Basecamp podcast: ‘Live’ from the Country Ski Expo in Hanover, Mass.

Country Ski and Sport will host its annual ski expo this weekend in Hanover, Mass. (NESJTV Screenshot)

The Country Ski Expo, billed as New England’s largest ski and snowboard clearance sale, has become the unofficial start to the ski season in New England.

It’s easy to see why. 

“Apart from saving a ton of money on everything you need, head-to-toe skiing, it’s always just a great way to kick off winter, whether you’re coming alone or with the family,” County Ski and Sport marketing director Jay Stenson said. “You walk through the exhibitor area, you get to talk to all these people who are so excited about winter. You get to fill a bag full of swag — everybody loves free stuff. And then make your way to the retail area. We have a bunch of professionals here to help you.” 

Stenson, along with a line of industry professionals,  was a guest on the New England Ski Journal Basecamp podcast, live from the floor of the Country Ski Expo, taking place this weekend in Hanover, Mass. (389 Columbia Road). 

More from this edition of the Basecamp podcast: 

On the experience purchasing equipment at the show: 

Stenson: It’s really driven a lot by the consumer first. So if you know what you want, come in and find someone and we’ll find it. We’ll tell you exactly where it is. And if you’re green to the sport, you’re not really sure what you’re looking for, that’s where the value of all of our professionals come in. We have a conversation with the skier, find out who you are as a skier. That’s something that you can’t do online.

On how the show has changed from its days with the BEWI expo:

Stenson: We used to rent eight 18-wheeler trailers, go in on Monday before the show, and set up over the course of a few days. Then, once the show ended Sunday night, we had to be out of there by midnight. It was hectic to say the least. So, to be able to have it here in our backyard, in our full-time warehouse — and really just rearrange things and open the doors to the public — is so much better. And it seems to be a huge success.

Listen:

Check out the entire Basecamp library, at skijournal.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.