Snowsports Trends Explode: Insights from WGSN Social Data Unveiled!

Exploring the Snowsports Market

According to Statista, the worldwide market for winter sports gear is expected to reach $17 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. 

Core activities such as skiing and snowboarding are witnessing an uptick in participation, with projections showing revenue increases of 3.6% for skiing and 3.9% for snowboarding by 2028. The United States leads in market revenue and shows an increase in outdoor sport activities, with lesser-known sports like snowshoeing (20.7% increase) and cross-country skiing (8.5% increase) becoming more popular. In Asia, the market for winter sports is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% by 2028, with China developing into a year-round market thanks to new indoor resorts. In Europe, the growth rate for winter sports is anticipated at a CAGR of 3.4% by 2028, with Germany, France, and the UK at the forefront of snowsports engagement, highlighting a strong market potential. 

On social media, trends in snowsports span a wide array of interests, including spikes in specific niche activities like #Skijoring and #Sandboarding, alongside a robust engagement with broader societal and environmental trends such as sustainability and inclusivity.

Methodology Behind Dynamic Expert Social Data

Our unique methodology integrates data from various social media platforms with expert trend forecasting to provide a detailed and visual summary of a trend’s strength and potential longevity. This includes quantitative measures like the number of participants in the sports, the trend’s size, stability, trajectory, and its alignment with our STEPIC Index. These factors together inform the Trend Investment Projection (TIP) recommendation.

We conducted an analysis of category hashtags and keywords using both qualitative and quantitative approaches and pinpointed eight key trends you should be aware of. These trends are detailed in our Social Trends Scorecard, which offers a snapshot of the qualitative and quantitative data alongside the TIP recommendations.

#Snowshoeing

Take advantage of the rapidly growing trend in snowsports, #Snowshoeing.

In the US, snowshoeing is the fastest expanding outdoor sport with a year-over-year increase of 20.7% in 2022, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.

Social media posts tagged with #SnowshoeingAdventures showcase the accessible soft adventure opportunities this sport offers. In places like Japan, snowshoeing excursions are becoming more popular, especially among senior citizens who are a growing demographic in outdoor activities. 

This trend presents an opportunity for brands to monitor and engage with consumers who are transitioning between different types of snowsports. By designing products that are easy to use and intuitive, companies can appeal to a broad audience.

#SkiTouring
 

Enhance your product lineup to include offerings for ski touring, a trend that is gaining momentum.

The participation in #SkiTouring has seen a steady 17% year-over-year growth from the 21/22 to the 22/23 winter seasons.

Ski touring offers enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the wilderness, focusing more on adventure and exploration compared to traditional downhill skiing. The rise in splitboarding also shows a growing interest in backcountry activities.

There are significant opportunities in product design, such as creating touring equipment bundles which can help reduce costs and simplify choices for newcomers. Additionally, renting high-value touring and avalanche safety equipment is another promising area for growth.