Unprecedented Numbers in Snowsports Industries America (SIA) 2022-23 Participation Report Highlights Growth of Winter Snowsports
Unique winter sports participants grew to 29.9 million
Park City, Utah (Sept. 20, 2023) — Snowsports Industries America (SIA), the leading trade association for the winter sports industry, is thrilled to announce the release of its highly anticipated Participation Report for the 2022-23 winter season. This comprehensive report offers invaluable insights into the state of winter sport participation, providing industry stakeholders with crucial data and trends across all winter sports – skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fat biking and touring.
As the premier resource for winter sports industry statistics and information, SIA's Participation Report is a must-have tool for businesses, resorts, and enthusiasts alike. The study provides an annual overview of winter sports participation and demographics, along with detailed analyses of individual winter activities. It also includes participant demographics, activity frequency, regional representation, crossover interests, and more, offering valuable insights into the behaviors of winter sports enthusiasts.
This year’s look at the 2022-23 season shows unequivocally the growth of winter sports participation, including an increase in absolute numbers across all race/ethnicity groups, revealing that 29.9 million people - a representation of almost 10% of the US population aged six and older - engaged in any winter sport activity for any number of days. This is a significant increase from previous years, when participation hovered around 25 million.
For skiing, including alpine, freeski, and telemark (but not Nordic or touring), in 2021-22 there was an observed 5% decrease in unique participants; In 2022-23, however, this trend reversed, with the number of participants increasing 2%. In absolute numbers, increases in participants range from +100,000 for snowboard touring up to +817,000 for snowboarding.
Other key sections of the SIA Participation Report show data around:
Resurgence of Snowsports: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, winter sports have experienced a remarkable resurgence. The report showcases a significant increase in participation rates, indicating a strong rebound for the industry.
Activities Breakdown: Each winter sport - skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, fat biking and touring - is outlined separately, providing critical insights for each unique sport.
Demographic Shifts: The report dives deep into demographic shifts within the winter sports community, exploring changing trends in age, gender, and ethnicity.
Regional Insights: The report provides regional breakdowns, offering valuable insights into winter sports participation trends across different geographical areas.
Nick Sargent, president of Snowsports Industries America, expressed his excitement about the report's release, stating, "I am pleased that our Participation Report validates what we have been seeing - that winter sports activity is not only growing, but we’re attracting a younger, more diverse audience as well. Our industry has strived to welcome new participants, while simultaneously working to reignite the passion for those that had stepped away. While we are pleased with this growth, we’ll continue to look at ways to increase our participant base."
The 2022-23 SIA Participation Report is free to all SIA Members and is available for download via the Member Portal. Non-members are also able to choose a membership that’s right for them to gain full access to SIA’s industry-leading insights, reports, and tools. For more information, please visit snowsports.org.
About Snowsports Industries America (SIA): Snowsports Industries America (SIA) is the non-profit, member-owned trade association representing the winter outdoor industry. SIA works to promote, support, and grow the winter outdoor community through research, events, and advocacy. With a focus on fostering a thriving winter sports landscape, SIA connects stakeholders, drives innovation, and advances the interests of the entire industry.