Winter Sports Equipment Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Product Type (Ski equipment, Snowboards, Hockey sticks, Footwear, Protective gear, Others), By Sport (Winter Hockey, Skiing, Snowboarding, Bobsled), By distribution Channel (Online, Offline retail) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Winter sports are performed in snow or ice and are played during the winters. There are different kinds of winter sporting events gaining widespread popularity among youngsters and sports enthusiasts, including winter hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and bobsled. These sports were initially played in cold areas during the winter season, but nowadays, artificial snow or ice makes it more flexible for playing such sports. These sporting events have essentially boosted the demand for winter sports gear such as gloves, skates, sticks, guard pads, and helmets. Consumers essentially need sports winter wear for high insulation value, as well as comfort level.

The winter sports equipment market constantly innovates new technologies and products to keep pace with rapidly changing global trends. Manufacturers are focusing on innovations in new wearables to improve the performance and precision of skiing activities. For instance, in Aug 2018, a smart skiing systems provider named Snowcookie launched an innovative ski technology named SKEO Snowcookie sensor that has gained expertise in developing multi-sensor systems that capture data related to speed and technique, and body position. 

There is growing consumer awareness regarding health and fitness, leading to increased participation in winter sports activities, propelling the development of the sports equipment market. For instance, The ski industry in the North American and European regions is mainly dependent on the snow season. Therefore, the growing number of tourists and visitors in winters has led to a surging demand among people to hire ski equipment, leading to growth for the winter sporting equipment segment. The winter sports equipment market is experiencing considerable growth with the growing influence of winter sports conducted globally, thereby supporting the growth of such products in the market.

These winter sports can be fun and thrilling among participants and tourists. Still, there are greater risks and injuries related to them, such as sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures,  thereby hampering the demand for such products and lowering participants' and tourists' growth.

Key players:

Amer Sports Corporation, Rossignol Group, Fischer Sports Corporation, Icelantics LLC., Clarus Corp., Völkl Sports GmbH, BAUER Hockey are key players operating the market.

The global winter sports equipment market is segmented into product type, sport, distribution channel, and geography.

Based on product type, The market is segmented into skis and poles, snowboards, hockey sticks, footwear, protective gear, and others. Skiing equipment like skis and poles are gaining widespread usage and are used by skiers for balance and momentum in various competitive winter sports. The skis are used in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, cross country skiing, and the growing popularity of skiing as a competitive winter sporting activity boosts demand for high-quality skis and poles.  The demand is expected to rise further and is expected to hold a dominant share in the segment.

Based on sport, the market is segmented into winter hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and bobsled. The skiing segment is expected to witness considerable growth in the forecast period. The significant growth of skiing resorts across the globe focusing on an enhanced skiing experience and the tourists' safety is anticipated to drive the winter sports equipment market's growth significantly.

Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into online and offline retail. The offline chain is expected to witness notable growth in the forthcoming period with the growing number of retail outlets that primarily deal with a variety of sports equipment for winter sports.  These stores have a broad portfolio of various products and provide necessary support and information to consumers through expert customer service personnel. Moreover, the retail stores stock multiple categories of equipment from different brands, thereby supplementing the demand for such products.  

Regional Analysis:

By geography, the global winter sports equipment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

The North American region is anticipated to witness a dominant growth in the forecast period with the growing number of sports participants in winter games. Sports enthusiasts in advanced economies like U.S and Canada are focusing on making winter sports a mainstream profession which is likely to be a vital factor escalating the market growth.  Manufacturers are innovating in new wearables that provide actionable insights to improve the skiing performance of customers. Moreover, the sports federations such as SnowSports Industries America(SIA) and National Ski Areas Association have encouraged the participation of contestants in various winter sporting events that are being conducted throughout the year.

The European region is also anticipated to expect significant growth over the forecast period. Countries like France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Germany are some of the favorite ski destinations in Europe and have also been hosting various sporting events. They have developed infrastructure to attract more people to participate in sports, subsequently triggering the demand for the European region's winter sports market's growth. The winter sports equipment market across the European region is expected to be primarily driven by the Alpine touring concept. Alpine Touring gear is perfect skiing equipment for downhill and uphill and is far more comfortable and efficient sports gear.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In November 2019, Salomon opened its first retail location in Munich, the Bavarian city, known as Germany’s outdoor capital and a gateway to the Alps. Salomon is planning to open additional stores in Barcelona and Lyon by the end of the year.


• In July 2019, the Rossignol Group announced a new store in Austria. This new expansion is concretized by the opening of a store in Innsbruck, considered the capital of the Alps in Austria.