 Poster: A snowHead
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This thread title really says it all!
I don't live near London - so it'd be a bit of a hike to get there, as well as paying for the privilege of getting in! I've looked at their website, and it doesn't really tell me what I might get out of it.
For those who don't know me, I am 50 & female and have 1 week's experience plus a fair few trips to UK indoor slopes. I am not making rapid progress, but believe I will make the standard of a 'social skier' eventually!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Went to the Manchester show last year. Won't bother going again
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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NewSkier, no, I don't think it is, unless you get a free ticket and the travelling time isn't too long.
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The Manchester show is not comparable to London. Manchester just seems to be all the retailers trying to flog ancient stock at cheap prices. London, however, is a lot bigger and has a great atmosphere. I wouldn't travel all the way to London just for that though - but maybe if you were to combine it with something else.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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NewSkier, I usually go, but I live in London. I certainly wouldn't travel more than a few miles to attend it.
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I'm travelling down from Leeds for the Natives party afterwards  will be at the show as well though
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I'm going as I won free tickets and I'm also going to see the Terracota Army at the British Museum.
Mr M went once before with the twins and they enjoyed it.
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| NewSkier wrote: |
This thread title really says it all!
I don't live near London - so it'd be a bit of a hike to get there, as well as paying for the privilege of getting in! I've looked at their website, and it doesn't really tell me what I might get out of it.
For those who don't know me, I am 50 & female and have 1 week's experience plus a fair few trips to UK indoor slopes. I am not making rapid progress, but believe I will make the standard of a 'social skier' eventually! |
In a word no. Even with if you had a free ticket its touch and go if you live anywhere further away than Hammersmith.
Usual format:
Get mildly excited as arriving.
Go in do a quick lap, say "Is that it?"
Go to bar
Do a more considered lap, talk to a few people but largely say "Are you joking?" when they suggest you book in their low altitude Euro resort for the "bargain" week before Xmas
Laugh at people buying ski boots at the show from all the "experienced" temporary bootfitters
Grab free Bushmills lipsalve etc
Buy pasty, Gormet sausage on a bap etc
Fill out a few free kit/holiday raffles
Get spam email for the next year.
Buy a couple of DVDs
Go to Hand & Flower for a proper drink
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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fatbob, that about sums it up but you forgot the hideous journey home from London's worst-served and darkest, mugger-friendly station - especially after 12 pints of the hand & Flower's finest "wife beater". I go every year and every year I say "never again"... but I'll be there on the Wednesday as per usual. The bit I really enjoy is emptying the carrier bag full of leaflets the next morning... straight into the recycling.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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NewSkier, Alternative is to drive to the B'ham show at the NEC which is on 2nd, 3rd, 4th Nov.
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| Quote: |
Laugh at people buying ski boots at the show from all the "experienced" temporary bootfitters
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I bought some boots at the show about eight years ago, from someone who seemed to be to be a rather good bootfitter,actually. He was an Australian, took a lot of trouble, and my boots were great till I bought new ones last year. . S & R, I think it was, and as I had their "comfort guarantee" (money back minus hire cost if you're not happy) I didn't feel too worried. He was looking after a 20 something girl at the same time, when I was plodging around in my boots, and he told her that if she insisted on wearing such high heels all the time she would have such shortened hamstrings that she would struggle in ski boots! You should have seen her face.
I also did a fantastic bargain holiday booking with Snowcoach for a group of 12, with free insurance for all, free upgrades on the coach, incredible children's discounts etc. That was what I went for (the boots were a bit of a spur of the moment job) so I was happy. But nowadays you could probably get the same discounts on the internet, and I was working in London for the day. I enjoyed watching the guys doing clever things on the snow, and if I had known anyone going, would also have enjoyed a drink. But it's not worth crossing the country for.
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You know it makes sense.
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Pay money to spend money. I don't think so.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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pam w, I'm sure there are some decent bootfitters there but given the general t/o of punters I'd never feel confident I was getting the right attention.
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Poster: A snowHead
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fatbob, I agree, and I wouldn't do it nowadays, but I just felt that to completely dismiss a whole lot of people, some of whom were probably doing a good job, was a bit sweeping.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I think it's okay but better on a weekday given the crowds at the weekend, best combined with something else in London though to make the trip worthwhile.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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NewSkier, I went last year cos I got a free ticket and was in London anyway on one of the days. Most useful thing was collecting up maps and info of places I was interested in - quicker and more personal than email to France/Austria etc and helpful. But also collected as Bode Swiller, says leaflets that are handed out with lots of enthusiasm but when you've had a quick look they head to the recycle bin. Unlikely to got this year unless I again get a free ticket! Even then not sure 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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NewSkier, Off-peak train or bus and a (preferably discounted) entry ticket . . . then it's really worth it as it's rare to get so much equipment to compare in one place . . . espesh. if you're after some kit and want to make an informed purchasing choice.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks for the advice - perhaps someone ought to pass the contents of this thread to the show organisers, together with some thoughts as to what WOULD make it worth attending!
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From Lincoln, you are probably best off going to the Brummy skishow.
It is smaller than London, but bigger than Manchester.
Good for picking up advice on new kit. Occasional bargains can be found, if you play one stall off against another.
Don't expect to be wowed. It's all a bit cheesy and amateurish.
But if you are a skifreak, it still makes a good dayout.
Do it.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The best day to go is the first as that is when the stands are handing out free drinks, free goodies, the journalists are around and a few VIPs. I was really disappointed the last two years - so much sale type clothing and who in their right mind would buy boots at a ski show? But it does herald the start of the ski season so I'll probably go in the hope that it might have improved.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I have done b'ham about 5 or 6 times, to be honest the daily mail shows there used to be good with genuine bargains plus snow and rock and ellis brigham. I went back in 2005 and it was a bit of a diappointment, nothing was cheap....at least not compared to what I could have got it for in the resort at easter, and lots of the stalls were just local shops selling for their standard shop prices. The kids liked going round the little ski track though. I'm sure s&r were there, but then again they're in town anyway so not really a big plus. I only really go back hoping the dh simulator will be there again but it never is  . Natives usually do 2 for 1 tickets and kids go free.
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It;s probably not worth it if you've got any more than an hour to travel-i'm basing it on the b'ham show at the NEC though-i tend to go every year i kind of enjoy it if only for it kind of gets me excited about the forthcoming ski season-i did get a reasonably good deal on a pair of skis last year from the NEC show that i was really made up with once i finally got to try them out(the danger is if your like me you can't resist the impulse purchase!).
If you can link it in with something else then its worth a look(look out for 2 for 1 tickets in the press too) but if you got a long drive then maybe not.
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You know it makes sense.
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If a few peeps were to meet up for a drink, I'd give it a go and do an advanced recce on some trips/resorts. I like to visit the Tourist offices and talk to locals who might know some interesting stuff.
I am a bit of a picky buyer so I'd rather pay a few pounds over the top to see a lot of things under one roof than deal with it online.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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fatbob, normally I'd agree 100%. The exeception is that last year my wife received a parcel in June containing a transceiver, probe and shovel, she'd obviously won an avvy pack from a comp at the show (we had bought her a set only 6 months before, oh well). The odd bit was that we have NO idea who it was from, the box was packed by someone called "kirsty" in Scotland, no more info in the box, odd but nice. The sausage was tasty IIRC and we got lots of stickers for the kids helmets. I'll be going this year despite knowing (almost) what to expect
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Just to put JONPIM right, we are going a day early to set up, so from day 1 will be fine.
Come and see us on STAND G34, Free Vin Chaud, and Prize Draw. Loads of prizes.
(Holidays, transfers, dinner, see the website for the full list).
Who are we, www.morzineindependentholidays.com. Why are we there? To explain to the public that contrary to the wonderful British Press, we did have snow all last season (agreed we did not have great stuff early, but everyone did get on snow in Avoriaz, while some resorts did not even open). And we skied the last day on 29th of April. I hazily remember through an alcoholic fug.
We have companies offering---accommodation, childcare, transfers, outside catering, instruction, chalet minding/security, ski hire, estate agents, restaurateurs. And we are all nice folk who like a chat about skiing, and know the Portes Du Soleil well, so call by and say hello.
If you have not got a 5 euro voucher for Le Grande Ourse restaurant before you reach the stand, tell us, we will be slipping.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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DallyPaul,
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STAND G34, Free Vin Chaud
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about 4pm on Wedndsday Ok 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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See you there dude. Have asked for more vin chaud for that afternoon.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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You really have to treat it as the "kick start" to the season.
If you haven't had the opportunity to see or test the new products that are out there this is really the place to go to just get a little inspired and looking forward to a hopefully snowy winter. If you cannot go on a trip to a glacier prior to the season then this is only the real opportunity to touch and feel all that is new for this winter under 1 roof.
I admit it's not going to blow your mind with excitement...But it's a great starting point to the winter and much better the Birmingham or Manchester which really are not visiting(imo)
If you are looking for a "quirky" family hotel or would just like like to find a small chalet company then it is also well worth a visit.
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Headplant,
Not sure sats are good for me.. and I prefer a weekday afternoons/early evening normally. I will see how that week runs for me.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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When I was a student (long time ago) I used to pop along just as it was closing, getting in for nothing, usually through an exit door!
I'd haggle for a bargain, and usually get one, but only if I knew exactly what I wanted.
the real intention was to get a bunch of ski related posters from the stands as they packed away. Obviosly paid nothing for them.
My student digs were heavily decorated in ski posters!
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I've planned my first trip to the show for tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see what the place is like, and will probably be more interesting than a lecture teaching me GCSE material.
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FAQ
but if you are like me you miss them and they end up leaving you abusive voicemails instead. 
Doubt whether we will probably go again living 4 hours away, just not justified .
Any other snowheads want to meet up? 