We hope you didn't show up at Expo Idaho in September, the month we have traditionally held the Idaho Snowmobile Show in Boise, ID. If you did, you probably enjoyed the Stamp & Scrap Fest but there was nary a snowmobile in sight.
Yes, after some hand-wringing, we changed the dates of the Idaho Snowmobile Show to mid-November.
The place to be Nov. 19-20 is the SnoWest Idaho Snowmobile Show.
But you really don't have to just believe that because we wrote it. Clearly, we at SnoWest Magazine are biased. We put on the show, so of course we want you to come. But we wouldn't go to the effort of putting on a snow show if it wasn't sure to give you the premiere look at what every exhibitor has to offer for this sledding season.
The gates will be open Friday from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Expo Idaho, located at 5610 Glenwood in Boise.
At the door tickets will set you back $7 a pop, so you'll want to get them in advance online for $5.50. Kids under 12 get in free, so feel free to bring the family and make it a bonding experience. All of the riders at SnoWest are big on families and we know firsthand that families that sled together are families and stay together . until one of the smallish ones falls off the back onto a pile of powder, that is . but we like to think it builds character-at least that's what our moms always said to us.
At any rate, there will be the hottest new snow clothes for the women to check out, a SnoWest Vintage Snowmobile Show for the old timers and for the hard core riders we will have the best new sleds from the major manufacturers, including Polaris, Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat. You are on your own as far as talking the OEMs into a test ride, but we say go for it.
We're just like kids in an octane-scented candy store as we walk through the show packed with sleds, aftermarket parts, graphics kits and vids. The exhibitors are always happy to show off the trick new stuff they've spent the year perfecting just so SnoWest Magazine editor Lane Crashcratic Lindstrom can take it on the slopes and break it in as only he can.
You can get the cheaper tickets online at www.intermountainshow.com where you can also take a peak at the floor plan so you can map out your route beforehand.
We're also again hosting a show within a show with the Western Power Sports/Ultimax Belts Mod Show for the coveted title of "Most Magnificent Mod." Winners will have their sled on the pages of Sledheads Magazine and there's about $2,500 in loot and prizes for winners to walk away with.
The Idaho State Snowmobile Association is a big part of the Idaho Snowmobile Show and will be there in force to help you learn all you need to know about snowmobiling in the Gem State. The Cougar Mountain swap meet will be back again this year, with the swap meet held just one day: Saturday. It will be a great opportunity to pass your beloved sled onto the next rider so you can cruise away with a new ride or parts. But be sure to pre-register at the snow show website.
Last year we brought in expert mountain riders such as Dan Adams, Chris Burandt and Bret Rasmussen to give seminars on hillclimbing and boondocking. We'd like to think you come to the show just to see us, but after watching Burandt signing autographs for ages, we've come to accept that you might like him more. It's ok. We watch his movies, tears filling our eyes just wishing we could do that stuff too. Really though, we are 100 percent, diehard in love with the motorsports bliss that is snowmobiling and we think it's important to pass that love and passion on to the next generation of Amber Holts. What better way to ignite the joy in them than to bring along your friends and family to the snow show and then later for a weekend ride?
For all of the would-be sled mechanics out there, we're also working towards another sled build this year and we'd like to hear how yours turns out as well. So chat us up while that's going on.
We're all concerned about safety and even Lane tries to avoid getting hurt (most of the time). So the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department will be there giving pointers on avalanche safety.
You may not have noticed but we really like attention, so in your travels through the expo halls, please stop by the SnoWest booth and introduce yourselves. It'll make our day, especially if you ask for an autograph. You don't have to keep it or anything, but we'd really like you to ask. Just one or two of you.?
We hope this season brings you breathtaking rides to the summit of mountains where you've never been. We'd love to hear about your riding adventures, so come see us at the show.
Happy sledding.