It's all over
Well another London ski show has just finished and how do I put the last 9 days working for Snow & Rock into words. There was a myriad of emotions to describe especially as it's the only 9 days of hard work i do in a year. The week encompasses the pleasure and pain, early mornings and late nights, ups and downs.
The pain
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You might think its strange to start this story on a low note but anyone who has worked at the show (and not had the benefit of a sofa on their stand) knows the toll it takes on your feet. No matter what footwear I have tried I havent been able to get rid of that burning sensation in my soles. Day after day it arrives a little sooner and without the distraction of paying customers tends to dominate the day.
and the pleasure
But you know despite what feels like a rotweiller breathing fire on my feet I would do it every year. Why? A mixture of the team spirit, meeting old friends, the atmosphere of the show, the customers who actually listen to your advice and make the appropriate purchase, or maybe the friendly stand opposite who is always forthcoming with a welcome end of day shot of spiritual refreshment. (thanks to those lovely people from ES & Diva ski)
The Ups and Downs
If the thought of working for 11 hours a day for 5 days sounds a little too easy then the build up and take down of the stand extends the whole experience to 9 days. With such high points of building/dismantling those infernal glass cabinets and boot fitting seats. Finally while everyone else is nursing another hangover from the Sunday night staff party the remainder of the stand is de-signed on Monday.
Early mornings and late nights
Still finding there are some hours in the days that arent reserved for life below the Olympia dome? Well sign up for the night sheeting crew and add another hour before and after the show guaranteeing you will never have the chance of seeing the sun let alone getting any sort of suntan.
And after all that work if you find you still have some energy then one of the many parties (DC, Verbier, Natives to name just a few) should have you stumbling/ carried home in the early hours.
A final note
On Sunday my last goggles sale was to a mother and daughter and as it is customary while the credit card machine thinks about authorizing the transaction a smattering of small talk takes place. Personally my favorite question is Where are you going this winter? to which the reply was Courchevel, for a season. After a brief of explanation of who I was she not only complimented me on my work but said that she had signed up to this newsletter a few days earlier.
See you in December Tor.
Alex, the editor.
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