With record snowfall plaguing the New England area, it only seems fitting that the 35th annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) SnowSports Show gets underway in the halls of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Returning to Mandalay Bay for the third year, the SIA SnowSports Show is the premier event in the industry playing host to over 16,000 attendees including winter sports suppliers, retailers, reps, resorts, athletes, media personalities and other industry luminaries.
The show has consistently attracted over 88% of the national buying power from the retail community positioning the show as the largest preview event for winter sports products. Exhibitors on tap to display new product lines for the 2005-06 season represent over 95% of the market share for the ski and snowboard sectors and a significant percentage of the Nordic, telemark and snowshoe market. With a sold out status since March of 2004 and nearly 1000 brands on display, the SIA SnowSports Show is on pace to kick off the 2005-06 buy sell cycle in record fashion.
According to the SIA recent audit issued January 2005, the industry is seeing growth in: integrated ski sytems (matched skis and bindings in one) up 38% from last year; twintip skis, designed primarily for terrain parks; and telemark skiing, continuing to appeal to winter sports enthusiasts looking for an alternative. In addition, insulated outerwear with less bulk, combining fashion, performance and style, is prevalent in the womens and kids categories. Rich Jenne of Sundown Ski & Sports (Levittown, NY) simply stated, “Twin tips, we knew it was going to happen.”
“The winter sports industry is on track for steady growth,” said SIA President David Ingemie. “Manufacturers are designing a new generation of equipment and apparel facilitating a smooth entry for new consumers into a vibrant sport that is good for the body and soul. Winter sport devotees looking to upgrade their equipment will find the largest selection in the industrys history designed for all conditions and skill levels, making the purchase decision easy. Manufacturers have worked hard not only to combine fashion, performance technology, electronics and versatility, but have also developed packages that are excellent values. Next seasons offerings provide a clear glimpse into the bright future of winter sports where newcomers and devotees have never had such a wide range of product.”
A full gamut of activities round out the first day of the SIA SnowSports show including Big Monday Money II sponsored by Hooked on the Outdoors Magazine, W.L. Gore & Associates and Camelbak with live music by Galactic. Atomic Ski USA was recognized by SIA and the U.S. Ski Team as the recipient of the Doc DesRoches Award. The annual award recognizes an SIA member and U.S. Ski Team official supplier for its integration of Team athletes into its marketing campaign. It is named in honor of the late Des Roches, a pioneer in the formation of SIA and instrumental in the development of the Ski Team’s early national fundraising efforts.
