US snow sports market breaks record
The US snow sports market brought in a record $3.3 billion over the full 2010/11 season (the previous highest sales record was $3 billion, set in 2007/08). Overall, snow sports sales were up 8% in units sold, and 12% in dollars sold. Equipment inventories finished the season 19% leaner and equipment prices were 10% higher than they were at the close of last season. Retail margins finished the season up 10% for equipment, up 10% for accessories, and up 4% for apparel goods sold.
This season, US consumers spent $902 million on snow sports equipment. Sales peaked in December and January slowed in February and March. Prices remained strong through the end of the season, particularly for equipment. This season, sales of carryover equipment units were down 37% in February and down 27% in March 2011.
