California On-Snow Demo 2027, Feb 2-4 at Mammoth Mountain, CA
Dates
2–4 Feb 2027
City / country
Mammoth Lakes, United States
Venue
Mammoth Mountain
Time
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
Event overview
The California On-Snow Demo 2027 runs February 2-4 at Mammoth Mountain, California, bringing snowsports retailers and brand reps together for three days of on-snow product testing.
Buyers ski and ride next-season skis, snowboards, boots and apparel in the demo lot at Chair 2, then meet WWSRA member brands to write pre-season orders.
Registration is trade-only, and attendee pricing starts at $35 until January 25.
TL;DR
Visit to test next-season skis, snowboards, boots and apparel on real Sierra snow, compare brands back-to-back and settle pre-season orders with reps in one trip. The compact demo lot at Chair 2 keeps every brand within walking distance, and lift tickets are discounted for badge holders.
Exhibit to put next-season product under California retail buyers' feet, collect qualified demo feedback and write orders before the winter season closes. A tent space in the Chair 2 lot reaches store owners and staff from across the state in three focused days.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Mammoth Mountain, 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States
Entrances & gates
Chair 2 demo lot entrance
Main attendee and exhibitor access on demo days; badge check at the merch trailer.
Eagle Lodge badge pick-up
February 1 evening badge collection with beer and tacos.
Use the Main Lodge and Chair 2 day lots; allow extra time for snow clearing and chain controls on Minaret Road.
Food options
Eagle Lodge, Demo lot food service
On-site diningParking: Park in the Mammoth Mountain day lots around the Main Lodge and Chair 2; arrive before 8:30 AM on demo days because the lot fills quickly in fresh snow.
Gate: Demo access is through the lot at Chair 2. Badge pick-up is at the merch trailer near the Chair 2 lot, or at Eagle Lodge on the evening of February 1.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Attendee early pricing
Ends January 25, 2027.
Attendee basic pricing
Ends February 1, 2027.
Attendee on-site pricing
February 2-4, 2027; proof of employment and photo ID required.
Ticket info
Badge collection
February 1, 5:00-8:00 PM at Eagle Lodge (beer and tacos); February 2-3, 7:00 AM-1:00 PM and February 4, 7:00-10:00 AM at the merch trailer near the Chair 2 lot.
Ticket notes
Retailers and members only. Lift tickets are $65 per day at the Mammoth Mountain ticket window near Chair 2 with a WWSRA badge. On-site registrants must show proof of employment and photo ID.
Registration deadline
2027-02-01
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
This edition
2027
Visitors: 650
Exhibitors: 120
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The 2026 California On-Snow Demo returned to Mammoth Mountain in early February, with brands and retail buyers testing next-season ski and snowboard gear in the Chair 2 demo lot.
Photos
Impact
A three-day, trade-only demo at Mammoth Mountain gives California retailers a single trip to test next-season hardgoods and apparel before order deadlines. Because the event sits inside WWSRA's winter circuit, buyers can combine it with the January indoor shows and reduce total travel. The main impact is faster, better-informed pre-season buying rather than mass consumer exposure.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow and qualified: independent ski and snowboard shop owners, buyers, boot fitters and shop staff from California and neighbouring western states. Registration requires retailer or member status, and on-site badges require proof of employment and photo ID. That keeps the demo lot focused on people who can specify or approve next-season assortments.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI comes from qualified demo time rather than booth volume. A $600 tent space puts product under buyers' feet for three days, with lift tickets and passports controlling who tests what. Brands should measure demo requests, retailer accounts opened and orders written, not raw footfall. Smaller hardgoods and accessory brands can justify the trip more easily than large image-led campaigns.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
California is one of the largest snowsports retail markets in the United States, and the Sierra Nevada season anchors pre-season buying for independent shops. A regional on-snow demo lets buyers test gear in the conditions their customers actually ski, shortening the path from sample to order.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Regional demos replace national trade shows
Brands and reps are shifting budget from large national shows to regional demo events where buyers can test product on snow.
What it changes: A compact California demo gives brands direct access to shop owners at lower travel cost.
Hardgoods consolidation and premiumization
The ski and snowboard market continues to consolidate while premium boots, bindings and touring gear hold value.
What it changes: Buyers use demos to justify smaller, deeper assortments and fewer SKUs.
Apparel and accessories broaden the buyer mix
Outdoor and active-lifestyle retailers are adding snow apparel, packs and accessories alongside hardgoods.
What it changes: Exhibitors can meet buyers beyond specialist ski shops and extend the season's shelf space.
The California demo sits inside WWSRA's western winter circuit, which pairs regional trade shows with on-snow demos so buyers can write orders and test gear in the same season.
Northern California Winter Show 2027
Reno, United States
Indoor order-writing show before the on-snow demos.
websiteSouthern California Winter Show 2027
Ontario, United States
Southern California buying show; confirm venue and dates with WWSRA.
websiteIntermountain On-Snow Demo 2027
Brighton, United States
Dates printed in WWSRA's 2027 winter calendar.
websiteJanuary show window
Indoor pre-season order writing.
Late January-February demo window
On-snow testing follows the order shows.
Circuit dates come from WWSRA's published 2027 winter calendar; confirm Southern California details before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest airport; limited winter service, so check schedules early.
About 9 miles
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Larger airport with more connections; winter driving over mountain passes.
About 170 miles
to venue
3-3.5 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–190 / night
Simple rooms and motels; book early for demo week.
USD 220–340 / night
Walkable village dining and shuttle access to the mountain.
USD 380–600 / night
Slopeside or full-service stays; WWSRA room block cutoff is January 17.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
Free town trolley
Winter trolley service is free; check current route times locally.
ESTA bus
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority fares vary by route.
Rideshare or taxi
Supply is limited in storm conditions; pre-book or use the trolley.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA / Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from VWP countries | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally enter for business visits without a visa; check current U.S. rules.
U.S. Customs generally accepts ATA Carnets for temporary imports of demo gear; confirm the procedure with your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
February is mid-winter at about 8,000 ft: expect highs near 35-45 F and lows of 10-25 F, with heavy snow possible. Storm days can close passes and delay flights.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in Mammoth Lakes town and patchy on the mountain. The demo lot has no reliable public Wi-Fi; download lift tickets and forms before arriving.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Altitude and hydration
Mammoth Lakes sits above 7,800 ft. Arrive a day early, pace the first day and drink more water than usual.
Winter driving rules
Carry chains or snow tyres in winter and check Caltrans road conditions before driving Highway 395 or Minaret Road.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MMH (Mammoth Yosemite) or RNO (Reno-Tahoe)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for demo week. MMH service is limited in winter; Reno is the reliable fallback with a 3-hour drive.
Book flightsMost western visitors enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program; others need a B-1 business visitor visa. Carry a WWSRA invitation and proof of trade employment.
Estimated cost: USD 40 for ESTA or USD 185 for a B-1 visa
Processing: ESTA usually minutes to 72 hours; B-1 weeks to months
Rules and fees change; confirm with the U.S. embassy or the official ESTA site before booking.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From MMH, take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle for the 15-20 minute transfer. From RNO, drive Highway 395 south for about 3 hours; check chain controls.
Hotel → venue: Use the free town trolley or lodge shuttle to Main Lodge, then walk to the Chair 2 demo lot.
Ride-hail: Rideshare supply is thin in Mammoth Lakes, especially during storms. Book taxis ahead or rely on the trolley.
Public transit: The free Mammoth Lakes trolley links the Village, lodges and Main Lodge in winter; ESTA buses serve wider Mono County.
Parking: Main Lodge and Chair 2 day lots fill early. Arrive before 8:30 AM and carry chains.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: Highs 35-45 F, lows 10-25 F
Seasonality: Peak winter with frequent snow; February is one of Mammoth's snowiest months.
Packing: Waterproof shell, insulated layers, goggles, gloves, warm boots and sunscreen for bright high-altitude days.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: February 3, 2027
The middle day has the fullest exhibitor presence and a breakfast burrito service in the demo lot, after buyers have settled in on day one.
Confirm retailer or member eligibility and create your WWSRA account — Badges are trade-only.
Book lodging and lift tickets for February 1-5 — Use the WWSRA room block before the January 17 cutoff.
Register at early or basic pricing and complete liability forms — Early $35 ends January 25; basic $45 ends February 1.
Check Caltrans road conditions, chain requirements and flight status — Winter storms can close passes.
Collect badge at Eagle Lodge, 5-8 PM, and download the demo list — Bring photo ID and proof of employment.
Badge pick-up and gear check at the Chair 2 merch trailer
Chair 2 lotTest skis and snowboards with two or three brands
Demo lot, Chair 2Lunch and rep meetings
Eagle Lodge or demo lot food serviceSecond testing block and order notes
Demo lot, Chair 2Minaret Vista
Scenic Viewpoint
15 minutes from Main Lodge
Short drive to a classic Sierra panorama over the San Joaquin River.
Hot Creek Geological Site
Geothermal Area
25 minutes from Mammoth Lakes
Steaming fumaroles and turquoise pools in a dramatic volcanic landscape.
Eagle Lodge apres
Lodge bar
Badge pick-up night and end-of-day drinks with buyers and reps.
Mammoth Brewing Company
Brewpub
Casual evening spot in town for larger group dinners.
The demo compresses testing into three days, so the follow-up week decides whether a good test becomes an order. Buyers should leave with a shortlist, prices and a decision date.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 32–36 / m²
Raw space
USD 32–36 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
$600 per 10x20 ft space is printed on the official 2027 event page; per-square-metre figures are derived at about 18.6 sqm per space.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth space
exhibitor · standard
USD 600–675 / per 10x20 ft space
Hotel
both · mid
USD 220–340 / per night
Per diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per person per day
Lift ticket
both · attendee
USD 65 / per day
Attendee badge
visitor · early
USD 35–55 / per person
Liability insurance
exhibitor · event COI
USD 150–350 / per event
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth space | exhibitor | standard | USD 600–675 / per 10x20 ft space | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 220–340 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per person per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Lift ticket | both | attendee | USD 65 / per day | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| Attendee badge | visitor | early | USD 35–55 / per person | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| Liability insurance | exhibitor | event COI | USD 150–350 / per event | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the California On-Snow Demo 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes you?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You can travel February 2-4 and have a specific category to test.
Best for
California retail buyers and shop staff evaluating next-season gear
Min. budget
$900.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Storm travel delays
Demo gear limited to one or two runs
exhibit
You have a 2027 line ready and can staff a tent for three days.
Best for
Ski, snowboard and apparel brands selling into California shops
Min. budget
$3,000.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks
Risks
Outdoor tent setup in winter weather
COI and space deadlines
skip
Your assortment does not include snowsports or you cannot travel in early February.
Best for
Buyers with no snowsports category or no travel budget
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing pre-season order window
Book with
Mammoth Mountain
Host resort for the Chair 2 demo lot, lift access and lodging.
Official venue website.
Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Local destination resource for lodging, transport and trip planning.
Public destination marketing organisation.
Western Winter Sports Representatives Association
Not-for-profit organiser of the California On-Snow Demo and the wider WWSRA circuit.
Official organiser website.
Inyo National Forest
U.S. Forest Service unit managing the Mammoth Mountain area and winter recreation.
Public agency website; not an event sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
WWSRA room block, booking ID 38259; cutoff January 17.
Serves Mammoth Yosemite (MMH) seasonally and Reno (RNO) year-round.
Demo fleet and display freight; WWSRA sends move-in instructions to contracted exhibitors.
General liability cover for exhibitors; confirm the COI meets WWSRA limits.
Local guides for Minaret Vista, Hot Creek and the surrounding Sierra.
Optional badge and lead capture; no official scanner was published by WWSRA.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
3
Publishers
5
Date checked
WWSRA
Mammoth Mountain
SierraDescents
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