05-06 Winter Sports Apparel Sales Up, Ski Equipment Down

According to a Snowsports Industries America (SIA) retail audit for the 05-06 winter season, overall sales for the winter sport market rose 4%. Apparel and accessories led the gains. Not surprisingly, women’s and junior’s outerwear were the big sellers with parkas and fleece vests way up. Ski accessory sales also increased with goggles up 9% and helmets 16% over the 04-05 winter numbers.

Alpine ski sales slid 4 percent, but integrated system (skis with designated bindings attached) sales were up 19%. Nordic and Telemark sales also declined.

When sales numbers go down new production and new improvements all take a hit. Sales analysts ascribe the equipment downturn to adverse weather conditions, so let's hope Mother Nature is more cooperative next winter, especially in the East, and those industry numbers can get back in the black.