Alicia Allen, SIA

Overall sales for the entire winter sport market (including specialty and chain stores), were up 4% in dollars to $2.3 billion for the August 2005 through March 2006 period, compared to $2.2 billion reported last year, according to the SIA Retail Audit. Unit sales were up 6%. Sales at specialty ski and snowboard shops were up 4% in dollars compared to last season. In dollars, that translates to $1.8 billion in sales this season as compared to $1.7 billion for last season. Unit sales were up from last season 4%. “Products that touted technology, snowsport as a lifestyle, warmth and comfort drove sales this season. Integrated systems took over the alpine ski category, freestyle twintip skis were the fastest growing equipment category and accessories generated more dollars than equipment this season,” said Christine Martinez, market research manager for SIA, the 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 final report of six that looks at sales through March 31, 2006, the end of the winter season.