One of the highlights of the Yellowstone Ski Festival is the opportunity to demo the latest in Nordic ski gear. All of the major ski and wax companies - Atomic, Fischer, Madshus, Alpina, Salomon, Rossignol, Swix, TOKO and Holmenkol - display at the Try it and Buy It Gear Demo and Indoor Ski Show. That means that you have five days to try out and research the newest gear available. What a terrific chance to make sure that you buy the skis, boots and poles that are right for you!

The Try it and Buy It Gear Demo takes place daily from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the junction of the Rendezvous Ski Trails and the South Plateau Road. There will be a group of booths and tents set up here and all of the latest equipment is on display. How does the demo work? It's easy - simply ski to the demo area and exchange your name, contact information and gear for a pair of skis, boots or poles. The representatives from the different companies are happy to have you try out their equipment - that's why they are there! Go for a short ski and return the equipment to the manufacturer. It's that simple. We encourage everyone to demo gear. No two skiers are alike and everyone will have different preferences - this is your chance to try everything that's on the market in a few short hours. We would like to remind you that the manufacturers are here to expose as many skiers as possible to the latest gear. Please be courteous and return the equipment that you borrow promptly and please don't abuse the privilege of trying out new gear for free. That said, this is a great opportunity and don't let it pass you by!

The Indoor Ski Show takes place nightly from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in Hayden Hall at the West Yellowstone Conference Hotel/Holiday Inn. Here you will have a chance to check out new gear and to talk to representatives from each company present. In addition to the different displays, each of the wax companies will conduct a wax clinic in a room adjacent to Hayden Hall. That means there is a wax clinic almost every night - plenty of opportunity to learn or brush up on the latest waxing techniques and products.

We hope that Yellowstone Ski Festival attendees will take full advantage of the different opportunities offered by the manufacturers. Each company representative has chosen to spend Thanksgiving away from home and to come to West Yellowstone instead. Please make them feel welcome and try and buy their gear!