Snowsports Industries America 2023-24 Season Report
Snowsports Industries America or SIA is the trade association of the winter outdoor industry. Their mission is to help the winter outdoor community thrive, spot trends that matter, facilitate industry-wide strategy and innovate.Snowsports Industries America has released their End of Season Report for the 2023-24 Ski season and it contains some interesting facts and figures. Of note, the report shows that Snowboarding had a significant growth over the previous year with over 800,000 new participants. Meanwhile, it also shows that consumers spent less this year on hardgoods but the majority of people have indicated intent to make purchases for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Other areas of interest in the report include the increase in skier traffic at resorts and consumer gear purchasing trends—specifically toward sustainable gear options.
Increased Resort Frequency
Over a third of winter sports enthusiasts reported skiing and
snowboarding at resorts more frequently this season. Among these, more than one-third attributed their increased participation to having more time and opportunities to engage in these activities. However, just over half of those who participated less cited worse snowfall in their area as the primary reason for reduced activity and a key reason for SIA’s increased climate advocacy.
Sustainable Gear Preferences
Sustainability continues to be a significant concern among winter outdoor enthusiasts. A striking 79% of participants stated that it’s important for gear to be made sustainably, with 28% actively purchasing sustainably made products this season. This trend highlights the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and the growing consumer demand for sustainable options.
Gear Purchasing Trends
While nearly one-third of enthusiasts purchased less gear compared to last year, 37% of a particular age group reported buying more snowsports gear and apparel this season. This indicates varying purchasing behaviours across different demographics and suggests targeted opportunities for retailers and brands.