Did you hear?…Snowsports segment generated $2.97 billion in sales last season, according to SIA

The 2007/2008 snowsports season generated $2.97 billion in sales of snowsports equipment, apparel and accessories in specialty stores and on the Internet, according to the 2008 SIA Intelligence Report. Broken out, equipment sales added up to $834 million, while apparel brought in $1.165 billion and accessories $973 million.

Available now from SnowSports Industries America, the 290-page report provides insight into retail sales and participation trends, demographics for the snowsports market, and comprehensive analysis of the industry. It also covers a variety of retail channels including snowsports specialty shops, chain stores, the Internet and, for the first time, eBay sales.

The report also found:

>> Specialty shop sales increased 3 percent in units and 5 percent in dollars over last season to $1.9 billion.

>> 2007/2008 Internet sales increased 39 percent in units and 46 percent in dollars.

>> Chain store data was back in 2007/2008 with snowsports sales totaling $616 million — 15 percent higher than in 2005/2006, the last season measured.

>> 26 million people consider themselves snowsports participants in the United States, but 9 million did not participate in 2007.

>> The National Ski Areas Association reported 60.5 million skier/rider visits in the United States during the 2007/2008 season — a new record.

Three versions of the 2008 SIA Intelligence Report are available: snowsports industry, women’s market and youth market. Reports are free to SIA members and $425 each for non-members. To order, click here.