The first snow has fallen, and it’s time once again for the annual ski festivals, swaps and sales. I love attending these events to see what the upcoming season has to offer, and I’m not one to pass up a good bargain hunt. Last year I found a sweet pair of K2 Burnin Luv’s at 75% off.

Get ready for the slopes at one of these events:

Santa Rosa Ski & Sport annual ski swap and sale

Saturday, Nov. 5th, 8am – 4 pm
Sunday, Nov. 6th, 10am – 2pm
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, Santa Rosa
Admission: $4. per person, 16 and older
This is a nice local event that always offers a good selection of new and used equipment and clothing at prices up to 75% off. The first 500 paid admissions receive a free Sugar Bowl lift ticket. For more information click here

San Francisco Ski & Snowboard Festival
Saturday, Nov. 5th, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (wine tasting 1-5 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 6th, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (beer tasting 12-5 p.m.)
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
General admission: $20
VIP tickets (21 or older): $40 – Includes wine tasting on Saturday & beer tasting on Sunday. Admission includes free lift tickets and 2-for-1 coupons with admission.
The annual Snowfest features a $1 million dollar winter gear sale at up to 70% off, Tahoe job fair, exhibitors from ski resorts, ski and snowboard manufacturers, hotels and travel info. For information and tickets click here

Ski Dazzle® Sacramento Ski Shows & Snowboard Expo™ 
Saturday November 19, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday November 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cal Expo Fairgrounds – Halls A&B
Admission: $15 (12 and under free)
Sacramento’s largest ski and snowboard expo showcases over $1 million in name-brand gear at up to 70% off, ski lessons, climbing wall and skate camp. For more information click here