Overall sales for the entire winter sport market (including specialty and chain stores), were up 13% in dollar terms to $1.5 billion for the August to December period of 2005, compared with $1.3 billion reported last year, according to the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Retail Audit. Unit sales were up 14%.

Sales at specialty ski and snowboard shops rose 12% to $1.2 billion compared with $1 billion last season. Unit sales were up 13% from last season. Consumer confidence surged in December to its highest level since August due in part to economic strength, falling gas prices and job growth. Specialty stores benefited from this lift as consumers purchased apparel and accessories during the holiday season, contributing to dollar sales increases of 14% and 15%, respectively, over last season,” said Christine Martinez, market research manager for SIA, a not-for-profit industry trade group that represents manufacturers and distributors of snow sports products.

The SIA Retail Audit tracks and reports sales in all snow sports product categories. This is the third report of six that look at sales through March 31, 2006, the end of the winter season.