Ski and Snowboard Expo gets winter athletes pumped up

Updated: 11/4/2006 10:26 PM
By: Jessica Mokhiber

If you're looking forward to hitting the slopes this winter, the Ski and Snowboard Expo at the convention center in downtown Albany was the place to be. It's the longest running consumer snow show in the world. One of this year's highlights was Olympic half pipe gold medalist Ross Powers.

"Winning the gold in '02 was just amazing. It was an amazing day. My family was there. It just all worked out for me," Powers said.

Powers spent the day gearing people up to hit the slopes.

"I've talked to a bunch of kids. We ran out of posters, but more are coming. I've talked to a lot of kids, families. Everyone is psyched for the season," Powers said.

"I think he's very talented. I watched him on the X-Games and the Olympics," Schenectady resident Jake Smith said.

Winter will be here before we know it, and those who wanted to get a head start on the season came out for an annual event at the Empire State Plaza this weekend.

"I think it's pretty exciting to see him. To come here and meet a professional snowboarder and find some stuff to do in the winter," said Smith.

Powers also handed out some free advice.

"Get out there with some friends that are maybe a little better than you, and just push yourself, and have some fun," he added.

People also had the chance to check out the latest gear and equipment.

Some of the money raised will go toward helping children.

"Some of the proceeds go to the Double H Hole in the Woods for critically ill children, and the Double H has a ski adaptive program, and Windham Mountain has an adaptive program for children with disabilities," Special Events and Consumer Shows Director Cate Masterson said.

The Ski and Snowboard Expo runs through 6 p.m. on Sunday.