UPDATE: Ski and snowboard enthusiasts preparing for the winter season in Colorado are facing a significant price surge for gear due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Industry experts warn that consumers should brace for higher costs on essential items like skis, snowboards, boots, and apparel.
According to Nick Sargent, President of Snowsports Industries America, prices for winter sports equipment could increase by an average of 20% this season. “You can expect to pay more on Alpine hardgoods, like skis and snowboards,” Sargent stated. “All of that material is either made in Europe or Asia, specifically China.”
The current tariffs, which can reach as high as 40-60% for many goods imported from China, are part of a broader economic strategy aimed at boosting American manufacturing. This includes a baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, with additional rates impacting goods from Canada and the European Union.
Retailers in Colorado are already feeling the pressure. Charlie Burns, general manager at Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry in Silverthorne, expressed frustration over rapidly changing prices. “We are seeing price increases across a variety of products,” he said. “It’s pretty widespread, and I’m having to re-label products weekly.”
The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has left many in the industry struggling to adapt. Dan Chalfant, founder of Liberty Skis, noted that while they design products in the U.S., manufacturing is primarily overseas. “It’s a tax that the ski consumers pay. It’s as simple as that,” Chalfant explained. His company has shifted manufacturing from China to Europe but still faces rising costs from tariffs.
The volatility of tariff rates makes it challenging for businesses to forecast prices accurately. “Every day there are these top-down edicts about tariffs,” Chalfant remarked. “It makes it impossible to plan.”
With winter approaching, retailers are urging customers to purchase gear sooner rather than later. Burns emphasized, “It might not be a bad call to make that purchase,” as prices are likely to continue climbing.
For consumers eager to hit the slopes, it is crucial to be aware of these price increases and the factors driving them. As the ski season kicks off, expect to see the financial impact of tariffs reflected in every transaction—making this winter sports season more expensive than ever.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the snowsports industry are closely monitoring tariff changes, seeking clarity from the government to better manage their operations. The future of winter sports pricing remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the cost of skiing and snowboarding is on the rise.
