The snow sports market is on pace to set sales records this winter as skiers and snowboarders splurge on innovative new gear after two years of privation, according to the latest retail sales data from SnowSports Industries America.
Retail sales of snow sports equipment apparel and accessories surpassed $1 billion in December and reached $2.1 billion season-to-date, SIA data shows. That marks the first time snow sports sales have topped $1 billion in a single month and pushed the season-to-date increase over last season to 16% in dollars and 10% in units.
Sales of equipment continued to show the most robust growth. Dollar sales were up 22% on an 11% increase in units, indicating ASP gains.
Alpine equipment sales were up 27% season-to-date, including a 30% increase in units and 35% increase in dollar sales of alpine ski systems. AT/randonee equipment sales rose more than 90% led by boot sales that increased 150% to $5.9 million in sales, reflecting growth in the burgeoning backcountry and side country markets. Reverse/Mixed camber ski sales are up 168% in units and 165% in dollars and represent 10% of all alpine skis sold so far this season.
Snowboard equipment sales rebounded 5% in units and 14% in dollar terms compared to last season’s disappointing results. Reverse camber snowboard sales rose 54% in units and 58% in dollars sold. So far this season, 61% of all snowboards sold were rocker/reverse camber.
Apparel sales increased 11% in dollars, including a 16% increase in snowboard apparel tops. Insulated parka sales surged 22% in units sold and 23% in dollars sold as La Niña conditions pounded most of the U.S. with cold temperatures and snow and drove sales even in places like Atlanta.
Accessories sales increased more than 16% led by very strong surges in goggles, wax, snowboard accessories and backcountry accessories. Goggles sales surged 32% in units sold to 360,000 pairs.
