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MegaDemo Day to benefit PAFE

LAUREN REICHENBACH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 months AGO
by LAUREN REICHENBACH
I’ve spent most of my life in northeastern Washington and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2021. After that, I spent roughly two years working for a small online newspaper in North Seattle before realizing big city living wasn’t for me. Me and my pup, Kodak, headed east, where we eventually landed in Sandpoint. When I’m not writing, you can find me spending time exercising and taking photos. I ran two half marathons in high school and after spending the past few years recovering from various injuries, I’m hoping to complete my first full marathon by the end of the year. I also love any outdoor activity, none of which would be complete without my dog. Kodak and I love going for walks and hikes, and I can’t wait to try to convince him to get in my kayak and spend the hot months of the year on Lake Pend Oreille. While he’s not a fan of baths, he sure does love chasing the ducks. | February 11, 2024 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Want to get the jump on the best ski and snowboard gear not yet released to stores? 

You can do just that as Schweitzer hosts its annual MegaDemo Day Saturday, March 2, when guests will get to test out new gear for the 2024-25 winter season. 

More than 20 brands will be represented at the demo day with over 400 pairs of skis and boards to test out. Atomic, Head, K2, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Stockli, and Volkl are just a few of the ski brands that will be represented at the event. Snowboarders can expect to see brands like Arbor, Capita, Gnu, Nitro, Rome, Sims, and Ride on the mountain.

“You get to be the gear tester and let all your friends know what great things are happening next year,” Schweitzer officials said. 

All the proceeds from MegaDemo Day will go directly to the Panhandle Alliance For Education — which strives to promote excellence in education and broad-based community support for the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Purchasing a ticket allows attendees access to the demo area. There, they will get to shop, talk to gear representatives, and pick out gear they would like to test on the mountain. The certified representatives will fit the bindings to each guest’s boot to ensure the best test runs.

“Then you head out on the mountain for an hour to test it out on the terrain you are comfortable on,” officials said. “After a couple of runs, ski or ride back to the demo area to return your gear and do it all again.”

Some gear will be available for purchase at the end of the day for those who find the perfect fit for next winter. There will also be a silent auction at the event, including items such as a 2024-25 unlimited season pass to Schweitzer and an Alpine Shop ski locker.

A limited number of tickets are available for purchase online until Feb. 29. If any tickets are left over, they will be sold at the event for $75 each. Check-in for demo day will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the demo room will open at 8 a.m. After an hour of browsing, the lift will open for test runs. All boards and skis must be returned to the demo room by 3 p.m.; the silent auction winners will be drawn immediately after.

Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/3OCUWRt.

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