Ski gear, music, brews on tap

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

Attendees check out cold weather gear at last year's Northeast Ski & Craft Beer Showcase.

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Come for the ski gear, stay for the craft beer.

That’s what many have planned for the upcoming Northeast Ski & Craft Beer Showcase, which runs Nov. 3-5 at the Albany Capital Center.

It’s one of the longest-running showcases in the area, now in its 56th year. Thousands of people attend each year, some arriving hours before the event starts just to get lift-ticket deals, according to Mark Bardack, one of the organizers.

Alpin Haus, a local ski shop, has been a longtime presenter of the showcase. Alpin Haus general manager Jamie Georgelos said more people seem to be getting into skiing, which has contributed to the popularity of the event.

“It’s hard to stay in business for over 50 years, so you know you’re doing something right,” Bardack said.

Here’s what you can expect if you go to the showcase:

Sight

The Albany Capital Center may not be located on a mountaintop, but the sights might make attendees feel like it is. “We’re going to have a freestyle show,” Georgelos said. Semi-pro athletes will be performing acrobatic stunts on an indoor rail on both skis and snowboards throughout the weekend.

Sound

On top of the din of ski talk, the craft beer garden will feature live music. Annie in the Water, a ski industry jam-band favorite, will take the stage Friday. James Rissacher, a local acoustic guitarist, will perform a mix of rock, jazz, and blues on Saturday. Garland Nelson, lead singer of Soul Session, will perform Sunday.

Taste

The craft beer will be flowing, with more regional choices than ever, including Adirondack Brewery, Brewery Ommegang, Brown’s Brewing Co., Druthers Brewing Co., Genesee Brewery, Harpoon Brewery, Ithaca Brewery, Long Trail Brewing Co., Otter Creek Brewery, Magic Hat Brewery, Moosehead Breweries, Saranac Brewery and Switchback Brewery. Regional wine from Saratoga Winery and Heron Hill will also be available.

Touch

Alpin Haus is bringing three tractor-trailer loads full of new gear for attendees to try on and try out.

According to Georgelos, ski tech has changed immensely even over the past three years. Boots are much lighter, skis have easier turn initiation and goggles have lenses that are much easier to swap out.

The ski shop will also be offering gear from K2, LINE, Blizzard, Patagonia, Hunter, Under Armour and others at lowered prices.

There will also be representatives from mountain resorts in New York, Vermont and throughout the United States offering ski packages and lift deals. On Friday, the first 500 people to enter the show receive two-for-one lift tickets to certain Vermont mountain resorts. Saturday and Sunday, the first 500 attendees will receive free lift tickets to certain New York mountains.

Attendees can also bring in their gently used coats to donate to Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless. For every coat donated, Alpin Haus will give attendees $10 off a new coat.

For a full schedule, including the Family Fun Day events on Sunday and ticket prices, visit northeastskishow.com.