Which ski resort should I go to? What’s everyone wearing on the slopes this year? Where do I even start? Seeking the answers to these questions and more are 12,000 snow sports fans, due to descend on the all-new London Snow Show that’s taking place in partnership with the Evening Standard at ExCeL next weekend.
With more than a hundred brands, resorts, tour operators and associations gathering under one roof, along with a programme that includes 40 talks, workshops and panels on everything from inspirational tales delivered by Olympians to technique masterclasses, anyone with a hankering for the mountain life will find what they need for the winter ahead at the two-day event.
From face-painting in the family zone to roller-skiing training, a host of planned sessions and activities make this far more than just a chance to talk about your next ski holiday. Plus, you won’t be charged a penny for kids under 16 to enter, and once you’re in, everything’s included in the price. Still not convinced? Here are six more reasons to join us.
1/ Because where else can you hear what it takes to fly off a massive ski jump?
Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards was Great Britain’s first — and only — Olympic ski jumper, and would launch himself into the air, off both 70 and 90-metre long jumps. He’ll be talking about how and why, on the Inspiration Stage alongside a host of other inspiring athletes, including Eve Muirhead, Olympic curling champion, and Millie Knight, a four-times medal-winning winter paralympian. As well as athletes spilling the beans on what it takes to excel, there’ll also be talks tackling the topics on the lips of many a seasoned skier: namely how can we break down the barriers to snowsport and how can we tackle climate change?
2/Because you can ensure you’ll be on trend, on and off the slopes
Stroll through the retail stands at the London Snow Show and a couple of trends will leap out at you. First, there’s a whole bunch of new technology available to improve your skiing, and second, it’s all about making responsible choices and going for brands that are using recycled materials. Sleek and directional are two of the watchwords for the season when it comes to your outfit.
Leading the way with innovations at the London Snow Show is Ski Exchange. “We’re bringing our entire ski shop to the London Snow Show — the stock, the staff, everything!” says James Clark, MD of Ski Exchange. “We’ll be selling in excess of 30 well-respected snowsports brands, including Patagonia, Picture and UYN who are all doing good things with innovative materials.”
Recreating the vibe of the best independent retailers, famed for their customer service and spot-on advice, Ski Exchange will be joined by a host of other popular retailers and brands too, including The Snowboard Asylum, Planks and Roarsome.
3/Because beginners can try out skiing on the indoor slope
“The Crystal Beginners Slope provides people who are new to skiing with the opportunity to give it a go, and get the feeling of skiing in an indoor environment before heading out to the mountains to try the real deal,” says Chris Logan, managing director at Crystal Ski Holidays, which is sponsoring this area.
“We know that for those who are new to skiing, the first time can feel daunting, so trying it out on the indoor slope means you can learn how to put on ski boots, get a sense of what it’s like to have skis on and learn the basics while on the slope.”
4/Because your kids will love it
Make a beeline for the Ramps and Tramps zone, the home of action sports, for a free intro to skateboarding lesson, or jump on the trampolines to practise those freestyle techniques.
Catch a show from the entertaining Jibworx collective as they bring their mountain-based shenanigans to the Rail Jam, before having a go at Nordic roller skiing, courtesy of RAF Nordic.
Over in the Family Zone sponsored by Esprit, it’s games a go-go thanks to Esprit Ski’s enthusiastic childcare team who will be bringing a whole host of fun activities for your little ones including face painting, arts and crafts, and a hoverboard challenge.
5/Because where else in London can you soak up après ski vibes alongside a comedy festival?
“We’re delighted to be putting on a show at the London Snow Show,” says Altitude comedy festival organiser Brett Vincent. “And we’re bringing with us the cream of the crop, including newcomers Harry Stachini and Luke Chilton, Channel 4’s Olivia Lee, Angelos Epithemiou from the glory days of Shooting Stars and of course Altitude’s co-founder Marcus Brigstocke.”
Taking place each afternoon at the Snow Skills Cabin, these comedy gigs will be silent disco style, so get there early to grab your headphones and tune into the gags.
Over at the Alpine Bar, Jubel — suppliers of “dangerously refreshing beer cut with fruit” — will be bringing their ski resort DNA to the ExCeL with that classic French ski resort après tipple, a demi-pêche.
6/Because we’re sure you’ll find your perfect ski resort here
With 47 resorts from seven countries exhibiting at the London Snow Show, there’s nowhere better to find the answer to the question on every skiers’ lips: “Which is the best ski resort for me?” Wondering where to head if it’s your first time on snow? Visit the Andorra stand. Want some hardcore skiing? Speak to Jackson Hole. Like good food as much as good skiing? Then Italy’s Aosta Valley is for you.
The London Snow Show is creating our largest concentration of people who live and breathe these resorts, and no question is too niche or inane for these passionate people representing so many different types of resort. “We have six Tirolean regions at the show — Innsbruck, the Arlberg, Ischgl, Ötztal, Zillertal and Skijuwel,” says Elena Protopopow, from the Tirol. “They’ll provide information and give advice on where to go, where to stay and what non-ski activities to do — you just need to ask lots of questions!”
