While it is still a month before the start of the ski season in most U.S. resorts, the peak season for imports of winter sports equipment normally starts in July and runs through the end of October.

Panjiva data shows that U.S. imports of equipment for skiing and snowboarding for the third quarter were 1.4% lower than a year earlier, though within that shipments in July and August were higher than a year earlier and those in September 12.6% down. Generally though retailers appear to be taking a conservative approach – imports are still 9.0% down on the 2015 peak.

Chart shows U.S. imports of ski equipment and snowboards. Source: Panjiva

Retailers’ expectations of apparel sales are clearly much lower, with imports of jackets, goggles, gloves and boots 9.1% lower than a year earlier for the third quarter. Within that however imports of boots have improved by 53.1%, boding well for importers including   boot suppliers including Kohlberg’s recently acquired Volkl and K2 as well as Tecnica and Rossignol., Jacket supplies have also expanded by 12.8% for the quarter, but also reflected the “ship sooner” factor with a 14.9% drop in the month of September.

Chart compares U.S. imports of   skis, snowboard and and related apparel. Data only shown for second half of year. Source: Panjiva