tysonbolduc.com

(Crusing around SIA in style.)

Las Vegas, Nevada — Las Vegas is something many people in the world never get to experience, and far less understand. Add a few thousand of the ski and snowboard industries most fun and personable people and you are in for a good time. The Las Vegas ski show, in short “SIA,” is a gear head’s dreamland. With what may seem like miles in every direction are thousands of booths and elaborate displays filled with the finest ski and snowboard equipment for next season. With prototype skis proudly on display and the new garments and threads of next years ski fashion hanging in orchestrated perfection, SIA is a place to loose your-self in an influx of sensory perceptions. While some are in Veags to experience Vegas, at the same time there are thousands of business transactions taking place all around you as the buyers and sellers prepare for the 08-09 season and work to keep the ski industry remarkable. Each booth carries a personality that attracts buyer’s attention through demographic assumptions. Some booths carry themes to attract attention, while some attract attention through antics and games. However there are those that rely on laurels and relationships due to budget constraints and the high coasts of attending the show. None-the-less there is always someone ready to talk and assist with inquiries or de-sobering activities. Needless to say each person in attendance is there for the love of an industry that is notorious for partying, so when the beer starts to flow and the late evening business slows to a halt the music is turned up. My experience however was unique in so many ways. After leaving the X-games on a bus rented by Spyder, Freeskier, SkullCandy, Red Bull, RSN, Tripple Eight Vodka, and Cours Light my trip was a party from the start. Watching satellite TV on the plasma screen(s) while sitting on leather couches surrounded by mirrored ceilings and remote operated luxury was a cool way to role into Vegas. The bus was filled with a gold-star group as well. With the Freeskier Magazine crew as well as a select group of some of the industries top athletes, we arrived in the morning slightly intoxicated but eager “boys.” My first day was spent in the middle of the organized chaos of SIA preparation. Everything on the floor is shipped in and therefore the crates, display cases, lights, product, etc are all shuffled around the showroom floor by forklifts, dollies, or any other means available. As the hours tick by the small village of products and personal expression pops into place like a giant erector set. The next day however when I walked into the glamour, elegance, and atmosphere of the show my efforts no longer seamed trivial. Throughout the day I was able to walk around the talk with friends and meet new people from all aspects of the industry. As the day passed plans for the evening start to take priority as companies and industry cohorts throw parties to entertain guests, business associates, and staff. My evenings were spent at the Discrete house where we played pool, foosball, ping-pong, and practiced our poker faces playing “Bullshit” on the card table. Late night however was spent in the Freeskier party at The Palms, but trumped later by the opulent function thrown by the crew over at Spyder. Spyder’s booth at the show was enough to create an industry buzz, but with a VIP open bar, Lil John as the DJ, and the industries biggest in attendance the Spyder party was one for the history books of intoxicated manuscripts. I would like to thank all of those who shared their experiences with me and made my SIA experience truly memorable. Living on with remembrance of Billy Poole.~Tyson

(Cody Barnhill and I chillen in Aspen, CO)

(Cheers, Let the games begin)

(Scott Hibbert teaching me how to play cards while Michael Olenick takes a break on my shoulder.)

(Pit Stop)

(The State Room)

(Game time…)

(Word!)

(Lights out.)