From the SIA Snow Show floor in Denver, to the Nordic Demo taking place at Devil’s Thumb Ranch on Jan. 30-31 as part of the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest, there’s plenty to be excited about this year, particularly in terms of growth across several key cross-country ski categories. According to SIA, 739,000 kids participated in cross-country skiing last year, establishing a baseline for future growth, and manufacturers report strong demand in everything from top-end race gear to touring equipment for the general consumer.
Get a quick preview of some of the hottest gear that will be at the Show, and which retailers and media can also test at the Nordic Demo. More in-depth information will be available in the Snow Show Dailies on the Show floor. Read here.
SIA: What are some of the things you are most excited about seeing/doing at the Show/Demo? Ben:Winter on the Rocks, the first ever winter concert at Red Rocks on Friday the 27th!
SIA: Why do you come to the SIA Snow Show/On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest? Ben: The SIA Snow Show and On Snow Demo is the perfect place to display your products and introduce your brand to the entire snow sports industry in one location. It is also a great place to get a snapshot at our industry to see what other brands are doing as well at hearing first-hand what trends retailers are seeing on the front line.
SIA: What can you only see/experience at the Show that you can’t anywhere else? Ben: Not only can you interact one-on-one with the top dealers and other industry leaders in one location but then they have the opportunity to go and try your product when it is still fresh in their minds. This has been a huge help for us building a brand and opening new accounts.
SIA: Where have you already skied this season? Ben: Loveland!
WASHINGTON, DC (December 16, 2011) – On January 30-31, SIA’s Nordic Demo will play host to retailers from across the globe at Devil’s Thumb Ranch for the Nordic- portion of the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest following the 2012 Snow Show in Denver, Colorado (Jan 26-29). This year’s Nordic Demo was created specifically for the Nordic community, giving retailers the chance to demo and compare the latest in skate, cross-country and touring technology on the 100km beautifully groomed trails at Devil’s Thumb.
“As a retailer, the Nordic Demo is a critical event for making the best decisions on specific brands and models to carry for your customers,” commented Reese Brown, SIA Nordic Director. “Retailers will get to try out the product as well as ski and socialize with key principals from all the manufacturing companies,” added Brown.
This year’s Nordic Demo will feature more equipment, brands, models and sizes than any other demo in the country. During the two-day Nordic Demo, retailers can also attend seminars and events to network and share ideas with like-minded retailers from around the country.
“SIA stands out as the best Nordic Demo for the industry we have ever attended. The dealers who attend assure us that this is an invaluable event for determining their buying decisions for the coming year,” said Rick Halling, National Product Manager, Atomic.
And we’re off! Following a record-breaking 2010/2011 Season, it’s time to talk about what we all did right (including the weather) so we can continue to grow the snow sports market.
As a member-owned, non-profit trade association, we work to recognize the challenges facing the snow sports market. New this year, we’ve analyzed last season’s data presented in theSIA Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report and produced a State of the Industry video designed to help us all get a more complete picture of our marketplace and customer. Take a look, share it with your staff and use it as a tool to prompt conversations about strategic planning and projections to lead us to another successful season. Also find category videos for Alpine, Snowboard and Nordic featuring stats specific to each.
As we head off into winter, let’s remember the role we each play in the continued growth and development of snow sports. Strength and vitality are built on collaboration, innovation and the undeniable passion we all share. We, at SIA, look forward to working with you this season, seeing you at the Show, in the field or on the mountain. Don’t ever hesitate to get in touch with me at David.Ingemie@snowsports.org or contact any of the SIA Staff.
One final and important note, as we get back to the business of snow, please think of our friends in the snow sports industry who have been affected by the brutal weather on the east coast and New England and the fires out west.
With another La Niña winter just announced, here’s to a heck of a season!
McLean, VA (May 23, 2011) — SnowSports Industries America (SIA) announced today they have signed on with Reese Brown and his company, RDB Marketing & Event Services, to act as SIA’s Nordic Program Director. Under this new agreement, Brown will be managing the Winter Trails program as well as the SIA Snow Show’s Nordic On-Snow Demo.For the past nine years, RDB Marketing & Event Services has managed all aspects of Winter Trails Day (Wintertrails.org), which introduces consumers to snow sports through free snowshoeing and cross country skiing demos across the nation. Reese has worked within the snow sports industry since 1981 as a coach, event manager and promotional marketer and has a strong personal and professional interest in cross country skiing.
“I’ve really enjoyed my work on the Nordic side of snow sports for many years now and I’m excited to get started and focus on building this category with the SIA staff,” commented Reese.
In his new position, Reese will assist SIA in increasing its focus on the Nordic community by expanding existing programs as well as seeking out new opportunities for the category. Reese will also oversee the Nordic portion of the On-Snow Demo at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, following the annual SIA Snow Show.
“I’m excited that Reese Brown has joined the SIA Nordic team. I’m confident his enthusiasm and attention to detail will help all of us drive the cross country business,”said Steve Kvinlaug, President of Sales for Alpina and Chairman of the SIA Nordic Committee.
“Reese has done an excellent job with Winter Trails and those same organization and communication skills will need to be applied to increase the Nordic participation at the SIA Snow Show On-Snow Demo in January. The industry has done its part to provide the product to test, now we need to communicate that message to the dealer base,” commented Peter Ashley, VP Nordic Division, Fischer Skis, member of SIA’s Nordic Committee.
Reese begins his new role of Nordic Program Director immediately and will be reaching out to the Nordic community and working with SIA staff to improve events’ branding, messaging and delivery systems.
n Jan. 30-31 as part of the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest, there’s plenty to be excited about this year, particularly in terms of growth across several key cross-country ski categories. According to SIA, 739,000 kids participated in cross-country skiing last year, establishing a baseline for future growth, and manufacturers report strong demand in everything from top-end race gear to touring equipment for the general consumer.
