Sales of winter sports products in the States were down 4.8% (specialist stores) and 8.7% (chain stores) according to the SIA Retail Audit.

According to a spokesman, "Specialist stores did better than expected because they attract committed skiers and those people looking for experiences rather than price. The post 9/11 study shows this. Hard core downhillers said they would ski/ride despite the terrorist attack but probably would drive rather than fly. Beginners and never-evers said that they would probably cancel their plans. This directly affected chain stores this season because they attract new skiers and boarders."

More suprising is that there was a considerable slowdown in snowboard equipment sales this year at the chain stores. Double-digit increases have been the norm over the past few years. However, this year snowboard sales were down 30.2% in dollars to $19.7 million.


SPECIALIST STORES

Alpine Ski Equipment - down 3.1%
Nordic Equipment - up 5.3%
Snowboard Equipment - up 7.2%

Alpine Ski sales - down 14.8%
Mid-fat Skis - up 21.6%
Fat Skis - up 70.2%
Twin Tip Skis - up 12.4%
Carve Skis - down 45.3%

Alpine Boots - down 2.1%
Bindings - down 5.3%
Poles - down 18.4%

Snowboard sales - up 9.2%
Ride/Style boards - up 21.6%
Freeride - up 19.5%
Snowboard boots - up 3.6%
Snowboard bindings - up 7.9%

CHAIN STORES

All equipment (alpine, snowboard and Nordic) - down 19.1%
Alpine ski equipment - down 17.8%
Nordic equipment - up 19.0%
Snowboard equipment - down 25.4%

Snowboard sales - down 30.2%
Ride/Style boards - up 17.2%
Snowboard boots - down 22.7%
Snowboard bindings - down 19.0%
.

ACCESSORIES

Auto Racks - up 24.8%
Helmets - up 10.8%

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