Ski Train, reality game to be highlights of Ski and Snowboard Expo

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Rice

An après ski lodge hosted by the Gore Mountain Ski Train will be one of the features at the 50th annual Albany Ski and Snowboard Expo Nov. 4-6 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

There will be booths and representatives from top ski areas and resorts from the Northeast, West and Canada. The three-day event will also feature prizes, interactive activities, auctions, a used equipment sale, workshops and seminars.

Interest in the ski train should run high because this will be the first season that the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad will operate a train transporting skiers and riders from Saratoga Springs to and from North Creek with bus service from the village to Gore Mountain.

Those visiting the Gore Mountain Ski Train Aprés Lodge will have a chance to win tickets to ride the train this season. The Ski Train will operate Friday through Sunday from the last weekend in December through March.

Representatives of the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad will be on hand to answer questions about the Gore Mountain Ski Train, as well as the railway’s “Polar Express,” which will run starting

Nov. 18 and continue into the Christmas season.

New at this year’s Expo will be a 3-D snowboard simulator sponsored by the New York National Guard. Attendees will be able to take a virtual ride down the slopes by using their own balance to steer the indoor board base while the virtual reality screen inside their headset translates the motions into maneuvers on a simulated course.

On Friday, the first 500 paid admissions will receive a choice of either a $50 gift card to Capital Region retailers and restaurants or a coupon for 50 percent off a pair of lift tickets at Mount Snow in Vermont.

Ski Areas of New York will again offer a free lift ticket promotion at the Expo. On Saturday and Sunday, the first 500 adults each day with advance ticket purchase or full-paid admission will receive a coupon redeemable for a free lift ticket to one of six mountains — Gore, Hunter, Plattekill, West, Whiteface or Windham.

These early- and late-season lift tickets will be distributed randomly to coupon holders. Up to two people in the same party will receive a lift ticket to the same mountain.

Those wishing to upgrade their equipment will have two chances at this year’s show.

Employees from Alpin Haus will man a booth where skis and snowboards can be traded in for a guaranteed minimum of $50.

Potter Brothers will have a swap-and-sell booth at which attendees can turn in old gear for sale at the show. Sales persons will be on hand to help price the items. For equipment sold, the store will offer a gift card for 100 percent of the value or a check for 75 percent of the value. Equipment can be checked in at the Potters Brothers booth on Friday and Saturday for a $2 fee.

Hours of the show are 4-9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission at the door is $8 for ages 10 and older. Children 9 and younger will be admitted free. Discounted tickets, $7, can be purchased at a new expo website, www.albanyskiandsnowboardexpo.com. Discount vouchers worth $2 are available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations.