Demand for skiing equipment steady, as interest sees highest growth in 20 years: Canadian Ski Council
As local ski slopes and trails in Timmins wait to kick off their seasons, the Porcupine Ski Runners club tells CTV News that more new people are looking to try out the sport.
Attracting skiers with discount equipment at its annual Ski Swap, the club’s coach, Andrew Wray, said the turnout is on par with previous years.
“Lots of young children who are interested in the sport, as new skiers, and then some veterans looking for some equipment that they can add to their current supply,” Wray said.
It appears the impacts of inflation and rising interest rates are doing little to deter people from hitting the slopes and trails on skis and snowboards, with the Canadian Ski Council predicting a banner year for the industry.
The country’s skiing and snowboarding population grew at its highest rate in 20 years, according to industry data. Last year saw a nearly ten per cent increase in skiers and snowboarders over 2020, to more than 3.1 million Canadians.
President Paul Pinchbeck said early indications are that the trend will continue this season.
“Anecdotal reports from ski areas on their season pass sales, which is how we judge the number of participants; they’re still up between 15 and 20 per cent from last year,” said Pinchbeck.
The council also cited an over 30 per cent increase in ski equipment and apparel sales at shops both on- and off-resort.
However, those feeling the weight of the current economy may be forced to make tough decisions about their recreation and sporting hobbies.
Pinchbeck said there are options for people to make enjoying the sport affordable, including opting for a season pass over single-day tickets, if they intend to visit several times.
“Buying access to the hill in bulk, upfront, before the season starts, helps save you money,” added Pinchbeck.
“Used gear is always popular because the ski shop can fit you properly.”
He added that people can search for older equipment that hasn’t yet been sold, although supply has been impacted over the pandemic.
The Canadian Ski Council also offers programs to help people on a budget bridge the financial barrier to trying out the sport. It offers a SnowPass for children in Grades 4 and 5 to ride two times at each participating resort across Canada. Several resorts in northeastern Ontario participate in the SnowPass program; Adanac Ski Hill in Sudbury, Antoine Mountain near North Bay and Boogie Mountain in Espanola.
It also offers a one-time Never Ever Days package at participating resorts, giving beginners aged five and older a lift ticket, a group lesson and equipment rental, to try out skiing or snowboarding for a discount.
Back at the Porcupine Ski Runners club, Wray said ski swaps have become a popular affordable option for cross country skiers on a budget, since it sells people’s old skis for a fraction of the cost.
“Great discounts, anywhere between 50 and 75 per cent, depending on the type of ski and then also the brand and the age,” said Wray.
More information on the club and details of upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page.
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