SIA Announces Postponement of Denver and Boston In-Person Snowbound Festivals for 2021

[Tricia]

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Snowbound Festival Update​

We wanted update all of you on the Snowbound Festivals related to the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, guests and staff is always our number one priority. As a result of the current growth of new COVID cases and the ongoing public health impact of the virus, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 Snowbound Festivals in Denver and Boston until November 2022.

Over the last year, the Snowbound team has been working to run the festivals as planned and we all believed that we were nearing the end of the pandemic. In reviewing the latest public health guidelines and the most recent health and safety protocols, we felt that even with mask mandates and proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test requirement, we could not guarantee a completely risk-free environment for winter enthusiasts of all ages.

SIA created the Snowbound Festivals to drive new participation and create a direct connection between the winter industry and outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, our goal of creating a welcoming, inclusive and exciting experience that allows our industry and consumers to gather as a community to celebrate winter is not achievable this year due to the uncertainty and risk created by the COVID-19 virus.

We thank the industry for their overwhelming support of the Snowbound Festival concept and we know that this new premium consumer experience will lead the way for the industry once the pandemic is under control. Many of you have already booked your booth space or sponsorship for this year, and someone from our team will contact you directly to discuss your options. You will have the opportunity to transfer your funds to reserve your booth space at the 2022 Snowbound Festivals, put your funds towards digital initiatives on Snowboundfest.com or receive a full refund. Learn more here.

We look forward to creating exciting new experiences that bring the winter industry and consumers together, both in-person and online. While we cannot move forward with the physical Snowbound Festivals this year, please stay tuned for some exciting new virtual developments, unique experiences and all new content that will help keep the stoke alive all year long on Snowboundfest.com.

Gathering as a community to celebrate the future of the winter outdoor lifestyle and culture remains our number one priority and the Snowbound Festivals will return in 2022!

Thank you again for all your support. We will see you in 2022; until then, you can find us on Snowboundfest.com!

Sincerely,
The Snowbound Festival Team

 

[TheArchitect]

I was looking forward to going but it’s not surprising they made this decision

 

[James]

Makes sense.
Is the SIA show still on?

 

[Philpug]

Makes sense.
Is the SIA show still on?

There is no longer and SIA show, it is Outdoor Retailer which is not run by the ski industry but an outside tradeshow planning company. At this point, it has not been cancelled.

 

[Scruffy]

Darn, not a good sign for this coming season.

 

[TheArchitect]

Darn, not a good sign for this coming season.

I'm not sure it's an indicator of how the season will go. The show event is a ton of people in close proximity all handling materials over and over and over again. Seems like a recipe for a super-spreader event. Skiing you really only need to worry about transmission in the lodge or a gondola.

 

[skiki]

Not at all surprised, but still disappointed. Kind of saw it coming when they sent out the email questionaire asking about comfort levels inside, etc. Knowing how shoulder to shoulder crowded it always got on the weekend days, I'd say it is the right call. My only issue is with them saying they are "postponing" the show instead of straight up saying they are canceling it.

 

[Scruffy]

I'm not sure it's an indicator of how the season will go. The show event is a ton of people in close proximity all handling materials over and over and over again. Seems like a recipe for a super-spreader event. Skiing you really only need to worry about transmission in the lodge or a gondola.

Yes, but I was putting it context of looking back at the end of last ski season and hoping that the COVID anomaly ski season we had was going to be behind us this year. Obviously the Delta variant wasn't on anyone's radar back then. A lot of things could be different this year even with the Delta variant, so yes this may not be a direct indicator, but still, not as good as hoped.