StartFragment11/02/08 - Wow, what a difference a couple weeks make for aWinter Sport promotion in the bay area! This weekend, Jim M., Owner/Presidentof SnowBomb.com, pulled together a slamm’n program to rally the downhillfaithful in San Francisco. The stage was set inside the historical Fort Mason Center’sFestival Pavilion, which extends into the water with an incredible view of theGolden Gate Bridge. The only difference between the two days, were, Wine orBeer tasting? I decided on beer Sunday! In a brief chat, Jim explained how excited he was that hisdream of many years, had not only seen the light, but was on track to becominga must attend, pre-season program, for both consumers and vendors.A brilliant combo of discount merchandise, beer and wine,made giddy snow-hounds drooling for the sounds of “Opening Day”! People werebundled up due to the rainy weekend, (which fueled the thought of fresh pow inthe near future) and enjoyed great deals, tons of swag and outstanding tastebud titillation!The event boasted: 1-million smackers of blowout deals (upto 70% off); a rail jam of local groms knocking off the rust; a Tahoe ResortJob Fair and all of the top resorts and retailers in the industry showing theirstuff.I somehow talk my director, Robby B. into helping me schlepmy gear around with promises of great tasting local micro-brews. Our first stopwas Laguinitas for a glass of IPA…right choice! As we checked out the manyvendors, sucking down our suds it became apparent, this has a great foundationfor a huge show in the near future!The crew at Bear Valley Ski Resort quickly drew a frenzywith their 1:00 raffle, giving away wears and tix. Dana G. of Tecnica explainedthe new acquisition of Blizzard. Dave of Pacific Crest Snowcats showed us theirway-styli Cat-Van and described the new service near Squaw and AK (Mental note:get in good with these guys!). Karlene W. set us up with lip-smack’n CholulasHot Sauce and Jennifer V.G. explained Heavenly’s year two of a ten-year masterplan of mountain improvements! Whew…time for another libation, ah, Kona Brewery ishere…Christian poured us a cool Fire Rock…hit the spot, back to work! It was great to see, not only the local resorts, but also:Canadian, UT, CO, MT, WY and SoCal…Oren T. of Mammoth claimed opening day wasTHIS WEEK!!!!!On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the ultimate show, I wouldrate this inaugural event a 6.5 - based on the shear balls it took to walk awayfrom a proven program and to start a new beginning in pre-season snow sportexperience. SF Ski and Snowboard Festival has a great future with possibly abigger venue, music, food/drink, vacation planning and discount goodies - Jimhas the golden ticket in hand!OUT!- event footage coming soonEndFragment