A number of countries are investing in winter sport infrastructure in order to expand their tourism sectors and create additional revenue opportunities. One of the most popular winter sports, skiing, has seen an increase in popularity due to the physical activity it provides and the enjoyment that comes with the overall ski resort experience. This has in turn fuelled the demand for ski equipment. Ski equipment consumers look for several factors when making purchases, including performance, and whether or not a particular piece of equipment has a celebrity or professional skier endorsement. According to analysts at Technavio, the global ski equipment market will reach nearly $6 billion by 2020.
In this blog, we identify the key and prominent vendors in the global ski equipment market
Key vendors
Amer Sports
Amer Sports is a sporting goods company with internationally recognized brands including Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, Arc’teryx, Mavic, Suunto and Precor. The company’s technically advanced sports equipment, footwear, apparel and accessories improve performance and increase the enjoyment of sports and outdoor activities. Amer Sports’ business is balanced through its broad portfolio of sports and products and a presence in all major markets.
Black Diamond Equipment
Black Diamond Equipment, based in Utah, is a manufacturer of climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment. The company also has global offices Switzerland and China. The company is owned by Black Diamond, Inc., a parent company formerly known as Clarus Corporation, which also owns POC Sports.
Fischer
Fischer Sports GmbH is a single source supplier in the fields of Alpine and Nordic skiing equipment. Fischer Sports is the global market leader in Nordic skiing and one of the world’s largest ski producers. Its headquarters are in Austria and its production facilities are located in Ukraine.
Newell Brands
Newell Brands is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, K2®, Rawlings®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, Aprica®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Goody®, First Alert®, FoodSaver®, Jostens®, NUK®, and Yankee Candle®. It has nine product segments, one of which is outdoor solutions.
Rossignol
Rossignol is a French manufacturer of alpine, snowboard, and Nordic equipment, as well as related outerwear and accessories. Rossignol was one of the first companies to produce plastic skis. The company also owns the brand Dynastar as well as LOOK. In 2013, the Rossignol Group, along with its subsidiaries Lange and Dynastar, was sold to a partnership of Altor Equity Partners and the Boix-Vives family.
Other prominent vendors
Armada
Armada, founded in 2002, is a manufacturer of skis, poles, technical outerwear and skiing-related softgoods, based in Utah. The company’s products are sold in over forty countries worldwide through wholly owned subsidiaries and distributors.
Elan
Elan group is the leading producer and supplier of sports and leisure time activities equipment. It has been present in this market for over 60 years. All of Elan’s enterprises are devoted to the technical development of products and progressive design through innovative approach and advanced technology. Elan owns four companies that market its products in Canada, Germany & Austria, Switzerland and Japan along with independent distributers around the world.
Icelantic
Icelantic is an American ski company based in Colorado where creativity, adventure, innovation, and community shape both the company’s approach to building skis and lifestyle. Icelantic produces a complete collection of skis for the mountain enthusiast who is looking to shred park, pipe, groomers, and big mountain terrain.
Kneissl
Kneissl is a manufacturer of handmade skis, biking and tennis equipment and apparel, based in Austria. The Kneissl Company was founded as a wheel factory in 1861, and began producing skis in 1919. In the 1970s, the company expanded into cross-country ski and tennis racquet production. Today, the Kneissl White Star ski is one of the most sought after skis in the world.
Meier Skis
Meier Skis, founded in 2009, is an American ski manufacturing company based in Colorado. All of its skis are handcrafted, and its business is based upon the principle of sustainability. The skis are made from locally grown trees and are primarily sold locally as well.
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