Winter sports industry has bounced back, FESI says
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) has reported an increase of 7.5% in sales of skis and ski equipment over the 2021-22 season compared to the year before.
FESI’s figures are based on information from the 25 biggest ski brands on sales of skis, ski bindings and ski boots. They suggest a European market size of just over €8 billion for the 2021-2022 winter sports season compared to a figure of just under €7.5 billion the season before.
FESI secretary general, Jérôme Pero, said the new data was encouraging for the industry. “Despite the heavy blow to the sector last year as ski stations across Europe were forced to close, the winter sports industry has bounced back.”
The biggest increase was recorded in the Nordic ski category, with 33% growth in sales compared to the previous season. Possible reasons for this, FESI said, included skiers looking to avoid crowds at ski resorts and the desire to have an alternative plan for skiing in place in the event of ski lifts closing at short notice. Mr Pero said that the pandemic had also opened up new business opportunities, such as touring skis.
