ALBANY, New York — The 46th annual Ski & Snowboard Expo, the world’s longest running consumer snow and travel show, will “turn on” the Capital Region to the first 2-in-1 ski with the introduction of the Volkl Tigershark ski series at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y., November 2 – 4, 2007.

Presented by Alpin Haus — New York’s largest ski and board shop — the Ski & Snowboard Expo will offer a comprehensive look at the newest and coolest in winter sporting equipment from the industry’s top manufacturers, as well as fashions and travel accommodations, while showcasing the industry’s hottest new series ??“ the Volkl Tigershark ski.

Featuring over a hundred exhibitor booths, family friendly activities and dozens of great giveaways, the expo is three-days of frosty fun, providing show-goers with an early look at must-haves for the 2007-08 winter season.

A Tiger on the Slopes

The Volkl Tigershark series ski soars to new heights in technology and price ??“ retailing for an eye-popping $1,500, but sending slalom seekers soaring down the slopes with more power, sharpness and energy through the introduction of Power Switch technology.

The world’s first on-board ski power adjustment, the Power Switch allows riders to literally turn on the power by activating elastomerregulated springs at the front of the ski’s dual carbon fiber rods. The result is the ultimate in ski personalization: if the skier wants to ski hard, getting the most rebound and energy from the ski, the switch should be on. Turn it off, and the skier can relax, take it easy and cruise. The first ski suited to tackle the solid, icy mountain pistes in the morning and then coast the soft, yielding pistes in the afternoon, skiers no longer need two different ski models to get the best ride throughout the day.

“The Volkl Tigershark is really two skis in one and is destined to become one of the season’s hottest storylines,” said Jamie Georgelos, ski and pool department manager at Alpin Haus. “But perhaps the more relevant breakthrough this season is the democratization of previously high-end ski technology. Just as computers and cell phones have experienced rapid price declines, skis are now succumbing to the same phenomenon.”

The expo will offer visitors a variety of advanced, performance based skis with an average price point of $600 ??“ reflecting a recent trend in the ski industry of decreasing equipment and apparel costs.

“The $600 price point has become the ‘sweet spot’ for consumers this year,” Georgelos added. “Finally, skiers can get the quality and sophistication of a top-of-the-line ski without the hefty price tag. In fact, many ski packages start at $299.”

For boarders, Alpin Haus will present the newest in Burton snowboard binding technology ??“ the EST binding and Infinite Channel System. The first true board-to-binding system, the Infinite Channel System, in conjunction with EST binding, allows riders to dial-in exact measurements to offer the closest, most comfortable connection possible between rider and board, while still encouraging a playful, skate-like connection.

Frosty Fashion Shows

New this year, ski and snowboard fans will be able to check out the latest in apparel and gear each day, as the New York Capital District Ski Council brings this season’s snowy styles off the slopes and on to the runway with daily fashion shows. Previously held on Friday evening only, this year the New York Capital District Ski Council will present several shows throughout the weekend to ensure show-goers a sneak peek at the latest trends in outerwear and equipment.

New Resorts, Auctions, and Workshops

Whether new to the slopes, or an expert looking for a new adventure, the expo will feature the best ski resorts – ranging from the best of the West to the beasts of the East including Jackson Hole, Park City, Whiteface, Killington, Pico, Okemo, Jiminy Peak, Mont-Sainte-Anne, plus dozens of other top regional resorts in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.

The expo will also include its traditional array of auctions, previously used equipment sales, workshops and seminars.

The New York Capital District Ski Council – comprised of cross-country, snowboard and alpine ski clubs for individuals and families in the Capital District – will host its annual fundraising silent auction throughout the weekend. Visitors can bid on lift tickets to the area’s top mountains, great resort packages and gift certificates to outstanding area retailers.

The Ski & Snowboard Club of Albany, a.k.a. The Singles Club, will sponsor a used equipment sale, which has become one of the group’s signature events. Visitors wishing to sell their used winter sports equipment can bring it to the expo, where the club will, in turn, offer the items to the general public on a consignment and commission basis.

The Out of Control Ski Club, one of the largest ski clubs in the Northeast, will be conducting workshops all weekend long to offer guidance in the proper selection of skis, boots, goggles, helmets and other items based on skill level and personal preference.

The Dry Downhill Adventure

Local mountain biker, Kurt J. Mason will wheel, twist and flip his way into the expo this year to offer an extreme look at one of the growing trends in mountain sporting. A popular summer activity, mountain biking has taken on international recognition as dozens of mountains including Jiminy Peak, Mount Snow, and Plattekill have welcomed these bicycle buffs to tackle the terrain in a dry downhill adventure fit for only the most extreme thrill seekers.

With easy chairlift access to miles of available track, the mountains have proven an ideal venue for off-road biking. In fact, the National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA) has chosen to hold its major championship events at Mount Snow because of its serpentine downhill and NORBA-sanctioned cross-country courses.
Mason, who has competed in local and international biking competitions, will demonstrate this two-wheeled terrain sport throughout the day Friday and Saturday at the expo.

The Apr??s Ski Lodge and The Ultimate Snow Package

After a day of shopping and seminars, visitors can head to the Apr??s Ski Lodge – a comfortable, rustic atmosphere where show-goers can relax and unwind.

Expo visitors can also enter to win the Ultimate Snow Package, offering the winner a complete ski or snowboard adventure. The prize includes a weekend package for two at Pico Resort; five lift tickets for two people to Killington or Pico; a pair of Fischer CXT 200 skis with system binding and master pole or an Axis Soar Snowboard with Axis boot and binding, courtesy of Alpin Haus and Pico Mountain.

Patrons can register for the Ultimate Snow Package at the Ski & Snowboard Expo. The winner will be announced at the expo on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Advance Tickets at Hannaford Supermarkets

Advance discount tickets will be on sale at Hannaford Supermarkets throughout the Capital-Saratoga region, Hudson Valley, Glens Falls, Amsterdam, Gloversville, Kingston, Kinderhook, and at selected Vermont locations including Bennington, Brattleboro and Rutland beginning Sunday, October 14.

Tickets can be purchased at the customer service desks for $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 8 ??“ 12 (tickets at the gate are $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 8 ??“ 12; kids seven and under are free).

With each paid admission, visitors to the expo will receive the coupon book (while supplies last) which includes hundreds of dollars worth of discounts on lift tickets to several ski resorts, winter ski apparel at Alpin Haus and more.

The Ski & Snowboard Expo will feature internationally renowned filmmaker Warren Miller’s 57th feature film entitled, “Off the Grid.” The film, which will be shown on the giant Video Wall, documents Miller’s world-wide search for the most exciting ways to ride the snow.

Admission, Hours and Parking

Show hours for the Ski & Snowboard Expo are Friday, November 2 from 4 p.m. ??“ 9 p.m.; Saturday, November 3 from 10 a.m. ??“ 6 p.m.; and Sunday, November 4 from 11 a.m. ??“ 6 p.m.

Admission at the gate is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 8 ??“ 12. Kids seven and under are admitted free. Adults can save $2 on admission with advance discount tickets on sale exclusively at Hannaford Supermarkets.

Parking is available at the Empire State Plaza Visitor’s Lot (formerly known as P3 -North) for $2. All drivers and each adult passenger must have a valid photo ID. If the Visitor’s Lot is full, additional parking is available for no charge in the East Garage. The East Garage is joined to the Empire State Plaza via walkway.

Visitors to the Ski & Snowboard Expo are helping to support an outstanding cause. Each year, the expo and its presenting sponsor, Alpin Haus, donate a portion of the proceeds to the adaptive ski program at the Double H Ranch. The ranch, located in Lake Luzerne, NY, offers free ski, snowboard and snowshoe lessons to children ages 6 ??“ 21, who suffer from cancer, serious blood disorders and other chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

For more information about the 46th annual Ski & Snowboard Expo, contact 518-383-6183 or visit www.albanyskiandsnowboardexpo.com.