Sales numbers for backcountry skis are up 57%, according to the new Snowsports Industries Association (SIA) market report. All I can say about that, is, amazing.
And, I can also say that around here we’ve always expected backcountry skiing to grow since it is the best sport on the planet. But who knew? Time for for trailheads and more parking? Or are most of these sales just folks who want to look down while riding the lifts and see a cool backcountry brand?
Unknown how SIA defines “backcountry skis.” We assume they mean specifically branded stuff such as Black Diamond, K2 Backside, Dynafit, etc.
It’ll be fun to get our hands on the full report. Meanwhile, stay tuned for an interesting analysis of sales numbers from Outdoor Industry Association. That’ll be up sometime this week.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.