The Boston Ski Scene

Words: Ian Reynolds
Photos: Ian Reynolds, Adam Mikaelian & Matthew Mikaelian

The nearest east coast skiing experience is two hours away. There are only hills surrounding this metropolitan area but when it comes to a ski scene, Boston does not disappoint. The past two weeks have been filled with events for the skier and snowboarder to up the stoke on the upcoming season. From the classic movie tours which have all made stops, with some yet to come, to the raging parties the on-slope enthusiast becomes accustomed to when the season gets into full force.

The buzz really began this year with the annual Boston Ski and Snowboard Club’s season opening party at The Roxy right in the heart of the city. With local resorts, retail and an ice luge the party brought the hill to the Boston crowd. Freebies a plenty this is definitely a party to check out if you find yourself in the Boston area next season.

Boston Ski and Snowboard Club’s season opening party

The following week, as some have to work, is the largest ski show held annually on the east coast at the Bayside Expo Center just south of the city and this really kicks winter into full gear putting skiing and snowboarding at the front of everyone’s minds. Filling the expo center are the tents the likes of Nordica, Salomon, K2, Volkl, Marker, Sunday River, Mount Snow, Ski Utah, a full indoor skate park, and many more. This is complimented by a constant flow of skiers and snowboarders there to collect free stickers and raffle entries. This also marks the time of year that everyone starts thinking about the new gear they want to get in their hands and Ski Market is there with the largest collection of ski and snowboard gear brought to a single location in the Boston area.

The Sunday River crew stokes up the masses for the impending season at the Boston Ski Expo.

While the show opened Thursday, the weekend really got underway with Thursday night’s premier of Jay Peak Video’s latest offering, “Someone’s Winter”. Held at the Greatest Bar in Boston this party/premiere didn’t hesitate to let all in attendance know that winter was here. With two showings even the late comers got the full experience of what proved as entertaining as previous years offerings from the group riding out of Jay Peak in northern Vermont. In addition to the standard movie showing they followed things up with a live show from local band Black River Sound. While I had never heard of the group I was definitely surprised as they brought the house down with a blend of funk, hip hop and reggae beats. The night an overall success set the tone for the weekend to follow.

Jay Peak Video's 'Someone's Winter' premiere at the Greatest Bar in downtown Boston.

While still super excited for winter Friday night was a down night for most as working at the show is a tiring experience, talking skiing with people from every walk of life for 12 hours. While I’m sure there are many events being talked about from Friday night, I’ll just have to hear second hand as I slept off the previous night’s debauchery.

Saturday opened with a solid day at the show, sucking down free coffees from McDonalds and as many Monsters as I could get my hands on. After a full day selling skis and talking skiing a quick dinner led to what ended up being the real season opener for all those not living under a rock. It wasn’t if you were going out to enjoy the vibe it was where. From a Teton Gravity Research premiere at the House of Blues, to a 50th birthday party for Sunday River all who ventured out had a blast. I myself went to check out the 50th birthday for the free bud light and low key atmosphere. The chill atmosphere quickly became more exciting as people, um…loosened up. Moving from there it was on to the show closing party at Game On, right outside Fenway Park. It was clear that everyone there intended to blow of steam from a long weekend and to enjoy the group out to party.

TGR premiere at House of Blues.

The night was long and action packed and I extend my sympathies to any and all that had to work the next day, as I’m sure it was a struggle.

The Boston Ski and Snowboard expo is a season starter for sure and all the events surrounding it are just the icing on the cake. For those who weren’t there, be there next year, and for those that were, I hope you had a great weekend and I’ll see you next year.