SIA’s season-end Retail Audit is reporting that sales for the entire SnowSports retail market climbed 1.9% to $2.25 billion for the August 2004 through March 2005 season versus $2.20 billion in sales last season. Unit sales were down 7.8%, but higher ASP’s kept growth in the positive range.

Sales at Chain stores were up 3.5% compared to last season to $509.5 million compared to $492.2 million last season. Unit sales were down from last season 17.8%. Overall equipment sales, including alpine, snowboard, Nordic, Telemark, and Randonee/AT managed to stay positive for the season, climbing 2% to $149.7 million.

Alpine equipment showed some uncharacteristic strength in Chain stores, climbing 2% to $72.5 million. The strong categories included Carve skis, which saw their ASP increase from $215 last season to $292 this season, causing a 45% sales spike. Integrated ski systems sales climbed 30% over last season, and Fat skis saw a 10% sales increase – likely caused by the abundance of powder in the West. Total Alpine Boot sales increased 12% with High Performance and Recreation Boots leading the way.

Nordic ski equipment sales dropped 22% compared to last season with only $6.0 million in sales. Telemark ski equipment sales are suffering in Chain stores. The category slipped 31% and only posted $1.4 million in sales.

Snowboard equipment sales at Chain stores were up 5% compared to last season to $69.2 million. Snowboard sales increased 3% with the ASP climbing 16% to $159, compared to $137 in 2004. All Mountain boards, Freeride Boards, and Freestyle Boards all managed moderate sales growth with All Mountain leading the pack. Snowboard Boots had sales increase 8% and Bindings increased 6%.

Sales at Specialty shops were up 1.5%, but the channel is still not keeping pace with Chain stores. Sales totaled $1.74 billion over the $1.71 billion reported last season. Unit sales were down from last season 3.3%.

Overall equipment sales were down 2% to $628.8 million with Alpine equipment down 1%, Telemark ski equipment down 3% to $6.6 million, Nordic ski equipment fell 4%, and snowboard equipment fell 3% to $200.7 million.

Twin Tip Skis continue to show strength in the equipment category, with sales up 26% to $7.9 million. Carve Skis sales were also strong with a 65% increase. Integrated ski system sales increased 31% – clearly stealing sales from non-integrated alpine skis. Alpine Boot sales were flat in dollars at $138.4 million, with the ASP climbing 8.3% from $252 to $273. High performance led the category with 14% sales growth.

Snowboards sales fell 5% to $92.2 million with boots following suit and falling 6% to $58.0 million in sales. Bindings were the sole bright spot for winter board sports with a slight 3% increase in sales to $50.5 million. Snowboard apparel sales even dropped 8% to $84.7 million in sales.

Total apparel sales at Specialty – including tops, bottoms, suits and snowboard – were up 6% to $546.4 million with insulated parkas and softshells leading the category with 13% and 15% sales gain respectively.