Photo: Louis Arévalo

Industry News

News and information from the winter outdoor community

The Millennial Mindset: The new travel consumer

May 9, 2016

  We know that Millennials are having a massive impact on how we program, position and market resort offerings. Everyone wants the fickle attention of that Millennial customer. But there’s a lot more going on. Millennial thinking is now influencing what Baby Boomers and Generation X travelers want to experience during their next vacation. Those […]

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Industry Retailers Rising Above and Beyond While Promoting Passion & Growth in Snow Sports

May 2, 2016

MOUNTAIN: Cole SportNEW ENGLAND (TIE):  Buchika’s Ski & Bike, Colorado Ski ShopNORTH CENTRAL: Aspen Ski & BoardPACIFIC: evo North Central Retailer of the Year Aspen Ski & Board Co. Gil Harris, Owner Years in business: 17Locations: Lewis Center, OhioFavorite thing about the snow sports industry: Helping customers have a great experience on the mountain. I just love getting […]

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Snowboard Rentals Balance Customers’ Diverse Needs & Shop Efficiency

May 2, 2016

Snowboard rental lineups are offering increasingly diverse and progressive products. Suppliers and resorts recognize the importance of the beginner rental market, but more and more experienced riders are renting, as well. In this market, many suppliers aim to provide products to match specific needs, but also offer a good option for everyone. “As rental and […]

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No Compromise: Backcountry Skis, Boots Shed Weight but Maintain Performance

May 2, 2016

The AT market continues to grow (5% last season across snow sports and outdoor channels) as more consumers claim first tracks before the first-chair crowd gets a crack at them. More resorts are allowing uphill travel and even setting up designated courses to mitigate risks involved with uphill skiers and grooming equipment, encouraging skiers to […]

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Snow Sports and Outdoor Companies Thrive in Cloud ERP

May 2, 2016

People are turning to the great outdoors for sports and recreation in ever greater numbers. A 2015 survey by the Outdoor Foundation found that approximately 141.4 million Americans—nearly half the population—have participated in at least one outdoor activity, be it camping, white water rafting, Alpine skiing, surfing, or just jogging through the park. Whatever the […]

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Launching the Next Generation of Industry Professionals: SIA Certification Gets Careers Off to a Great Start

April 28, 2016

It’s no secret that the snow sports industry is changing at lightning speed these days. Online retailing has accelerated, big box stores are growing, and the climate is changing faster than anyone anticipated. Specialty retailers often feel caught in the middle between changing consumer behavior and the manufacturers’ need to keep up. Marketers are wondering […]

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Snow Sports Sales Falter in February

April 25, 2016

In conjunction with The NPD Group – Sports and Leisure Trends™, we have released NPD DecisionKey® numbers for August 2015 to February 2016. Total market projections are based on data collected from the Point of Sale systems of more than 1,200 snow sports retailers. Sales slowed in the snow sports market in February. Total market sales […]

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Athlete Designers: Brands Kick Collaborations With Pros Into Overdrive

April 25, 2016

Athlete-brand collaborations are nothing new, from Jack Nicklaus-designed golf clubs to Air Jordans. And they’re not new in snow sports, either, with everyone from Shaun White to Tom Wallisch lending their expertise to better apparel, accessories and hardgoods. But lately, it’s kicked into turbo drive, with more athletes doubling as designers as manufacturers market their […]

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The 2016 SIA Snow Show Rewind is here

April 25, 2016

Every year, the snow sports gathers for 7 days under the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and Copper Mountain to unveil innovations, collaborate, educate, inspire and deepen relationships that move this industry forward. With over 20,000 Show and Demo attendees, 115 new exhibitors, 733 media and 1,000+ brands present, the SIA Snow Show’s culture and […]

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The Importance of Inspiring Children To Be The Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

April 25, 2016

Millions of dollars have been poured into climate legislation with little to show for it. Simultaneously, few resources have been devoted to preparing the next generation with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively address climate change. A study conducted by Yale University revealed that only 1 in 10 Americans believe they have a strong understanding of climate […]

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