Record, albeit late, snow throughout much of the United States spurred a 10.4% increase in U.S. snow sports products this winter, according to Snowsports Industries America.  Sales grew by $280 million to reach $2.97 billion for the 2007-08 season ending March 31, up from $2.69 billion in all channels last season, according to the survey. Equipment sales were relatively flat in specialty shops and chain stores, but increased by more than $40 million online. Apparel sales increased by more than $100 million with snowboard tops and parkas selling very well in all channels.


Specialty shops remained the largest sales channel with $1.86 billion, or 60%, of the industry total.  Apparel sales in specialty shops increased by more than 6% this season with snowboard apparel leading the way. Accessories sales increased by more than 7% as heavy snow drove helmet and snowshoe sales up significantly.  Equipment sales in specialty shops were relatively flat with the exception of twin tip and cross country ski equipment.

Online sales, including some by specialty retailers that track their online sales separately, grew 75% in dollar terms.


The takeaway this season was the big jump in online equipment purchases. While apparel and accessories sales grew by more than 40% each, equipment sales increased by more than 75% in dollars.  Sales of alpine skis were exceptionally strong with 121% growth in units sold, that's more than 111,000 pairs of skis sold online.  Flat skis, particularly twin tips, sold well online with 138% growth in dollars sold.  Adult bindings sales increased by 155% in dollars, and sales of boots did equally well with more than 75,000 units sold. Apparel sales increased by 37% in units led by parkas and snowboard apparel.  Accessories sales also increased dramatically in this channel to $120 million.