How Snowfall is a Predictor of Economic Health

Just because the economy is tanking doesn’t mean that people aren’t out having a good time and spending money while they are at it. A recently released study hailing from SnowSports Industries America’s (SIA) SnowSports Consumer Panel unveiled the cold hard truth—while consumers may be pinching pennies, they are by no means bypassing frolicking on the slopes this winter season. According to research results, it seems that if there is snow, we will be there in all our glory soaking it up. If this sounds like something out of Field of Dreams, you may be on to something. Except this may be more along the lines of “Field of Bargains”. This year, boarders, skiers, and the ubiquitous “lodgers” alike are hounding the bargain rack and scouring the internet for the best deals on equipment, frocks, and spots, but they are parting with their hard-earned cash nonetheless.

What other fun nuggets did the SnowSports Consumer Panel find? Their research shows that snowfall is a much better predictor of participation and sales than the economy. Despite economic and logistical barriers, so far this season the snow is excellent and snow sports sales of equipment, apparel and accessories were up 9% driven by carryover sales. Carryover is officially defined as any item that sells for less than the average retail cost for that item. Carryover accounted for 30% of skis, 23% of snowboards, 21% of ski boots, and 23% of snowboard boots sold August to November 2008. That’s a lot of swag and coin.

Another interesting statistic that the panel found was that fewer skiers and boarders were traveling with their gear when they flew due to the outrageous, Vaseline-inducing baggage fees. Here’s a free tip—it’s cheaper to FED Ex your stuff to your destination if you are going to be tearing it up n the slopes for any length of time. They have a Ship Your Gear Program you can hit up at snowlink.com. Jut a thought.
Moral of the story? Find the deals and get your ass out there! Just because the economy is unraveling doesn’t mean you can’t justify a little R&R from the real world .There are plenty of deals and steals. Find them and get your game on.

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