The inside scene for winter

LONG before the first snowflake flies and before the first cup of hot chocolate is poured, the ski season in Southern California begins -- in a convention center. It’s SnowJam, the San Diego Ski and Snowboard Show, where snow lovers can bask in the latest gear, hear the latest hype and snag some discounts on products such as boots, boards, helmets and silk underwear. “This is a great chance for skiers and snowboarders to check out the latest products all in one place,” says Sam Bass, associate editor for Skiing magazine. New this year are skis wide enough for powder and with the type of deep cuts you would find in slalom skis, Bass says. Exhibitors include ski and snowboard retailers, airlines and resorts, adventure travel groups, ski clubs, and scores of techies. You can join a ski club, buy a new board, book a heli-trip and take a lesson, all in one afternoon. Tired of buying? Check out the pro-riders on the BMX half-pipe. SnowJam is Nov. 11 to 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar. For information, call (951) 587-6266 or go to www.snowjamshow.com. Still not enough stuff? Then try these: Ski Dazzle: the Los Angeles Ski Show and Snowboard Expo. (213) 741-1151, www.skidazzle.com; Sacramento Ski and Snowboard Show, (916) 263-3049, www.sacsnow.com; Bay Area Ski & Snowboard Show, (408) 277-3900, www.bayareasnowshow.com.

-- Veronique de Turenne