As 50,000 winter sports enthusiasts stepped into the Boston Convention Center this weekend they were eagerly greeted by top ski and snowboard brands, big winter sports personalities, representatives from ski areas around the globe, and most importantly, the National Ski Patrol’s Eastern Division.
This year our booth was strategically located near the indoor ski hill and adjacent to the main stage where celebs including Catie Zeliff, Dan Egan, Hannay Kearney, and even Donny Pelletier, Maine’s Finest Athlete, entertained the crowds. Over the three days “America’s Coolest First Responders” handed out hundreds of fun items and met face-to-face with snow fans young and old. We also had a fun engaging video playing all day this year with added features on patrolling at Pat’s Peak, Saddleback, and the future patrollers at Sunday River’s Gould Academy.

30 volunteer patrollers in our 20×20 display booth with bright, colorful images and messaging met thousands of people from the East Coast and far beyond, making a positive, memorable, first-hand impression that cannot be bought. People interested in learning more left us their contact information so we can reach out after the show. A rough estimate puts us at a fourfold increase over last year in people signing up for more information on patrolling. That is great news and aligns nicely with the National Ski Patrol’s prime objective.

Every year Snowbound Expo is a powerful opportunity for the Eastern Division to connect with skiers and snowboarders of all ages positively, letting them know what Ski Patrol is all about. The attendance numbers keep growing and the show keeps getting bigger, clear signs that winter sports are strong and healthy.

A huge THANK YOU to all the patrollers from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and of course Massachusetts who helped us this weekend. You made an epic first impression that will pay us all back. Thanks to Nick Rasher and his team at Blue Hills for building, transporting, setting up, and dismantling the booth. Also, a special shout out to Frey Aarnio, Dallas Coffman, and Kathy Fitzpatrick for donating the fun swag. Everything came together in an epic NSP Eastern Division team effort that every patroller can take pride in.

See you next year!