sizes and models of skis,
snowboards and related products to sample. The annual snow show displays
were set up inside of one wing of the Stratton Mountain Lodge. This was
transformed into a massive ski shop displaying boots, bindings, and other
dry goods such as gloves, goggles and helmets. Wall displays of new ski and
snowboard boots with bright colors and graphics were viewed and
well-received. The lodge environment assured an ease of fitting which
provided opportunities for positive comments on next years boots.
The outside of the base area was a festive setting. Flag drapped booths
represented the major ski companies who showed off all their new skis. Ski
shop personal could walk through the booths, talk with factory reps and
select any of the skis to perform their on-snow test.
Stratton Mountain provided a ideal setting for shop employees to test
equipment by skiing on the snow. Three days were set aside to test skis for
either a short period of time or extended test runs. Women's skis and other
specialty equipment were a big hit this year, as the ski companies are
expanding their women's ski line into addition models and performance
levels.
Many ski shops had multi employees testing different manufacture models.
Testers were then able to compare their notes about the performance and ease
of handling. This personal on-snow demo helps the ski shops in making their
product selection for next year's inventory.
Overwhelming response from the ski testers comments applauded the
performance and ease of handling of the new equipment, and Stratton Mt. for
once again smoothly hosting this annual event!
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