The ski industry slowly getting back on track after a disastrous season hit by COVID-19

Source:China Sport ShowRelease time:25-Jul-2022Clicks:

Article From：FESI

According to recent results of the annual ski market report conducted by the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI), skis and ski equipment’s sales of the 2021-22 season have slightly increased compared to 2020-21. The figures were collected among 25 of the largest European and global ski brands, members FESI’s winter sports task force[1].

“The new data collected by FESI are really encouraging for our industry. Despite the heavy blow to the sector last year as stations across Europe were forced to close, the winter sports industry has bounced back. I am also confident for the future as the crisis has opened up new business opportunities such as touring skis”, commented Jérôme Pero, FESI Secretary General.

After a disastrous season where winter sports equipment sales collapsed by more than 30%, today’s report shows a positive recovery of the European ski market with a total sales’ increase of skis, ski bindings and ski boots of around 7.5% compared to the 2020-21 season.

The biggest increase was recorded in the Nordic ski category, with over 33% more sales than the previous season. According to industry experts, the increase demand for such equipment could be explained by the effects of COVID-19 with skiers looking to avoid crowds at ski resorts and preparing for potential new closure of ski lifts that may cut their season short again.

As it is expected that the European markets will continue to recover, this year’s new data also shows major growth in some key countries: China (+48%), US (+37%), Sweden (+37%), Norway (+36%), Russia (+26%) and Canada (+11%).

“The Winter 21/22 showed that people are keen to get out in the nature and be active in winter sports. We are positive that this trend continues also for the season 22/23. The industry is providing strong products such as Grip Walk boots and bindings to further increase the skiing experience”, commented René Harrer, Head of FESI winter sports task force.

The industry now hopes that the upcoming seasons will confirm this year’s trend, provided that national governments do not consider closing ski resorts again now that there are plenty of alternative measures (vaccines, green passes, etc…) available to deal with the evolution of the pandemic.