As winter storms continue to blanket the country with snow, the snow sports industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief this week as they head into the 37th Annual SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show (Jan 29-Feb 1) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.


After several years of unseasonably warm and snow-free winter months, the return of winter is inspiring consumers to get back on the slopes.  In fact, according to the most recent SIA-sponsored Retail Audit released this morning, specialty sales were up 6%, Internet sales were up 46% and overall sales for the entire snow sport market totaled more than $1.9 billion in sales from August to December.

The SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show is also reporting a record high in pre-registration numbers of buyers, both in the number of retail outlets represented and actual buyer numbers. Pre-reg numbers appear to be up thanks in part to an aggressive marketing campaign that encouraged retailers to register online instead of faxing in registration forms – saving time, paper and trees in the process.
 
The show official kick-off begins on the evening of Monday, January 28 at SIA’s not-to-be-missed Snow Fashion Show, presented by Volvo and held at Fashion Show Mall, where over 1500 show attendees will preview the hottest fashions prior to the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show. 


Over the four days, the Show will draw over 20,000 attendees including manufacturers, retailers, reps, resorts and over 100 sponsored athletes. With 357,000 net square feet and 1,000 brands exhibiting in 3570 booths – SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show  is THE show for the snow sports industry.