
There is plenty of good news to report in the snowsports marketplace this season — even if growth in participation remains somewhat flat — and it is thanks in large part to women.
Not only is a women’s-specific ski the overall best-selling ski across the entire industry, but women’s snowboard equipment sales represent the fastest-growing segment of the market as well — outpacing men’s and juniors — with sales up 18 percent this season.
The numbers, and some of the insights behind them, come from The NPD Group, global market researchers who have partnered with Snowsports Industries America to provide its members with the most up-to-date analysis of trends in apparel, accessories and equipment across alpine, snowboard and nordic segments.
“One of the biggest stories that we’ve seen so far is the growth in women’s alpine skis,” said Bruce Dotterer, outdoor industry analyst for The NPD Group. Dotterer joined with his colleague, Julia Day, in presenting research to SIA members at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Denver. “We’re seeing a 21 percent dollar sales increase for women’s skis over the past few seasons.”