London Ski and Snowboard Show 2012: Ski-buzz review

Yesterday was the opening day of the London Ski and Snowboard Show 2012.

This year, the show has popped around the corner from its previous home to Earls Court 2 – and the difference in the atmosphere in the venue was commented on by many who attended on the first day of the 5-day-long event.

Ski-buzz took a look around, and spoke to some of the Crystal team who were there on Wednesday to find out what they thought were the highlights of the show.

Photos and video

See our photo gallery post for a visual look around the show.

There’s also a video from yesterday at the show too.

Get into the winter atmosphere

One of the comments was how much improved the vibe is at this show compared to previous years.

This show is all about a day out -with something for all ages to enjoy. Music adds to the to the vibe, whilst on the back wall of Earls Court 2 has become a giant projector screen showing endless ski movies to really get you in the mood for skiing and boarding.

“The best ski show I’ve been to for donkey’s years”

The show is much more ‘dressed up’ than in previous years, according to our ski-show-veteran Neil, from Crystal’s product team. He described the show as  ”the best ski show I’ve been to for donkey’s years”.

Crystal’s Product Director Ian Davis agreed – as people came back into the office, there were many suitably impressed folks sharing stories from the day, as well as from the apres show party that continued into the night.

This year’s feel-good factor will undoubtedly be multiplied when a certain Mr S. Claus makes an appearance at the show on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November between 2 and 3 in the afternoon in the Norway Resorts Bar. He’ll be dishing out the presents to all the good boys and girls, and spreading some early holiday cheer to all.

Helen and Marion from Crystal also agreed, they said that this year’s show is a real winter wonderland experience of winter and snowsports-related activities for all the family to enjoy.

The first ice-rink of winter (watch out for penguins)

Undoubtedly the most talked about feature of the show was not the big air jumps, nor the big name pro-riders. Rather it was some very small creatures that made an appearance this year.

Live penguins.

Accompanied by the world famous penguin mega-star Pingu, five penguins will be making an appearance twice daily at the show on Thursday and Saturday. Feeling most at home in the Antarctic, it’s little wonder these little guys are to be found skating about on the indoor ice rink as their home-from-home during the show.

If you want to try ice-skating when the penguins are taking a break, book your place when you arrive, or in advance when you book your ski show tickets.

Another ‘aaahhh’ factor was the St Bernard dogs on the Verbier stand this year.

Big Air(bag) kicker

Also popular with those people way too cool to be cuddling up to fluffy animals was the Salice have-a-go airbag kicker. Even our Olympic hero Eddie the Eagle gave it a go yesterday, as you can see in this video.

Ideal for those confident on the slopes and wanting to progress to the park – it’s a great energy outlet for those little ones hoping to follow in Woodsy’s footsteps.

Jumps, spins and grabs are all taught by instructors – places are limited so make sure you get across to the jump early to book your place on one of the sessions. It’s all free and all equipment is provided – just make sure you bring a pair of gloves with you.

Try out curling

Little did we know until a few days ago that we had a curling expert working in our online team at Crystal.

Turns out that our very own Greg is a dab hand with the stones and the brush – so much so that’s he’s been instructing people on the curling rink at the show on Wednesday.

If you want a go at this Olympic sport you’ll be in good hands – the guys running the sessions, like Greg, all coach at a national level.

Some of the Crystal team had a go yesterday under Greg’s watchful eye, though it’s likely they’ve got a way to go before they’ll be booking themselves a place on the Team GB flight to Sochi in 2014.

Fine tune your skiing skills

The Warren Smith Ski Academy has got no less than 3 different indoors slopes for visitors to try this year. Beginners can get to grips with the basics in lessons on the nursery slopes, whilst the park-rat-wannabes can get coaching on the freestyle slope, complete with boxes and rails. Tackling moguls is one of the lessons on the advanced slope, and the little ones can join in with some snow tubing fun too.

Lessons and use of equipment is completely free of charge – head to the back of the hall when you arrive to book your 30 minute session.

Crystal’s chalet

The Crystal Chalet was also busy throughout the day, with our staff, including Jo, Scott, Leanne and Ian all busy sharing their hints and tips on what resorts are hot for the upcoming season. Pop along to the chalet when you visit the show and you can enter our exclusive text-to-win competition to bag a holiday to Breckenridge, worth over £3500.

You’ll find the Crystal Chalet on the right of the entrance, second row from the front.

Party hard… or rest those feet

There’s so much to see at this year’s show it’s good to know there are plenty of chill-out areas dotted about where you can take the weight off your feet and decide on what to go and see next. There’s enough to keep you entertained all day, so it’s a good idea to plan what you want to see in advance, booking your slots with the relevant activities so you don’t miss out.

A good place for a break is the Salomon stand – they’ve got a mini-cinema running this year, showing the latest Salomon Freeski movies.

But if you’re raring to go, head to the middle where you’ll find the Norway Resorts Bar. Party Scandie style, rendezvous with your old ski and board buddies over a beer, and perhaps make some new ones over a Jägerbomb or three.

Where and when

The Ski and Snowboard Show 2012 is in Earls Court 2 until 4 November.

Opening Times:

• Wednesday 31 October – 12.00pm – 7.00pm
• Thursday 1 November – 11.00am  - 9.30pm
• Friday 2 November – 11.00am – 7.00pm
• Saturday 3 November – 10.00am – 7.00pm
• Sunday 4 November – 10.00am – 6.00pm

Buy Ski and Snowboard Show tickets in advance to save on the door price.