Snowvana ushers in Northwest ski, snowboard season

Snowfall this week up in the Cascades may be beckoning winter sports enthusiasts.

But the start of the ski season may still be weeks away. So there is plenty of time to get ready to hit the slopes.

A good first step would a stop next weekend at Snowvana.

The Northwest’s largest snow sports show returns for an eighth year on Nov. 3-5 at the Portland Expo Center. The three-day festival offers winter sports films, new and slightly-used gear up to 70 percent off, representatives from more than 20 ski resorts, plus interactive features and live music for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages.

The three-day event begins Friday, Nov. 3, with a kickoff party and Friday Happy Hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Visitors will enjoy two-for-one admission plus numerous doorbuster specials from participating resorts and retailers, as well as drink specials at the IKON Bar plus many free giveaways.

There will be more than 100 features, activities and exhibits from resorts, snow sports brands and sponsors, providing fun and entertainment. Many of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular ski results, like Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt. Bachelor, White Pass and Crystal Mountain, will be on hand to share what is new at their resorts for the 2023-24 season.

Winter sports enthusiasts can stock up for the season with up to 70 percent off at The Northwest’s Largest Gear Sale. More than 50 manufacturer reps and retailers, including Next Adventure, Hillcrest Sports, Daddies Board Shop and Foster Outdoor, will be on hand with more than 40,000 square feet of new and slightly used equipment, apparel and accessories.

The Mt. Hood Film Festival will feature 18 films and shorts by some of the world’s top filmmakers. Snowvana admission includes access to watch films made by Teton Gravity Research, Matchstick Productions, Level 1 Productions, Blank Collective Films and Faction.

Other features of the show include:

• Free skis for kids — Next Adventure will give 1,000 free skis to kids who have never skied before.
• North Lake Snowrider Fitness Center will offer fitness and flexibility evaluations for injury prevention and preseason training.
• Daddies Board Shop Halfpipe.
• Shred Academy Mt. Bike Skills Course.
• Kid Dog Sled Rides by Cascade Sled Dog Club and Oregon Trail of Dreams.
• Mogul Busters’ Learn to Ski Ramp.
• All new boot sizing station with free foot sizing analysis.
• Gear valet to check new merchandise while you enjoy other parts of the show.

If you go: Snowvana

When: 1-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 Marine Dr. W.

Tickets: $12 for age 13 and over in advance, $15 at the door; $17 for early access Friday (noon to 1 p.m.), $20 at the door; $25 for three-day pass in advance, $28 at the door; $30 for three-day pass including early access; $33 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

For more information: snowvana.com