According to SnowSports Industries America's (SIA), the snow sports market remained healthy with 3% growth August to November. Snow sports sales surpassed $917 million as the overall retail market faltered in the recession's nadir.
SIA further reports that carryover and juniors' equipment sales continued to lead the snow sports hard goods market while sales of this season's alpine ski and snowboard equipment sagged. Cross country ski equipment is a bright spot in the hard goods category with 14% growth season over season. Apparel sales reached $400 million so far this season representing 2% growth over August through November sales in 2007.
Sales of carryover gear continued to account for a significant portion of equipment sales in November. Carryover accounted for 30% of skis, 23% of snowboards, 21% of ski boots, and 23% of snowboard boots sold August to November 2008. Compare that to last season's August to November results when carryover sales accounted for just 20% of skis and 21% of snowboards sold and millions fewer dollars spent. Snowboard equipment sales were up 3% overall and were selling particularly well online, where sales have increased 25% compared to August to November sales last season.
