Numbers from SIA's 2009 report
Some interesting numbers here from Snowsports Industries America's 2009 Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report (via AlpineZone):
- 1 in 14 of Americans consider themselves to be skiers or riders
- 14.8 million Americans participated in a snow sport in 2008
- The average snow sports participant is about 30 years old, has a college degree and household income exceeding $100,000 annually
- 1 in 5 female snowboarders are over 35 years old and plenty of girls are in the pipeline
- The snow sports demographic experienced a doubling in unemployment rate during the 2008.09 season as the economy tanked
That last statistic could prove significant for ski resorts during the 2009-10 season. While it's not surprising that the unemployment rate for skiers and riders would be on par with the rest of the country, it will be interesting to note whether this means longer mid-week lift lines with people out of work, or more enticing midweek deals to lure the cash-strapped unemployed to the slopes.
Contributors
Eric Wilbur is a lifelong recreational skier who spends most of his winter and spring in the mountains of New England. He does not ski in jeans. You can read more of Eric's work here.
Heather Burke is an award winning ski journalist with over a decade of ski news coverage. As a former ski instructor and a ski parent, she knows the ski biz from the inside out. She and her family visit New England ski resorts, as well as the West and Canada, to report on the latest trends and their best family finds. Her husband Greg takes all the accompanying photos, and their work can be seen at www.familysktitrips.com and www.luxuryskitrips.com.
