SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will be coming to Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Attitash this winter, and they made a surprise visit to the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo last night.

SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will be coming to American Skiing Company mountains this winter, and they made a surprise appearance at the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo last night
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

American Skiing Company, owner of those three resorts, and Nickelodeon, the big kiddie entertainment network, have teamed up to offer a series of Family Winter Festivals plus some skis, snowboards and helmets -- all featuring the popular cartoon characters.

Hal Snik, a vice president of Nickelodeon, and Chip Carey, a vice president of American Skiing Company, pose with new kiddie ski and snowboard products that the two firms have jointly developed

The Family Festivals will begin in December. They'll feature music and family activities, plus of course, skiing and snowboarding. And live appearances by SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Hal Snik, a Nickelodeon vice president, and Chip Carey, an American Skiing Company vice president, noted that the partnership is a natural: It boosts ASC's stature in the family market, and it gives Nick an entree into winter sports resorts and gear.

Elsewhere at the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo, Ski Market was selling tons of gear and most of the resorts in New England were handing out information and taking vacation reservations.

Ski Market was selling tons of gear last night

Bonnie MacPherson of Okemo Mountain Resort explains what's new at her mountain to a young customer

Diane Dickerman, of Mountain Top Inn, and Jennifer Vincent, of Trapp Family Lodge, represent two of Vermont's tiptop Nordic skiing experiences

The Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo runs through Sunday. Click here for info, including a printable $3-off discount coupon.

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