Ski and Snowboard Show reveals visitor growth and 2013 dates

VOS Media, organisers of the Ski and Snowboard Show, which closed last Sunday, today released initial attendance figures that reveal a growth in visitor numbers and participation across all areas of the show. The show was situated in a half term dateline for the first time since 2007 and this, combined with the onsite offering, resulted in a large increase in family visitors to the show and a provisional 12% growth in visitors overall. This means that the UK's biggest Ski and Snowboard Show has reversed a 2 year decline in attendance despite tough market conditions for niche consumer events. Provisional attendance figures show a total attendance across the 5 days of 34,672 visitors.

VOS Media had changed the structure of the show for 2012 to encourage greater participation and interaction, given the projected increase in family attendance. The success of this strategy is borne out by the initial figures with a 400% increase in family attendance year on year. Over the 5 days of the show:

- More than 600 new participants were introduced to the sport through the free ski and snowboard lessons provided by the Warren Smith Ski Academy
- 263 received tips from top freestyle pros on the Salice Airbag
- The ice rink hosted over 4,000 skating sessions
- 650 thirsty visitors participated in the Virgin Wine and Beer Boutique tasting experience

VOS Media has confirmed that the 2013 show will also be held at Earls Court 2 in the same week as the 2012 show, 30th October to 3rd November 2013. This means that the show will take place during the school half term holidays with the plan to increase opportunities for interactivity further.

Tim Holmes, Head of VOS Media Snowsports, comments:

"The format of this year's show was a great success in bringing new participants to the sport with over 600 young visitors given their first taste of snowsports. We had the demand to fill this area three times over and after the success at this year's show we want to increase the size of our skills area to ensure we can host 1,000 new participants in 2013. The show has an important role to play within the industry in providing affordable ways to get new participants into skiing and snowboarding and that will be our aim again in 2013."

The confirmation of the 2013 dateline and the increased footfall has resulted in 46% of the 2013 show stands having already been booked up by the end of the 2012 show with both exhibitors and sponsors expressing significant satisfaction at the 2012 show.

Trevor De Villiers - Sales & Marketing Director – Norwegian Mountain Resorts, states:

"For us the Ski and Snowboard Show offered the perfect platform to re-launch our Norwegian destinations and new operators in a very visible manner – without fail, all the resorts and operators exhibiting on our stand, "Norway – Home of Skiing" thought that the show was simply fantastic! From the level and quality of participants with a genuine interest in our resorts, to the overall "feel" of the show and its well-planned layout, events and exhibitors. Being at half term was an extra bonus, as it's the perfect target market for our destinations. We can't wait to join again next year."

Emma Bebb, Partnerships and Events Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain commented:

"It was brilliant to see a much busier show this year – there was a consistent buzz around the Ski Club stand and it was a great opportunity to chat to members. It was also really encouraging to see so many people taking advantage of the free lessons and trying out skiing for the first time. A great start to the winter!"

VOS Media's Press Release wrote:...the show will take place during the school half term holidays with the plan to increase opportunities for interactivity further.

Well here at J2Ski Towers, we rather hope that will include cheaper entrance tickets...

Kicking off the UK's ski season with a show that costs £100 (for a family of 5) to get into, and where the food and drink is priced consistently with (over-inflated) mountain prices is exactly the wrong thing to do if we're trying to encourage new participants into the sport. :evil:

That said, there were noticeably more families attending this year and the various activities added a good buzz and all appeared to be popular.

Although we did miss the big ramp and the London Ride that was a feature of the Olympia shows, we are hopeful that the show has a future... but we look forward to a year where the most common comment from industry attendees is something other than "I'm glad I came, but only because my ticket was free".

I know there were a few J2Skiers around (and even had the pleasure of meeting a few of you); what are your thoughts?

I enjoyed it but 21 quid for three sandwiches and two bad coffees was a bit steep. Most recent of the previous shows (and my first was 1986!) had a bit of an 'end of the closing-down-sale' feel to them and the sound system was loud and echoey so I felt like I'd done a few rounds of sonic torture after a couple of hours of that, but that last London show felt a lot better all round and no headache!

It was interesting and I am glad I went (I had been meaning to go for a few years but never made it).

I would have liked more products, the range of new ski wear was somewhat limited (mainly one big retailer) and there was a lot of emphasis on Boarders.

The stands for the different holiday companies and chalets/resorts were very interesting and I grabbed loads of brochures and piste maps for research for the J2Ski holiday for 2014. I will share this info with those going to Tignes in January 2013, so we can hopefully offer an exciting trip for those who wish to participate in the following season.

I agree, the food was expensive but it always is in these places. I was glad to find raclette on sale though, my favourite and it really got me in the mood for the forthcoming season. There were other delights on offer too, like Croque Monsieur and Tartiflette.

Would I go again? Probably.

Snow & Rock were due to have a big stand like Ellis Brigham as in previous years but pulled out so maybe wishing they hadn't now. Yes, true about the food prices being what you'd expect - there was a funny few minutes just before the show opened when this vintage creperie wagon (I think it was) was suddenbly surrounded by heavy set security guys and pushed from the exhibition floor (leaving a bit of a gap next to the boule...). Can only assume there was some health and safety issue (Gas canisters?) but bit of a shame and funny seeing them push it out as they kept looking like they'd crash in to stands as they manoeuvered it.

I was thoroughly disappointed with this years show. The smaller venue did nothing to hide the lack of exhibitors. I noticed there were fewer resorts with stands, and those that went (generally) downsized.
SnR not taking a retail stand may have been an own goal, but the cost of the stand was probably a fortune so maybe not. They were noticeable by their absence though.

Less gear on show than normal, no offers to buy at discounted prices for being at the show, and a smaller display section with no ski slope for jumps etc. Hmmmm.

I saw nothing I was tempted to buy. No property or holiday I was tempted to book. In the past there have been good deals on just for the show. The EB stand was rubbish if I am honest, not sure who decides what stock to take but IMO they got it wrong.

I know I sound negative, but its my honest impression. V shocked to hear footflow has increased. It was not busy on Sunday at all. £9 for 2 hot dogs, ummmmmm........

I'll probably go next year though.

My tickets were £5 each

I felt that the Show was noticeably smaller. It was lovely to see folks I know, and have a Coffee with our illustrious leader aka Admin. I felt I could have "done" the Show in an hour. Not many bargains on kit, though I had a very interesting chat with the good folks at Whitedot Freeride, which has resulted in me spending some money -)
The Coffee was pants, these days how hard is it to make a decent brew?
I took my own sandwiches, and joined others sitting on the floor near to the entrance.
My ticket was free, I had another, but failed to give it away, everyone I asked already had one.
Given the cost of getting there, I'm not sure if I'd pay an entrance fee as well.

Tony_H wrote:I was thoroughly disappointed with this years show. The smaller venue did nothing to hide the lack of exhibitors. I noticed there were fewer resorts with stands, and those that went (generally) downsized.
SnR not taking a retail stand may have been an own goal, but the cost of the stand was probably a fortune so maybe not. They were noticeable by their absence though.

Less gear on show than normal, no offers to buy at discounted prices for being at the show, and a smaller display section with no ski slope for jumps etc. Hmmmm.

I saw nothing I was tempted to buy. No property or holiday I was tempted to book. In the past there have been good deals on just for the show. The EB stand was rubbish if I am honest, not sure who decides what stock to take but IMO they got it wrong.

I know I sound negative, but its my honest impression. V shocked to hear footflow has increased. It was not busy on Sunday at all. £9 for 2 hot dogs, ummmmmm........

I'll probably go next year though.

My tickets were £5 each

These are very similar to my comments about last years show, could not attend this years and would think twice next year.