Snowboarding Appears to be in Serious Decline
Dec03
I’m not sure I agree with this. From my personal observation on the slopes, it seems to be as popular as ever. But this article is based mostly on sales figures, so maybe you boarders just need to get out there and buy a new ride!
For about two decades, that was the way of the winter world: Snowboarding was by and for kids — at one point it rescued a moribund ski industry in the 1990s — and was seemingly destined to grow forever.
But, the ball has taken another unexpected bounce, as snowboarders have been bailing out in droves. Whether it’s technology, culture, demographics, or some
combination, the trend is clear that snowboarding, once in skyrocketing ascent, has leveled and even declined in many markets.
The last strong markets for snowboarding are California and Arizona. The progressive kids are airing things out on skis. Those of us who grew up in skiing from the manufactures side. Are thankful for snowboarding. When the ski industry slid economically. Snowboarding actually saved the market. But skiing is simply more versatile.
With the exception of deep powder days in the steeps; skiing has snowboarding beat. Still respect snowboarding. Don’t get defensive.