SIA

As already announced in May, 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, according to the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Retail Audit, conducted by Leisure Trends Group. Contributing to the banner year in sales were apparel and equipment accessories. Accessories sales led the charge generating more dollars than equipment in product sold with an end of the season tally of $779.0 million.

Overall sales for the entire winter sport market (including specialty and chain stores), were up 6% in dollars to $2.2 billion for the August 2005 through February 2006 period, compared to $2.1 billion reported last year, according to the SIA Retail Audit. Unit sales were up 7%. Sales at specialty ski and snowboard shops were up 5% in dollars compared to last season. In dollars, that translates to $1.7 billion in sales compared to $1.6 billion for the same period last season. Unit sales were up from last season 5%.

High sell-throughs are pointing to strong season-to-date sales and prudent buying by specialty retailers. According to the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Retail Audit, alpine skis, integrated systems, snowboards and vests, specifically, are looking at tight inventories through the end of January.

The 2006 Winter Trails program, now in its 11th year, drew over 12,100 participants - more than double the number of participants in 2005. The international event offered newcomers to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing FREE at locations in 25 states and four Canadian provinces.

"The Goods," a 60-minute winter sports gear show produced by Resort Sports Network (RSN) at the most recent SnowSports Industries America (SIA) SnowSports Trade Show is now airing at more than 105 resort markets around the country.

Straight on the heels of the successful SIA.06 SnowSports Trade Show, SnowSports Industries America (SIA) reports that space requests for current exhibitors and new companies interested in exhibiting at SIA.07 are coming in at the fastest pace ever. SIA anticipates that with nearly all past exhibitors expected to return and the strong demand from new companies, the Show will be officially sold out by the end of March.

Overall sales for the entire winter sport market (including specialty and chain stores), were up 13% in dollars to $1.5 billion for the August through December period of 2005, compared to $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 were up 12% in dollars compared to last season. In dollars, that translates to $1.2 billion in sales compared to $1.0 billion in 2004. Unit sales were up from last season 13%.

The SIA.06 Show got a jump start on Day 2 with the announcement of the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Retailer of the Year awards.

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is proud to announce that the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) will officially name the U.S. Olympic Alpine Ski Team at the SIA.06 SnowSports Trade Show, January 23-26, 2006, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Overall sales for the entire winter sport market (including specialty and chain stores), were up 8% in dollars to $696.9 million for the August through November period of 2005, compared to $647.8 million reported last year, according to the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Retail Audit.